Do you think the elves will continue to stand in your way? Shruikan's voice was gentle as he glided behind the three other dragons. The sky was a pretty blue against the wide reach of the green below, and his black scales attracted a lot of the sun's heat.

Alys sighed, physically and mentally. Probably. But maybe with their queen by our side, they'll let me in.

A hum came from him, vibrating Alys a little. I hope so. If there is no way to save him, even with your knowledge of healing, it'd be best to... he trailed off, knowing Alys would fill in the blanks.

She nodded. I have a feeling it's the only way. I just... hope there's enough in him to keep his Heart alive.

A melancholy feeling came from Shruikan. Ah, he still has his in him? You would be so kind.

We've learned from his actions. Her gaze drifted downward, the wind picking up her braids. We know better than to control dragons. I honestly didn't expect you to be so eager to come with me. She smiled softly, her chest feeling warm as she remembered Shruikan's threatening stance behind her in Ilirea. It's nice having you on my side, especially by your own will. She knew sombre things were ahead.

Shruikan radiated a similarly warm mind. Alys found it comforting to experience all his feelings, or a fraction of them. She never knew if it was all his emotions. There was so little shared.

Arya shouted something to Alys. She looked at her and nodded, pretending like the wind didn't mute what she'd said. Fírnen dove to the side and the other two dragons followed.

I guess we do that too. Alys mused and Shruikan followed them. She lurched forward in her saddle and Shruikan shifted his wings and tail to adjust his descent. He still struggled with this part of flying, learning the impact of his new size and mass.

Alys felt something tug at her heart and she looked at Shruikan as he evened out above the sea of leaves and branches. The smaller dragons flew below him.

"Is something wrong?" she asked him with mind and mouth. She touched the scales of his lower neck, smoother and healthy now.

You know I've been here before... His mind and body were quiet, even his huge wings had enough air to just glide for a while.

I know. You don't have to go all the way in. I'll ride with one of the others. She wanted to comfort him, feeling his anxiety shiver through her.

No. He beat his wings. I want to make sure you get to him unopposed. I might be enough to make that happen.

Without thinking, she asked; Is that what you want? She didn't know if it was her staring or if he hesitated, but she felt like a league of flying was done before he answered.

Yes. I do. I may as well use my past for good. Pay you back a smidge.

Alys couldn't help but giggle. His voice was too tired and rough sounding for "smidge" to be part of his vocabulary. She felt his satisfaction; he'd set out to make her laugh.

Her good humour was cut short when she lurched forward and grunted. "What?!" She looked over Shruikan's shoulder at the sea of leaves below. The other Riders and dragons had disappeared. She grumbled softly to herself and Shruikan glided around to find a place to land. He found a clearing large enough for him to stumble to a halt in.

Alys stroked his neck and looked around. She extended her mind, meeting the other Riders'. "That way." She pointed.

Shruikan edged his way through the trees, wings tucked in, head and body low. He grumbled softly, irritated by the closed space. He stumbled on a couple of upturned roots and did his best to dodge thick branches.

Alys touched his neck and blindingly bright scarlet assaulting her mind. "I could get off and look for somewhere better for you to move through?"

He shook his head harshly. No. This is probably the quickest way. I'll be fine. Just some cramped muscles, I'm sure. He snorted and tensed his shoulder, tempted to swipe at the nearest tree to cut it down.

She smiled softly. "If you're sure. You're doing really well." She stroked his shoulder and leaned her body down against him to aid him in his effort, even if it was minuscule from what he was doing.

Shruikan's mind calmed a little, the loud redness fading with her praise. He sighed, soothing his temper, and crawled through the forest. The small, slender shapes of Thorn, Saphira and Fírnen came into view, gathered in a canopied clearing that couldn't be seen from above. In the middle of the three dragons were their Riders, discussing in hushed whispers and gesturing far-from-subtly.

Alys grumbled under her breath and had Shruikan continue as he was, as none of them seemed to notice them approaching. Shruikan extended his neck between Thorn and Fírnen, causing both dragons flinched away.

Thorn hissed, spikes on his back flaring, and tried to swipe at Shruikan's snout. The older dragon just lifted his head away and chuckled mightily. His shuddering body making Alys laugh. Thorn eased but glared at Shruikan even as Murtagh attempted to comfort him.

The clearing was warm, and the light was tinted green from the leaves above. Each leaf came from slender branches that all joined into three large trees, trunks thicker than Shruikan's original neck. There was a fourth tree, though. It was ash-white, brittle and devoid of any luscious branches like the others.

It made Alys' heart heavy, bleeding into Shruikan to make her sadness his. Whatever the others were discussing didn't involve her, but she could help the tree. Healing was her business. It was ironic at a moment like this.

To soothe her sorrow, Shruikan walked to the tree, padding around the group silently. He sniffed at its crumbling bark, causing it to turn to dust by his faintest breath. Do you think it was as mighty as the others?

Probably, she sighed sadly and touched its trunk. A pale powder layered her palm. But the others grew quicker, taking its sunlight. She drew in a breath and whispered faintly. Her wrist shone green as the enchantment got to work. The bark grew strong first, then the trunk extended, and branches grew from it, lined with little green buds.

Shruikan stared as the tree was brought back to life, his heart buzzing and tail spiked like a giddy dragonling.

Alys watched for a moment after it was done, and some buds above the canopy bloomed. "Much better." She felt the other's gazes on her, and she turned to face them in unison with Shruikan.

"Let's go to Ellesméra." Arya stepped forward. "Let's get you to Ugauc."

Shruikan turned himself towards the group and loosened his wings.