They were moving far slower than she imagined. She had thought she wasn't made to move for days without end, but she had it easy compared to Arvog - the wyvern really wasn't made to move on the ground at all and flying was way more exhausting than walking, especially since his wings were still unable to support him for extended periods of time. Ves’ra was unable to carry him anymore - he had already grown to half her height and was way too heavy.

That led to many breaks and an early rest every day, though they were able to cover more ground every day. Luckily they managed to find a stream that went in the same direction they wanted to move, significantly increasing their speed of travel as neither had to dodge trees anymore.

The stream moved off into a different direction two days later, and Ves’ra decided it was time for a break. She decided they would hunt something more tasty than their normal prey, she was sick of eating rabbits and squirrels for days without end - something she never had a problem with before meeting the humans.

“Do you want to go and eat something better than squirrels?”

...

“Yeah, you do, don't you?”

...

“Good idea.”

…

“Yes, I know you can't understand me.”

...

“Let's go, and don't talk about that anymore.”

...

“Boars are the third best thing I’ve ever eaten, you’ll like them.”

…

“Yes, I know I need to meet someone I can talk to.”

Before she could continue her one sided conversation she heard some high pitched screaming coming out of the forest.

People.

Someone she could talk to! Only they seemed to be in danger, she couldn't talk to them if they were dead!

“Let's go save them!” She yelled and took off, looking over her shoulder to see if Arvog was keeping up. He did and they neared the source of the screaming after a small run. Ves’ra slowed down, neither she nor Arvog were any good in a direct fight so they should make sure to know the situation before they lost the surprise.

The fighting was happening in a light filled clearing - an ideal spot for Arvog. She directed him up on a nearby tree, while she snuck up behind the same tree. She was quite surprised by what she saw - a group of nine small green humans were screaming incoherently while stabbing sharpened sticks at a panicked deer in their midst.

She didn't know what to think about that - she really doubted she could hold a meaningful conversation with them and didn't want anything to do with such savage beings. They could hunt more tasty prey tomorrow, she didn't want to wake to the face of one of these drooling savages.

Arvog didn't need much convincing to leave, he liked it quiet and these beings were making lots of unnecessary noise. They moved in for another sixth of a day before resting, eating a few trail rations before continuing.

---

The boar squealed in pain as Arvog's tail hit its flank, several spikes injecting their venom in its blood. It didn't take long to kill it after, while the pain and anger were converted into strength they also made it predictable and as such easy to kill.

Just as she was about to dig in she heard a branch behind her snapping. She immediately spun around and called a warning, looking directly into the face of one of the ugly green humanoids from yesterday. It seemed just as shocked as she was; though its shock was probably that she managed to detect it.

Ves’ra looked between the being and its raised club, berating herself that she didn't renew her defense enchantment after killing the boar. The being screamed, rushing to close the last of the distance between them before she managed to pick up her spear.

Luckily she had magic - instead of bending down to retrieve her weapon she simply opened her hand and the spear flew up, propelled by her energy. That display of magic caused it to halt for one moment, but that moment was enough for her to deflect its blow and plunge her spear in its belly.

The being collapsed, now screaming in horror instead of anger. That was the moment its friends chose to show themselves, seven more of the ugly green attackers. She carefully retreated until she had a tree to guard her back and started started forming several spheres of energy. The first was immediately spent to increase her body heat - and with that her speed of thinking and reacting.

She used the second to give herself a lightning attack - just in case she was unable to block an attack. Once she used the first two she created another two, hoping her enemies would give her enough time to prepare another four spheres. No such luck, the goblins - for that was what they had to be - decided she was unable to defend herself if they all attacked at once.

As the screaming foes rushed her she shot one with a freshly formed spike of ice. Then she stabbed the second’s legs before he was able to reach her, causing the third to stumble over its body. That left four enemies to fight, though luckily they hadn't had their second hatching yet.

Before she could react Arvog landed on the fourth, viciously biting in its head and injecting venom in its blood. He already jumped off, on his way to the next goblin before his first victim managed to scream. That left her with two enemies, so she blasted one with her stored lightning while she diverted the last’s attack from her.

Goblins seemed physically weaker than her, so she killed the last standing assailant only moments later. When she looked up she saw the fallen goblin was getting ready to club Arvog’s while he was chewing on his last victim. NO!

Anger she had never felt before cursed through her veins, and she threw her spear with an angry yell. The goblin hesitated, stunned by her shout. Her weapon flew true, hitting the goblin's torso and killing it. She immediately rushed over, getting on her knees as she checked Arvog for injuries.

Luckily it seemed he was healthy. Once she made sure her companion was safe she retrieved her spear and made sure all goblins were dead. Instead of returning to her meal she secured the clearing, enchanting several stones to shock anything sneaking up on them.

Once that was done she returned back to her wyvern’s side, seeing him eager to begin the feast.

“Oh no! We won't be eating the goblins, only the boar!” She created a knife of ice and cut out the best parts, throwing them in Arvog’s waiting mouth.

Suddenly she felt the bond that had been forming over the last weeks lurch, deepening. For the first time she was able to feel more than his rough location, she felt his desires and feelings - no thoughts because he was not intelligent - but she was sure she knew him better than any other being. Ves’ra returned that trust, completely exposing herself to him and flooding the bond with energy.

She could feel the bond solidifying, burying itself so deep in their beings that only death would be able to sever it. They were both frozen, overwhelmed by the feeling of another mind and set of senses right next to them.

She instinctively knew what had happened. They had finally bonded and now they were partners for life.

She had done it.

She had a familiar!

Ves’ra laughed out loud, elated. Not even the thoughts of goblins managed to sour her mood.

They didn't move anymore that day, her spells would keep them safe for the night and Ves’ra really wanted to explore the bond to its fullest while the sensations were still fresh.