This is the fastest and the highest he has ever been while flying - this is out of his range of capabilities - and while at first, he is a bit shell-shocked by all of it.

But then, he focuses on the view. And her heartbeat, which is strong and so very, very powerful beneath him, the dragon clearly healed well-enough to carry them both skyward, and towards the sea.

He could speak freely to her thanks to the spells she has cast, but he chooses silence for the initial climb, occasionally reassuring her that he is well, holding firmly.

Eventually:

"You are much faster than I am."