Page 105 of To Fight and To Fold

Starspark paced behind them, just as silent, just as tense.

Carissa shook in Aaryn's arms as she led the woman not to the healers, but to her new home, at her insistence. Where Rolim was supposed to be. It was quaint and similar to Thea's, and Carissa moved about the space as if she were familiar, even though she seemed quite lost at the moment.

Outside, organized havoc was taking place, and each murmur or shout Aaryn heard beyond the walls made curiosity and urgency bubble within her.

She stared out the window—giving Carissa some privacy—wondering what she could do to help, fearful of asking, fearful of staying.

"Go," she heard softly.

Aaryn turned, and found Carissa's gaze on her. "What?"

"They're going to need all the dragons they can get. Skymore is overcrowded. They have very little means to fight back. You should go, and help how you can."

Aaryn took a step toward her. "Are you alright on your own?"

Carissa nodded. "I'll be fine."

Aaryn hesitated a moment longer.

Carissa's smile was watery, and Aaryn couldn't help but cross the room and pull her into her arms. "They'll find Rolim and bring him back to you. I know it."

Carissa sniffled and then shoved her away weakly. "Go!"

Aaryn left Carissa's home and waded into the disarray, making her way to her dragon, while others were already returning.

The people on their backs were shuffled to the healers, teary-eyed and shell-shocked, before one would take to the skies again, his rider fierce and determined. Dragons had been arriving in waves with more people, some injured, some only shaken by the events.

Her dragon was flustered, unsure from all the commotion, and waiting. Once Starspark's eyes lit upon her, he sat up in expectation.

Aaryn smiled, reaching out. "Wanna help, big guy?"

"And just how do you think you'll do that?" Vaelen asked.

Aaryn turned and found the archdruid in dark, shiny armor. She tossed something toward her and Aaryn caught it with an “oof,” its weight surprising.

"I'll show you how to saddle him."

"You think I don't know?" Aaryn asked, and motioned to Starspark. He laid his head down onto the grass and Aaryn climbed up, tossing the seat over him. She’d watched others harness onto their dragons for days now, and strapped it quickly into place. Vaelen helped to save time, and in seconds Starspark was ready.

"Put this on," Vaelen said, and handed Aaryn a vest. It was lined with scales, thick around the chest and belly, protective.

"If I let you get killed on my watch, Thea would have my head."

"They don't need you here?" Aaryn asked.

"They have their orders. I trust my people. Let's get down there."

Aaryn drew in a breath and collected herself as she lowered the vest over her head.

And for the first time, she sat in a proper saddle on the back of Starspark. Vaelen sat behind her, a staff in her hand, and dragged her hand along his scales. Her expression was fierce, intense, and… soft, as she touched him.

Aaryn had never flown him further than another isle. She told the archdruid as much, a hesitant flush on her cheeks.

"Have some faith," Vaelen said. "He knows what to do. He will listen to you more than anyone else."

"What about your dragon?" Aaryn asked. Nearby, her eyes were locked on Vaelen, waiting.

"This isn't her first rescue." She nodded in her direction and she took off, a silent whoosh of wind the only evidence of her departure.