The dragons went on guard when they saw Verene following Speraka.

“Why are you with her?” Sevna asked alarmingly. “She doesn’t mean well.”

“Sevna.” Speraka spoke frankly. “I want to leave.”

Fiona and Sevna stared at Speraka in surprise.

“Leave? But the elders said you've always been the priestess here. Why would you want to go? Did she say something?" Fioni asked.

Both dragons were young, even younger than Verene, and were only in their twenties. They had been given the honor of protecting the priestess of the Holy Tree. They worried they had done something wrong.

“The city what is its state? The one down below.” Speraka questioned.

The dragons looked shocked, they glanced at each other.

“The elders said we’re not supposed to mention the city.” Fioni confessed. “But what do you want to know about its state?”

“Is it really… empty?”

Fioni looked down. “Yes.”

"Are there any dragons left from three hundred years ago?" Verene asked.

"I think only some of the elders are. Usually, only strong mages get chosen as elders." Sevna answered, and they gave Verene a harsh look. “Is there something wrong with this?”

“Your elders practically trapped Speraka here.” Verene said. “You’ve seen the size of this place; does it seem normal for only one Avanian to dwell here alone.”

“It is a holy place. Only a mage like the priestess could possibly call this their home.” Sevna stated.

“There used to be a lot of people here. I served here for the sake of those in the city and those who traveled here, including the dragons. Sevna. Fioni. Can you take me to Avanin? Even if only for a short time.” Speraka asked earnestly.

“We’d have to ask the elders.” Fioni said.

“Why do you want to go there?” Sevna asked.

"I want to be around people again. None of the dragons would take me back to your cities in the mountains, always bringing your sick and injured here. So, if I cannot walk among your homes. I want to go to the Realm of Avanin with Verene.” Speraka explained.

“Avanin’s capital is near the opening in the sky mirror. Tell your elders she is still well within your reach should you need healing.” Verene said.

“She won’t go with you.” Sevna exclaimed.

Speraka grabbed Verene's sleeve. "I'm going to Avanin. For a few years, at least. I want to learn the state of the realms, what I know of the world is so little, just from what texts lay in the temple. Please would one of you fly us down from the temple? There is no longer a purpose for me here in an empty temple with no one to serve."

“Sevna take her.” Fioni spoke.

“What? But the elders will be mad.” Sevna argued.

“I’ll talk with them.”

“But.”

"Would you want to stay here and be unable to fly away? Stay with the priestess, then the elders won't be upset."

Sevna looked uncomfortable. They glared at Verene for a moment before lowering their head down in front of Speraka.

“I’ll go with you to the other realm. But I want both of us to return if the people there mistreat you.” Sevna said to Speraka. “I don’t know how the elders feel, but to the rest of the dragons. You are the priestess we respect. So, this will be a favor. As thanks.”

Sevna glared at Verene again. “I will even lower myself to carry the trespasser.”

“I appreciate your sentiment.” Verene joked.

“Thank you Sevna. And Fioni. For understanding.” Speraka said with a gentle smile.

“Safe travels priestess.” Fioni bowed their head in respect.

“I’ll just be Speraka now.” Speraka clarified. She lifted Fiona’s head. “Until a new era comes, there will no longer be any priestesses of this temple. If I return, I will live with the people of the land, not alone high above all others.”

“We will look forward to that time.” Fioni said.

Fioni stepped back from the others. They raised their wings and leaped into the air.

“I will go inform the elders. Take care Speraka.” Fioni called as they flew away through the large openings in the arches above.

“Should we get going as well?” Verene asked.

“Yes. Sevna?” Speraka looked to the remaining dragon.

“If you’re prepared to go then climb up. I am ready.” Sevna responded.

On the back of a dragon, they moved through the air swiftly. The Dragon Tree became distant as they flew towards Avanin.  Verene was returning to her home. Her fool's errand of a journey was somehow complete. And now no longer the priestess of the Dragon Tree, Speraka was leaving her home behind for a new start.