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After such a long week and completing my most recent written project, I fell asleep at my wife's side in the cozy confines of our cottage. All while a thick layer of snow insulated us further. I expected my dreams to be aimless and without any real relevance. And yet I was wrong. I do not recall the moment when I went from trying to drift off to sleep and becoming lucid again like so many times. It was seamless. And yet when I came to, I was not greeted by the warm confines of my home nor the frigid winter cold just beyond the walls. I was instead greeted by...the gentle warmth of a summer day. And humidity. The smell...of a forest?

I found myself seated between a rocky crevasse. And in nearly full armor. More specifically, my enchanted winged armor without the helmet. I looked at my hand to confirm I was clad in that armor before having the presence of mind to pry myself out of that rock formation. My armor and its great wings were not designed to squeeze into such tight spaces. And when I pulled myself free, I found myself standing under a canopy of dense trees with their leaves allowing many thin rays of sunlight to shine through.

I quickly noticed that I was not so much in a forest as much as it was a small grove. Tall stone or earthen walls lined with moss and saplings or bushes stood beyond the trees with two wide pathways leading out. And there was another. But not so much a way out as much as a sudden drop. A shallow brook of groundwater flowed out to a cliff that fell into a waterfall basin. Said waterfall was beyond that cliff. But the sound of the tiny forest and the call of a waterfall... It seemed familiar. "Why do I feel like I recognize this place? Wait... Is anyone there? Luna? Nightmare Moon?"

The fact that I was so lucid meant that my consciousness was not the only one present in my dreaming mind. I had a visitor. Either someone from beyond my mind or someone who roamed the outer edges of my thoughts. A voice then answered, but not to my ears. It came from within my head. "We are here, my friend. The two of us are present tonight."

"Oh hey there, Luna. What's up? You there too, Nightmare Moon?" I replied while being no stranger to the two night princesses venturing into my dreams. But the fact that they had not revealed themselves to me meant that they were there as observers instead of getting themselves involved in whatever would be playing out that night.

I heard the Princess of Dreams speak to me. "I am. Although I do not believe you are in any danger this evening. But to be safe, we saw to it that you would be properly clad in your armor. Just as a precaution. Although I suspect you will be benefiting from the enhanced mobility it shall grant you. Wherever your dreaming mind has taken you... It is quite the majestic landscape. You should find your way out of that grove and see for yourself. I recommend the path on your...left. Yes, that could give you the best results."

"The left, huh? All right, I'll be on my way. But hang on, what exactly drew you here tonight? If I'm not in danger, then we don't have to worry about a fight, right?" I asked while trekking over the uneven forest floor to reach the path on the left. Until I got myself out of that grove, I would have no idea where I truly was. Was it a location my mind dreamed up from scratch? Or was it from memories that had been all but forgotten? The mind is an unpredictable mistress when it dreams.

The distant sound of the waterfall at the edge of the grove grew distant while an entirely separate sound of a waterfall reached my ears. I walked between the towering walls at my sides until I came to a grand vista with a cliff path heading over to my left. Leading up to the side of a grand waterfall with great stone arches beyond with a flat top connecting them all. And out before me beyond the cliff... A glorious series of basins feeding multiple waterfalls spreading out from the waterfall that flowed level by level into a river flowing between the cliffs. A marvel of nature, yet menacing too. To fall in would surely be the end of me. And yet... Far beyond that... I immediately knew where I was. And it was just about one of the last places I ever expected to end up in my dreams.

At the very center of the lands beyond stood a great fortress. Overgrown with ivy and even trees, it had been left abandoned for the longest time. A relic of a mysterious bygone era. And high above at its northern end stood a great stone bridge made up of nothing but large pale stone bricks. No side rails of any kind to keep anyone from falling off. It was clearly of ancient and unrefined design. It reached far to the north with its entire design having each leg beneath basically having each segment curved towards the one ahead of it to lean against it with the final leaning against the fortress. If even a single brick came loose, that entire impressive bridge would fall. And it was when I saw that fortress and that towering bridge that I instantly knew where I was. "Of all places... The land of the colossi..."

"Colossi... Is that what you call them? We have sensed several great presences out there somewhere... One is even quite near you. Beyond the waterfall to your left in a great lake. I believe there are...sixteen in all?" Nightmare Moon explained with a curious tone to her voice. She was clearly confused about where I had ended up and was unsure of what to think about the sixteen creatures she and Luna had sensed.

I looked to my left and knew exactly what was waiting for me beyond that waterfall and the arches further beyond it. Something that would surely not be happy to see me. And since it was entirely avoidable, I had no reason to approach. "I mean colossi is the plural term for 'colossus', so... Yes... There's sixteen. And I don't think I have to worry about a fight this time. Some of them are kind of...cranky, but the rest would prefer to just exist in peace."

Luna's voice spoke up next. "Colossus? They certainly feel the part. Some are smaller than others, but these sixteen creatures... Their presence radiates size and might. So much so that I dread to imagine how anyone could hope to face them with conventional weapons. Shall we provide you with your equipment should you cross paths with them?"

I knew much more about the colossi than the two night princesses did. Even though they were nowhere to be seen, I waved my hands before me on instinct to dissuade them. "Huh?! No, most of them don't even want to fight! I mean yeah, there's some crankier ones out there, but I know who is who and can just stay away from those who'd rather beat me up."

"Beat you up? I'd assume they'd rather just step on you. But very well. If drawing the sword is not the best course of action, then we will trust your judgement. And you may not need to if they can fight your battles for you." Nightmare Moon replied while also letting out a chuckle that made me scowl dryly. Indeed, quite a few of the colossi out there could just crush me under their feet if I let them.

But there was something about Nightmare Moon's choice of words that caught my attention after a moment. "Wait a minute... They? Who? You're telling me I have a guest tonight who can protect me?"

The Princess of the Night spoke next. "Yes... Nightmare Moon and I sensed a presence within your dreams... One that is very aware. Someone familiar to you has sought you out. And they should be near."

I did not pursue the question further. I knew for certain it must have been Cynder. That wayward dream wyrm had a habit of reaching out to me at the most unexpected of times. And that brought another question to mind. "Before I forget... Have you two made progress? On finding a way to get Cynder outta here?"

There was a moment of silence in my head. At least until Luna provided an answer. "I'm afraid not, my friend. But know that we are still devoted to finding a way to bridge the gap. Nightmare Moon and I are sincerely invested in seeing your friend escape the dream realm. And so our research shall continue."

"Thank you. I know it's a tall order. I know she doesn't even technically exist. But...she's still her own person. She shouldn't...be allowed to fade like a memory." I replied with some somber resignation. I knew cracking the code on bridging the gap between dreams and reality like that may not even be possible in the end, but it was a noble endeavor all the same. Something worth striving for.

Nightmare Moon then finally said, "And we dearly appreciate your patience. But for now, we shall leave you to your little adventure tonight. Luna and I wish to explore this land on our own terms as well. But should you need us, simply say so."

And with that, the two royal sisters fell silent. Now it was just me. And I had a hunch Cynder would not take long to track me down if she was searching from above. She did say she has a way of tracking me down exactly where I am. But I did not want to make the search difficult for her. I turned to my left and gazed upon the great archway composed of white stones. I had never actually gotten a view from up there before.

A smirk spread across my lips as I spread my armor's wings. With a great flap, I flung myself into the air and loftily soared up and rested myself upon the arch to gaze out at the vast lands before me from an altitude I had never been granted from that location before. "Man... The canyons never looked so good from here. And it's so funny that for the place having sixteen colossi living here, they're still tiny compared to this vast landscape. I guess the world is always bigger than you know."

I took a seat at the edge of the archway's flat top and just waited while enjoying the view. I was probably easy to stop atop that ridge of pale stone bricks with how sharply my mostly pastel blue armor stood out. I scanned the horizon for that dark violet form. Both along the grassy plains below and across the vast sky ahead.

Although a distant sound soon caught my ears. One that sounded vaguely familiar, but also out of place. I quickly dismissed it as I took note of where I was. "No... No, I'm pretty sure that's a sound I've only ever heard in Skyrim. And I'm not going back there again. I've had more than my share of fun there."

And there it was again. Which I again dismissed. And that was the last time I heard it. But then... I noticed something on the wind. A very unpleasant odor. "Hm... Where's that coming from?"

An answer came to me out of nowhere. A great shadow quickly passed over me before a great crash struck the archway to my left. Something massive had just landed right next to me. And before I could see it, I smelled it. An atrocious odor assailed my nostrils instantly. The smell of death and decay as I leaned away. "Ugh! What the hell?! What died?!"

I was utterly unprepared for the smell and sight of who had decided to join me that night. The creature perched atop the archway beside me was massive, but it was no colossus. It was a creature that did not belong in that world. One who spoke to me with a deep and almost primordial voice. "Why so surprised, Qahnaarin? Or should I say...Fahdon? I assumed you would have smelled my approach before you could see it."

While still trying to tolerate the odor filling the air, I was more shocked at who was actually beside me. A great wyrm. A dragon of Tamriel. But one who could have easily been mistaken for being undead due to his body being in a state of perpetual rot. Putrid slime flowed over his body. His chest cavity was entirely exposed and empty. And a swarm of flies pursued him everywhere he went. His form was equally majestic and disgusting. And a single name escaped my lips. "Durnehviir... Here? How?!"

It was no wonder Nightmare Moon and Luna conspicuously declined to mention exactly how many lucid entities were present with me in my own dream that night. They must have been in a cheeky mood and wanted to keep me guessing. "Hm... Yes. How indeed. I seem to recall you needing to shout my name to summon me from the depths of the Soul Cairn. And yet... Here I am. The sky is blue and clear. The air pure. And...the chains that once shackled me... I feel nothing tethering me to my prison on the other side. But this air... I was so certain that I would not be able to hold myself together if I remained in Tamriel for too long. And yet... This world accepts me? My body...remains stable here?"

https://youtu.be/3YKicBAMlBk?si=085IdeFCktbHkyGq

My eyes widened as I comprehended what Durnehviir's presence implied. He was bound by so many unseen chains and laws of nature. But only when present in the world of Nirn. But there... In a world so different and separate from his own... Those chains and laws did not apply. I still remembered when my previous dream was on the verge of ending. Durnehviir soared out over the ocean. And into the wall of white that signaled my dream collapsing in on itself. He vanished into it. I assumed he simply went dormant into my memories like the world itself. And yet... There he was before me in a world that was not his own. I asked while trying to ignore the stench of decay emanating off him, "Durnehviir... What do you remember when we last met? When I summoned you one last time on Solstheim?"

Durnehviir turned his great gaze skyward as he recollected his thoughts. "Then? I remember...soaring out over the sea. To the south. And then...in a matter of seconds, I was overtaken by a veil of white. Just...white. It was all I could see. I felt my mind slipping into...slumber. I dreamed. I drifted. Cast about on unseen yet gentle currents. And just minutes ago... I awoke. In skies unfamiliar to me. And so I soared again. But I could also sense a familiar presence... Your presence. Being the only thing of familiar comfort I could sense, I made my way here. And yet...there is a new unfamiliarity about you, Fahdon. You are as I remember you...and yet...not the same?"

My eyes widened as Durnehviir turned his gaze to me. And the pieces started to fall into place for him. "This armor you wear... It contains wondrous arcane might. I can sense it even now. But its power is not of any I have ever known. And your voice... I no longer hear the subtle strength of the Thu'um upon your breath. The Voice in you has fallen silent. Even your aura... What happened to you, Dovahkiin? Why do I no longer sense the soul of a Dovah within you? Who has wrought such a fate upon you?"

I had to choose my words carefully. The illusion was falling apart. By venturing into a world that was not his own, Durnehviir's reality was shattering. And he could sense it within me as well. I turned away from him as I said, "Make no mistake. I am the Dovahkiin when I am present in the world of Nirn. But here? Or anywhere else? I'm just...James. A simple human man. Because the role of the Dovahkiin is exclusive to your world. Which we are no longer in."

My words did confuse my companion. By then, my nose had gone largely blind to his overwhelming stench. The cursed wyrm then asked, "You speak of the title of Dovahkiin...as a role? One you can assume and leave at will? What sense does that make? It is a part of your true essence. Not something any other can extract from you."

There was no way around it. If I did not explain the truth, Durnehviir would surely become hostile. Everything he knew about himself and about me had been brought into question. And so I said, "Do you really want to know the truth, Durnehviir? I've told only one other. Paarthurnax. And he took it well. But will you do the same?"

Durnehviir fell silent for a moment. He gazed out at the great vista spread out before us. No doubt awestruck by such natural majesty he had not been able to freely appreciate in eons. After a moment of thought, Durnehviir spoke while I noticed his eye glance at me from the side. "Very well then. You have already done me a great kindness. Speak. And I shall listen."

I steadied my nerves. Durnehviir did not possess the same humbled wisdom of Paarthurnax. And yet he was not like the rest of his kind. I could only hope he would understand. "The truth of the matter is... You. Your world. Even divines like the Aedra and Daedra... It all...does not exist. Your world... Your universe is a work of fiction. Even your name was predetermined by one mortal with a pen in hand. I simply read the story of your world one day. I absorbed the knowledge of the story. And that knowledge...resulted in me dreaming of that world. One such world of a different story being where we are now."

Durnehviir turned his head to look at me more directly while his breathing, even without lungs, remained steady. He was being ominously calm. But I had more to say while averting my gaze. "In the world of reality, I am currently sleeping. And in sleep, I dream. This world before us... It's the result of memories I have of another fictional world. One that's not yours. But as for why you're here instead of being bound to my memories in the back of my mind... I suppose when you directly threw yourself into the collapsing walls of my dream that night... Where you began to dream and drift instead of being bound in oblivious stasis...

"I became unchained. Detached. Unbound to the world I had always known. Dreaming yet aware in a realm of nonexistence. Just like that tiny wyrm at your side..." Durnehviir spoke surprisingly calmly while he gazed out at the world before us. And I was left wordless myself. He had spoken. Now it was my time to listen. "If what you are saying is true, then even the Elder Scrolls themselves are not truly the work of the divines. For even they are the result of a mortal's muse. And yet...here I stand. Awake. Aware. And even if residing in a realm of nonexistence... Alive. I feel no chains binding me to the prison I had once known for eons. While I am now bound to another realm, I still soar freely. Is that what you are saying, Fahdon?"

Even after learning all that, he still called me that. Fahdon... Friend. I asked carefully, "You're taking this all surprisingly well..."

For as primal and stiff as his reptilian face seemed, I could still see a smile of sorts form on Durnehviir's maw. "I suppose there are worse things. Or perhaps too many eons as the pet of the Ideal Masters has left me more broken than even I know. But all that truly matters to me is that I have been forever freed from my contract with my masters. And through your dreaming... I now am truly free. My curse remains. But my chains... Shattered. Because of you, Fahdon."

Was he truly that content in knowing he was a nonexistent work of fiction? That he was not even real? I asked carefully, "You really aren't unnerved by this information? I understand why Paarthurnax was so accepting of the truth, but... Even you?"

The cursed wyrm before me chuckled deeply. "Truly, you never were Dovahkiin if you so sorely underestimate the long-lived wisdom of a Dovah. And I have lived longer than most already. Perhaps I may not exist in the manner you do. But I think. I breath. I am aware. Therefore...I exist, do I not? Much like that tiny wyrm at your side that night? Or...is she a mere pet to your dreaming whims?"

I honestly felt a jolt of horror at the concept just explained to me. Cynder? That precious little thing? Just a puppet responding to my mind's influence? I shook my head and said, "Oh god, no! She's not a puppet or a toy! She's her own person! Cynder is her own master. Even if my mind dreamed her into...this manner of existence, I've never had any control over her."

Durnehviir became silent at my response for a moment before he asked, "Does she know of her true nature?"

"She does not. And...I don't think it'd be wise for her to ever find out." I replied as I wondered how much longer it would be before Cynder finally closed the distance. I could not hide from her. I knew that. It was only a matter of time before she reached us.

The ancient cursed Dovah sighed deeply before he said, "Do not tell her. She does not possess the wisdom of a Dovah. Let her live in ignorant bliss. It may sound cruel, but could you imagine a worse fate than knowing your entire existence is a fabricated lie?"

Durnehviir may have had the wisdom to see the positives in what I had just explained to him, but I knew Cynder would not share his outlook. The truth would surely break her. My friend's soul was already deeply scarred from living an entire life that was not even hers. A life as a tool to an evil master. But I knew there was a way out. Maybe not yet, but surely someday. "Perhaps... But it may not be like that forever."

"Hm? You say...there may be a way for the little dream wyrm to cease being a dream? And to...awaken into reality?" Durnehviir asked while showing some impressive insight.

I raised an eyebrow at how quickly my companion came to that conclusion. "Not sure how you figured that out so quickly, but... Yes. I have...powerful friends. Not exactly divine in nature, but fairly close. And some of them are actively researching a magical means to allow a creature of the dream realm to enter the realm of reality. They haven't made progress yet, but...they are sincerely invested in giving Cynder a chance to truly exist. She... She deserves it."

I could see that smile again. What I described to Durnehviir pleased him. "Ah... Then I grant the lot of you my blessings on your endeavors. Although I would not ask that you attempt to do the same for me... I admit that I am content for now to simply soar and see what there is to see far beyond the walls of the world that once served as my prison. You have done enough for me at this time, Fahdon. Severing my shackles was more than I could have ever asked for. And if that means never returning to Tamriel, so be it. I will simply find clear skies elsewhere."

He seemed genuinely happy. With all the risk I took in explaining the tragic truth about him, Durnehviir still had the wisdom to find happiness in his lot in life now that he was a free wyrm. I then asked softly, "Shall I let you get to it then? Get out there and soar where you wings will take you?"

Durnehviir smiled at me as he adjusted his stance and wings to once again prepare for takeoff. "Yes, I suppose I shall do just that. This land's majesty beckons. Farewell for now, Fahdon. Who can say when our paths will once again cross. And let this discussion remain between the two of us. For her sake."

With several great flaps of his tattered wings, Durnehviir propelled himself skyward before gliding gracefully over the vast lands below us. And with him went that stench of decay. While I did not wish to hold such a thing against him, given that it was out of his control, I inhaled deeply once that smell had faded. "Man... Much better."

And there I waited while savoring the view. Although I did take the time to look behind me. Beyond the archway beneath me was a great lake surrounded by tall rocky cliffs. And near the outer edges were a few stone islands. One was mostly bare, but showed signs of there having been something more. The others showed exactly what that had been. Upon the island stood what I could only describe as stone gazebos with a roof that looked as if it was meant to be reached, but with no means to climb up there. And in the middle of the lake, I could see a dark mass staying motionless beneath the not quite still water. Something large. And something that would not be pleased to see me if I were to disturb it. "Best to let that one sleep."

I turned my gaze back towards the south. It was so tempting to glide on down and investigate the layers of basins spilling into the canyon below, having never been able to get such a close look before. An adventurous type could probably use them as natural swimming pools. But I had to consider how much time I had left. I had only just started dreaming. How much longer did I have left to enjoy my surroundings?

But there I waited. I knew someone was searching for me. And they had their ways of finding me. Minutes went by. And a silent shadow cast itself over me. Much lighter flaps reached my ears. And not the flapping of feathered wings. I looked to my left and found a familiar creature standing before me. A beautiful dragoness of dark violets and rosy reds, her body bound in platinum shackles and spines. But even on her rigid reptilian lips, I could see a smile. And those beautiful eyes our turquoise gazed at me with a silent joy in them. I spoke softly in uncertain greeting, "Hey... Had no trouble finding me?"

https://youtu.be/Xd2FrYO7pIE?si=VWm8iurvXFaRK4r7

Cynder responded without words at first. She stepped towards me while I extended my left arm to offer an embrace. But she suddenly accelerated and swiftly made a move that was not unusual. She slunk forward and tenderly tucked her head right under my jaw. Cynder sat there, resting her head there with my jaw resting atop her brow. And for once, I felt a certain thrill surge through me. That was indeed a form of affection for her kind. A very indecent display as well. And all I could do was try to not think about it. I rested my armored hand on the her lower back where her torso and tail became one. I sighed and spoke what was in my heart. "Missed you..."

"And I've...been longing for you." Cynder replied with a sigh of her own. One that sounded more happy than disappointed. But she soon made a move I almost did not recognize. A reminder. She placed a paw... Or perhaps a hand? She rested hers upon my breastplate. Directly over where my beating heart was. And she whispered something gentle. "Mine."

I was reminded then. We said...beautiful things to each other that night. Cynder's confessed a desire to be mine. Perhaps even just sigh of begging me to be her one and only. To belong, but never be caged. To be owned, yet free. I swear she was so very close to simply saying 'I love you', but went out of her way not to. And I... Well... To say I feel little for her would be a lie. Even after what had happened prior... She had been a fool. She did not listen when she should have. She hurt me... And she hated herself for it.

But I gave her a chance to let us see where things went. And...we healed. We learned to hold each other. To laugh with each other. And by now... It was as if what happened that dark night never occurred at all. And I was wanting to simply forget that dark day. And so I whispered to her, "Yours."

Cynder cooed to me as she surely closed her eyes. Gently dragging her reptilian hand along my breastplate to reach out to the heart resting behind it. "I said I would never again harm you. And I meant it. I'll cherish this... Cherish you... Always."

There was so little left to say. But I still had my half to the creed to say. With my left hand still resting on Cynder's back, I tightened my grasp. And I was as gentle as I could be with my hand wrapped in a metal gauntlet. With my hand now holding her, I whispered to my precious companion. "Mine."

The dream dragoness in my grasp let out the faintest giggle before she whispered her response back to me. All while she reflexively hiked her hips up in response to my tightening grasp. "Yours. Always."

And there we stayed under the sun high above the grand vista below. Caressed by summer winds without a care in the world. I was just happy to be with her again. Cynder had already suffered so much. Never had the chance to live as her own woman. And had even been unwittingly been used as a weapon against me by her old master from beyond the grave. But now that past was behind her. We had found peace together. And perhaps in time... She would begin to truly exist.

Did I love her? Perhaps...yes? But with a safe distance between us. It would be dangerous to long too dearly for one who does not exist. And yet... Everything we had said to each other in our most recent outings with each other... I did my best to push them to the back of my mind. To just forget about that for the night. Perhaps Cynder had already forgotten on her own.

Or at least that was what I suspected. Until I heard a certain...raspy rumbling sigh coming from her throat. It was a purr. Or at least the reptilian equivalent of one. It had not been the first time I had heard it from her. And it had a strangely soothing melody to it. To purr was to be content. It was a sign Cynder was deeply at peace. I whispered to her, "I'm glad you remembered how to do that."

Her purring was only interrupted by a giggle before she resumed. I suspected Cynder was just trying to please me. Although while the view was lovely, I felt like we were a little too exposed up there on that archway. I would feel more comfortable if we were back in the shadows of the grove I had first awoken in. I asked softly, "Would you prefer if we moved to somewhere a little more...secluded?"

"Mm... Yes, that would be...nice. Your shimmering shadow would prefer to be somewhere without the chance of prying eyes watching." Cynder replied with a rather whimsical tone. A tone of voice I had rarely heard from her. I tried to not think too hard about it at the time. But from where I was seated, I had a clear view of the canopy that hid the grove below us. With a quick us of the teleportation spell, I transported the too of us down beneath the trees with myself now seated with my back towards the very rock formation I had first found myself inside of. Cynder quickly noticed the change in lighting through her closed eyes and briefly removed her head from under my jaw to look at her surroundings. "Ah... Much better."

While Cynder pulled away from me for a moment, I took notice of the seven platinum objects affixed to her body. Shackles and weapons forced upon her by her master. And no matter how many times I removed them, they would always find their way back to her by the time we next met. Even if they were left behind in a world we would never return to. But that would not stop me from removing them again. I reached out for one of the spikes attached to the elbows of her wings and said, "May I?"

"Oh...? Oh! Yes, please!" Cynder replied while spreading her wings more fully on reflex. I went to work doing just that. I removed the spikes on her wings to reveal the natural spines underneath. I then removed the shackles from her wrists, neck, and base of her tail. And I finally unscrewed the blade hiding her feathery tail spade. I made a game of tossing them away, flinging the lot of them towards a tree and finally plunging Cynder's tail blade into the tree's bark like a throwing knife. My companion whistled lightly and said, "Nice throw on the last one."

"I didn't know I had it in me." I muttered while wondering how I managed to pull that one off. Launching darts of magic ice is one thing, but a knife throw works a little differently. But right when I got comfortable where I was sitting again in the shadow of the canopy above, Cynder too returned to her favorite position. Resting against my armored chest with her head tucked under my jaw. Remembering what she said about such a gesture being exceptionally intimate for her kind, I asked softly, "Didn't you say this is a...rather indecent gesture?"

"And I reserve it only for you. Because I am yours." Cynder purred as she began to almost push herself into me with that elegant reptilian purring in her throat. As if she was trying to snuggle up against me through my armor. While not sounding disappointed, she paused in her purring to speak softly to me. "I'd ask you to remove your armor, but I suppose there's a good reason you're wearing it... I don't recognize this place."

"To be fair, we're not in much danger. The number of genuinely dangerous creatures out here can be counted on two hands. The rest are just small wildlife that are either skittish or curious. But I guess I'm hesitant to remove it right now for practicality's sake. This place is very big and not all that easy to get around on foot. Unless you have a swift steed... Which I guess I kind of already have in these enchanted greaves and sabatons on my legs." I replied while starting to wonder what it would feel like to get out there and race across the meadows and plateaus on my own two feet at the same speed of a galloping stallion. I admit I have not tried that much. Even when I was all by my lonesome at times out on the Empty Plains.

"Then I guess you won't need me to protect you this time. That's fine. I just want...a day of peace with you." Cynder sighed before resuming her purring while keeping her head tucked under my jaw. She would even subtlety slide her smooth brow along my jaw to let me feel the interlocking tough scales lining her scalp. I knew better than to inquire too much about why she was being so...forward. She confessed herself that such a show of affection was very intimate for her own species. And with the gentle rubbing... And the purring... Although she was at least self-conscious enough to ask, "Am I making you...uncomfortable?"

"No, not at all. It's just...I know you said this display of affection is...highly indecent for your kind. So I can't help wondering if...you're trying to tell me something here." I replied while knowing there had been prior moments between us where I was all but certain there was something Cynder wanted to say. Something precious. And very heavy. But every time, she hid it behind a familiar, cryptic, yet meaningful statement.

And yet again, Cynder's affections paused while she said that simple yet powerful line again. "I'm with you."

Whenever Cynder said that in response to a question, I knew better than to pry harder for answers. She was fragile enough with that scarred heart having only just been fully put back together. And by her own admission, she knew very little about love. It was best to not prod her over a subject she was learning on the fly. So I instead asked, "Where have you been lately anyway? What's been happening?"

Cynder sighed while she leaned more into me to let her purring stall for a moment longer. "I've just been...dreaming. Drifting like I always do... But I felt you were near just a little while ago... And so I woke myself up and came flying your way. I just couldn't pass up on an easy opportunity to be with you again. Even if just for a while."

It was such a marvelous discovery to see Cynder having become so self-aware since that fateful night when my dreaming mind generated her. From a simple construct of my mind forged from what little memories I had of her to seeing her become truly alive and aware with her own will, even if she was still confined to the dream realm. And now she had gained enough agency to forcefully wake herself up and approach me to trigger a lucid dream state without the presence of the two night princesses. She may have been an entity in a state of technical nonexistence, but she was alive. And I wanted to see her be both alive and exist. Just a little longer. The sisters of the night will find a way to bridge that gap. I just know they will.

Thinking about what happens to her when I am not around, I asked softly, "Had any good dreams lately then?"

"I wish I could recall... The memories never stick. I'm always drifting, barely aware of what's around me. And I basically forget about it after I drift away. But I guess that's the nature of dreams in a nutshell, isn't it?" Cynder said before throwing in a hint of wit at the end. The irony was lost on her. A dream dreaming along and unable to recall most of her own dreams.

"No worries. That's how the vast majority of dreams are by default. I know I've had dreams I wish I could remember." I retorted while gently stroking my companion down her back. And she would always lift her hips when I stroked her right where her tail and torso merged. Very much in the manner of a feline. Perhaps I was onto something when I told her that I suspected dragons in various cultures of my world are a combination of several animals. Including cats. I then asked, "What's up? Did I find the right spot?"

"Very. I don't know what it is about that spot, but... Mm... Yes, right there... I don't even mind the armor in the way." Cynder giggled ever so slightly while I continued to gently rub my armored fingertips into that spot. Is that a high pleasure point for felines? Perhaps it applies to reptiles too. I need to remember to try that on Ember sometime... Or maybe Smolder. Would it even work on Ocellus when she is taking the form of her favorite dragon disguise? Only one way to find out.

I continued to rub Cynder's bet spot while she continued to nuzzle the underside of my jaw while purring joyously. It was as if the dragoness had become a beautiful panther wrapped in scales instead of fur. I asked with a smirk on my lips, "Sounds like someone is happy."

"I'm always at my happiest when I'm with you." Cynder giggled between purrs while I focused on doing just that. Making my dear dream companion happy. She then asked with a softer and almost cautious tone, "Do I make you happy too?"

I stopped caressing Cynder and rested my hand firmly upon her lower back. As if trying to keep her pinned where she was. That tone... As if she was asking more than what her words alone conveyed. And I thought back one last time to that dark night. When Cynder returned to me. Large and shadowy, twisted by her own lies. Because she convinced herself what I had told her during our previous was just too good to be true.

And in most cases, it would have been. Very few men can genuinely love more than one woman without his bond to them being nothing more than a means to feed his ego. But my love for my beloveds has always been true. And it was only that night that I learned why Cynder could not believe it. Because of what her old master almost did to her. When she could see it coming, but could do nothing to stop it. Cynder's sin that night was entirely her own. But it was a sin fueled by an unfortunate past as a victim. And since then, my dear little dream wyrm had become determined to never let those memories control her. For if my beloveds have faith in me, she would too. I considered this, closed my eyes, and spoke softly to her. "Cynder... It's OK. I forgive you."

She was silent. And very still. Cynder remained utterly motionless as I heard her breath catch in her throat. I gently scooped her body against e with my entire arm and said with eyes sealed, "Your old master really messed you up... And I guess he got the last laugh in the end by using your trauma to hurt me from beyond the grave. You think he anticipated this? That I would say something to you like I did that night only for you to take it the wrong way and see me as something I'm not?"

"Never again... I'll never let that wretch have any control over me... He's dead. Gone. I'm... I'm yours now. And I'll never raise a claw to you again. Even if you forgive me... I... I don't know if I'll ever forgive myself... But if you forgive me, then...that's enough." Cynder sighed harshly, but kept her head tucked under my jaw. And she made no attempt to wrest herself away from my embrace.

I pondered her words and sighed while finally opening my eyes and gazing up at the canopy above us. "I wouldn't know the first thing about forgiving oneself... Isn't that another way of saying you're no longer sorry for what you did? If there's a way to do that, I've never figured out what it is..."

"Then don't... Carry the knowledge of your wrongdoings as incentive to improve. To never regress. If they forgive you, then...isn't that enough?" Cynder asked before finally removing her head from under my jaw. Just so she could look me in the eyes with those beautiful eyes of turquoise. It was subtle, but I could see the faintest smile with how the edges of her reptilian lips curved up at their bases. "But...thank you for telling me. I needed to hear it. Just know...that it'll never happen again. Because I'm yours now. And...you are mine. Right?"

"Yeah... Let us belong to each other. Stay with me. Please..." I muttered as Cynder closed her eyes and tilted her head towards to rest her smooth and armored brow against my forehead. I suspect she was very tempted to try and kiss me, but the memory of how awkward our first kiss was likely dissuaded her from trying. That was supposed to be a tender moment, the two of us hidden away in the basement of my home in Riften, but our severely mismatched lips made it awkward. And besides... Were we truly meant for each other?

I once again pushed that thought out of my mind. What was I thinking? Cynder did not even exist. At least not yet. It was best to not count my chicks before they hatched. To long for an impossible dream is pure folly. I had to keep my heart close. No matter how tempted I was to love her. But Cynder's next words did not make that mental task easy. "I'm with you. Always."

"Sounds like what you really want to say is something else, to be honest..." I muttered while starting to loosen Cynder from my arms. But when my arm started to pull away, she placed her hands upon my breastplate. Trying to hold onto me.

Even with her eyes closed, Cynder still whispered to me. "I... I don't know enough about love to say more... I'm still learning a little more every day."

My urge to be witty overrode my urge to be cautious. "Really? Then for someone who understands so little about love, you're quite lovely yourself."

Cynder recoiled at last and pulled her head away. All while letting out a squealing giggle through her clenched lips. She finally opened her eyes to look right at me and said, "You charmer! What did Ember like to call you again? Her warrior poet? I think she might've been onto something there."

"I guess I do have my moments. I'm no good at poetry, but I guess anyone with their share of wit can find the right moment to be a decent poet for an instant." I retorted with a crooked smirk on my lips. I also averted my eyes out of some embarrassment. I was not trying to woo Cynder. I just wanted to make her happy. To make her feel like she was truly valuable.

She raised her hands up my breastplate until they were just below my neck. Cynder spoke with a more noticeable smile on her lips, "I can imagine you make all of your mates very happy... I mean...wives? That's the correct term, right? Has your family grown since we last met?"

Three lovely mares came to mind. All of them sisters. And I spoke with a soft smile, "Yeah... Three of them. But for now, we're apart. The next time we meet will be when we confirm if distance made our hearts grow colder."

"That sounds...wise. Not every female you feel something for is meant to become something more, is it? Whatever the end result is... I hope you all find happiness. Either together or apart. But for those who are definitely yours... I have faith in you. Because they do." Cynder replied before gently nuzzling her brow along my cheek. I too was wondering what next time would bring. Maud. Marble. Limestone. When we next meet, will our hearts flare up?

It was only then that Cynder finally pushed herself off me and stepped back. Her wings were raised while she asked, "Anyway... You think we've spent enough time down here in the shadows? Shall we see what's out there?"

"You got it. And if memory serves, these lands are a sight to behold." I replied while pushing myself up and onto my feet. We had spent enough time recollecting. It was time to get out there and enjoy our time together in this brave new world.

But we did not go far just yet. Cynder began to step around the rock formation behind me as sound drew her along. It was that constant roar of a waterfall reaching her ears. "I didn't really notice it before, but... A waterfall?"

On one side of the grove was a cliff overlooking another canyon with a river starting in it. And from the cliff wall bordering the grove was a constant deluge of water from an unseen underground spring that poured into a shallow basin before spilling over the edge of the cliff to form said waterfall. The basin was shallow and the flow of water was weak. Perfect for just lounging and getting away from the summer heat.

Cynder and I were of the same mind. She stepped into the basin while I followed and took a seat. The water came up to her jaw at the deepest point. My companion looked at the water just below her head, those flaglike rosy hued wings breaking the surface, and asked with an almost amused gleam in her eye. "Is it wrong that I can imagine just staying here for hours?"

"That would take up a lot of time. And there's a lot more to see out here." I replied while knowing our time together was limited. And the lands surrounding us had never looked so beautiful to my eyes. I wanted to see more. To see just how much grander that place was now that I was actually there.

We stayed only for a while longer before leaving the grove through the only other way out. Where we headed south. Two great rock walls bordered the grove before leading out to what I can only describe as a natural bridge made of rock. Moss and grass covered the entire top and led out to another plateau bordered by the canyons I had seen before. And out beyond the canyons and right in the very middle of the region we now stood in was that great ruined fort lined with moss, ivy, and even trees having taken root in its stone form. Cynder gazed upon the distant building and said, "That's some fortress...and with only one massive bridge leading north... I take it that's the only way out of this valley. Should we be worried about that place?"

"No, whoever constructed these structures have long since disappeared. But that fortress is structurally sound. There's even a little surprise up on its roof, but I think we should save that for our last stop. It's not like we can get lost if we can spot that place from anywhere around here while we're in the sky." I replied while starting to notice just how vast it was around us. And how long it would take for us to get anywhere on foot. But then I looked down at my armored legs and remembered exactly what kind of enchantment had been infused in them. It was then I decided to try something that I had never really done before. Not even when I was out on the Empty Plains by my lonesome.

https://youtu.be/qvtEXFC0MFs?si=yJrK9A0wSaBx37Ci

I started to walk forward towards the plateau ahead of us. Then I broke into a jog. And then a full sprint upon my clanking feet with Cynder desperately trying to keep up. "Hey! Wait up!"

"Sorry! I just wanna run as swift as a steed right now!" And boy did I run. Racing across the plateau as swift as the mightiest earth pony sprinter, I shot ahead with the wind in my face and my armor's wings held parallel to the ground to reduce drag. It was as if I was riding horseback, but without the horse. I cross the plateau in moments, cross another crooked rock bridge, and then raced out across a vast grassy meadow with the fortress nearby looming over it.

Cynder did not take long to catch up. While she was as quick on her feet as any panther, he could not keep pace with a swift stallion. So she took to the air on her rosy red wings before catching up and gliding over me. I noticed her shadow being cast and glanced up to find her looking down at me with a smirk. "Thought you could get away from me?"

"Nah, I'm just glad you can keep up. Really, I just want to run for a minute. There's something inherently...cathartic about racing across the such open fields at great speed. Nothing in the way... Don't you get that feeling when flying sometimes?" I asked without even having to gasp for breath. My armor's enhancements kept my stamina high and eased the strain of my physical exertion on my body. I could probably run for several miles before I started to feel my lungs tense up in my chest.

My companion laughed before saying, "I'll give you that! Just rushing ahead because you can... OK, point taken! You lead and I'll follow."

Cynder followed me like a kite. And I think she even tried to position herself in a way with her shadow always stayed over me. As if she was trying to shield me from the sun. I ran along the outer edges of the meadow where great towering cliffs lined the southern border. There were a few narrow gaps in the walls that created canyons to let us pass through on foot and there was a series of cliffs an adventurous sort could climb directly south of the fortress, but I knew something was up there that might not be happy to see us. It was best to stay away. But there was a change in the landscape right in the middle of the meadow. Two slopes rising up that crated a wide yet short path through the middle of the meadow. There was even a tree growing on one side that bore fruit. I veered towards one of the slopes, ran up the hill, and leapt from the top before fanning my armor's wings and letting myself drift down on a gentle glide. And in that brief moment... Peace with only the wind in my ears. But I still had to stick the landing to not fall flat on my face.

I came to a clattering stop once I landed with Cynder even swooping back around to me and landing beside me herself. She looked quite happy after that little adventure and said, "Got that out of your system?"

"Yeah. That's enough running for now." I replied before looking north at the fortress beyond that miniature gorge between the two hills. I then looked at the tree growing on one side and could even see some frit among the branches. Although I had no idea if I would even like them if I took a bite. I then happened to notice a large black lizard climbing lazily around the tree's trunk. Easily the size of a large housecat. But right when I was about to wonder where to go next, I happened to look down. And I found Cynder frozen in place as she eyed that lizard from afar. "Uh...Cynder?"

She looked up at me out of the corner of her eye. And I swear I saw a smirk spread across her reptilian lips. "Excuse me for a minute."

"Cynder, you better not hurt that thing." I said firmly only for my companion to take to the air and swoop over yonder to place herself on the hill nearest the tree. The side facing the tree dropped up with a sheer earthen cliff, even if it was not a long drop. She slyly walked along the edge of the ridge in a very feline manner. She had her eyes on that lizard and was clearly in hunting mode. I shook my head and muttered to myself, "Part snake, part bat, and part cat... I wonder how right I was..."

Cynder loomed beside the tree and the gap between it and the cliff. Still as a shadow while waiting for the lizard to crawl around to the side facing her. And when it finally did, she pounced. And they both went out of sight. I crossed my arms and wondered what was even going on with the tree in the way. But not even ten seconds went by before Cynder jumped out from behind the tree and came galloping back over to me with a prideful spring in her step. And I could see why. That lizard was now being carried in her jaws. And it appeared to be unharmed. As she came out of her sprint and instead approached me with a happy little feline trot, I could see the lizard lazily pawing at the air while looking more confused than anything. Even with her mouth occupied, Cynder let out a silly giggle and at least tried to speak with the lizard in her mouth. "I brought you a present!"

"A big black pet lizard... It's what I've always wanted... No really, these guys would probably make really cool pets." I said with a snicker while reaching down to Cynder's offering. I was worried the lizards inhabiting that land were along the lines of monitor lizards and they are known for their teeth. But the lizard before me lacked the muzzle structure of such a lizard. But seconds after I took the lizard into my armored hands, it suddenly got fidgety and went crawling up my arm before draping itself across my armored shoulders. Probably just looking for a high point to get away from the strange winged reptile that had caught it. I turned my head to look it in the eye while it surveyed its situation. "Well hello there. Comfy?"

"Heh... I kind of wish that was me up there." Cynder said almost smugly. And she would fit across my shoulders. Although I suspected the bulk of my armor would not make the ride all that comfortably for her.

I looked at the lizard and then back at Cynder. I then said, "Not sure you'd like it with this armor in the way... How about next time I happen to not be wearing it, I let you hitch a ride up here?"

"I'll be holding you to that." Cynder replied with a noticeable smirk on her lips. I glanced at the lizard on my shoulder and saw it really was in no hurry to get down. So I marched over to the tree it used to be crawling on while Cynder stayed behind. I leaned into the trunk to give the lizard a chance to return to familiar ground.. The lizard all too happily climbed off and me began to crawl up the tree. With my passenger safe and sound and back home, I then marched back over to Cynder before she asked, "Where to next then?"

"How about...that huge bridge to the north? It's got quite the view." I replied with Cynder's eyes perking up at the mention. With my companion providing me with no objection, we spread our wings and took to the air. It was dazzling at the plains and cliff walls I had only seen from the ground becoming so much smaller so quickly as we soared. We even passed over the great fortress in the middle of the land, its stone form largely preserved while being covered in green moss and ivy. And once we were right above it, the great white bridge of stone bricks stretched far to the north. Easily a mile long, if not longer. And it was not just green were saw. Just beyond the fortress was a great gorge with a sandy beach at the bottom of towering rock structures some of the bridge's legs stood on. And beyond that... Sand. All the way to the great cliff wall bordering the land was a sea of sand.

"A desert?! Just about the last thing I was expecting to see out here." Cynder said in surprise as we dove and broke out into a glide to prepare for landing. Once we came to a stop atop the bridge, we took a moment to survey our surroundings. We were right in the middle. Only desert below with vast fields of green and pale stone walls to the south. There were canyons to the west with paths carved out of the towering rocky plateaus. And where we came from was just to the east. Again, with towering cliffs. Cynder took a seat by the eastern edge of the bridge and said, "Everything about this land just feels...big. If we didn't have wings, we would have a much harder time getting around. And all these tall rock walls..."

"Just getting up to this bridge is usually a challenge for anyone down there. It doesn't get much grander than this." I replied while taking a seat by her with my legs dangling off the edge. The view of the east was much prettier then to the west. I then scanned our horizons, knowing that two of that great landscape's resident colossi would be within view were it not for the accursed cliffs obstructing our view.

Cynder snorted while she spoke with a smirk, "Everything is just so big out here... Come to think of it, didn't you say there are sixteen huge creatures living in this land? Why haven't we seen them yet?"

"Because we haven't gone looking for them. Most of them can't even really leave where they reside. Too big for their own good, I guess." I replied while wondering just what kind of existence the colossi must live when out of sight. Do they sleep until disturbed? It is not like people in general had been in that land for a very long time. And what little information I knew about it was seen through an intentionally vague veil of an era lost to time.

"That's a shame... I'd at least like to see one while we're here." Cynder replied while I was left wondering if it would be a good idea to seek ay of them out. But as we sat there, something reached our ears. At first I thought it was the distant call of Durnehviir, but it did not quite match the call of a distant Dovah. I assumed it was just the wind. Until a great shadow was cast over us. "Hm? Wait... Who's...?!"

It all happened so fast. With a thunderous crash that shook the entire bridge, something large swooped in and landed as delicately as possible next to. Or as delicately as something so large and heavy. Cynder and I nearly fell off the entire bridge with how much it shook. And yet the bridge held. It would not be easily toppled by force. And we were now being shrouded in the shadow of a great wing. Cynder and I quickly rose to our feet as we marveled at the sheer size of the creature that had decided to join us for the view. "What the...?! It's huge?! A...colossus?!"

Indeed, the creature before us was indeed colossal. And one of the very few such creatures in the land capable of flight. The shape of the creature was very much like a bird. Great solid wings and a long tail like a cluster of long tail feathers that had been packed together to form a solid structure. The creature's entire head was forged of expertly chiseled stone with its beak unable to open. Stone ridges lined its wings and even down its tail, its great legs and feet also being composed entirely of it while still being segmented enough to move. Anything that was not stone was covered in...I wanted to say a thick layer of moss or vines. Perhaps even a type of fur. And anything that was not covered while still not stone strongly resembled tough and unrefined leather. But it could have been a layer of some kind of fur. The creature that towered over us was clearly not natural. More than likely a golem given life through some ancient ritual. And when it tilted its head to look at us, we saw its eyes. Two circular gaps on its stone face that were filled with a ghostly pale blue that hauntingly resembled the iris of a real eye. But they never blinked. For they could not.

I took immediate note of that pale blue glow to the creature's eyes. It was not a more aggressive orange. The creature was not yet in a hostile state. But Cynder did not know this. With her stance wide and her wings spread, she was prepared for trouble. But I knew this great creature. And how it had simply land beside us with such a crash. It could not help making such a bombastic entrance. Even if able to fly, the colossus before us was immensely heavy. Knowing our guest much better than Cynder, I held out my arms with hands opened as wide as my gauntlets would allow. "It's all right. We're not armed. We don't carry the sword that can pierce you."

The avian golem above us let out a vague and calm call of sorts that sounded like the croon of some bird echoing through a canyon. While it had no mouth, the creature was not mute. Cynder noticed how it appeared to respond to my words and actions. She relaxed her stance while asking, "It understands you?"

"Yeah... I think so. We don't have the means to harm these creatures, so we're not a threat." I replied before I stepped forward with the creature's massive wing shielding us from the sun with the sky so clear. And it was easy for me to forget just how massive each of the colossi are. As I reached out to it, the creature turned and brought its massive head low. Just its head alone was several times my size. If its beak could open, it would easily hold my entire body in it. As it gazed at me curiously with those glowing and unblinking eyes, I reached out and gently dragged my armored palm along its beak. "Avion... This one is Avion."

"Each of the colossi have names?" Cynder asked while starting to draw closer. While she was clearly unnerved about the size and strength of the avian golem towering over us, she at least was beginning to understand Avion was one of the gentler colossi. Avion did not pull away and allowed me to stroke its great stone beak.

"Yeah. And this one is Avion. A fitting name, no?" I replied while trying to show the great winged golem we were not enemies. Avion was clearly not used to having intelligent company. It... Or should I say he? He allowed me to continue to stroke his stroke beak and face. "That's right... We're not enemies. You only wish to soar in peace. At least let us say hello."

"It really is a gentle creature... How many other colossi are like this?" Cynder asked while she stepped closer while Avion directed his unblinking gaze at her. The great bird golem was very curious about my companion, but made no moves towards her.

I paused in thought as I tried to remember the names of the other fifteen colossi. Some of which I just could not recall at all. But I remembered their forms. Some were more hostile than others, but it was hard to say how many were only that way in response to seeing someone with a weapon in hand. "Off the top of my head... I can only think of one that will never attack first. And I'd really like to see him while we're here."

"Then I hope you know where to find it." Cynder replied while stepping around to the other side of Avion. She took particular interest in his feet. They were of a typical bird foot structure, two toes pointing forward and one pointing back. "It's a good thing Avion is docile. It could've snatched you up before we even knew he was there. Those talons are big enough to carry you."

"They are...? Huh... So they are... And that gives me an idea." I replied before a rather impish thought came to mind. There was more than one way to hitch a ride on a bird that big. I looked up into Avion's glowing eyes and asked, "Say... Avion. If you're ready to leave... How about taking me for a ride? If you don't mind."

Avion let out some kind of sound in response and gently pulled his head away from my hands. He took a few steps sideways while keeping his wings fully spread. Every single movement he made was slow and lumbering. With all that weight being carried around, he had been conditioned to be careful in order to not topple over from too much momentum. The laws of physics were clearly in play. And with a slow dive, Avion went right over the edge of the bridge to break out into a glide like a swallow. Even his great sweeping swoop carried such a profound sense of weight as he soared with his wings making some of the slowest flaps I had ever seen a bird make to gain altitude. He was marvelous to observe. Although Cynder then remarked, "His movements feel heavy... Too heavy, especially for a bird. It feels like he shouldn't be able to fly at all."

"Just don't go telling Avion that. Maybe the only reason he can fly at all is specifically no one told him he shouldn't be able to." I retorted with a snicker while I watched that graceful giant climb in height as he made a very long and slow turn to the left with his great shadow being cast over the landscape below. Cynder then pointed out exactly where Avion seemed to be going. "He's coming back around... Are you sure about this? Letting him snatch you up in his talons at full speed?"

I was starting to get a sinking feeling in my gut about the stunt Avion was about to pull off. And I was certain he had never snatched something up in his talons on the run before. Either my request would play out exactly the way I envisioned or I would be waking up very soon. I took a deep breath to ready myself for the inevitable whiplash that was coming. "I mean he is a bird... And they've got some insane precision... You might want to take...I guess...fifty paces back? Don't want him clipping you when he passes."

Cynder was clearly not in favor of my request to the hulking aerial beast coming back around for another pass. But she still put a lot of distance between us. Getting rammed by something that heavy moving at such sped would be like having a small fortress thrown at you. Seeing Avion starting to turn back towards me with his avian feet splayed, I could see he was about to come in for a diving swoop. I turned my back to him, held my arms out to my side, and held my breath. I could even hear him coming.

https://youtu.be/ep8Z16h0Ibs?si=7S74zOhKgr17oieJ

It all happened in an instant. I was not so much rammed as much as I was expertly snatched up and carried off. I opened my eyes as I instantly felt the wind in my face. I was being held in Avion's right foot. His forward toes had curled forward to rest over my shoulder's in a manner similar to the seat restraints on a roller coaster while his rear toe had curled forward against my back and was scooped under me to provide me with something to sit on. I was basically taking an amusement park ride with the restraints and seat provided for me. Feeling nothing but exhilaration, I called out while looking up at the head of my soaring steed. "Nice catch back there, Avion!"

The soaring colossus replied with another ghostly croon as he started to bank to the right. He was soaring towards the plains to the south and began to very slowly circle the great fortress that stood tall in the very middle of the empty lands below. For as fast as he was, Avion felt like he was being held back by his own mass and weight. I know for certain I could fly faster on my armor's own wings, but being carried along in the talons of a benevolent beast carried a thrill with it that soaring on my own power never could. Just the fact that Avion was even capable of flight was a marvel in itself. Although it did not take long for the smaller and swifter Cynder to catch up to us. She soared alongside us and called out to me. "I can't believe this stunt actually worked! Are you hurt?!"

"Nope! I'm good! Avion knew what he's doing!" I laughed while marveling at what a view I had up there as we circled the fortress. I had never seen it from above before. It towered higher than the already astoundingly tall stone bridge reaching to the north. Avion's immensely heavy wings would flap just before he started to turn completely sideways to bank to the right. And I turned entirely on my side as well. Truly an experience akin to a roller coaster.

Avion made two full laps around the fortress while Cynder had no trouble keeping up and mirroring his path. She even seemed to be having as good a time as me while our colossal guide carried me along. Once the second lap was complete, Avion broke out of his path and began to soar north before also starting to drift west. Plenty of rocky hills on the grassy plains. But then the land started to look more barren. And beyond another gorge with a natural rock bridge connecting it to the other side was a series of geysers regularly spewing boiling water high into the air. The ground around them was rocky and bare while a thin veil of steam covered the area. I suspected the steam had even accumulated high in the air since the sunlight had dimmed over us. And there was something large out there. Something even larger than Avion. And I could see it. "Uh oh... You sure this is where you wanna go?"

https://youtu.be/mxckOH3t1wQ?si=PhxwyxoMYLt0RcDB

I could already see the form of something out there below us. Large and quadruped on thick legs resembling stone pillars. And then I saw it. Two more pairs of ghostly unblinking eyes gazing up at us. The eyes of a colossus. Cynder was the first to speak as she said, "Another one?! Looks like...a massive snapping turtle!"

"Now that you mention it... A big cranky armored snapping turtle is exactly how I'd describe Basaran!" I called back while wondering just how well the titanic turtle of a colossus could even see us from down there in the fog. At least until I suddenly remembered that the fact those eyes were lit up in such a way meant that creature could most definitely see us. And in a matter of seconds, those eyes of ghostly blue turned a hot and pale orange. On the creature's chin formed four crackling clusters of yellow lightning, ready to fire. "And if a snapping turtle could shoot lightning at you. Avion! Evasive maneuvers!"

Basaran launched exactly what I described. A rapid barrage of four electric projectiles of what seemed to be lightning compacted into explosive shells. But for as big and lumbering a target Avion was, especially for a bird, he was keen to not let himself get struck by explosive projectiles. He brought his wings inward, almost as if shielding me with them and went into a roll to streamline his form. I soon found the shrouded sky above me instead of Avion for a moment and even got to see those lightning projectiles go flying past us. There was next to no chance of Basaran hitting us from such a distance. Especially with Avion's speed. But why even take us over in that direction? Did Avion and Basaran have some kind of feud going on between them? I never did consider what happens if the colossi ever meet. Maybe Avion is one of the cheekier colossi and likes to mess with the literal tortoise of the bunch for fun. In that case, was Basaran shooting at me? Or at Avion?

Avion had enough sense to not endanger his guests for any longer than one barrage and began to veer away to the north while letting out a defiant avian screech. Basaran still tried to get out one last volley of four lightning shots, but they all went flying past us without landing a hit. Basaran just had no chance of accurately striking a moving target at such range. And he would likely be extra grumpy for the rest of the day. Cynder then looked at me with a cockeyed glance and said, "Well that one was mean! We didn't even do anything! It shot at us on sight! Are you sure the colossi in this land really mean no harm to pacifists?"

"Not all! That was definitely one of the meaner ones. But what do you expect from an armored snapping turtle?" I laughed now that the sky was becoming clear again. Avion even let out another call that sounded more proud than anything. I suspected he occasionally passes by that area just to taunt the irate Basaran. But now that we were heading north, we found ourselves soaring over rocky plateaus with a spider web of canyons running through them. But unlike the many other cliffs and plateaus I had seen, which had been covered in trees and bushes over centuries of undisturbed growth, the plateaus to the northwest of the lands were much more barren. And in a large clearing of those plateaus was a vast dark lake with some kind of raised platform rising out of it. A massive disc of stone and earth resting on a thick podium of stone. It was also on a minor slant, no doubt due to the flow of time. And as we soared overhead, I could see another dark mass of stone and fur resting in the middle. "Another one... Is that Gaius?"

It was unmistakable. Another colossus was beneath us. But this one was motionless. Lying on its back with no sign of its two eyes lit up, this one was in deep slumber. As far as colossi go, it was also rather slender. And below its right elbow was what I could only describe as a stone replica of a straight backsword. An almost knightly colossus. Even Avion was silent as he soared above, making no calls that would rouse the sleeping giant. Cynder drifted a little closer to me while I was carried in Avion 's talons and asked, "That one... It almost looks like it has a sword as part of its arm."

"Yeah... That one is Gaius. He's the only colossus with a build like that. And we should leave him be. If he's sleeping, then let the giant sleep." I replied with even Avion starting to veer away from the canyon lake below us. He soared east, carrying us back to familiar ground as the plateaus made way for the desert spreading below the northern stretch of that great stone bridge. It was hard to say if Avion was being deliberate in where he soared. Was he actively trying to give us a tour of the lands below from a literal bird's-eye view?

The way Avion started to align himself with the bridge while soaring south gave me the impression he was trying to figure out how to land with me in one of his talons. And I doubt he could properly land on one foot. He had never taken anyone for a ride in his foot's clutches before. I then called up to him, "Looking for a place to drop me off? How about you fly pass the fortress ahead and then let me go? It's fine, I've got my own wings here!"

Avion replied with a type of call before continuing to maintain his speed and altitude. Cynder remained close while surveying the desert beneath us. But once we had passed over the fortress at the end of the bridge with a great swath of green fields below us, I heard Avion screech as if trying to confirm if now was the time. I called back to him, "Yeah, let me go! Here is good!"

Cynder looked at me with wide eyes in concern as Avion pulled his foot back. He then brought it forward before his three toes opened as I was gently flung forward. I went falling a short distance before spreading my armor's wings and soaring ahead with Cynder and Avion. I flew up beside the avian colossus and made sure he could get a good look at me without turning his head much. I waved my hand at him and called out, "Thanks for the flight, friend! You have a good one!"

https://youtu.be/VGeLRXanQpM?si=O5gAw6VVAPmkm8Ve

Avion responded with another shrouded cry, but one that sounded almost happy. Cynder and I watched as the great colossus of the sky began to veer away to the right before he gradually circled back around and past the fortress to soar to the east. He was likely just returning to familiar ground to roost for a while. Now that Cynder and I were gliding alone together, she looked over at the distant form of Avion disappearing beyond the towering and verdant cliffs while she said, "I have to say...he made for some good company."

"I think Avion honestly enjoyed having us along for the flight. The colossi must get very lonely out here... Or at least the ones that wouldn't prefer being left alone. Like old cranky Basaran back there." I replied with Cynder even getting a good laugh. I mean who would not expect something strongly resembling an alligator snapping turtle being more than just a little territorial? And we did not even set foot on his turf! Just seeing us soaring overhead was enough to get Basaran angry. Unless he actually had a bone to pick with Avion. Did that soaring colossus have a cheeky side to him? A bird pestering a snapping turtle... I could see a fairytale being written about that dynamic.

Now that we were soaring on our own terms, Cynder and I rose over the great cliffs while I guided us sharply to the east. There were a few canyons carved out of the cliffs to the south of the fortress behind us and I was trying to remember which led where. Cynder followed while staying at my side. But while I tried to trace the canyon below, something came out on the far end of the rocky highland around us. Beyond it was a great grove with thin trees or bushes growing along the walls at the edges. In the middle was a set of four hills that rose up in perfect symmetry. And on sides of the hills facing away were stone archways that served as the entrance to tunnels that went out of sight. I knew where we were.

"Ooh! This is different. Shall we land?" Cynder asked before we did just that. The two of us set ourselves down in the middle of where the four hills met at the bases. But when we turned around, we were greeted with an impressive sight. The path that wove through the rocky earth led out to a mossy cliffside path that went down a great cave wall of sorts. Reaching far out overhead was a natural ceiling with vines hanging down from it. It provided a great deal of shade from the sun, making the air feel noticeably cooler. "That's... Wow, you almost never see rock formations like this. What do you even call a cliff that reaches out like that to form a huge roof overhead?"

"That's a good question... Probably a very obscure term since these formations are so rare." I replied while mildly frustrated over not knowing more about such naturally occurring rocky overhangs. Especially ones so large. But with no reason to approach the only exit to the grove, we turned away with Cynder scampering over to the other side of one hill. I stepped around it to find her peering down the stairwell just beyond the archway. It was dimly lit down there. I then explained, "There's nothing down there. Literally nothing. It'd be a waste of time to head down there."

"Really? Well... I guess time is precious when it comes to our time spent together." Cynder replied while stepping away from the entrance to that underground bunker. She began to walk away while I took a small stone and flung it down the stairs. Just to hear how it would echo. I turned to Cynder and saw her stepping towards a cluster of trees and bushes. Now that we were on the ground, we could get a good look at them.

Cynder appeared to just be stepping into the shade to look at the sky via the humble canopy above. But I took a closer look at the trees. Relatively narrow trunks, think pale bark, and leaves that were almost completely round. And it was not just there. The entire tops of the cliffs bordering the grove were lined with an entire forest of those trees. I rested my hand on the trunk of one and said, "Are these...aspens?"

"I think I know of those... They're such a sight during autumn." Cynder said I stepped over to follow the cliff wall to our left. I took a moment to appreciate the small cluster of trees before me. I seldom get to see aspens in general. Almost like a thinner and shorter cousin of the great sycamores. Only to hear Cynder call out, "Oh! That... Now that is an impressive statue. You think it's for something important?"

I looked over yonder and found something peeking around a bend in the cliff walls bordering the grove. A dead end formed ahead with a massive statue of intricately carved stone resting on a stone floor set in the grass. A massive panel lined with patches of moss and weeds. It had a vaguely equine shape with its head held higher than the rest of it. The statue's head even had a pair of matching stone tassels hanging from its masklike face. But I also saw on each side of its head two perfectly round and empty black eyes spots. Being directly on the sides of the head reinforced the statue's herbivorous inspiration. But those eye spots... I almost chuckled while I looked down at Cynder. "Girl... You should know by now that any big statue you find in this land isn't a statue at all."

She looked up at me with a rather cockeyed glance. Only for Cynder's eyes to go wide while even her wings fanned out a bit. "Then... Uh oh. Another colossus? It won't attack us, will it?"

"Doubt it. If Avion understood we aren't here to cause trouble, this one should too." I replied before I began to approach the dormant colossus before us with Cynder cautiously staying behind me. The creature was utterly still. Probably not quite asleep, but not awake either. But once I drew close enough, those two empty black eye holes were suddenly filled with a familiar ghostly blue glow as those ethereal irises alit. The colossus was awake. And it knew it was not alone.

I froze. And I was left wondering how the creature could even really see us if we were standing directly ahead of it. I only barely noticed one eye light up because of the angle of my approach. I could not see the eyes while directly ahead of the colossus. Did that mean it could not see us either? Apparently so since the great beastly golem turned its head to have its right eye looking at us both. Cynder took a step back with her wings spread wide while I held out my arms to my sides with palms exposed. "Hello! We're not here to fight. We're not armed."

It was now the moment of truth. If the golem before us did not believe my words, it would rise to its feet. Our rather onto the narrow pillars serving as its legs. But the colossus before us remained resting on its stone bed. Ever so slowly, it lowered its massive masked head to bring itself closer to the ground. So close that the tips of its stone tassels touched the grass. Seeing this as a peaceful act, I stepped forward again. And with some caution, I rested my armored hands on the beastly golem's stone face. "That's it... We're not enemies... We can even be friends, if you'd like."

The colossus in my grasp let out some sort of gentle sound. Much like Avion's, its voice was almost ghostly. It did not even have a mouth to speak from, so who could say how it could even vocalize? Cynder, seeing that we were not in danger, began to approach as well. "This one seems even more docile than Avion... Does it have a name?"

"She... Yes, she does. This one is Phaedra." I replied while trying to make sure I stayed within view of the creature's right eye. Her build seemed equine, but with such narrow legs and long neck with no sign of a tail... I started to wonder if Phaedra was actually based on a llama or alpaca instead. But as Cynder began to step around the resting colossus to get a good look at her, I started to notice her looking rather unnerved. I called out softly, "Something wrong?"

"This colossus... Is she all right? I swear it looks like...her ribcage is exposed... Like all her body mass shrank inward to leave half of her skeleton exposed." Cynder replied while stepping backwards. And now that she mentioned it... Cynder did have a point. The way those curved stone shafts curved inward and under Phaedra... I had already seen an exposed ribcage on the likes of Durnehviir and what I was seeing did remind me of such. Even Phaedra's stone hindquarters strongly resembled a creature's pelvic bones if one squinted just right. She looked almost frail and sickly. But surely that was not the case.

I turned my attention back to Phaedra's eye while she gazed down at me. I continued to stroke her stone face with my hands and said softly, "She can't help how she looks. She never asked to be designed this way. So she's as hardy as any colossus."

Phaedra responded to my words by letting out a gentle yet somewhat shrill croon. One that reminded me of the call of a deer or elk. And that was when it hit me. Perhaps she was not based on an equine creature at all. Maybe her form was meant to be more cervine than anything. But now that the gentle giant was awake, I decided to test her. "Say... Now that you're awake... Would you like to go for a stroll? Maybe let us hitch a ride too?"

Phaedra slowly lifted her head from me before turning it in a slow and lumbering manner. Motioning her head in a means that told me she was inviting me to approach her from the rear. A smile spread across my lips as I looked at Cynder and said, "I think she says it's OK. We can climb aboard at the back."

"We get to ride a giant stone horse? Sounds fun." Cynder replied with a whimsical smile before she went trotting along after me. We stood at Phaedra's rear while the glowing pale blue eye of the colossus kept a constant watch over us. There was a stone panel hanging down where a tail might have been that had some footholds. But right as I reached out to high and hoist myself up, I remembered exactly what I was wearing. A full suit of plate armor was nothing to be vaulting around in. Cynder noticed my hesitation and spoke with a smirk while fanning her own wings. "Forgetting something?"

"Oh... Right." I muttered before spreading my armor's wings. With one great flap, Cynder and I flung ourselves upward with a lofty jump. We had no trouble landing atop Phaedra whit a single bound. The watchful colossus did not look away from us or rise to her feet. I assumed she was waiting for us to come forward and climb atop her head for the best view. Cynder and I rather clumsily stepped forward along Phaedra's thickly furred back due to how uneven it was under our feet. It was not a flat surface at all.

Phaedra let out another ghostly elk call as we reached the halfway point up her back. As if she was responding to something. Cynder stopped and lifted a hand before saying, "Wait, did I scratch her or something?"

She and I examined her claws. They were hardly sharp on each hand, but could give a good scratch if needed. But that was when I had an idea. I then looked at Phaedra while she looked back at me and said, "Say... When was the last time someone gave you a good back scratch, old girl?"

Phaedra cocked her head to one side just slightly. She was intelligent enough to understand my words, but still not insightful enough to know what I was referring to. When I looked back at Cynder, she was where things were going and smirked right back at me with her fingers splayed. "Allow me."

Cynder went flat upon Phaedra's back and began to rapidly claw at the thick fur under her in a very feline manner. Scratch scratch scratch she went on Phaedra while the colossus watched in definite confusion. Only for the great golem to let out another cervine call as she began to lift her head high. Her thick neck even swayed a bit while Phaedra even began to roll her stone shoulders a bit. She was clearly enjoying herself. Cynder giggled at the sight of the joyful movements of the colossus, "I think someone's having a good time!"

"Heh! Lemma get in on this!" I replied before getting on my heading up between Phaedra's shoulders and getting down on my knees. I then went to work with my gauntlets' armor fingertips scratching through that thick fur. It was easy to see and hear that Phaedra was having the time of her life. Her entire body began to wiggle in a slow and shifting manner while her head tilted back. She kept letting out ghostly elk calls as Cynder and I went to work giving her the best back scratch ever. "That's a good girl. Is this the spot? How about a little lower? Oh yeah, that's the spot I was looking for."

Phaedra was being very careful to not move around too much and too hard. She did not want to throw us off her. And I was cautious of her eyes. They remained that docile pale blue at all times. I was constantly wondering if they would turn orange. It was not just a color that defined aggression. It was also a sign of the colossus being in pain. If we hurt Phaedra, there would be no earning back her trust.

We kept Phaedra's impromptu spa service going for a few minutes before we decided that was enough. And Phaedra certainly sounded like she appreciated our services. Phaedra lowered her head to let us walk atop the back of her neck to reach the top of her head with ease. Her masklike face provided a semicircular crest at the front of her brow that could double as a safety fence for us. At least while staying low to the ground. Once we were atop Phaedra's head, I dropped to one knee before saying, "Stay low. You have no idea how easy it is to lose balance with even a slight movement when you're riding a colossus like this."

Phaedra made her move before I could even finish speaking. We heard the scraping of stone against stone as the sturdy pillars that served as her legs pressed the tips against the stone panel beneath us. As she body rose, so too did her head. Cynder and I rapidly rose in elevation with my companion speaking with her eyes going wide. "Whoa... Whoa, whoa, this is different!"

We could literally feel the weight and power behind every movement of the creature beneath us. Even the slightest sway carried immense strength with it. And there we stood. Phaedra held her head high while standing on her great narrow legs of stone. And from there she began to take a slow lumbering stroll across the grove. While soaring in the clutches of Avion's talons was one thing, riding high atop a massive cervine golem was an entirely different experience. We were not controlling Phaedra. We were her guests and she was taking us for a ride.

The great beast beneath us took step after rumbling step with slow and deliberate strides. It was no wonder the movements of such a massive beast were so slow. Throwing themselves in one direction too hard would result in all that mass moving with them and throwing them off balance. It makes me wonder how titans like Torch and Blaze are so much quicker. But given the absurd physical might of Equestria's dragons, perhaps they have the strength to match their own weight and mass.

Despite her size and lumbering gait, Phaedra moved with the same serenity and grace of any doe. But Cynder and I still had to keep ourselves low to the ground to not topple over when Phaedra even remotely began to turn. Cynder would peek over the stone crest before us while Phaedra carried us along. "We're not flying...but it's fun to ride high like this."

"I think she's happy to just be able to go for a walk like this. The grove is a nice place to just relax a while." I replied as Phaedra took us under the massive stone overhang at the far edge of the grove. Even as high as we were riding, we could not quite reach the thick clusters of ivy dangling from the mossy ceiling above. But it did create the illusion of being indoors while facing the direction of the walls that bordered the path out of there. I peered over the side of Phaedra's head to see her left eye and called out, "Enjoying yourself, Phaedra?"

The strolling colossus replied with a ghostly elk call as she began to turn around. And Cynder and I had to hold on to make sure we would not roll off the side. Phaedra went waling down the middle of the grove and across the four half hills. We could play a game of hide and seek with Phaedra using the underground tunnels if we wanted to, but our time in those distant lands was finite and we should not spend it all in one place.

Phaedra began to approach her original resting place while we beheld the forest of aspens spreading out atop the cliffs bordering the grove. The cliff walls were much lower compared to most we had seen up to that point, but were still high enough to come up to Phaedra's shoulders. But while we were enjoying ourselves, Cynder began to gaze out at our surroundings with a more melancholy look in her eyes. "It's beautiful here, but...doesn't this grove feel a little...small for something so large?"

I too considered exactly where Phaedra could wander. The grove was large. But so too was the colossus who called that grove home. And there were other such colossi confined to specific areas. A cave or two. An abandoned stone city bordered by high cliffs. A bottomless lake. Very few colossi truly had the means to wander beyond the borders of where they could be found. Especially with having a means to return to familiar ground. And Phaedra was one such creature. Or...was she?

I took a good look at the cliff walls that bordered the furthest edge of the grove near where Phaedra had been resting. While tall, they were not so tall that they towered over her. They only came up to her shoulders. And while the cliffs were covered in dense aspen forests, Phaedra would have not trouble just walking through them. But only if she could climb atop them. Whatever the case, I felt for the majestic creature beneath me. And I wanted to expand her world. "You know what? You're right. So let's do something about it."

With one great flap of my armor's wings, I flung myself off of Phaedra's head and drifted down to the edge of the cliff a short ways ahead of her stone resting spot. Phaedra noticed and let out a soft murmur as she came to a stop and looked at me. Cynder took the hint and also leapt from Phaedra's head to join me at my side. We turned to face the towering colossus while she looked back at us. I then called out, "Phaedra... Wouldn't you like to be able to wander further than this? There's vast plains to the west of here. And beyond rock bridges, there's even more to see. If you can make it up here, we can find a way over there. Would you like to see what else is out there?"

She was tempted. I could tell that Phaedra was interested in my offer. Cynder and I stepped back as Phaedra began to turn towards us with slow lumbering steps. She then stepped even closer with her front legs all but touching the cliff wall. She let out a soft cervine cry, as if doubting her ability to do what needed to be done to leave that grove. Phaedra brought her head down lower to allow me to touch it. I stroked my armored palms across her stone mask of a face as I said, "Come on. Look. We're not that high up. You can make it."

https://youtu.be/V7Ms3geVxKs?si=V8Tu6xjnIew8r\_mn

That was when it happened. Phaedra's ghostly yet calm pale blue eyes. They turned a fiery orange. Cynder and I instantly noticed and stepped back. But Phaedra was not angry. No. She was determined. She was ready to try. I saw her knees bend before Phaedra pushed herself up to stand just on her high legs. The already towering colossus towered over us higher than ever as I and Cynder rapidly stepped back. "Come on, old girl! You can do it!"

Phaedra descended as slowly as she rose. And with a great crash, the tips of her front legs smashed into the cliff before her. She now had two feet already out of the grove. All that was left was for her to find a means to get her hind legs up onto that cliff. Once that was done, she would be out of there. But at the same time, there was a problem. Phaedra was much too heavy. Much like an elephant, every colossus of that size was simply too heavy to jump. Too heavy to even run. Much like a dog trapped in a metal swimming pool, she could not find the leverage needed to pull herself up.

Cynder and I watched from below as Phaedra strained to find the means to climb. She fidgeted and groaned, her ghostly eyes a fiery and defiant orange. As we watched with hope in our hearts, Cynder began to call out to the great beast before us. All while wearing a hopeful smile. "Come on... I know what it means to be trapped and shackled! Rise! Be free!"

Phaedra let out a roar of a ghostly elk as she struggled against her own mass. Desperately trying to bring her lower body up with the rest of her. But as the seconds ticked by... I felt something through my feet. Something in the ground in front of us was starting to give. Realizing what was happening, I looked up in horror at Phaedra. "No..."

With once great crack, the edge of the cliff gave out under the immense pressure of the colossus pressing down atop it. The stone tips of Phaedra's legs pierced the stone and earth beneath her very suddenly, gouging out two gashes in the rock wall as the great cervine golem let out the shriek of an elk in shock. Phaedra instantly lost her balance, tilted to her right...and fell to her side with a thunderous crash.

https://youtu.be/Eay6Hvt8HhM?si=NOHrFtz28KKU7\_jh

Cynder and I froze in horrified disbelief. With our voices caught in our throats, we stepped to the edge of the ravaged cliff and gazed upon the fallen colossus. She did not appear to be harmed. I could see her left eye had regained its more passive pale blue glow. But she was utterly still. Phaedra simply lied there motionless. And after a moment, I heard a truly pathetic cervine whimper come from the fallen colossus. She was wallowing in disappointment and defeat. Even a colossus could still feel sorrow.

She had come so close to scaling that cliff and pulling herself out of the grove for the first time. But physics would not allow Phaedra to leave the grove on her own power. She was simply too heavy. She could not jump. Could not climb. Could not run. As I felt such a bitter sting in my heart, I looked down at Cynder. And as she gazed back up at me, I saw a single tear flow from each eye as she whispered. "It's not fair..."

"No... It's not." I muttered before using my armor's wings to gently drift down towards Phaedra's head. I stood before her and rested a hand on her stone chin while she remained utterly still. The poor creature did not have the heart to even push herself up. And there I stood with Cynder coming to my side. We stayed there with Phaedra in her moment of despair. But when I looked over my shoulder at the cliff...

I could see exactly where Phaedra's legs had torn through the rock and earth. Those hardened tips had gouged out gashes and left the debris in a messy pile beneath them. Almost like...a landslide. Inspiration filled my heart as I took my hand off Phaedra and approached the cliff. "It's not fair...and I'm gonna do something about it."

I heard the creaking of stone and noticed out of the corner of my eye Phaedra starting to lift her head to watch me. My words had caught her attention. Cynder too watched me from Phaedra's side and asked, "What do you have in mind?"

"I'm not sure... I've never done something like this before, but...I've got an idea." I said back to them before turning to face the already scarred cliff wall. I raised my arms and held out my armored hands towards the stone wall and channeled the magic that was contained in each gauntly. Luna's billowing blue aura covered my left arm up to my elbow while Celestia's golden yellow aura did the same with my right. A great swath of the cliff wall before me was coated in the two auras with the blue and yellow overlapping each other. I could practically feel my grasp on the wall. I curled my armored fingers inward to help tighten my focus on the cliff. And with that, I pulled.

It was nothing more than a use of the simple levitation spell. But while being cast with some of the strongest magic Equestria has ever seen. And all I was doing was trying to pull the entire cliff down. The strain on my mind was hard to describe. Like a game of tug of war, but...the pull being in your head? Whatever the case, all I could do was pull and hope that my magical might would cause the wall to break.

Cynder and Phaedra watched in silence while I tried to drag the cliff before me to the ground. My intention was to cause that section of the rock wall to crumble and cause a landslide. That would leave a slope earth that would allow Phaedra to simply walk out of the grove at her leisure. And when I started hearing great cracks and pops coming from the cliff before me, I knew I was making progress. "Come on... Come on, break for me..."

Minutes went by with some very noticeable cracks forming in the cliff before me. My focus remained firm as I continued to pull. And then out of nowhere, it all gave. I suddenly felt my grasp loosen as the entire rock wall in my magical grasp just came loose altogether with loose earth spilling forth over the crumbled rock. It spilled out wide and just...stopped. And there it was. A messy slope of earth had spilled into the grove with numerous uprooted trees and bushes having being dragged down with it. A small price to pay, especially with how verdant the area was already. I then stepped forward to test how stable the earthen slope was. And while all that loose earth and rock was not exactly firm, I still managed to walk to the top of the slope and found that great aspen forest spreading out before me. It was very dense, but a titan like Phaedra would have no trouble with it. I then turned around and looked over at Cynder and Phaedra, the former looking almost joyless with how here wings were spread wide. I called out to them, "Phaedra! Ready to try again?"

Phaedra let out an almost triumphant croon as she began to hastily try and rise to her feet. Or about as hastily as a colossus could. But I was left wondering if she could even get back up after having fallen onto her side. Her legs of narrow stone pillars kept trying to get a foothold into the earth itself, but she did not have the best range of motion. Cynder launched herself upward to hover above Phaedra and called out with hope in her tone. "Come on! You can finally be free! You just need to stand!"

Once again, Phaedra had been faced with a mundane yet arduous challenge. And I was prepared to intervene if necessary. After a moment, Phaedra finally began to make progress. She first moved her front left leg in a manner that forced its tip into the earth for leverage before she began to groan and strain to pull herself up. Using that one leverage point as an anchor, she pulled her heavy body up just enough to start to do the same with her rear left leg as well. And from there, she got herself pulled up enough to finally get right limbs under her and got herself standing tall once again. Cynder even applauded as Phaedra once again stood tall while even letting out a ghostly cervine call in a manner that sounded like she was very proud of herself. All that was left was for the great colossus to step up that new exit to her grove and see what was beyond the aspen forest.

https://youtu.be/bvYmAfGcgF8?si=1YqI8NzuMDAt84LH

I gazed up at Phaedra as she lumbered forward. But before reaching the earthen slope between us, she lowered her head to us with her massive stone face right before me. It was clearly an invitation for me to once again ride atop her head to go and see sights neither of us had seen before. And I all too readily obliged. I launched myself up onto her brow with a flap of my armor's wings while Cynder quickly joined me. We set ourselves low and each held onto the stone crest at the front of Phaedra's head for support while the colossus beneath us raised her head high. It was time to explore. I gently patted the dense fur lining Phaedra's scalp and said, "All right then, old girl. Your move."

Cynder and I were given such an impressive view as Phaedra strode forward with slow lumbering steps. She had no issue climbing the slope of loose earth with that heavy legs piercing and compacting the earth beneath each tip. The slope would always be there now and provide an easy way in and out of her grove. As we rode along atop her, Phaedra remained completely unfazed by the aspen trees blocking her path. More and more were uprooted and toppled as she walked through them. That would leave a clear path to follow for her when she decided it was time to return to familiar ground.

What a view. Riding high above a forest with a gentle giant strolling through it like nothing could stop it. The sun was shining bright high above us and was giving the entire situation a good feel. Cynder and I had little to say while we let Phaedra decide where to go. She soon veered west after leaving her grove with trees constantly being bowled over beneath her. Although I soon noticed that we were gaining altitude. Phaedra was rising along an incline. And after heading north for a short while... We were presented with yet another problem. "Uh oh... I forgot about this."

The great plains to the south of the fortress that marked the middle of the colossi's lands spread out before us. And beneath us. Far beneath us. The cliffs at the south of that central meadow stood far taller than the cliffs at the southern edge of Phaedra's grove. And while I am sure Phaedra was quite the sight standing atop the verdant cliffs from such a height, she had no way to safely descend. And even if she could just fall right off and get back up with minimal harm, there would be no way for her to ever return to her grove. She may have been trapped there for eons, but it was still her home. Phaedra brought her head lower to better survey her options and let out a worrisome croon while she clearly sounded uneasy about trying to continue. Cynder then asked, "This doesn't look like it will work... You think you could cause another landslide?"

"With this much cliffside to pull down?! No way! Even if I could, I'm worried about what kind of damage it might do to the environment here. I can't imagine how much earth I'd have to displace to let Phaedra head down safely." I retorted while also left wondering how to allow for Phaedra to enter a new area without leaving her with no way to return home. Using the levitation spell to cause a landslide was already a very unconventional use for it. And even when using the power of the Princesses of the Dawn and Night, it was remarkably difficult. I just did not have the power to do so on a much grander scale. Only for me to remember someone who may have such power. "Hold on a second... I think I know someone who can help."

While Phaedra continued to loom over the fields below and Cynder gave me a most curious glance, I looked up at the sky. And I called out gentle. "Hey, uh... Luna? Nightmare Moon? I don't wanna be a bother right now, but... You think you could help us out here?"

"Ha! Allow us. This is but a trifling matter." I heard Nightmare Moon laugh somewhere in my head. And in seconds, we were greeted by quite the sight. A sparkling aura of their combined blue magic engulfed the cliffside before us and down its length to the right. We all watched with wide eyes as Phaedra even left out a startled elk call while leaning to her left. And in just one moment, that aura faded to reveal that the landscape along those towering cliff walls had changed. What I can only describe as a natural staircase made of rock and earth had been added onto the cliffs in a manner that looked as if it had always been there. It was even lined with shrubbery and moss. Each step was almost as tall as me, making it challenging for anyone to climb just one. But for a colossus like Phaedra, it was nothing more than a flight of stairs.

Cynder instantly realized what had happened and spoke with a pleasantly surprised tone. "Oh right! The creation goddesses! They're always watching over us, right? That was kind of them."

I heard Luna and Nightmare Moon chuckle in the back of my mind before they fell silent. They were trying to be observers in that lucid dream of mine and should keep their involvement to a minimum. I then lightly patted Phaedra on her scalp and said, "How about that, Phaedra? You think you can make your way down?"

The uneasy colossus beneath us was not so sure at first. She stepped towards the top step and gingerly poked her right leg down at the next step below it. Or as gingerly as a colossus could. She soon firmly planted the tip of her leg onto the step before slowly and carefully bringing the rest of her forward. She started off slow, I mean even more slowly than usual for her kind, but began to gain speed as she gained confidence. Phaedra began to descend the massive rocky staircase with all the grace of a deer while keeping her head lower than usual to bring her center of gravity lower and more stable. When she finally set foot on the plains, we found that the stairs started just to the right of the entrance to the canyon that would have led to her grove in the first place had we gone on foot. Now there was another way for someone to get to the grove.

Phaedra stopped and stared at the fortress ahead of us. When was the last time she had seen it? Or perhaps she was taking in her new surroundings. I leaned over the left side of her head to look down at her eye and said, "Now you have a lot more room to roam. Enjoy it. These lands are breathtaking."

The very happy colossus let out a joyful crooning call while Cynder and I leaped off her to land before Phaedra. The towering golem immediately lowered her head with her great stone tassel even becoming strewn upon the ground. It was as if she was giving us her thanks. And saying goodbye. Cynder and I both rested a hand on her masklike face while my companion said, "You're free now... And it's a big world out there. And you can go home at any time now. I hope you find happiness."

I leaned to my right to let Phaedra look at me with her left eye. She let out a soft croon before I said just as softly, "Take care of yourself... And be careful when crossing the bridges. I'm sure they can hold you, but they are a bit narrow. Be safe... And be happy out there."

Phaedra slowed lifted her head and gazed down upon us before she began to lumber off to the west. She seemed to be taking things in just a bit at a time by strolling along that first meadow. To see her towering form strolling along so gracefully despite her booming thunderous steps... Phaedra was big, but the world was bigger. I smiled as I watched she stroll away and said, "That felt good... I didn't expect I'd ever get to make a colossus happy someday."

"It was such a simple act of kindness too... But it feels good to help others, doesn't it?" Cynder said with a bit of a sigh. She knew what it meant to be shackled and contained. To see one who had once been confined to what could have been interpreted as a prison finally walk free definitely brought her some inner peace. My little friend then turned her gaze up at me and said, "So then... Where to next?"

I crossed my arms for a moment in thought. We had already seen a good chunk of the landscape while soaring along with Avion. But he had mostly taken us along to the north. There was still the south. And to the south...was one slumbering colossus I absolutely had to see while we still had the opportunity. I found a smirk spreading across my lips as I looked down at Cynder. "I have a really good idea of where to start. Come with me."

On our wings we soared. I rose high above the cliffs with Cynder following me. Trying to get a feeling for where we were. While familiar with the general layout of the land we were in, I did not have a map. Gazing out over the cliffs and the forests atop them, I saw what I was looking for. A great span of earth bordered by tall cliffs to the east and west. "Over there."

We soared to the west with Phaedra even passing under us. We passed over another forest filled with gloomy mist and then to a lowland with the occasional rocky crag rising out of the plains. And to the south, there it was. Another desert, but one bordered by natural walls to the east and west with towering mesas dotting it here and there. "This is the spot. He's close."

"Another colossus, right? But then...where? I didn't see anything out there sleeping in the desert." Cynder asked once we landed. We stepped forward with the dry earth beneath us making way for sand. The sand under our feet absorbed the heat of the sun so much more and filled the air with a haze of warmth we had not yet experienced. Perhaps the cliffs to the east and west played a part in air currents not bringing rain to that area very often. Cynder then asked again, "Where is he? I didn't see him... Didn't hear him either..."

"Oh you'll feel him. Maybe if we get just a bit closer..." I replied while leading Cynder south and towards the only sign of architecture at the northern edge of the desert. A single large and round section of stone flooring surrounded by a ring of crumbling pillars. I then explained, "This colossus doesn't have legs. Or wings."

"Then what does... Wait... You feel that?" Cynder started to say as we stepped onto the round platform only to immediately be interrupted by something we both felt. A tremor through our feet. Something was out there. And it was stirring. Cynder, fearing an attack from beneath the desert before us, spread her wings wide and looked around, "Is it angry?! Is it coming for us?!"

https://youtu.be/vWEtbzw5\_SA?si=VXN2Tkv7H\_9ySE3m

"No. Not this one. Just watch." I replied while I starred to grin in anticipation. Several seconds went by. And then, out there in the middle of the desert... Something burst out of the sand and went spiraling into the sky. Cynder's jaw immediately dropped at the gargantuan serpentine creature rising higher and higher into the air while it let out a call like a hiss echoing through a stone tunnel. The great beast left the sand entirely, reaching unfathomably high into the sky as its forward section pulled out of the climb and became more lateral to the desert beneath. With the colossus fully unveiled, I spoke with a smile. "This one...is a very special case. Phalanx."

"It... It's a sand serpent...that flies..." Cynder muttered in awe as the impressively long colossus began to soar over the desert in a graceful manner. Not quite as swiftly as Avion, but still roughly as swiftly as I could probably sprint in my enchanted armored legwear. At the front, middle, and rear of the serpentine golem's underside were a row of bloated and palely glowing sacs. Natural flotation devices that allowed Phalanx to maintain altitude. In that regard, he was not flying so much as he was floating. And aligned with those rows of air sacs at the sides of his long body were two sets of long stone paddles. Six in all, slowly and only slightly moving at any one time. And roughly aligned with those sets of rudders were three adjustable flaps of stone and leathery hide that reached up from the creature's back. They strongly brought to mind the wing rudders on aircraft. Between the air sacs, rudders, and the flaps serving as air brakes, Phalanx was gliding high above us as he slithered through the sky. He by all means should not have been able to fly, yet there he was. Using many factors to carry himself along with such grace as he floated above. And at the front of that long winding body was also a long and narrow head that blurred the line between snake and bird. Elegantly carved from stone with those glowing pale blue eyes forever open. Except there was one on the right side and...two on the other while very close together. A strange design decision... Cynder eventually turned to look at me with eyes filled with disbelief, "I never imagined I'd ever see such a creature... And you said his name is Phalanx?"

I nodded, but then brought an around fist to my chin as my brow furrowed in thought. "Yep. Although I do know another guy called Phalanx... But he's just a pegasus stallion instead of...well...that."

Cynder and I simply observed Phalanx for a moment. Just drifting and floating aimlessly out over the desert. As if he was going out for a flight just to get himself out of the earth for a while. Although Cynder then looked up at me with a smirk and said, "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"

https://youtu.be/g\_EdDe\_G7C0?si=dd1-9HDasCtOMoxV

"You bet. Let's go for a ride. I'm sure he won't mind." I replied as we both spread our wings. The two of us quickly took to the air and went soaring after Phalanx. A sandstorm was starting to brew down there anyway, so we wanted to get away from all of that. Phalanx most definitely saw us coming, but could not hope to outrun us. He did not even make any attempt to veer away from the two tiny creatures came soaring towards him. We landed upon Phalanx at the tip of his tail, which was remarkably broad for a serpentine creature. The great serpentine golem let out an echoing hiss when we landed, no doubt having felt our presence on his body and being unsure of our motives. As he turned far ahead us, I could see Phalanx's pale blue right eye having become a fiery orange. He was alarmed and untrusting of us. Lining the entire length of his backside until just before his long stone head was a layer of that thick colossus fur. Our eyes were directed to the massive flaps of leather and stone at Phalanx's rear rising high above us. I called out to Cynder now that the wind was whistling in our ears, "Keep an eye on these! If they all go flat against him, it means Phalanx is about to dive back into the sand! We gotta bail if that happens!"

"Got it!" Cynder called out as we began to make our way forward while getting such a view of the desert beneath us and just about everything beyond the cliff walls bordering the area. While Cynder had little trouble moving forward with how low to the ground her body was, I had a higher center of gravity and had to constantly readjust my balance atop Phalanx's swaying body. He was not even remotely flat under us with the vague ridge of a spinal column going down the middle of his back. Cynder suddenly paused when I started to topple too far towards Phalanx's middle to the point that I dropped to one knee and take hold of his fur for balance. "Are you all right?!"

"Yeah, I'm OK. It's just... So this is what it's like! How does anyone maintain their footing on something this big?!" I retorted before managing to find my footing after the colossus beneath us straightened himself out after completing a turn. We were just fortunate that Phalanx's body was directing most of the wind resistance right over us. The two of us eventually passed the second air brake flap at the middle. And then eventually the next after stumbling the entire way. Ahead of that third and final towering flap of leathery flesh was one short stretch of fur that was followed by the head of pure stone. There were not real handholds for us to use to get further along. Trying to climb onto Phalanx's head would be risky. And we could not see his eyes from that angel, so we could not discern his emotional state. "We need to find a way to talk to him... Maybe if we perch on the rudders, he'll be able to see us from there?"

"Sounds like a plan. I'll take the left. They look stable enough." Cynder replied before heading over to the left and lunging forward with little hesitation. She looked like she was going to get swept off by the wind, but managed to hook her claws and fingers over the forward edge to keep herself anchored. The rudders lazily rose and descended, leaving them without much motion that could throw her off. But Cynder still got a surprise now that she could see the left side of Phalanx's face. "Wha... Gah! He has two eyes on this side!"

"Yeah, he's weird like that! OK, lemme get over here!" I called back before turning to the forward most stone fin on the right side. It took a moment to gather my courage, but I managed to leap onto it and had to immediately grab the edge to keep myself from getting swept off. My armor's two massive wings, even when folded behind me, created far too much drag. But once I was able to get a good look at the right side of Phalanx's face, I was relieved. His right eye was filled with a pale blue. He was calm. Perhaps he had deduced by then that whatever was running along his back was not a threat since Cynder and I never inflicted pain on him. I gave the gentle sky serpent a smile before waving with my left hand. "Phalanx! Hello! We come in peace! Just a pair of visitors!"

I was able to make out what Cynder was saying despite the wind in our faces. "Yeah! What he said! Where he goes, I follow! We're just coming along for the ride!"

Phalanx let out a more curious wispy hiss instead of one that sounded menacing or imposing. He definitely knew by then that we were not a threat. Now that introductions were complete, I pointed ahead now that we were heading south. "Just so you know... You don't have to stay here over the desert. Why not head over there? Go for a flight around the whole region? Nothing's stopping you."

At my request, Phalanx let out another hiss. But this one sounded like one filled with confidence. As if he was answering my request. He continued to drift south. But instead of turning back towards the desert that served as his home, Phalanx continued to glide south until the hot desert sands beneath him were replaced with verdant green fields. Already feeling a change in the wind, I called out to our host. "How's that feel? Aren't the winds of grassy plains different from a desert breeze?"

The great sky serpent let out a ghostly hiss that carried a pleasant tone. Phalanx had likely never had the presence of mind to see what was beyond the desert he often slumbered in. Now that he had guests, he was taking Cynder and I for a ride along the southern edge of those vast lands. And before long, we were greeted with another grand view of a new environment. Spreading out as far as the eye could see to the south was the ocean. Sparkling with the sun's rays and far beneath a perimeter of steep cliffs, the ocean was all that waited beyond the southern border. And in such a manner where constructing harbors would have been impossible. There was virtually no signs of ancient and withering architecture to be seen.

Even Phalanx new better than to test his luck by soaring out over the open sea. If something went wrong and he fell into the surf, he would sink like a stone and never be seen again. Lost to the dark depths of the sea forever. But he still drifted close enough to let us get an even view of the ocean to the south and the rest of the fields and hills to the north while drifting east along the coastline. Now that Phalanx was being very cooperative, Cynder and I jumped back onto the stone sky serpent behind his head to appreciate more stable footing. My companion peered over the side to look down at the fields below and said, "I don't think I've ever flown with someone else doing the flying for me. It's nice to rest my wings once in a while."

"It's a completely different experience than what Avion provided. There's just something...grander about soaring along like this." I replied while standing tall and feeling the wind in my hair. It was nice to not have to worry about the wind in my eyes in the dream realm. I did not want to have to wear my helmet at all times.

Phalanx seemed to be having a good time as well, even if he did not have much to say while he followed the coastline. A very peaceful creature for sure. The coastline curved further to the left and eventually had Phalanx heading north towards towering cliff walls separating the coastline from the central area around the fortress. Although I am sure Phalanx could just adjust his altitude to float over them, we had already seen enough of that area. But there was one spot of the southern region that caught my eye. And it was a spot that had been in the back of my mind for a while.

A rock formation stood to the west. It had the look of a massive mesa, but I knew it held a secret. And I dearly wanted to share it with Cynder. I rested my hand on my companion's head and said, "We should be getting off soon. Phalanx looks to be heading north and we've already explored that area enough."

"Sounds good to me. Lead on." Cynder replied while having no objections. She was letting me and I was not planning on disappointing her.

I stepped to the left to get a look at the two eyes on the left side of Phalanx's head. It would be best to let him know we were seeing ourselves out. I waved to him and said, "Phalanx! We're really enjoying ourselves, but this is our stop! So we'll just be on our way! You have a good one, all right?!"

The soaring sky serpent let out a hiss of confirmation as he started to rise higher into the air to clear the approaching cliffs. With a flap of our wings, Cynder and I launched ourselves overboard and gently drifted down with our wings spread wide. We turned around upon landing and looked skyward to see Phalanx gradually disappear from sight as his long body rose over the towering cliffs. He was gone, now on his own journey to wander the lands for a while. Cynder then looked up at me with a smile and said, "All these colossi you keep finding keep turning out to be good company."

"Yeah, but not all of them. Don't forget the cranky snapping turtle who shot lightning at us a while ago." I replied with Cynder lifting her head high and letting out quite the laugh. That image would not be fading from our minds anytime soon. I then looked to the west and said, "Anyway... There's something nearby I really want to show you. Something very special."

"This entire region has been something special, but sure. You saving the best for last?" Cynder replied while I broke into a jog. And then a run while she rushed alongside me with the gait of a panther. Between the mesa and the cliffs was a wide gorge lined with fresh green grass. I kept my eyes on the walls of the mesa to the south. There was one specific spot on the northern side I was searching for. And I soon found it. I came to a sliding stop while even Cynder noticed where I was looking. "Oh? There's a path leading in there? Doesn't really look like a cave though."

https://youtu.be/WjbMtyz2\_ig?si=7pTQsm6Pam2Lsj9J

"This is the spot. Come on, it's going to be quite the sight." I replied as i led my friend through the vast crack in the wall. While the light in the path was dim at first, it never became too dark. And we were instantly greeted by the sound of rushing water. A waterfall. The path led out into a vast chamber with where the ceiling disappeared to reveal a clear view of the sky above with all that sunlight shining in. The waterfall we heard was across from us while surely being fed by an underground spring. Aside from the path staying close to the wall on our right, the chamber was filled with a wide gap with a vast waterfall basin below. All the water falling below was likely feeding into an underground river that led to the ocean, although all the mist being generated by the waterfall made it difficult to see the bottom. Cynder looked up at me and said, "This is what you wanted me to see? I mean it is a beautiful sight here..."

"No, not yet. This is just the prelude. Let's keep going." I replied before leading Cynder along the path against the wall. It was no cave. Plenty of grass and moss lined the path while bushes and shrubs were growing out of the rock walls around us. Although we could not look away from the waterfall and how the rays of the sun shone down through the gap in the cave ceiling. The light around us soon dimmed as we entered another natural tunnel. And sunlight was already lighting up our destination just ahead. And when we emerged... Even I was left stunned by the sight before me. "Whoa... I don't remember it looking quite this gorgeous."

A section of the mesa we were inside had be hollowed out to leave a vast oasis exposed to the sky. A blue lake covered most of it with an earthen path leading around the edge of the place before approaching a small island at the far end that held an ancient stone temple standing just one story tall and lined with moss and bushes that I knew served as an entrance to an underground area. The path even sank beneath the lake in a few parts to require one to wade through it. There was even a tall rock island in one corner of the lake that an ambitious swimmer could climb up. And all along the earth edge of the lake stood bushes and entire trees. There were even flowers growing around the edges. If memory serves, they were...I think red poppies? Although the trees were mostly in the shade of the cliff wall nearest us. Cynder, her mouth agape, muttered in awe. "I see why you wanted to show me this place... It's beautiful. Tucked away from the rest of the world... Like a secret..."

"Yeah. This is my favorite place in the entire region. But I don't recall it being quite this pretty last time..." I replied while stunned at just how much prettier that location was when being viewed through my own eyes instead of seeing it through a screen. I rested my hand upon the trunk of one of the trees. They were not like the aspens of Phaedra's grove. While there were a few aspens around there, most of the trees lining the lakeside shore were not. The some were younger and narrower while a few had much thicker and taller trunks with each were lined with a ridged bark. And judging by the leaves that lined their branches, them seemed to be oak trees. I turned my eyes to the far corner of the oasis just behind the temple and saw the source of the lake. Several much narrower waterfalls were feeding into it. Which led me to believe the lake itself was also the source of the waterfall we had just seen. The rock walls surrounding the oasis were lined with moss in several places and were all topped with narrow trees and bushes. For once, we had found a location that felt contained instead of being exposed to the outside world. A sanctuary of sorts.

Cynder and I took a long stroll long the only means to reach the temple on foot. Following the rows of trees before the path was briefly submerged. My armor and its underlying bodysuit kept me dry, but the water came up to Cynder's neck at the deepest part. She let out a quiet gasp as she said, "The water is very cool!"

"Then I guess it's fresh groundwater. And it's not like the lake is getting full exposure to the sun down here." I replied while actually glad it felt like a very warm summer day. I would love to go for a swim if the water was not too chilled. Cynder shook herself a bit to get most of that water off her smooth scaled hide, only to be annoyed when the path once again went under the lake's surface before we reached the temple on the island at the far end of the oasis. There was an entrance leading down a dimly lit hall with sconces lining the walls that surely must have been kept burning for centuries by an unseen magical force. I narrowed my eyes as I pondered about what was beyond that doorway. "Hmmm... We probably shouldn't."

"Why? Is there trouble down there?" Cynder asked with most of the lake's water easily sliding off her body. She did not look like she was ready to go looking for trouble now that we had found an oasis shielded from the rest of the world with only one way in or out. Unless someone could fly, of course.

I looked towards the dark corridor beyond the doorway and said, "I think you know what's down there. Another colossus. And definitely one of the meaner ones. I can't quite remember their name, but imagine a huge leaf-tail gecko made of stone that can launch bursts of poisonous gas at you."

Cynder winced at the mention of poisonous means of attack. "Oh... Never mind then. Best we stay up here... Unless... You think it might come crawling out here to get us? Should we prepare ourselves for a fight?"

"Pfft, I'd like to see it try. But no, it has no idea we're even out here. So let's leave the gecko be." I replied while trying to imagine how such a large creature would even try to squeeze its way out of that temple. It would just cause a cave-in and bury itself.

https://youtu.be/7qHinJ7C2P0?si=9mXkhgwcgLhh-NOl

We stood at the shoreline of that tiny island while surveying the oasis around us. Cynder placed her hand in the water again and did not immediately recoil. Knowing that her species of dragon did not possess the same physiology as the dragons of Equestria, I had to be mindful of Cynder's limits to cold. "Remind me... Is your species of dragon cold-blooded?"

"Not at all. You don't have to worry about me suddenly going into hibernation." Cynder replied with an almost playful tone. She started to step out into the lake with her water soon coming up to her neck. The water was very clear. And the lake was rather shallow. I suspected its deepest sections were less than twenty feet deep. We could even see long fish swimming out in the middle. "There's even fish here..."

"Don't you go trying to catch any for a snack. I don't know the first thing of how to prepare one for grilling." I replied as I recalled what Cynder did to that lizard earlier. She was only playing then, but I could still see her trying to catch a fish to eat it. She was very feline with how she moved at times.

Cynder responded with a smug smirk on her reptilian lips. "Who said I can't stomach raw fish? Besides, I'm not even hungry. But I would like to see if I can keep up with them."

I watched as Cynder left the shallows and began to actually swim. The way she paddled out towards the middle of the lake was much like a cat. But when she went under, I saw her dark violet form move through the water with impressive speed. She appeared to combine the wiggling swimming motion of an iguana with great strokes of her wings to propel herself forward. "Huh... For being something designed for flight, she's pretty good underwater too."

I did not want to let Cynder have all the fun. But I had to get my armor off first. I started looking around for a good spot to shed my armor and soon found one. An indentation in the ground near the temple that would form a puddle next time it rained. I stepped into it, cast the spell needed to let my armor return to a liquid state, and let that liquid metal pool around my feet before I stepped out of it. I was clad in just my boxers like I always am when I go to sleep. I hardly needed to swap them out for trunks.

Once I returned to the water's edge, I could see Cynder darting through the shallow depths while narrow and darker forms darted away from her. She was chasing the fish. But she was hard to make out from up there besides the colors. Realizing what I was missing out on, I looked to the sky. "Say... You two think you could provide me with some goggles?"

"Ha! We can do more than that! Have at it, my friend!" I heard Luna laugh before a flash of magical light appeared in my hand. Dangling from my fingers was a pair of simple swimming goggles. And I noticed there was a flash near my feet. A very large beach towel was now spread out near the shoreline for Cynder and I to relax on once we were finished indulging in a swim.

Once I had those goggles secured firmly over my eyes, I began to march into the lake. And I was immediately stunned by how cool that water was when it engulfed my feet. "Woo... Cynder wasn't kidding."

The longer it took me to get myself submerged, the less pleasant the experience would be. So I decided to get it all out of the way in one go. I got a running start, jumped as far as I could, and cannonballed myself into the deeper end of the shallows. The sensation of that sudden drop in temperature gave me such a rush. I knew my body would adapt to the change in moments, but that initial rush bordered on unpleasant.

And there she was. Cynder darted through the water with those long slippery fish staying just ahead of her. Whether in the air or beneath the waves, Cynder was nothing if not dynamic and graceful in her movements. I would even say she was more elegant underwater with how her liquid environment affected her movements. I found myself chuckling at her quick bursts of speed and twirls. But that just made my breath run out faster. I soon surfaced right as Cynder did with us both taking a breath. Our eyes met while she called out, "Cool enough for you?!"

"Yeah! It is!" I laughed before taking a deep breath and going under again. Cynder came over to me once she went under and with one big sweep of her wings. She came right up in front of me with those beautiful teal eyes and just floated there while I could see a smile at the edges of her mouth curving up. I made a muffled puzzled mumble to inquire what Cynder was up to only for the playful dragoness bring her face forward and touch her snout to my nose. I could not help smirking at her while a delighted giggle purred in her throat. She was happy. And that was all I ever wanted for her.

Cynder then reached out and took hold of my hand with hers. She then propelled herself with a few flaps of her wings to take us out to the middle of the lake where the water was deepest. Even if it was not all that deep. And the rush of that water flowing past me at such speed gave me such a thrill. But I did have to come up for another breath once I was out there. Cynder soon followed and spoke once her head was above surface, "You humans can't hold your breath for all that long, can you?"

"We're not designed for aquatic environments. My species may be greater than the sum of our parts, but water... Yeah, that's probably the one element we struggle with the most." I replied while treading water. My people have found ways to soar the skies and till the earth. But the ocean? We only thrive upon it when the seas allow us to. I am sure most of Equestria's people are just as much at the ocean's mercy as my people are back on Earth.

"That's all right. I'm not designed for water either, but I make due." Cynder replied with a soft smile before diving under again. I followed and saw her wiggling her way through the water iguana style for the moment with her wings just stabilizing her. I went diving deeper to reach the bottom of the lake and even managed to basically take a seat upon it so I could truly look around at my surroundings. From gaze down from above to looking up at the world above... I was almost frustrated I could not stay down there longer when I had to leap straight up from that spot to get another breath.

We stayed in the lake for a good while with Cynder outperforming me at every turn. She would chase the fish and would even hold me from behind to take me for a ride. But we could not stay in the water forever. And it felt good to step out of the lake with that warm summer sun shining down on me. I flopped onto my waiting beach towel and set aside my goggles to do a little sunbathing to warm up.

"Having fun?" A voice asked before Cynder loomed over me while I could only smile back at her. She soon rested beside me, her wings spread wide and kept low to help her soak up some rays. We may not have been at a proper beach, but the sun certainly felt the part. My companion soon said softly, "I'm having a wonderful time with you. As always. Every time we meet, it's always a new adventure. And this one has been the most beautiful yet."

"That's all I've ever wanted for you. I just want you to be happy. Because it's what you deserve." I replied while keeping my eyes closed with my arms crossed under my head. It felt good to let the sun dry me off. And I was sure Cynder would be content to do the same. Until I felt her hand upon my chest. I cracked an eye open and lifted my head just enough to see Cynder now with her head raised next to me. I gazed at her with curious eyes because her hand was not simply on my chest. It was resting over my beating heart.

https://youtu.be/e8VB-\_Vz-qY?si=zyQjKsBlkq4IfZcK

Cynder's gaze softened. Those beautiful eyes were filled with...something. Something precious. And with a smile spread across her stiff lips, she spoke with a whisper. "Mine."

"Yours." I replied while instantly understanding what she was saying. And remembering our prior encounter. Yes. I was hers. Because she was mine. Belonging and owned, but never caged or chained. I then brought a hand to Cynder's face while she all too happily tilted her head to rest the side of her face in my palm. I then whispered back to her, "Mine."

"Yours. Always." Cynder cooed with her eyes never looking away from me with the vast sky behind her head. Like a living shadow being cast over me. My shimmering shadow. And I... I was so tempted to let myself love her. But...did I already? Even after all that happened... Everything that nearly ruined any bond we had. Even knowing she did not truly exist. At least not yet. Would it be wise to let my heart desire one who was not yet truly in my arms?

In those beautiful eyes... There was such serene calm. But I could also see a hint of sorrowful longing. The slightest hint that betrayed Cynder's quiet joy. With my hand cradling her beautiful face, I asked softly. "Is there something you want to tell me?"

Her eyes glanced away as that smile faded. "Heh... Insightful... I... Yes... There's things I want to say... Been wanting to say for a while... Things I'm...not sure you should ever hear."

"Cynder... Please. Tell me. I'm a good listener. Just ask Ember." I replied with a hint of wit. She and Ember had met once before. Dare I say they even became friends during that brief encounter. And she had been witness to vital testimony from the Dragon Lord over our history with each other.

"Ember? What about... Oh... Right. She did say you know how to listen. Even when no one else will." Cynder stammered before a smugger smirk spread across her lips in a show of amusement. But that display of joy began to fade again as she struggled to look me in the eye. "All right... I'll... I'll tell you everything... But...when I do... I won't be able to take it back. Things might never be the same between us ever again. Are you sure about this?"

"It won't change anything between us, Cynder. I forgive you. It's OK now." I said while starting to see exactly where Cynder was going with her words. In hindsight, it was painfully obvious what she wanted to say. But much like Ember, she could not. But for entirely different reasons.

"It's not about that... Just... Please. Before I say anything, promise me that...you... You won't push me away. Don't...punish me for daring... Daring to..." Cynder said while starting to look so pained. So fearful. She had grown so comfortable and at peace with how things were between the two of us. But there was something more. Something she was daring to desire. And I could see what it was plainly.

But I would not be the first to speak. It was her time to talk. And so I said while cradling her face with my other hand resting over hers upon my chest, "Cynder... You are my shimmering shadow. You're mine. And I'm yours. I won't let that change."

She trembled at my words. And with a harsh sigh, Cynder began to speak while keeping her eyes closed. "Something changed that night... The night when I...felt you fade. When I was so certain...that I lost you. When the world went blank and I was...adrift. Then that night in the storm... I thought I was hallucinating. I couldn't believe you were there before me. But when you held me...just like before... I knew you were real. You came back to me when I thought I had lost you forever. It's...as they say. You don't know what you have...until it's gone."

I remembered that night clearly. Following her into a dark forest amidst a rainstorm. Finding my dear friend partially twisted back into the massive form I had first seen her in, but still herself. How we held each other and reconnected... There was so much meaning in that reunion. And when we fled to the sky with my body in her arms as she carried me high into the starry sky... Oh how magical that flight was. The rainstorm having passed and the sky filled with stars. The two of us reunited and ready to face brighter days together. Until...

Cynder's gaze wandered again. Such bitter longing as she thought back to that following night. "I... I was ready to say something precious to you. Something forbidden... Something...that I only barely understood at the time. But right when I was confident enough to try... You said something I wasn't ready to hear. Something I..."

We both became still as our memories of that night returned to the forefront of our minds. And the horrific events of the next time we met. Cynder, her unblinking eyes filled with shame, whispered mournfully. "Ember listened to you... But I did not. I was a fool...because what I heard from you sounded far too good to be true."

"I forgive you." I said again as I dearly tried to not dwell on what happened that night. Finding the will to believe in Cynder again after that was an arduous task that I only barely found the strength to succeed in. She said she would never harm me again. And I wanted to believe her.

The slightest smile curved her lips upward at the edges. But just ever so slightly. "Thank you... And ever since...we returned to each other...and we did not let go... It's always been there. Because it never truly went away. Even when I was still believing my own lies... Even when everything about me was twisted... It was always there. And now...it's still there and untwisted. Even after all this time... Even if I always felt so sure I would never have the right to say it to you..."

She was struggling. Trying to keep it buried while daring to desire something she was so sure was out of reach. Or rather...reach for something she was so sure she had forever lost the right to hold. To my eyes, it was plain as day what she wanted to say. But I could not say it for her. And with my hand still cradling Cynder's face as tears of frustration began to spill with her voice quivering, I spoke gently yet firmly to her. "Cynder... Please. Tell me. Because you're mine and I'm yours."

Cynder's eyes squinted shut with those tears flowing. I pleaded in my heart to hear what I knew was coming. Hoping she would not hide it from me. And finally... With a deep breath and her eyes squinting down at me... A pained whisper that carried a beautiful statement. "I love you."

https://youtu.be/ci9JqMEyyys?si=12CkGKtJW514ZsVN

Somewhere in the back of my mind, I always suspected as much. She had displayed so many little hints of what was truly in her heart. Words and actions alike. Every time she tucked her head under my jaw... An admittedly indecent display of affection for her kind... It was always a subtle act of courtship. And every time she deflected with that sacred statement... I am with you. Every time she said that... It was both an admission and an act of hiding. Dear Cynder... Had she already become so real despite her nonexistent nature?

She was not the only one who had doubted. Or had believed they should not. As I absorbed those words, I gazed up into the weeping eyes of the beautiful shadowy wyrm above me. I too had wondered... Had felt the urge to just...love her. Cynder had proven herself to be a wonderful woman in her own right. One standing on that perfect threshold between woman and beautiful beast. And yet, I restrained my own heart for many reasons. Cynder was not real. Not yet. I had forgiven her, but she had still gravely wronged me. If I loved her, would she have loved me just as much?

My heart conflicted, I continued to cradle my companion's head in my hand while I asked sincerely. "Do you really mean that?"

Cynder looked so pained... And her voice quivered like never before as her tears flowed. "I know I barely understand love, but... I swear that what I just said... It all came from my heart. Been simmering in there for so long. Even when my old life ended and the only world I ever knew ceased to exist... You were always all I ever had... And I came to see...you were all I ever needed. From the moment my old life ended, you were there. Everything I ever did when I was a pawn to my old master meant nothing to you... You always saw me for what even I couldn't see myself as for a long time... Someone who was not a monster... And...I eventually believed you. You taught me to be happy with myself. You taught me how to separate what I was from what I am. You made me happy every time we met... Made me happy to know you... Made me happy to be yours... Made me believe...I could be loved... And I love you for it."

My one and only Cynder was falling apart before me. Coming apart at the seams as she struggled to not break from the weight of what she was carrying in her heart. And I was ready to catch her. I knew what was in my heart. And I asked one last question to be doubly certain of what was in her heart. "You said that your kind mate for life, right?"

After a moment of readying herself to speak, Cynder asked me a sacred question. One filled with meaning. And the way she worded it was so beautiful. "Will you...become my eternity?"

Even my eyes were starting to become warm with tears. And I was ready to remove that one remaining wall keeping my heart away from hers. I started to smile as I said, "Only if you will be my forever, my love..."

The way her eyes went so wide.... Jaws agape as those tears just cascaded so freely down the smooth scales of her face... I could see Cynder could barely believe what she had just heard. And with how her eyes soon squinted shut while she brought her other hand to hold mind to the side of her face... She trembled as her teeth clenched. Even with eyes clamped shut, I whispered one last reaffirming statement to her. "Please... Let me love you."

She collapsed. Cynder let out a raspy sob as she draped herself over me. Clinging to me however she could while she did everything she could to not wail with her head just below my jaw. "Please...! Please love me! As much as you want! Don't ever let me go! I'm yours! Forever!"

"I know... I know, dear... My shimmering shadow... Shhhh... I'm here. It's OK. I love you... Truly." I replied while inhaling sharply to keep my own emotions in check. A trickle of tears flowed from my eyes before I closed them with my face directed to the boundless sky with Cynder resting atop me. She was so scarred, yet all that inner beauty was still there. She had never been a monster. Just a victim. And the wonderful woman behind that beastly visage was now in my arms. And she was mine.

As her weeping softened and her tears began to slow, I heard Cynder whisper to me with a tired voice. "Would they have me? Your mates... Would they accept me?"

"Of course, love... They will gladly accept you into our family. That is...if you believe in them." I replied as I remembered that dark night. And the conversation we all had at the table with tea being shared between three of my most important beloveds. Fluttershy. Novo. Ember. All three had very different experiences and catalysts for finding love with me. But we were still all in it together. And for the first time, Cynder believed. But did she still stand by what she said towards the end of that night?

With my eyes still closed, I heard my beloved speak with a gasping breath. "Yes...! Yes, I believe them. And I believe you... I'll be yours just like they are... And you'll be mine like you are to them..."

"Then it's settled, dear. Welcome... Welcome to the family. I love you." I whispered back while feeling around to rest my hand on the back of my newest beloved's head. Her sobbing and tears finally subsided as she began to process that a great change had occurred. A very good change. One she likely once deemed an impossibility. But now it was very real. She was mine and I was hers. Forever.

"A family... I never knew what it meant to have a family... But from everything I've seen... It appears to be a wonderful thing." Cynder sighed as she began to relax and catch her breath. I no longer felt fresh tears flowing over me while my fingers gently slid over the back of her smooth scaled head.

I whispered in return to her, "Not all are, sad as it is to say. But my family... I want it to be a good one. And it's still growing."

"Then thank you...for welcoming me into yours." Cynder whimpered to me. And there we stayed. Eyes closed, basking in the sun's rays, tucked away from the rest of the world in that beautiful oasis. No longer as friends, but as something much more.

We finally found the strength to open our eyes. Cynder lifted her head, those beautiful teal eyes looking so much rawer after weeping so much. My hand rose to the side of her face again to cradle my beloved's tired face in my palm. I sighed happily as I beheld how much more shadowy she appeared with the bright sky behind her. "You are my one and only... My only shimmering shadow... My only Cynder... I love you."

Cynder visibly clenched her teeth while displaying the toothiest grin she could. Eyes squinted shut, she was out of tears to shed. And she let out a wheezing chuckle before saying, "It's still so hard to believe you're really saying that to me... But I believe you. And I love you. I know...I'm not your one and only bride, but... I'll always be your one and only Cynder... Won't I?"

"Exactly. No one can ever replace you. There's only room in my heart for one Cynder. For one Fluttershy. For one Novo... Just one of each." I replied while being honest with her and with myself. One matter how many wonderful women came into my life and became something more than friends, they would all be unique. And if I lost one, they could never be replaced.

My dream lover brought her head lower and slunk forward to bring the tip of her reptilian snout closer to my face. And I could see what she desired. She wanted to kiss me. Even if we had only done so once in a clumsy display of what was truly in our hearts. I whispered to her with my hand still resting on the back of her head, "Kiss me, love?"

"Gladly. Just...don't mind too much if I'm still not sure how to do this yet." Cynder cooed as she closed her eyes. I narrowed mine as well, but did not quite close them. Her snout lifted just slightly as Cynder pursed her stiff reptilian lips as much as she could. And while our lips were not all that matched, it still felt like a kiss. But it needed more. And almost on instinct, her lips parted enough to allow her tongue to slide out between them.

I closed my eyes as I felt Cynder's tongue meet mine. Our lips still touched, though while parted. If our lips would not suffice for such intimacy, then our tongues would compensate. Hers against mine, gently dancing... It was such a better experience than our first time in clumsily attempting our first kiss. And she mirrored those thoughts when she pulled back to gaze at me with such warmth in those beautiful eyes. "That went better this time... I enjoyed it."

"Again then?" I whispered before Cynder all too happily brought her lips to mine again. Our eyes closed, the two of us relying on touch. Testing how our lips would lock. Then reaching out with our tongues. Over and over, savoring each other. But as our lips touched and tongues danced, I felt her body shifting. Those smooth ventral scales caressing my exposed upper body. And there just below my waist upon my soaked boxers... I could feel Cynder pressing her hips down against me. Her legs straddling my hips as she gently swayed herself atop me. It was too deliberate. And I knew what was hidden between the chink in her ventral scales between her legs. At first opportunity, I looked Cynder in the eyes and asked softly. "Are you trying to tell me something down there?"

Her eyes widened just slightly. Being in love was a new experience for Cynder. And she still had much to learn about the workings of the heart. But while uneasy, she still smiled vaguely while averting her eyes. "I... I want you. Only you. My kind mate for life. And to mate means to..."

"You're ready for that? To...give yourself to me?" I replied while remembering what a big part of Cynder's response to the revelation of my practice in polygamy was fueled by. She very nearly ended up being used as a breeding slave by her old master when she was forced to watch from within her own mind as her body gleefully welcomed it. After coming so close to her life being filled with routine acts of rape, would she really ever be able to see the act of intimacy without being reminded of what nearly happened to her? Trying to not directly reference those dark times, I asked softly before Cynder could give an answer. "You sure you're ready to...have a man inside you?"

"Only if he's you. Claim me, my love... So I know my body will only ever belong to you." Cynder cooed as she gazed down upon me with my hand once again cradling the side of her face. I think she knew what I in was implying. And that memory was definitely there in the back of her mind. I think...she was actively trying to defy those dark memories. To permanently invalid them by making it so her fears of what might once have happened to her would always be nonsense.

After all, if she was forever mine, she would never be his.

"I'm in season, my love. Now would be the best time for us...to be forever belonging to each other. I mean...do you want me?" Cynder replied as she adjust her hands to place them upon my chest. As she rose higher above me, I rested my hands over hers and their wrists. My beloved stood tall with the sky behind her. She smiled tenderly, eyes lidded, and with her magnificent wings spread. "Do I...entice you?"

I was no stranger to finding womanly beauty in females of species that are not my own. Although Cynder was more bestial than most. Her form was beastly, but she had the mind and voice of a woman. A rare example of a dragoness who stood right on that precious threshold between woman and beautiful beast. Her dark violet and rosy red hues contrasted each other so beautifully. Those majestic wings... Perhaps even moreso than Ember's. Those shimmering teal eyes being such a soothing cool color... Even the white sigils on her body and the white horns and spines contrasting her dark colors... She was beautiful. Elegant too. Her slender body carrying an almost feline build... She was beastly. And she was beautiful. And I wanted her. "You do. Very."

https://youtu.be/m54SmVsQqgc?si=8bIRfQp0dyr5UbYR

"Then let me be yours, my love. Forever. So no one else will ever have me." Cynder cooed with a much more confident smirk on her lips. She knew so little about what we were doing, but I could see she was following her heart. When in doubt during intimacy, let the heart guide the rest of you. She once again lowered herself to drape across my body. My hands held her head as her snout once again reached my lips. We were ready as we reassured each other with a kiss, a growing bulge pressing up through my boxers.

Or so I thought I was ready. Until I considered what was between Cynder's legs. She was a dragon. A reptile. And while my beloved Ember is also a dragon, I had to remind myself that her biology differs significantly from Cynder's species thanks to the unconventional influence of magic in the world of Equestria. And Cynder sensed my unease as my attempts to kiss her floundered in the face of my thoughts. She gazed down at me and asked, "What's wrong? You feel...troubled."

I had to be honest with her. I was treading unfamiliar territory. My gaze wandered slightly while I replied, "Oh sorry. It's just that... Well... It's got nothing to do with us not being the same species. It's just... I know enough about reptiles to know what a cloaca does. It...has more than one use."

Cynder's eyes widened at my words. It was an unfortunate thing to mention, but it needed to be considered. With Ember's species of dragon, they rarely have to worry about waste even reaching the far end of their digestive systems. Anything they eat is incinerated in their stomachs thanks to it containing the source of their flame breath. The charred remains of food accumulates there more often than not, resulting in them having to belch it back out as a plume of fine smoke and ash. So it is very rare that anything makes it far down enough to...come out the other end. But Cynder's race of dragons... They have no such fiery means of digesting their meals. Cynder's flame breath was entirely magical. Which raised the question if the act of mating between us carried any risk for myself.

The way Cynder turned her head slightly told me she was turning her attention backwards. Her thoughts going towards her own reptilian nethers. Where no man had ever touched her. But her gaze softened while she directed those beautiful eyes back down at me. "I see why you're concerned. But don't be. I wouldn't...do this with you if I was unclean. In fact...we're both very unfamiliar with each other's body. Shall we...explore each other?"

"That sounds wise. Let's get to know each other a little more." I replied with growing confidence in my heart. Cynder then began to turn herself sideways as she sidestepped her lower body to bring it closer to me. She remained draped across my chest while curling her lower body towards me. She even placed her tail under the back of my head to prop it up. My hand slid down her narrow back to caress those sturdy scales. My touch brought my beloved joy as she sighed at my palm's caress. She could feel the difference in how I was touching her. It was not the gentle and calming stroke of a friend. It was the meaningful and explorative caress of a lover. The way my palm and fingers slid over her hips and the robust base of her tail, how my fingers slid over her haunches. And finally when my hand cradled the base of her tail from below. She sighed while fully giving herself to me. I asked softly, "Comfortable?"

"Yes... I love you. I believe in you... Do what you will. I know I'm in good hands." Cynder said while I saw her look at me out of the corner of her eye. My fingers slid further under to meet her rosy red ventral scales. And right where two met at the point where her tail and torso became one, those two ventral scales parted with just the right kind of prodding. I felt warm and moist flesh. And with how Cynder suddenly threw her head back and gasped while her wings flared out more, I knew what I had found. She was feeling the caress of a man's touch within her cloaca for the first time. And my nose soon began to notice a new scent. I carefully considered what my nose was picking up. But to my surprise, I did not notice anything that made me concerned. There was no lingering stench of filth on the air. Only the musky scent of a reptilian female in need.

I continued to gently pleasure my beloved for the first time, testing the waters. I began to ponder why I was not smelling any concerning odors. Given how pre-ejaculate fluid in mammals is meant to neutralize any lingering bacteria left behind by urine, perhaps the genitalia of reptiles has a similar function. A secretion that destroys anything left behind by solid and liquid waste? Whatever the case, I quickly found my concerns being put to rest. The only scent I was noticing was one I was familiar with. A nearly identical scent given off by my beloved Ember during our moments of intimacy. And that scent... It was indeed alluring. "I want you, my love..."

"Then... Oh my god, your touch... Is this how they all feel you? So gentle... Never forceful... Oh how your brides must cherish you..." Cynder gasped with my fingers buried within her. That musky invitation as she threw her head back. She was beautiful. A beastly maiden with the heart of a wonderful woman. And my body was anticipating our first intimate act.

"Had enough? Are you ready to explore me now?" I asked while feeling my fingers slick with Cynder's juices. I did not want to overstimulate her too much. Not yet.

"Yes... Now...let's see what you've always been hiding under this." Cynder replied as she rose to her feet. Her hips rose as she stood up, her tail hiking up to provide me with a good view of the delicate cloaca with scales still parted. Her inner flesh was nearly indistinguishable from the rosy red ventral scales bordering it. And seeing what awaited me sent a twinge of excitement through my body and through the shaft that was now erect and hidden inside my boxers. I pushed myself up to rest on my elbows to get a good look at Cynder once she was resting between my legs. An inquisitive and meaningful smile spread across her lips. "I think something here wants to see me."

Cynder hooked her claws over the waistband of my boxers before giving them a slow and methodical pull downward. And sure enough, my shaft sprung out at full mast. My beloved's response was about what I had been expecting, given Ember's initial reaction when she saw me bare for the first time. Her eyes went wide while her smile flattened. I could see those big teal irises glance up and down as she examined my length, the patch of dark pubic hair just above it, and the two delicate orbs just beneath it. It was understandable that she would be taken aback. The males of her species had all their equipment safely tucked away behind layers of thick scales. Trying to not laugh at her prolonged silence, I then said, "It's OK if it's all a bit much. Ember also didn't know what to think when she saw all of me like this for first time too."

"No, no! It's just... I didn't know what to expect. Now I see why you always keep yourself covered down here. You look so...exposed. Delicate. Like even the lightest blow could just..." Cynder retorted promptly before she began to see just how fragile I was below the waist. She gently rubbed her snout up along the length of my shaft, sending a pleasant shiver up my spine. She gently lifted my two orbs on the backs of her beastly hands to feel the weight of all their precious contents. She then looked ahead at me with a sincere warmth in her eyes. "I promised I would never hurt you ever again. And I'll always be gentle with you when you're so exposed."

"Thank you, love. Yeah, those two there... They are very easy to damage. Be careful with them." I replied while Cynder continued to familiarize herself with the most delicate parts of the body of her man. Caressing my orbs while being mindful of her claws. Rubbing her snout along my stiff shaft. And finally caressing my length with her tongue. "Ooh... You're good at this."

"I'll just listening to my heart... I have no idea what I'm doing, but... This feels right." Cynder cooed as we basked there in the beautiful oasis around us. Nothing broke the silence except for the constant splashing of the tiny waterfalls feeding into the lake around us. A special kind of paradise, perfect for two lovers looking to get away from prying eyes and consummating their love for each other Cynder nuzzled my length, dragging her tongue along the length of my shaft and even my two delicate orbs. "You're beautiful... So delicate, yet...so masculine... I want this inside me."

"Then come on up, love. I'm ready for you." I said softly while Cynder lifted her head to gaze upon me with those hazy eyes. She was so in love. And so deeply in need. My beloved dream dragoness now knew what love and lust are. And as she rose and stepped forward to place herself above me, I whispered to her. "Just be gentle... Humans and reptiles were never designed for each other."

"Love finds a way, doesn't it?" Cynder softly said with unexpected wisdom. It did not matter to us what we were. Only who we were. And we were friends who were finally becoming something more. As she aligned her hips with mine while gazing backwards, Cynder then asked, "Tell me... Am I the first dragoness you've ever mated with?"

"Actually... You are. Ember's not ready yet. So...I don't know what it's like to feel myself buried deep inside a reptilian woman." I replied whole hoping Ember would not be too bothered by the fact Cynder would have beaten her to that punch. Unless it happening in a dream renders the event moot.

That glance she gave me as I felt Cynder bring her hips down, that gap in her ventral scales reaching the tip of my shaft. She looked smug and proud. "Then I'm honored to be your first. Let's find out...what it means to love as man and dragoness."

I felt a familiar warm and wet warmth engulf my length as Cynder brought her hips down slowly. Lower and lower until her smooth ventral scales were draped across my torso. She gasped and groaned, head rising high as she took me all the way to the hilt. I breathed a harsh sigh as I felt my entire length engulfed by the inner depths of a reptilian woman for the first time. And it was...wonderful. Different, but pleasurable. We may not have been designed for each other, but it did not matter. I was buried deep in Cynder like any man inside his woman. "You feel...perfect..."

"So...big... I... I didn't know what to expect... Oh my..." Cynder gasped as I ran my hands over her shoulders. Those beautiful rosy red wings were flared wide. Especially when she began to follow her instincts and properly mate with me for the first time. Lifting her hips just enough to bring the tip of my shaft to her entrance before lowering and taking me completely back into her. I was pinned under her, allowing Cynder to do all the work. It was her first time knowing intimacy. And she was learning through experience. The act of mating... Of breeding... It was wired into her instincts.

I allowed my beloved to carry out our act of intimacy on her terms. And while I felt her inner depths, she continued to raise and lower her hips while my hands slid over them. Down over her haunches and back up to her reptilian hips. Such a slender and sleek creature, almost feline in build while thoroughly reptilian. And she felt lovely around my shaft. The moist warmth... Similar yet different to every other species of woman I had been given the honor of making love to. Cynder soon gazed down at me with eyes filled with a powerful want as she whispered, "Oh yes... My love... Take me. Claim me forever... Breed me, if you can..."

Breed... My eyes widened. Did Cynder want more than just me? Did she also want something from me? "Breed you?"

She giggled while I was still given a wonderful view of the beautiful creature above me making tender love to me. "I did say... I am in season. What is the point of mating if not to breed?"

It was easy to forget that for all her intelligence and beauty, Cynder was not like most women. She was also beastly. Yet still a woman. Or rather...standing right on the threshold between the two. A rare trait that I could only ever hope to see in the truest archetype of a dragon. And there was such sincerity in her voice... I asked with my hands on her hips, "You...would make me a father of dragons?"

"I would... But is it even possible? Man and dragon? Can we even have offspring together?" Cynder replied while maintaining a steady rhythm with the raising and lowering of her hips. But she still smiled with a hopeful gleam in her beautiful eyes. "But if we can... I would want my whelps to be yours."

I could not say no. To be a father of precious dragon children... It has been a desire I have held for far too long. To see my beautiful beloved there above me with my shaft buried deep inside her... Knowing she was at her most fertile and ready to carry her first clutch... I brought my hands to Cynder's shoulders and said something she needed to hear. "You would...give my daughter dragon brothers and sisters?"

"That's right... You are a father, aren't you?" Cynder said sweetly with such a loving inflection in her voice. She knew I had already fathered a child. A beautiful little filly. And she placed a kiss between my eyes before saying, "Then you know... You know what it means to create life with one you love. Will you...let me experience that miracle with you?"

That was all I needed to hear. Passion igniting in me heart as I held Cynder at the middle of her back, I whispered with need in my voice. "Make me a father, my love. To your little ones."

"Oh James... Oh my love... Yes... Just...let it happen... If I carry your clutch, then I'll bear your legacy!" Cynder whispered before she groaned with desire. She looked so majestic as she danced above me, hips rising and lowering while her upper body swayed with those glorious wings spread wide. Woman and beautiful beast all contained in one sleek and sensual package. A beautiful female answering the breeding urge within her. Was it even possible for a dreamer and dream to create children together in a realm of nonexistence? Whether or not it is, we did not care. We were ready to roll the dice and see what happens.

I did not completely allow my passion to take command. Even as I felt the feeling of Cynder's inner walls and the sight of her majestic form above me drive my lust on, I spoke loving words to her. Both as a question and as a means to tease her heart. "Will you really bear my little ones, dear?"

"Only...if they're yours... If it happens... I'll face it together with you... Like we always have. The future doesn't scare me anymore... Not when I have you." Cynder cooed and gasped while continuing to lead us in that dance of love and life. I think she knew she was not actually ready for the role of motherhood. But when we have each other... Any challenge seemed less daunting.

Thoughts raced through my head as the two of us made love. What would our children look like? Would they be tiny? Small enough for me to cradle one in my hand fresh out of the egg? To hold an entire armful of dragon hatchlings who knew who their father is... Those thoughts ignited my passion even hotter. To cradle those dragon children in my arms all at once, knowing that human blood flows through their veins... I wanted to see it become a reality.

It was Cynder's first time. Her motivations were simple and primal, but intense. For being knew to the act of intimacy, Cynder was doing an excellent job in pleasuring me when the scope of the situation was so small. Her form titillated my eyes as much as her inner walls pleasured my shaft. And so we lost ourselves in just the sheer pleasure and love of it all. Until I felt my loins tensing up. My seed was nearly ready to be delivered into my reptilian lover. And so I looked up into my beloved's teal eyes and said, "Cynder... I'm almost..."

"I feel it too, my love... Something...coming..." Cynder whimpered as she began to more rapidly raise and lower her hips, her cloaca squeezing my shaft. She gazed down into my eyes and whispered desperately, "Give me your child... Your whelps... Your clutch...!"

We held each other. We kissed. And we groaned in release. Cynder quivered as she pressed her hips down firmly against me with my shaft buried in her to the hilt. As her cloaca quivered nd convulsed, my shaft finally erupted. Spurt after spurt of human seed flowed into her, reaching her reptilian womb. Maybe...just maybe sowing the seeds of new life. And as the intensity of our climax began to fade into a wonderful warm afterglow, I sighed and closed my eyes in realization. I had just made love to a dragon for the first time. A dream quite literally come true. As Cynder rested her head at the top of my chest, I whispered to her with my hand resting between her shoulders. "Now I know... Dragons make for wonderful lovers."

"And now I'm truly yours... And you are mine. Forever. No one else will ever have me. My heart will always belong to you. And I know...it will always be safe with you. Just like theirs." Cynder cooed to me with a strong sense of finality to her words. I remembered. She stated her species mate for life. For eternity. And it soothed my heart knowing that Cynder would always have a home with me now. It was what she deserved. To be loved and to belong.

And so we stayed there for a while longer. Basking in the warm summer sun and our own afterglow. Out there in the middle of nowhere hidden away in that beautiful oasis. I remained hilted to my beloved to insure not a drop of my precious seed escaped her inner walls. Deep in my heart, hoping that our efforts would bear fruit. If only for a moment. But the bewitching haze of the afterglow did begin to clear. And I suddenly began to wonder about what we had just done.

Cynder said she was in season. Perhaps the only reason she even began to give herself to me was out of a primal urge to breed now that the opportunity was there. Do base animals even mate for pleasure? With my hand still caressing her head, Cynder's jaw resting atop my chest, I asked sincerely. "Dear... Just now... Did you really mean all that? To...have my children?"

Her eyes widened in response to my words. As if even she was so lost in the moment that she had not truly considered the ramifications of our actions. But Cynder still smiled at me. Albeit sheepishly. "I my heart of hearts... Yes. I... I would be honored to bear your clutch. And if I could be the first dragoness ever to mother your children, then... That's a special kind of honor, isn't it?"

"Cynder... My love. Be real with me here. I know you're still young. Still got a lot to learn about life. Are you sure you're actually ready for this?" I asked again while feeling more concern about her state of mind at the time. I relished the thought of fathering precious dragon children, even with Cynder, but I had many doubts about how ready she was to embark on that journey. Parenthood is not a task to attempt on a whim.

My beloved's gaze wandered while she let out a long sigh. "My heart says yes... But the rest of me... No. I know I'm not ready. But... If it happens..."

Those teal eyes looked directly at me again as the dream dragoness atop me said, "If I do end up carrying your clutch... I'll do my best. Because they'll be yours. I won't run from this. And...you'll be there with us, right?"

I sighed in admiration and uncertainty. Cynder truly was fearless when it came to the consequences of our intimacy. But I knew better. She did not even technically exist at that time. She was not a physical creature with her own genetic code flowing through her veins. Which meant... How could the two of us ever reproduce? As dearly as I hoped to father dragon children eventually, was it even possible with her at the time?

Cynder could never know of that, of course. But even if she did exist in the real world, the chances would be low regardless. And I decided to enlighten her with a reassuring smile. "That's a lovely thing to say, dear. And you better believe I'd be there with you and our little ones. I already know what it means to be a dad. But...I'm sorry to say the odds aren't in our favor. Even in the world of Equestria, humans only have a 10% success rate when it comes to crossbreeding with other creatures. Most of them, at least. Even all the magic in the world can only do so much to fight genetics."

The beautiful creature atop me began to look disheartened. Only for her eyes to be filled with confusion. "Huh? Genetics? What's that? Does it have something to do with...our blood?"

Given that the world she came from was akin to many a fantasy novel where the field of science was in its infancy, it was no wonder Cynder had only a bare minimum understanding of genetics. And I was not the right person to explain it to her. "Basically... I mean your blood does contain your genes. And when...breeding, the male's sperm is full of his DNA. Which contains his genes. And when it successfully merges with the female's egg, which contains her genetic material, the resulting offspring is created from a fusion of both of their genes... And I feel like I've already lost you."

"Yeah. You did. DNA? What...? Ugh, no matter... But judging by what you say... I hope our hatchlings will have your eyes. Or some of them, at least." Cynder replied as her voice soon softened. Even if she was not ready to be a mother, the desire was there in her heart. As it was in mine. Even if they came well before the time was right, we would love those little ones. If it was even possible. Although Cynder then said with a more somber tone, "But I get it. Human and dragon. Reptile and mammal. It would take a miracle for your blood and mine to accept each other in my womb..."

"Don't worry, love. In my world, they studied it thoroughly. 10%. That's the chance we have. If it doesn't work this time, there's always next time." I explained with hope in my heart. Sure, it was most likely entirely impossible so long as Cynder remained confined to my dreams. But once she made that jump to reality, she would likely be bound to the same chances as nearly every other specie in the world.

Cynder chuckled lightly before saying, "Then maybe we should be grateful the chances are so low. Just in case we're not ready yet. But...even so... I hope we can do this again next time I'm in season. You were...wonderful to me. Everything I hoped you'd be when I'm at my most vulnerable."

There was something about her words that caught my attention. Waiting until she was in season again before making love to each other? Do her kind only mate when she is ready to breed? What a shame. For as mesmerizing Cynder is as a dragon right on that threshold between woman and beast, she definitely was more in tune with her bestial side than womanly side in some regards. But that was fine. Sex is not the only thing to strive for in life. I instead focused on Cynder's words and whispered, "I'm glad I didn't disappoint. You deserve a good man."

"And I think I found the best I could hope for." Cynder giggled before bringing her lips to mine for the best kiss our mismatched lips could muster. She then looked down at me and asked, "So then... Rested enough? I'd be happy to linger here in the oasis a while longer, if you'd like."

"I think we can go for one more swim. After that... There is one more place I'd like to show you. I'm not sure how much longer we have until this world rejects us, so I'd hate to not get to show you that spot." I replied while wondering exactly how much time the two of us still had for the night. I felt no trembling in the air yet.

"A swim sounds great, really. Just let me... Oh... Oooooh my..." Cynder replied before straddling me with all four limbs and beginning to lift herself off of me. Slowly. I inhaled deeply as I felt her slick cloaca releasing my length from its grip. I could see my fully spent shaft withdraw from her and flop to the side in flaccid form. A few drops of our combined fluids dripped from the gap in Cynder's ventral scales, her cloaca still fully exposed for the moment. My beloved tried to look back under herself with her tail arching up before she muttered with a harsh sigh, "Can't wait for next time... You made me feel so...loved. So wanted."

"And I do want you, dear. Just like all of them. I love you." I replied before cupping her chin and kissing her one last time. I watched with a smirk as Cynder began to stumble towards the lake. Her stance was unusually wide and her gait unsteady as a result of it. I muttered to myself, "Dang... Did I really give her that good of a time? Even when she did most of the work?"

https://youtu.be/C3kkoSOFy98?si=u0GHWaeB3AG7XS7j

Cynder was much better off once she went under the water's surface. Swimming as swiftly as any eel. I too went back in one last time, but mostly as a means to wash myself off before putting my armor back on. After adjusting my goggles to dive, I was greeted with a silly sight. Cynder was actively chasing the fish in there. Long fish that were quite fast themselves. And Cynder kept pace without trouble. Much like a snake. Perhaps my suspicions of dragons in European folklore being an amalgamation of cats, bats, and snakes was more accurate than most would suspect.

I left my goggles on the beach towel once we stepped out of the lake. Cynder's gait had returned to normal by then, showing exactly how much a swim in a cool lake did for her. But with how wet me and my boxers were, I needed a quick and easy way to dry myself off. And I had a good idea of how to do that. I went over to the puddle that held my armor's liquid form, but dropped to one knee and reached into it with my right hand instead of stepping into it. "Hang on a minute. I just need my right gauntlet for a minute."

My beloved gave me such a cockeyed stare once I stood up with the liquid metal having only hardened into whatever part of my armor ends at my elbow My gauntlet and its vambrace had been assembled and nothing else. Cynder then said with her head tilting sideways, "Now that's a weird look for you. Just about naked, but with solid armor on just one arm."

"Just for a minute! I wanna get myself dry first. I've never tried wearing my armor while wet under it and I'm pretty sure that'll chafe like hell. I've got horror stories of what wearing wet swimming trunks for too long did to my inner thighs." I replied while Cynder winced at my words. I know her scales would likely prevent chafing in general, but it still sounded unpleasant. I then focused to shroud my right arm in Celestia's golden yellow aura. "Now then... How did Celestia do that?"

My assumption was that Celestia utilized her fire magic to generate heat without producing an open flame. So I tried that. Focusing on creating fire through my right hand while not quite focusing enough to do so. I felt that warmth all around me. Like standing in a desert. Hot, but not so uncomfortable thanks to being covered in water. It was even soothing. I kept an eye on myself as the countless water droplets on me disappeared. And the pair of boxers around my pelvis started to feel much lighter. Cynder even stepped closer to bask in that warmth and get herself dried off as well. As soon as I felt the last bit of moisture disappear from my body, I allowed the warm glow to fade. "There we go. Easy enough. Now for the rest of it."

I stepped into the puddle right then and allowed my armor to creep up over my body before solidifying into its majestic complete form. When I glanced down at Cynder she widened her stance and spread her wings. "I'm ready when you are. But if we ever come back, we need to visit this oasis again. I see why it's your favorite place in this area."

"That we will. In any case, let's fly." I replied before we both took to the sky. Rising above the mesa the oasis had been carved out of and soaring north towards the middle of those vast lands. We even got a look at the distant and winding form of Phalanx as he continued to glide to the northwest. But for the moment, my eyes were on the fortress at the very middle of those hidden lands. Our final destination.

I led with Cynder following as we drifted to the right to circle the fortress halfway around. I led my beloved to the northern edge and landed upon the bridge right where it connected to the fortress itself and even noticed the towering form of Phaedra further north as she strode through the vast desert that spanned the northern reaches of that empty land. "Huh! Phaedra managed to cross the earthen bridges after all. There aren't many places in this region she can't reach now."

Cynder leaned over the side of the bridge to get a better look past it. "So she did. And I'm sure she's grateful. She looks so majestic standing tall, strolling wherever she wants. She's free now... Or about as free as she can be, right?"

"Yeah. The colossi have no place beyond these lands. But they have all they need out here anyway. As for us... Our destination is right this way." I replied before turning towards the fortress behind us. The bridge led to a section that clearly served as a door, but that was not what we were looking for. I instead turned and led my companion up a great stone ramp that led us higher as it circled around the fortress' lofty heights. All while giving us an impressive view to our left. I was hoping we could make out Avion somewhere out there one last time, but the great eagle golem was nowhere to be seen. Most likely roosting where he considered home to be.

The ramp came to an end right at the eastern side of the fortress while we were greeted a stone archway. And upon stepping through it, we were greeted by a serene sight. A courtyard of sorts set into the roof of the fortress. Even if it was not quite the highest point. There was still more above us, such as a vast room to the north that featured a massive circular hole that provided a steep drop back into the fortress' interior along with more towering structures atop it that we would never be able to climb, but we had reached the peak regardless. Trees that bore fruit stood to the western side of the courtyard with a shallow moat set in a square formation running through the courtyard that had small solid bridges reaching out in the four cardinal directions. Cynder gazed up as she said, "Well now... I see why you saved this for last. It feels like a real sanctuary in here. Where literally no one will find us."

"With that door closed, the only way to get up here without flight would be to scale the fortress using stretches of ivy and whatever footholds you can grab onto. And if you slip... That's it. There's no surviving that fall. And it's unlikely anyone will be heading into this place with the bridge. So yeah... This place is all ours now." I explained before setting my sights on the trees ahead. A good place to rest. Especially now that I felt the first tremors of my mind starting to awaken.

"Did you feel that...?" Cynder asked as she followed, the two of us strolling across the eastern bridge to cross the grassing middle section of the courtyard. It was not even solid stone under our feet that had become encrusted with weeds and grass. It was solid soil beneath us. A garden of sorts. Cynder then said again while I hesitated to look at her, "It felt like the air...quivered. Not like something loud, but...I can't explain it."

I remembered when our previous encounter ended. Cynder could actually see the walls of white closing in on us from across the horizon. Something that she had previously not been able to notice. Now she was displaying awareness of even more subtle phenomenon that came with my dreaming mind about to awaken. I had to choose my words carefully. The lie was starting to unravel. "Why do you think I brought us here, Cynder? The world is about to reject us. And I wanted to show you this place while we still had time."

"Oh... I suppose every visit has to end eventually. Here, let me join you." Cynder replied while I turned my back to the first tree we reached and turned around before slumping against it. She cuddled up to me while I sat there against the tree, wanting to spend our final minutes together in serenity where no one and nothing would find us. My beloved rested her head against my breastplate while she spoke with a sigh. "If this adventure is about to end, then I'm glad this is where it happens. This courtyard... This garden feels like a fitting place for an ending."

https://youtu.be/w-yZKrpygmQ?si=LB6PgfVWCqtJdHhb

"It does... It really does." I replied while knowing more about our location than Cynder ever would. I draped an arm over her and pulled her against me for an embrace. The memories of our first declarations of love still fresh in my mind, I whispered to her. "Mine."

"Yours. Forever yours." Cynder replied promptly with a whisper of her own. She then placed a hand upon my breastplate, right over my beating heart. "Mine."

"Yours. Forever yours." I whispered back while feeling just so blessed in that moment. And then fearful when I felt the air quiver again. I had grown to accept having to say goodbye to Cynder at the end of every encounter with her in my dreams. Even if I resented having to. But now... I dreaded it. She was no longer my friend. She was my lover. My bride. One whose hand I would have to put a ring on someday. How could I ever just let her go like that?

"Don't leave me behind this time..." Cynder softly pleaded as my heart was filled with a fearful ache. She remembered. And I felt such shame as I remembered her words before we were forced apart again last time on the shore of Solstheim. My beloved looked up at me with eyes filled with a quiet hope and said, "I get we can't stay here. We have to leave. This world isn't ours. But...please take me with you this time. We shouldn't be apart... Not anymore. Not when we're...in love..."

"Oh Cynder... Please. Hold onto me. Maybe this time... Just maybe." I replied as I could see the walls of white finally appear far in the distance beyond the archway that allowed us entry into that high courtyard. We had only minutes left to spend with each other. And she did hold me. Draping her wings around me while my armored arms embraced the precious dream wyrm against me. "Stay with me, love..."

"I will. Always. Even if times come where we have to be apart, I'll always find my way back to you. Just like today." Cynder whispered with an almost playful level of confidence. She rubbed her brow against mine before gazing right into my eyes. "You'll never be rid of me for long. All right? Because...I'm with you... I love you..."

"I...love you... Oh Cynder, please don't leave me... Not now." I muttered as I felt warm tears starting to form at the edges of my eyes. We had defied so much adversity. Dared to desire and love each other. So beautiful and earnest... So devoted. I could not lose her. Not now. Not after everything that had happened..."

The white walls breached the courtyard. They silently closed in as the world around us faded into the void of awakening. Cynder, her eyes focused only on me as her wings wrapped around me, whispered to me in tragic hope. "Take me home for real this time, my love. To your family. I'm ready to become part of it... I can't wait to meet your children. You think they'll accept me? Will I be welcome?"

I... I did not have time to find a response. The white engulfed my vision as I wrapped Cynder in my arms and wings while she did the same. I held onto her as tightly as I could. Praying that tonight would be the night. I hoped... And yet when I felt the sensation of a mattress under me and a warm blanket draped over me... She was gone.

I felt so empty as I sat up in bed during a hauntingly quiet winter morning. The logs in the fireplace had only a few small flames flickering atop the blackened and glowing wood. Fluttershy thankfully remained asleep at my side for the moment. I needed a moment to gather my thoughts. And I was careful to not mutter anything to myself as I gazed down at my empty hands.

Again... Once again, she failed to come with me into the realm of reality. My beloved Cynder... My shimmering shadow. Had it been any other time, I would have been merely disappointed. But that morning was different. We parted ways not as friends, but as lovers. As life mates. For a dragon's love is eternal. And I knew what it meant to devote oneself to a love that would literally last for an eternity. Cynder was truly mine now. And I was hers.

So then why could we not be with each other in the realm of reality?

I sat in the bathtub alone to start my day with a hot steamy shower. And to wash away my angst. I had never longed for that beautiful shadowy wyrm so much before. And more than anything... Her growing awareness. From being able to see the walls of white of a waking dream to the quivers of a dreamer's mind beginning to stir...

I felt a new kind of dread. I had spoken the truth to only Paarthurnax and Durnehviir. And their wisdom tempered by time allowed them to whether the revelations well enough. But Cynder... I could not hide the truth from her forever. Would a day come where she would finally know enough to demand answers? Answers that would shatter her entire reality once they were known?

Time is running out. I can only hope that Luna and Nightmare Moon will finally make that breakthrough soon. Once Cynder is here with us and in my arms... Her having started out as just a dream will no longer matter. But if she finds out before that point...

Cynder... I love you. Please. Just a little longer. Wait for me, my shimmering shadow. They will find a way to bridge the gap eventually. You will be in my arms for real soon enough.

But I could not dwell on that dilemma for too long. For I was facing a big day. The biggest holiday of them all. Hearth's Warming Eve had arrived. And it would not do to go through the day so glum and concerned over literal nonexistent issues. Although I was left uncertain if I should tell Fluttershy about what had happened between Cynder and I. Could I? It is not like it even really happened... Or did it?

It was a difficult decision, but I made no mention of Cynder to my dear Fluttershy that morning. I just could not find the means to explain it. Only when Cynder finally enters the realm of reality will I be able to tell her. Until then... We can only dream.