Soloi nodded, and a smile spread across his face “I’ll be sure to do so quietly, to cause no harm.” He said as he stood. Stretching, Soloi lifted his long neck and surveyed the area. It was dark, lit only with the moon, and the silence was broken only by the stream nearby and the insect activity. He stepped in front of the cage, taking the lock that kept it shut tight in his mouth and biting down hard. The disgusting taste of metal fell onto his tongue, breaking with a few snaps, and he spit them onto the ground. The door opened slowly, and he looked around again, still finding nothing moving.

Turning to the side, Soloi crouched and looked to Cyrus. “Get on, we’ll get far, far away from here.” He hissed lowly. His voice was almost lost on the breeze.

Cyrus crawled carefully from his cage, stepping on the cool grass and feeling the dew between his toes. He felt invigorated, excited but he also felt afraid. He had never left this place he had called home for most of his life. Was there really a place where he could live in peace and without pain? He wasn't sure such a place could exist.

He moved towards Soloi, grabbing his neck lightly to avoid falling over. His legs were still weak and not used to walking on his own. He carefully climbed onto the dragon's back and wrapped his arms around his neck. "I'm ready," he whispered, his voice sounding a lot more resolute than he felt.

Soloi breathed out carefully, and stepped away from the cage rows. “Okay, Cyrus. Hold on tight. We’ll be traveling a good distance away this time, not just up.” He spread his wings, ready to take control of the air again. He had to get over this fear he felt while flying. He could escape---he was sure. Now that he had a friend, he’d be able to get over this fear---just like he could help Cyrus get over his own fears.

He crouched, readying a vertical ascent, and sprang upward. The wind immediately showed a bit of resistance, thoroughly disliking the presence of Cyrus, but he got through it as his feathered wings angled forward, sending them both away from the camp. The silence of night was enveloping and the moonlight lit the way. Soloi glanced backward as they glided through the air, headed up toward the clouds that covered half the sky now.

Cyrus tried not to cry out in ecstasy as the strange feeling of freedom washed through his body. He hugged Soloi's neck tightly, warming himself with the unexplained warmth that dragons seemed to emit. His heart was beating so fast, he thought that it would explode. He was leaving his home... He was going to be free... He could finally see the world and find out more about himself and others like him. "Thank you, Soloi," he whispered into the dragon's ear, grinning happily.