The Corpulant Wizard: Battle in the Pines

It was not magical but indeed seemed so, the way the morning light sparkled brilliantly from Zander’s armor. The light blue, quasatta half-plate mail was the spoil he gained after a bloody melee with Molggin, the Half Giant Cyclops. Zander stood upon Sire’s Bridge that joined together the advanced city of Teknara and the Rummermin Mountains. Beneath the walkway flowed the Great River, which spanned as far north as Devlin, where the Elves dwell, and too far south, many leagues beyond Riik. Sire’s Bridge, nearly three hundred paces long, was constructed completely from Rummermin stone, possibly the hardest yet most beautiful natural substance, in the Mesa Lands, next to diamonds. Besides his light blinding quasatta armor Zander was clad in his normal adventuring attire: brown leather boots, leather belt, a small pouch, water skin, leather gloves and of course his father’s two-handed sword. A cool breeze swept by, pushing back his long blonde hair as if he were standing on the bow of a great ship. Winter’s bite was coming and yet still a month away.
The wind continued its southward push and upon it rode a massive avian. Following the Great River the winged beast sailed effortlessly towards the center of the bridge where Zander stood tall. The sun was up two hours now and it glinted over Teknara from the northeast striking the handsome warrior. Zander spotted the flying creature as its path continued straightway for him. Reaching back, he grabbed his father’s keepsake by the handle. Slow and smooth the two-handed weapon was unsheathed and brought to his front. Both hands now clasped the large and elegant weapon that had once bested Molggin, the monster of the caves. The winged beast, descending at a slight angle, drew in close. Zander took two full strides back as if to let the creature land on the sidestep of the bridge. Suddenly it landed but not with a horrific thud as you might think. Widening his stance Zander rolled back his shoulders and drew a deep breath. The large creature opened its drake-like jaws and screeched an almost ear piercing wail. The swordsman stepped forward sternly holding his weapon high and frontward but with the sharp edges of the blade facing to the right and left. It was if Zander meant to strike the winged beast bluntly with his sword.Eye to eye, beast and man starred into each other. Then Zander called to it aloud, "Daygull! Rider of the wind and master of the day lit skies! What do you think of the finely crafted weapon before you?"
The Daygull powerfully flapped his wings full, once more, while perched on the sidestep. A quick and thunderous burst of air blew by Zander much stronger than the breeze. The Daygull spoke, "It shines brightly, my lord. How many daughters of Teknara begged for the honor to polish you very long and valuable weapon?"
"I do my own polishing, thank you," said Zander. He and the Daygull laughed aloud and a wide smile reached Zander’s face.
"Am I late, my lord?" asked the Daygull in his low solid voice.
"You are never late my very dear friend. And as to the fact of the many daughters of Teknara, you are well aware that I am no longer available for recieving any such honors."
"Truly a gentlemen, my lord. I am sure that your bride will no doubt be the single and first most love of your life."
Zander smiled again.