A fire crackled in the heart of the forest, the flames casting flickering shadows that danced upon the surrounding trees. Oliver and his three loyal companions were seated around the fire, the warmth of the flames mingling with the cool evening air. The scent of roasting meat wafted through the air, mingling with the earthy smells of the forest.
Oliver favored sitting close to Kitty, despite her imposing size, was as soft as a cushion. Her warm fur was a comfort to him, and she purred contentedly as he rested against her. In contrast, Stonewing, the stone-scaled dragon, was less than ideal for snuggling. His body was as solid and unyielding as stone, and Oliver had grudgingly relegated him to the opposite side of the fire, where the dragon sprawled with an air of mild annoyance.