Nidhogg continued soaring through the skies above the clouds while Kael remained nestled between its enormous claws, observing the distant horizon with silent weariness. The cold of the altitude still stung his skin, but he had now partially grown accustomed to the constant sensation of the wind crushing his clothes and pulling his hair back. The absurd speed at which it flew made the landscapes below change rapidly. Mountains disappeared behind them in minutes. Entire forests seemed like fleeting green patches seen from that impossible height.
After some time in silence, Nidhogg slowly moved its colossal head down, observing something among the lower clouds.
"We are flying over the Valley of Silence."
Kael raised an eyebrow slightly at the name. Her tone had changed a little again. It wasn't exactly enthusiasm, but there was a different kind of attention in her voice now, almost like the satisfaction of someone recognizing an ancient place.
"I've never heard of it."
