The soldiers, now settled atop the colossal tree-like mountain alongside the resting beast, began to unwind.
The strange comfort of the tree, with its glowing spores casting a soft, golden light, and the rhythmic rumbling of the beast's breath, seemed to lull them into an unfamiliar sense of security.
For the first time in what felt like an eternity, there was no immediate danger, no tremors of battle or alien terrain threatening their existence.
Some of them stretched out across the wide, bark-like platform beneath them, while others leaned against the beast's massive feathers, which radiated warmth like a living furnace.
As the moments passed, curiosity began to gnaw at the soldiers.
They huddled in small groups, whispering and glancing occasionally at Lyerin, who stood at the edge of the platform, gazing out into the endless skies. His stance was relaxed, but his silence carried the weight of authority.
