Cera bathed in a creek, about a league away from Vrondi. Large white lilies grew along the water's edge, sprouting up from the grass. Morning sunlight filtered in through the forest trees, illuminating the scene. She stood below a small waterfall, scrubbing away the travel from her skin. She splashed the cool water onto her face, letting her hair fall down her neck, between her wings. This was the only time she would have to relax before arriving at the kingdom. The two soldiers she just helped train left for Vrondi. Cera was following them, but for now she could unwind.

 She swung her arms around Ferren's neck, shifting her weight onto his red scales. "The job's going extremely well," she beamed, her wings beating softly. Her dragon just snorted, smoke rising from his snout. "You don't mean that, Ferren," she laughed, lightly pawing at his face with her claws, "this work is good for both of us, and you know it. You just don't want to admit it." She got out and dried herself in the sun, sitting on a large rock. Ferren joined her, sitting his head in her lap. 

 After she was dry and dressed, Cera and Ferren began their journey North. She decided not to mount him for the rest of the way, instead walking beside him, using the time to see the forest. Her Spatha bounced along her hip as she walked down the path, Ferren beside her. The kingdom of Vrondi lay ahead as the sun rose in the blue sky.