Letting out a a slow breath, Coren cleared his throat.

"So!" he began loudly, attempting to gain the attention of the few volunteers milling about the square. "It appears we're all here. There's no time to waste, and if there are no objections, I'd like to start off!"

:"Objection, objection!": put in Raethin with his usual mental sneer.

Coren cuffed the wyrm over the snout. :"I'm afraid your opinion is irrevelant at the moment. You're going whether you like it or not, unfortunately.":

With a final harrumph, the wyrm made his purposeful way toward the gate. Beyond the town was forest; further still was mountain. They had a ways to go, Talazar at the very foot of those mountains, and over those icy peaks was Sharacia.

Coren trotted after his bonded, who was already quite a ways ahead, and motioned for the rest to follow.

"Hope everyone has their walking shoes on..." he muttered.

Raethin craned his neck about. :"Ah, so youve joined me. You humans and your frail little limbs... it's a wonder you get anywhere at all.":

:"Thank you, Raethin. I rather like my 'frail little limbs.' Not so scaly as your lot's. I don't know if I need muscle like that, anyhow.":

:"It'd make you a better swordsman. Not that you need any improvement.":

:"Was that a compliment, or sarcasm?":

:"As you like it.:"

:"I'll assume the worst.":

:"Alas, how cynical my little Coren has become.":

:"There's just no winning with you, is there?": said Coren, laughing defeatedly.

:"I'm afraid not. For you see, we wyrms are not only superior physically, but our minds dwarf your little human ones as well. I pity your kind.":

:"... thank you for your sympathy. Why on earth did you bond at all, if I'm so 'inferior' to you?":

:"Because, dear boy, you've a sharper wit than most. I enjoy our little sparring matches. It's jolly good entertainment.":

:"Well then, I'm glad I amuse you.":

:"As you should.":

Coren sighed, and slapped the dragon's shoulder in resignation. It was going to be a long day.