Volkaris executed a graceful descent, alighting near a solitary dwelling ensconced amidst the verdant embrace of a sylvan clearing, in close proximity to a meandering brook. It served as Valentina's unpretentious sanctuary, a haven ensconced far from the cacophony of human civilization, proffering respite not only to Valentina but also to her stalwart companion, Volkaris. As he settled upon the terrestrial terrain, Valentina dismounted, effortlessly sliding off his callous nape, and ventured forth, allowing Volkaris to find his own shelter within the vast expanse enveloping the dwelling.

Valentina strolled purposefully away from Volkaris, each footfall calculated and deliberate. She directed her steps towards the abode but diverged from the beaten path, meandering toward a diminutive, purpose-built edifice that harbored her cherished equine. The structure stood a mere stone's throw from the main dwelling, ensconced beneath the protective canopy of towering arboreal sentinels. Approaching the structure, Valentina's discerning gaze alighted upon the resplendent mare, an elevated and majestic specimen adorned in a coat of lustrous chestnut, accentuated by a subtle cicatrix adorning her muscular thigh. The mare exuded an aura of vigor and indomitability, embodying the shared fortitude and endurance that bound Valentina and her equestrian ally.

Valentina's dexterous fingers extended, tenderly caressing the satiny velour of the mare's velveteen muzzle. A symbiotic connection, forged through years of shared tribulations and tacit understanding, reverberated between them. The mare reciprocated, nuzzling against Valentina's palm with an affectionate gentility as if returning the profound bond they held in equipoise.

With fluidity and precision, Valentina initiated the equine grooming ritual, her refined strokes methodically banishing the vestiges of dust and grime that had accumulated during their recent visits. These moments of intimate communion served as cherished interludes, granting Valentina solace within the embrace of her loyal equine. Her thoughts drifted, navigating the labyrinthine pathways of the challenges that lay in wait, and reflecting upon the arduous trails they had traversed together. The arboreal canopy enveloped them in a serene embrace, the rustling foliage overhead emanating a mellifluous symphony of tranquility. Valentina's gaze intermittently sought Volkaris, who had sought a secluded alcove in the distance, luxuriating in the ephemeral serenity afforded by their secluded sanctuary. She derived solace from the knowledge that her resolute wyvern companion, too, possessed a haven wherein he could seek respite and restoration.

Valentina, ever attuned to the desires of her equine companion, withdrew a purloined apple from the recesses of her pocket, its crimson skin gleaming in the soft light. With a gentle extension of her arm, she proffered the coveted fruit to her magnificent mare. The mare, with refined grace, accepted the offering, her velvety lips delicately capturing the succulent essence of the stolen treasure. Satisfied, she stood there, a vision of equine contentment, as Valentina quietly withdrew, leaving her companion to relish the gustatory pleasure.

Another day had passed, uneventful and tranquil, as Valentin deftly traversed the fringes of existence, unnoticed and unscathed. But within the recesses of her being, a restlessness stirred, a relentless yearning that defied the serenity of the approaching night. It beckoned her to venture forth, to embrace the call of the unknown. As the sun waned, painting the horizon with fiery hues, Valentina, consumed by an irresistible impulse, walked away from the modest abode that had sheltered her. The soft susurration of her footsteps echoed through the stillness of the surrounding forest, their cadence akin to a whispered secret shared with the earth.

With a melodic whistle, carried on the gentle breeze, Valentina summoned Volkaris, to heed her command. The ethereal notes danced through the twilight, intertwining with the murmurs of nature, until they reached Volkaris' keen ears. He emerged from his chosen resting place, his grand silhouette etched against the fading light, his wings poised for flight.

Valentina turned her gaze towards Volkaris, a silent exchange that spanned the chasm between them. In that wordless communion, the depth of their shared purpose was revealed. The burdens they bore, the trials they faced, were woven into the very fabric of their beings.

"Volkaris," Valentina's voice resonated with resolute determination, "our journey does not falter, nor can we. There is more to be accomplished, more to be fought for." Her words hung in the air, infused with an unwavering trust in her companion's unwavering loyalty. Volkaris inclined his regal head, his emerald gaze gleaming with fierce dedication. It was a shared pact, forged through countless trials and arduous conquests. He understood the magnitude of their quest, the weight of their collective destiny.

With fluid grace, Valentina mounted Volkaris once more, their connection a harmonious convergence of strength and unity. The leathery expanse of Volkaris' wings unfurled, casting a shadow over the landscape. As the nocturnal canopy enfolded them in its ebony embrace, Valentina and Volkaris ascended into the starlit tapestry above, their forms melding with the celestial expanse.

As the day passed onward Tyler went around with his normal duties, but he had a feeling about him. He was anxious... and angry. Memories kept coming up of the beating, the king ordering him to kill all those dragons and people... the children, women, and men all. It made Tyler want to hop and Fury and bash through the kings walls before strangling him to death. Then the six months flashed through his mind where he was so injured he could barely move, he almost died a countless number of times, and he kept getting hurt again instead of healing. Only after a month of this agony did he find Fury, who almost nursed him back to health. Without her Tyler was sure he would be a rotting corpse left to disintegrate in some dump. The only thing good about this whole fiasco is the king is probably 99.999999999 percent sure Tyler is dead. There's no way anyone could survive the horrifying events and experiences he went through. That beating alone was meant to kill him, but when it didn't the king did more. Then he just threw the battered body on the streets, and it was all Tyler could do to lay there for a day before dragging himself to the forest. All these memories kept rushing back in a flood, fueling his anger over and over again.

The next day Tyler got up quicker then he usually did, starting up the fire and cooking some of the deer meat. He was done eating by the time he usually woke up, then hung the bag back in the cave and quickly departed. He went to the tall hill and blew a piercing whistle that echoed through the hills. A couple seconds later Tyler's heard both wingbeats and hoofbeats, so he waited. Fury and Sahara appeared over the rise, Fury landing on his right and Sahara stopping on his left. "We are leaving today. I'm healed enough and can't sit around wool gathering any longer. We will head towards the kingdom and devise a strategy on the way." Tyler announced, though his voice was slightly hesitant. There was quite a slim chance that one knight, one dragon, and one horse could defeat a whole kingdom. -Or at least assasinate one king cause that sounds nice too- Tyler thought hopefully, but a tiny spark of his dignity and pride that's was still left said he couldn't do that. If there's anything lower than being dead, it's being a murderer. Even if the king tried to have him murder hundreds of other people. -I am not going to drop to the kings level- Tyler growled inside his mind

As the twilight hues relinquished their grasp on the world, Valentina and Volkaris embarked upon their nocturnal odyssey, their silhouettes seamlessly melding into the vast expanse of the starry tapestry above. The night sky, an expansive canvas, bore witness to their ethereal voyage as they traversed the celestial realm. The ceaseless currents of the nocturnal zephyrs cradled them, their flight guided by an innate harmony that reverberated between rider and mount. The rhythmic undulation of Volkaris' powerful pinions resonated through Valentina's very essence, enfolding her in a cocoon of serenity. The symphony of wind and motion, interwoven with the bewitching dance of starlight, wove a tapestry of enchantment, luring her weary spirit into the embrace of slumber.

Unbeknownst to Valentina, the unrelenting strains of their prolonged journey began to exert their toll. Her heavy-laden eyelids, weighted by the burden of fatigue, succumbed to the inexorable allure of sleep. With each languid breath, she surrendered herself to the gentle descent into the realm of dreams, her consciousness adrift on a current of tranquility.

Volkaris, ever the vigilant sentinel, attuned to the subtlest shifts in his rider's disposition, discerned the telltale signs of her descent into sleep's tender embrace. He perceived the delicate rise and fall of her breath, the rhythmic cadence of her slumber. In that fleeting moment, a profound understanding passed between them, a covenant unspoken but etched in the depths of their bond—a solemn vow to safeguard her rest. With deft precision and fluid grace, Volkaris altered his flight path, manipulating the currents with the finesse of a celestial choreographer. He steered their celestial sojourn towards a haven of respite, a tranquil sanctuary distanced from the bustling borders of the kingdom. In the heart of an expansive grassland, bathed in the ethereal glow of the moon's luminosity, he set his sights on a place where solace awaited.

As Volkaris descended, his descent an ethereal ballet performed in the realm of twilight, he alighted upon the verdant tapestry of grass with the gentle grace of a falling leaf. Valentina, oblivious to the intricate choreography transpiring beneath her, remained ensconced in the embrace of her slumber, her supine form draped tenderly upon Volkaris' sinewy nape. The wyvern's obsidian scales exuded a palpable warmth, a testament to his indomitable spirit and unwavering guardianship. Nestling himself beside Valentina, he assumed the role of a sentinel, positioning his imposing frame as a stalwart shield against the encroachments of the unknown. The velvety grasses whispered their lullabies beneath their combined weight, cradling them in nature's tender embrace.

Throughout the long night, Volkaris stood steadfast, his emerald eyes cast upon the distant horizon. The undulating expanse of the grassland sprawled before him, a tableau of shifting shadows and hushed murmurs. His gaze, infused with ancient wisdom, scanned the panorama with unwavering vigilance, watchful for any signs of encroaching perils.

Valentina, ensconced within the warmth of her slumber, found solace in the gentle undulations of Volkaris' scales beneath her cheek. Within the depths of her somnolence, she journeyed through realms known only to her subconscious, her thoughts meandering through the tapestry of her dreams. Unbeknownst to her, the enigmatic wyvern stood guard, his presence a steadfast sentinel protecting the cover of her repose.

With the delicate caress of the dawn's arrival, the first rays of sunlight danced upon the horizon. Golden tendrils of morning unfurled, casting a resplendent radiance upon Valentina's countenance. As her eyelids fluttered open, she awakened to find herself cradled within the protective embrace of Volkaris, his gaze fixed upon her with unwavering loyalty. Valentina stirred her awakening an orchestrated symphony that reverberated through the depths of their symbiotic existence. She extended a slender hand, her fingertips grazing the sleek contours of Volkaris' obsidian scales.

''I slept heavy didn't I-'' her voice was laced with heaviness, a slobber of drool dribbling down her chin.

As Valentina gracefully slid off Volkaris' nape, a realization dawned upon her—hunger gnawed at her core. She reached into her coat pocket, retrieving the once delectable loaf of bread, now reduced to a hardened crust. With a wry smile, she acknowledged the need for a substantial meal, one that would satiate both her and Volkaris.

Turning her gaze towards the bustling kingdom in the distance, Valentina contemplated her options. A mischievous spark danced in her eyes as a daring plan took shape within her mind. "Volkaris," she whispered, her voice a soft melody carried on the breeze. "It seems we're in need of a feast, my friend. What say you to a little adventure?" Volkaris tilted his regal head, his piercing emerald gaze meeting Valentina's. The corners of his maw curled into what could only be described as a draconic smile. His response, a simple rumble, resonated through Valentina's being, a resounding affirmation of their shared enthusiasm.

With a confident stride, Valentina led Volkaris towards the outskirts of the kingdom, their destination set. Upon reaching the towering walls that marked the boundary, Valentina made the difficult decision to leave her faithful wyvern companion behind. She patted Volkaris' sinewy neck, assuring him of their imminent reunion. "Rest here, Volkaris," she said, her voice a gentle lilt. "Your magnificence is too grand to traverse these narrow streets. Await my return."

Volkaris rumbled in understanding, his gaze unwavering as Valentina stepped away, her silhouette merging with the shadows of the silhouettes. As she melted into the labyrinthine alleyways, her heart thrummed with anticipation, her senses attuned to the symphony of the bazaar that beckoned in the distance.

The bazaar, a cacophony of vibrant colors, intoxicating aromas, and animated chatter, unfolded before Valentina's eyes. Merchants haggled, their voices competing with the melody of clinking coins and the tantalizing sizzle of street food. Valentina's hunger intensified, and with a mischievous twinkle in her eye, she set her sights on acquiring a feast fit for a dragon and her. Valentina skillfully weaved through the crowded stalls, her nimble fingers discreetly plucking succulent fruits, freshly baked pastries, and savory delicacies. Her movements were swift, her timing impeccable, as she pilfered from one stall to another, each selection adding to the burgeoning bounty tucked away within her cloak.

But even in the midst of her clandestine endeavors, Valentina couldn't help but revel in the energy of the bazaar. The merchants, unaware of her stealthy pursuits, regaled her with stories of their wares, their laughter mingling with the fragrant spices that permeated the air. Valentina savored each interaction, relishing the lively banter and the sense of camaraderie that transcended the boundaries of legality. With her provisions secured, Valentina made her way back to the outskirts of the kingdom, her heart buoyant with satisfaction. She emerged from the shadows, greeted by the towering presence of Volkaris, who awaited her return with unwavering loyalty. As the moonlight bathed them in its ethereal glow, Valentina spread out the stolen feast before them.

"Volkaris," she laughed, her voice tinged with mirth, "we have succeeded in our noble quest for a meal!" The wyvern's eyes glimmered with anticipation, his maw opening wide, ready to partake in the stolen repast. In that moment, as Valentina and Volkaris indulged in their ill-gotten feast, a shared understanding passed between them—a bond forged through mischief, adventure, and a mutual love for the thrill of the unexpected.

Tyler's dark eyes sharpened as they neared the kingdom, and he had Fury fly low enough her claws almost skimmed the ground. Sahara cantered below, ready for any command Tyler was to give her. He took in a slow breath and put the tiniest bit of pressure on Fury as he leaned down, directing the dragon to the ground. She landed with a flourish of her wings, scraping the ground ternderly on each side before supporting her weight with her well muscled haunches. "I'll have to take Sahara from here. You are too big to be seen in the market," Tyler murmured, dismounting the dragon with a slight wince. All this running around had already caught up to him. He mounted the majestic mare bareback, directing her with well learned years of practice. Tyler knew someone was bound to notice him, even if he had grown a small beard... and if they thought he was a ghost. Before Tyler refused to kill those people and dragons he was the most well respected and bravest knight in the entire kingdom. Every person from one side to the other knew his face. After the king beat him up it was broadcast loudly what happened to knights that disobeyed, so Tyler's face was learned in that way, also. He slipped a hood over his head, hating Thebes's trapped feeling but forging on anyway. Tyler was a little surprised to catch a glimpse of the dragon he had seen before, but he thought nothing of it for the moment. He rode into the bustling market on his magnificent steed, and most people parted as to not get run over. There were other horses too, but none so perfectly formed and glistening the same way as Sahara did. She was a beautiful specimen of the perfectly trained horse, one that Tyler took pride in having as his friend.

Tyler rode through the market, keeping his gaze downcast. It felt horrible to have to hide his face that he had always resented parading through the town after a big battle. The king always forced him to do it, though, probably just so everyone knew who betrayed the king. Tyler did feel this as another's shot to his pride and dignity though, which was hard to take since the little that was left was hiding down deep inside him. He meandered through stalls and stalked past carts with Sahara; occasionally a bun or two would disappear, and possibly some well cooked meat, but everything looked normal with Tyler. He wanted to get out of this wretched place as quickly as possible, though, so he sped up his practiced chore of wallowing Lower into the thief section.

The sheltered spot, shielded by a verdant canopy and sheltered from the world's intrusive gaze, allowed them to revel in their stolen moments undisturbed. Here, in this harbor of their own making, Valentina and Volkaris reveled in each other's company. As the soft afternoon sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled patterns upon the ground, Valentina settled beside Volkaris. She tenderly ran her fingers through the lustrous scales that adorned his formidable frame, feeling the warmth emanating from his assertive physique. Volkaris, ever faithful, leaned into her touch, reveling in the affection bestowed upon him.

With a mischievous glint in her eyes, Valentina reached into her cache of pilfered delicacies. She withdrew a succulent piece of fruit, its skin vibrant with hues of crimson and gold. As if understanding her intentions, Volkaris inclined his head, his emerald eyes fixed upon the offering.

Valentina delicately tore a portion of the fruit, extending her hand towards Volkaris. He delicately accepted the morsel, his potent jaws closing around it with grace and precision. The taste of sweetness exploded on his tongue, a sensation that echoed in Valentina's own senses as she watched him savor the morsel. Their stolen feast continued each bite a shared experience. Valentina's fingers danced across a platter of savory pastries, breaking off morsels to offer Volkaris. He, in turn, savored each mouthful with measured restraint, his eyes gleaming with appreciation.

Between bites, Valentina and Volkaris engaged in a wordless conversation, their connection forged in the unspoken language of loyalty and friendship. They shared stolen glances, their gazes intertwining as they reveled in the precious moments of companionship. Valentina's laughter echoed through the secluded space, a melodic symphony that resonated with Volkaris' rumbling purrs.

Valentina leaned against Volkaris' immense frame, finding solace in his presence. With each stroke of her hand, she felt the power that coursed through his sinewy muscles, the warmth of his breath against her skin. It was a moment of pure serenity, a respite from the tumultuous world beyond their hidden sanctuary. The outside world faded into insignificance as Valentina and Volkaris embraced the sanctity of their secluded haven. Here, they were shielded from the knights' watchful eyes and the piercing gaze of kings. It was a realm where their connection could flourish, untethered by the constraints of society.