Cronin was packing his things, joyful and ready to return home. The event had been wonderful, and he knew he'd never forget the friends he made along the way. He found it strange how he had a small pang in his heart even though he'd had such a wonderful time. He stroked the petals of the various flowers he'd picked while out and smiled, following it up with a small sigh. He'd forgotten how nice it could be to be around others. He thought about what Dew had said - how she was the only one of her kind - and wished he could have had more time to speak to her. He supposed it would just be one of those things he would never fully learn about.
The last thing to go into his satchel was the drawing he'd done of all the little (and big) animal friends he'd met. He'd miss them, but it seemed as though they'd all found new adventures, and he hoped they would find what they were looking for on their travels. He straightened up, preparing to head back along the road - and stopped short in his tracks. There in front of him was Dew, her mysterious eyes seemingly focused on him.
"It would seem you forgot something." She tilted her head with that strange smile of hers. Cronin was so surprised he didn't know what to say - he'd thought she was gone like the rest of them and yet here she was.
"I too wish to see more of the world like the rest of my companions. My task as a guardian has been fulfilled and the token has found its resting place in this clan. However, I feel as though my powers could be helpful elsewhere. Will we travel together?"
Cronin smiled at her, gently reaching down and offering her his arm. "I wouldn't have it any other way." The pang in his heart was soothed as her cool scales wrapped around him, and he thought ahead to the future - perhaps it wouldn't be so bad to have a companion in his room in the arcaneum, and she was going to love his favourite flower field. He left the clan often to travel sornieth to find rare flowers and their seeds, and she could use her abilities to help travellers they might meet... of course, she'd have to share a space with both him and Maxie, his mostly stay-at-home arcane sprite, so..
"I'm sure we'll figure something out." Her amused remark reminded him rather suddenly that she could hear everything he was thinking, and he couldn't help but laugh. "That may get annoying in time."
It was an easy road back to his clan, though he still expected to travel all night under the stars. But with a friend at his side, the distance began to seem not very long at all. For Dew, she saw ahead of her many opportunities - all by the side of her new companion.