(Seoraj would call it a dragon, too, although frankly when he catches sight of it terminology is not the first thing that crosses his mind. Or the second, given the apology into the ether to his mother for not forgetting that word she accidentally taught him when she burned her hand.)

The larger of these two helpless deer shades his eyes against the unexpected brightness when they reach it - it isn't, really, but trees had shaded their ascent just enough that his eyes need a moment to adjust and he has to fight not to tense against it, instinctive objection to anything that might slow reaction time. It's a fair concern, he feels, given what one might call the implication of possible-structures and a great metal ring that he might call deliberate around that creature's head and neck. He has the vague sinking feeling that wherever they're going is going to involve whatever's capable of putting it there on principle of sod's law.

On the other hand, he'd been beginning to get restless down in the city. This'll learn him, he thinks, rueful, and keeps near the trees.