---
Then, with a kind of ancient drake dignity, Star nudged Muse's shoulder. Not hard. Not soft. A welcome, begrudging but real.
Muse, moved by the gesture, responded with a soft and rather lady-like moo.
She took one bold step forward and sat near the fire with the slow grace of someone who had decided they were part of the story now.
Zephyr stared…
Fenna stared…
Aurora flapped twice and crash-landed near Star's. The drake did not react, only blinked like a patient baby dragon.
Zephyr sighed—half fondness, half defeat. He scratched behind Muse's ear, and the cow tilted her head into the touch, grunting with pleasure.
"Okay, okay. You're back on the team."
He looked toward Fenna, who now wore a full grin. "At least she's useful. Cart's supplies we thought we left? Still here."
Fenna nodded. "She's our backup ammo wagon. How did she come here without stepping on any traps?"
The words felt very questionable.
