Penelope had decided to meet the griffin up on the landing area above her hometown. She could see the buildings below, carved from the seabed, and picked out her family's former mansion. [i]Someday, I'll be back. This is just the first step.[/i]

She climbed onto the griffin's back, unable to keep herself from yelling, "Giddyup!" The griffin glared at her, but took off anyway. As they approached the Black Gale, Penelope braced herself, not quite sure what passing through would feel like. A quick stab of cold, and then they were through, looking down on the Academy. The griffin pulled into a deep dive, and she whooped with delight. As they landed, Penelope took a look around at her new home. [i]I think I'm going to like it here.[/i]