I gently take the sleeping Scarlet closer to the pond, her exhausted form nestled securely in my arms. The cool night air is refreshing against our heated bodies. As I kneel by the water's edge, I carefully dip my hand into the pond before tenderly wiping her most intimate parts clean. She stirs slightly but remains deep in slumber, a soft sigh escaping her lips.
Once satisfied that she is clean and comfortable, I also dip into the pond and then lift her into my arms again, cradling her in my hold. Her head rests against my shoulder, and I can feel the steady rhythm of her breathing. I open my wings wide and, with heavy beats, we ascend into the air. The journey back to Valdrakar Hold is peaceful, the night sky above us dotted with stars, and the gentle rustling of the forest providing a soothing backdrop.
