Cynder was quiet.
Ever since the battle and her release from the Dark Master's influence, she had kept mostly to herself, often taking off to rest in the alcoves of the Dragon Temple - alone.
She did talk to Spyro sometimes and also to the Guardians. But, mostly, she was withdrawn, pulling away from everyone, possibly dwelling on everything she had done.
Spyro frowned. The thought of her having to think over those thoughts alone, it bothered him.
He shifted where he lay, crossing one paw over the other, fidgeting, resting his head first on one side of his fore-legs, then the other. He couldn't sleep. These kind of thoughts along with the nightmares that plagued him were keeping him awake.
Heaving out a sigh, he got to his feet, stretching out his wings. He supposed he'd go for a walk, see if that would help him clear his head. Maybe it'd make him tired enough to have a rest free of these nightmares.
So, with a flick of his tail, he padded back inside the inner section of the Temple. He swept through each section subconsciously, letting his paws lead him where they wanted.
The Temple was still, almost soundless. There was only the echo of his pawsteps to fill the silence here.
He was glad of it, it gave him peace of mind - at least, for a time.
"Spyro?"
Spyro jumped and looked around, his eyes wide, then relaxed when he caught sight of Cynder. From her nest of moss, she looked over at him questioningly.
"What are you doing up?"
Spyro shook his head. "I can't sleep."
Cynder sighed. "No, neither can I."
"Do you... want some company?"
She looked away, shuffling her wings. "... I wouldn't mind it."
Spyro padded over and sat down beside her. Together, they stayed in silence, listening to the muted sounds of the Temple.
"Cynder?"
"Mm?"
"... Are you okay?"
She shrugged her wings and then folded them close to her sides again. "I - I don't know."
Spyro glanced down at her. "If... If you ever need anyone to talk to, I'm here."
She looked up at him, a small smile gracing her lips. "Thanks, Spyro." She paused. "I just - I don't think I should be here, I caused so much pain... I don't want to cause any more of it."
"You won't." Spyro gently rested a paw on her foreleg. "You're free from the Dark Master's control now."
"But, what if I'm not," she murmured. "What if..." She shook her head and pulled her tail close to her body, letting her words trail off into nothingness.
"You're not like you were back then," Spyro said quietly.
Cynder pulled her wings tighter against her sides with a small worried sigh.
Spyro tried to catch her eye, his gaze gentle. "I'll stay with you tonight," he said.
Cynder managed a small smile in response, her wings rustling as she relaxed, just the slightest bit.
"I'd like that."