Creature of dark

The drake's heavy feet pounded the earth rhythmically as it carried Jolthar through the sprawling wilderness, its wings tucked tightly against its flanks.

It was a powerful beast, its muscular frame rippling with every stride, but even the mightiest creatures required rest.

After six hours of relentless riding, Jolthar felt the drake's pace falter ever so slightly. He understood immediately—it was time to stop.

They had entered the Alariden Woods, a dense and ancient forest where the trees grew so close together that their gnarled branches intertwined above, creating a canopy that blocked out most of the light. The air was cool and damp, carrying the earthy scent of moss and wet leaves. It was one of the largest and widest forests on the continent.

Jolthar guided the drake to a clearing, dismounted, and patted its scaled neck.