Your fussing nursemaid of a wyvern is fine, by the way. I don't know how you ended up with a sweet thing like that for a mount, but he's content to sprawl in the sun on the foredeck. Can't say it makes the sailors particularly happy - especially cleaning up after him. Find somewhere safe, she'd told Abraxos. Had he somehow found the queen? Somehow known this was the only place she might stand a chance of surviving?
This excerpt vividly paints a complex relationship between the character and her wyvern, Abraxos. There's an undercurrent of affection and familiarity, evidenced by the humorous remark about the wyvern being a 'fuss with a nursemaid' and his seemingly easygoing nature as he relaxes in the sun. The depiction of the sailors' discomfort highlights the challenges of integrating such a fantastical creature into human environments, balancing between admiration and practicality. The mention of finding a safe haven underscores themes of survival and instinct—implying this connection is not merely about companionship but is intertwined with the character’s desire to protect or escape danger. The question about whether the wyvern recognized the queen adds an element of mystery and hints at a deeper bond or awareness that transcends normal understanding. Overall, this quote encapsulates the nuance of trust and the complexity of creature-human relationships in a fantasy world, where magical and mundane collide. It prompts reflection on how we form bonds with beings—rendered unusual by their appearance, behavior, or role—and the sacrifices or compromises involved in such partnerships. Finally, it emphasizes that in dangerous times, survival often depends on trust, intuition, and the ability to find safe spaces amid chaos.
