Chapter 20-5

A thunderstorm rolled across the plains as they traveled. Almonihah leaned into it, a hint of a grin playing on his face as he reveled in the wild power of the wind, the rain, and the thunder. He glanced back at Zakhin'Dakh. The big griffon was clearly not enjoying the storm as much. Water dripped off of his feathers and fur, and his head and wings drooped as he slogged through the mud.

Zakhin'Dakh noticed his friend looking back. Not good flying, he screeched, sadly.

Almonihah laughed. Not really good weather for flying, he agreed. 

He slowed his pace a bit to allow the griffon to catch back up to him, then kept walking. After a moment, Zakhin'Dakh asked, Why you like?

Almonihah had to think a moment before answering. The wind across my scales... the thunder... maybe it's just in my blood. I can breathe lightning, so I like thunderstorms. He shrugged. I can't really say for sure. It's like... why do you like flying?

It's fun! Zakhin'Dakh answered, immediately.

The half-dragon grinned a bit. And why is it fun?

Zakhin'Dakh got a funny look on his face, like he'd been about to say something and then realized he didn't know what it was. After a few moments he closed his beak, and then softly screeched a wordless sound that, from a human, probably would have been “Oh.” 

Almonihah just grinned a bit more.

For Zakhin'Dakh's sake, Almonihah struck out more to the south, heading for the mountains, where there might be more shelter if another storm struck. As they got close, Zakhin'Dakh screeched softly.

That where meet?

Almonihah nodded. Where we met isn't too far from here.

 

The big griffon thought for a big, then added, enthusiastically, Can fly over!

Almonihah laughed. Let's see.

They searched around for a while for a good place to make the attempt, but the high, snowy passes didn't look particularly inviting to either of them. Then one day, Almonihah noticed a small rift in a mountainside. He had a funny feeling, like he should have seen it before. Shaking it off, he directed Zakhin'Dakh toward it.

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Another shortish post, but this is the end of chapter 20. Next is a special chapter that I wasn't sure if I was going to write! So be excited!