Of course, it couldn’t be that simple. Daud lets Red stay where he is a moment longer, needing the moment to steady himself and empty his mind of other thought, before he steps closer, holding his arm out for the dragon to hop onto. He does so moving slowly and patiently, and it’s no doubt a strange experience for the dragon. Daud has never initiated contact before, tolerating the dragonet’s playing and curiosity around him before Billie inevitably pulled him away.

“Step up,” he directs, quietly.