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The air this high up is crisp and sweet and as Ratha goes into a dive, wings skimming the sparkling surface of the water and sending the pink blossoms resting on the formerly still surface spinning away, the air grows even sweeter with the scent of flowers. Ratha lands with a thump and the rider disembarks. The rest of the monsties aren't far off.
Nergigante, having completed the self-appointed and incredibly important task of paddling around the lake to scare off all the resident Mizutsune, shakes the water off its body with a satisfied hum, splashing everyone in its vicinity with a smugness that lasts only until Ratha lunges forward to knock it onto its back.
The sound of snapping teeth and playful growls catches Oltura's attention and it watches, wide-eyed and curious, ready to join until Legiana coaxes it into flight. The two spin lazily between the clouds, their figures softened by the sunset. It lines them in gold and pink watercolors and fills them in with something even prettier as they dance in the sky.
While Legiana tries to teach the much younger Oltura how to curl into a tight roll and burst through the fluffy clouds, the rider brings out pots and pans. The patchwork quilt spread on the ground has been a steadfast companion through many evenings like this one, its threads mended beside the fire and its warmth always carefully shared.
Ratha is the first one to venture forward, always happy to help light the fire, and watches the grilling meat with shiny eyes waiting for a taste. Nergigante wipes its pawpads fastidiously clean before curling up on its designated corner of the quilt to take watch despite the tranquil air permeating this hidden corner of Pomore Gardens.
When the smoke rises high and the scent of deliciously spiced food fills the air, Oltura is the first to take notice from the sky. With its wings curled around its body, it uses its newly learned skill to travel back down. Though young, Oltura is aware of its size and it banks slowly to control the landing with Legiana right beside it. The success leads it to look up with bright eyes and glowing wings, seeking praise that is always given without hesitation. Pleased, it tries to tuck itself under Legiana's chin and just barely succeeds.
With the sky slowly darkening, deep purple closing in on the last vestiges of sunlight, the beauty of it is complemented by the lively chatter over food, flavors bursting on the tongue and chased down with something hot and spiced. The meal is shared, choice cuts passed around and bones sometimes snatched from right underneath the nose of someone slower. Legiana sighs deeply and offers Oltura a piece from its own share before it can get sad while Ratha snatches right back and snaps bone underneath sharp teeth. Another scuffle breaks out and it is so familiar that the others only watch peacefully, savoring their peach-flavored dessert with no one to fight over it with.
The evening is long and the food is plentiful.
The fires burns through the night and the heat washes over their bodies, leaning against one another, warm and safe.