With his skill points allocated and his resolve steeled, Adam found a strange new peace in the aftermath. The frantic drive for power was still there, but it was now tempered by a profound connection to the creature who had shared his entire journey.
"Can you understand me?" he thought, pouring the concept into the space between their minds.
Noodle looked at him, her elegant head tilting to the side in a gesture that was both curious and endearingly cute. She let out a soft, questioning "Mrrow?" that resonated in his mind with more nuance than ever before. It wasn't just sound, it was a feeling of 'I'm trying.'
Encouraged, Adam slowly coiled the tip of his tail and gently stroked the top of her head between her spiraled horn. It was an awkward, serpentine attempt at a caress, but the intent was clear. Noodle's eyes slid half-shut, and a deep, rumbling purr vibrated through her entire body, a clear signal of pure contentment and trust.
