FSE

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Chapter 20

Arcturus found himself compelled to rub his eyes, as if questioning the veracity of the scene that unfolded before him. The bustling street, with its cacophony of city sounds, had vanished without a trace, giving way to an expansive garden on either side. Here, nature unfolded in a symphony of colors, a tapestry of vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges reminiscent of the masterpieces he had admired in his earlier, more artful days. The street's sensory assault, with its distinct urban odors, yielded to the more serene fragrance of freshly cut grass, accompanied by the melodious calls of distant birds.

Veledar's voice, akin to the silver notes of a forgotten melody, shattered the hushed reverence that had settled upon the area as he coiled around both human and gryphoness, “Did we get teleported or something?" His eyes gleamed with an almost mischievous light as he surveyed the captivating garden that had materialized. "My, isn’t that just a lovely myriad of alluring scents, is it..." He inhaled deeply, only to be abruptly interrupted by a noticeable shiver that traversed his form.

"Dragon, what's the deal? Spill the beans," Natassa demanded, her voice a melody of concern that reverberated through the air. Her eyes, like piercing sapphires, darted among the various vibrant flowers that surrounded them. "Are we in hot water? Trouble in paradise?" The delicate tips of her ears subtly pinned back, revealing a flicker of unease. "Or are you just not a fan of the floral aesthetics?"

His response came in an undignified manner as he tossed back his head and sneezed so violently that his entire body shook and spasmed. As the red-orange flames erupted from him, they danced and twirled like malevolent spirits, wrapping themselves around unsuspecting vines and flowers in their path. The once-innocent plant life, touched by the fiery dance, withered, blackened, and crumbled to ash in but a breath's time.

"Cursed blossoms." Veledar muttered, disdain coloring his words, as he waved a paw to extinguish the lingering flames that continued to consume the remains of the vines. Despite this the air still carried the acrid scent of burnt flora.

"After a century or so of existence, one might hope to refrain from setting ablaze the surroundings with a mere sneeze." Arcturus remarked with crossed arms, watching as the dragon nonchalantly shrugged off the fiery incident.

"Experience the burden of possessing fire glands, Umraadi, and then share your insights on the challenge of suppressing the occasional burst of flames." Veledar retorted.

"So, it was just your sneeze, and we're not in danger." Natassa exhaled, a touch of playful annoyance in her voice as she preened a wing with a swift, graceful motion. "Honestly, dragon, you almost made me break a talon or something."

"Oh, don't let the pretty flowers fool you." Veledar sneered, gesturing expansively with his wings, "Be on your guard. We might be surrounded by wide-open spaces, but this could very well be just another illusion, playing tricks on our senses."

"Fantastic." Natassa scoffed, leaning in towards them, "I join up with you two, and we're already in trouble. Just my luck."

"Welcome to the usual debacle." Arcturus groaned, the hairs on the back of his neck standing on edge. "Just when it appeared things might go smoothly for once, typical."

“Declare your purpose for being here.” came a dispassionate voice from behind them.

Whirling around, Arcturus found himself face to face with an enigmatic figure—a man of dark complexion, his bald head gleaming like polished obsidian under the surreal light. Clad in flowing amber robes that seemed to cascade down his form like a liquid sunset, he exuded an air of mystery that bordered on the otherworldly. His features were chiseled, marked by a rough elegance, and his eyes, pale as luminous pearls, bore a gaze that penetrated the very core of one's being. The unexpected arrival had been executed with such stealth that even Veledar, appeared momentarily taken aback, as evidenced by the rigid frills that clung tightly to his form.

“Very amusing, human. Tis not wise to attempt stealth with a dragon.” Veledar huffed, his chest held high. "But, of course, I heard you coming. I just thought it would be entertaining to let you believe otherwise."

“Is that why your frills were pinned darling?” asked Natassa.

"Indeed." Veledar replied with a sly grin, his frills still slightly flattened. "Just a little jest to keep things interesting."

Arcturus extended his hand, offering a cordial smile. "Greetings. We've come to meet with Shandalar; she provided me with a card. The expertise she possesses is crucial for us in a matter of urgency."

"And there's no need for unnecessary groveling at her feet." Veledar interjected with a nonchalant nod. "I simply recognized a potential use for her services, that's all."

The man gave a stoic acknowledgment, "You are Arcturus Lund, the human Paladin of Lumara."

“Yes.” Arcturus said.

“Of the bloodline Lund, scourge of dragonkind, champion of mortal kind, slayer of the winged monsters.”

He put his face in his palm, hating every title that this man seemed to add to his name. Each one was like a tiny stab, a mockery over the affection he shared for the crimson dragon at his side. "I appreciate the acknowledgment, but let's focus on the matter at hand."

“You needn't bear the weight of false accolades.” Veledar jested, nudging Arcturus’ sides with a knowing gleam in his eyes. "I’m well aware of the true measure of your deeds."

That brought a smile to his face as he rested a hand on the dragon’s nose, "Well, if you're so convinced, maybe I'll let you handle the dragon-slaying duties from now on. I wouldn't want to steal your thunder, after all."

"Oh, my brave knight, I knew you couldn't resist my undeniable charm. Dragon-slaying duties and stealing thunder? Well, I suppose that's just another day in the life of the indomitable Crimson Sky and his gallant Umraadi."

"Well, it seems I've underestimated the allure of a crimson dragon. Perhaps I should add 'Tamer of Fire-Breathing Heart stealers' to my titles. What do you think?”

"Ah, the most coveted title of them all!” The dragon replied with a playful growl, “I knew my charms were irresistible. 'Tamer of Fire-Breathing Heartstealers,' has a nice ring to it, I should have it engraved on your armor."

Natassa interrupted their banter with a sassy fluff of her feathers and an indignant squawk. "Alright, lovebirds, save the sweet talk for later."

Veledar rolled his eyes with a snort. "Listen here, you obnoxious pigeon. I'll sweet talk whenever I choose."

The rather patient man merely began speaking again, "And you must be the loud-mouthed dragon that Mistress Shandalar spoke of—the one whose ego could rival the very continent of Sethera. The one who has so much hot air inside him that Entis could be tethered to it and break free from the bonds of the earth. The dragon whose arrogance can only be accounted for inadequacy—"

“That would be enough of that.” Snarled Veledar, lashing his tail against the earth as black plumes coiled up from his nostrils. “You’re lucky that those words were not your own human. I’ll be having an exceptionally long conversation with your quite flammable mistress.”

“You’re not burning her.” Arcturus said.

Veledar chuckled, his eyes glinting mischievously. "A bit of singed fabric never hurt anyone."

“You’re not burning her.”

"Just a tiny scorch, for dramatic effect."

"You're not burning her."

"Fine, fine. Spoil all my fun, why don't you?" Veledar replied, feigning disappointment.

"And who might you be?" The man inquired; his attention seemingly uninterested in the dragon's growing irritation. His eyes fixed on Natassa, intense and probing, as if attempting to see through her very essence.

"Oh, me?" She purred, sauntering her way to the man, "Just someone stuck babysitting these two on a mission to rescue her friend." She sighed dramatically, placing a hand on her forehead, "A tiresome duty, believe me."

“Your name.”

"Not very expressive, are you, dear?" Natassa fluffed her wings. "Or maybe you're just wound a little too tight?"

“Your name.”

Seeing no alternative, she sighed and gave it. When the man went silent, she merely cooed, fluffing her wings with pride, "Yes, I know, you might have heard of me. Natassa, the rogue, the charming, the alluring temptress of the sky. All of those are true, but don’t be afraid, my cute human; you’re not on my list today." She gave him a wink. "Not yet anyway."

A tense atmosphere enveloped them as the silent man scrutinized their presence. Gears of thought turned methodically in his mind, and his muscles coiled with a subtle tension. Swiftly, he shifted into a defensive posture, hands raised, and fingers splayed wide. "An intruder has been brought here," he declared.

"I'd say she's more of an acquaintance," Veledar chuckled.

“Intruder’s must be exterminated.”

Oh, by the gods, Arcturus could see this spiraling out of control faster than a spooked horse. He laughed nervously with a smile, trying to reel the tension back into a realm of safety. “Apologies for the transgression. We didn't perceive any harm in it. Would it be acceptable if she waited outside? And if you could, please direct us to the exit."

Chuckling, Natassa gently pressed Arcturus back, her confidence flowing off her feathers. "I know I wasn't invited, my fine friend, but give me a moment to better explain. Once we've shared a few words, I have no doubt that you'll be put at ease. I mean no harm to this Shandalar—" She winked at the man, her tone playful and seductive.

"Exterminate," replied the man, his form melding with the ground beneath like a specter slipping through water.

"Hmm, disappearing acts. Not my favorite game." Natassa's wings stiffened as her eyes darted about the ground. "Since when did humans just slip through stone without a grand spectacle? Seems like we've stumbled into quite the magical show.” With a fluff of her wings, she instinctively positioned herself behind the dragon and knight. "I believe this next bit will be your expertise."

"I was hoping for a peaceful visit, not another brawl." Arcturus sighed, his hand deftly unsheathing the sword at his side.

"But where's the fun in that?" Veledar mused, talons digging into the dirt beneath his paws. "Strange." He lowered his snout to sniff the air. "It almost feels like that man is moving around in the—"

Bursting forth from the earth, the man in amber robes delivered a solid punch to Veledar's chest. His fists, now three times their original size and composed of unyielding stone, collided with the dragon's frame. The impact lifted Veledar several inches off the ground, compelling him to stagger backward with a fierce snarl.

“What human has this strength?” Veledar’s frills flared in both surprise and anger. He retaliated by snapping his jaws at the approaching foe, attempting to fend off the unexpected assault.

“Problem dragon?” Laughed Natassa.

"How about a little less commentary and a bit more help?"

The amber-robed man deftly blocked Veledar's maw with an arm, confronting the beast's sharp teeth without a hint of pain on his face. Unscathed and without a trace of injury, the man swiftly used his free arm to deliver a powerful punch to the dragon's snout, sending Veledar stumbling backward with a pained snarl.

Arcturus lunged forward, aiming to flank the man from the other side and exploit the momentary distraction. Swiftly executing a deft strike, his blade met an unexpected resistance as it was ensnared by the man's stony fingers, thwarted by an unyielding strength that prevented further advancement.

"Your attacks are feeble." the man retorted impassively.

It became apparent that there was more to this man than met the eye, enchantments clearly fortifying his durability and strength. Arcturus clenched his teeth, channeling magic through his arm and into his blade's steel until both it and his flesh radiated an intense heat. He focused on his oaths and those of the mighty dragon goddess Bahamut, allowing her strength to flow through him. "That is what you think. In Bahamut’s name!"

White flames consumed Arcturus' blade, transforming the ordinary steel into a divine force. The man's strength proved insufficient, as the magically enchanted blade effortlessly sliced through his fingers. However, the triumph was short-lived, for the warrior countered with a powerful attack, aiming to overwhelm Arcturus with sheer strength. The knight swiftly withdrew his blade to fend off the man, only to be whisked away by a translucent gryphon's hand, emanating a vibrant lavender glow.

"Figures you two would try and win the day with brawn and strength." Natassa reared up, manipulating her spell with practiced finesse, guiding the man out of harm's way as Veledar took his place with a snarl.

"You have my thanks." Arcturus sighed in relief as the hand gently lowered him.

"Don't mention it, darling. I have just what this emotionless brute needs."

“A bath in my flames?” Veledar snarled, lashing out with his paws, slamming the man a good distance back into the dirt.

“Don’t be so uncouth. Let’s be more charming.” She chirped, fluffing her blue-tipped wings wide, a soft glow emanating from her feathers as she chanted the magical incantation, "Eramhc!"

The magical aura, shaped like delicate pink ropes, gracefully coiled around the amber-robed man. For a moment, it seemed as if the charm had taken hold, the rosy tendrils dancing in an elegant display. However, with a determined shake of his head, the man resisted the magical influence, causing the pink ropes to unravel and dissipate into the air, leaving him unaffected.

Her ears pinned out in disappointment. "Ah, brute force it is, he's immune to charms."

Veledar merely roared, facing off with the man as Arcturus took a place on the other side of him. The dragon leaped upon the amber-robed man with great fury, swatting him with his paw—it had worked once before, after all. This time, however, the man stood firm, the earth growing up to grasp hold of his limbs and reinforce him. The dragon's strike came, but the man didn't budge.

Three more punches to the dragon’s chest, one right after the other with dull smacks. That was all it took to send Veledar flying back, tumbling to the dirt. The man then turned to Arcturus, his eyes glowing a bright yellow as blue runes upon his face flared into existence.

“I recognize what this is!” Arcturus jumped to the side, avoiding a dragon toppling punch. He was rather proud of it, somehow swifter than he last remembered. In the next flurry of blows, he found himself unscathed, letting his magic flow into his sword once more. A swing cleaved the man’s hand free of his limb, sending the appendage plopping to the ground.

Without emotion, the amber-robed man paused his assault to consider the stump that was now his arm.

The man remained stoic, his gaze unwavering. The runes on his face glowed brighter, and suddenly, the ground beneath him shifted and molded into a new appendage—a replacement arm made of earth. There was an eerie silence before he finally spoke, his voice devoid of emotion.

"Words may be spoken, but the dance of conflict continues. It is the nature of things."

He groaned, of course he would be able to do that.

Runes around the man’s face crackled with light, spreading down his arm like a network of veins. When he leaped back and raised his arms, two boulders the size of Natassa herself ripped themselves from the floor. Without flinching, he tossed them both, one after the other, both aiming for Arcturus. The paladin skillfully dodged the colossal projectiles, swift and nimble in his movements.

With a swiftness unbeknownst to him, Arcturus allowed the massive stones to sail past him. A quick glance revealed Natassa stepping back, her eyes focused intently on him, quietly chanting something beneath her breath. Realization dawned on him; she was enhancing his speed. It proved fortunate, for the magical warrior lunged toward him with an otherworldly screech, his arms transforming into jagged points of stone.

“What in the Abyss is this man made of?” Veledar roared, delivering a powerful blow to the man's back, sending him sprawling to the ground like a crushed insect, his head twisted at an unnatural angle. The dragon shook his paw with a snarl, “Damn, he’s as dense as a sack of rocks.”

“An elemental warrior.” Arcturus panted, “A creation by Rothdell. They were employed extensively during the war. Spirits are bound to these individuals, turning them into weapons or guards.” He took a step back as the man on the ground righted himself, twisting his head back around. “And, as you can see, they are exceptionally durable.”

“Do you suppose he’s fireproofed?”

“How about we attempt incapacitating rather than outright murdering him? We are, after all, attempting to make a favorable impression!”

“I won’t allow this creature to end us.” Veledar snarled, unleashing a plume of fire in the Elemental Warrior’s direction.

Unfazed by the approaching doom, the man slunk back into the ground’s embrace, leaving the flames to wither, blacken, and burn the surrounding grass.

“Great,” Veledar groaned, sweeping Arcturus near him with a wing, “He’s going to play hide and go seek, just like the Buellette.”

“I think this might be a tad more difficult than that land shark. Natassa, you might want to get over here!”

The gryphoness, unwilling to wait around and get pummeled, soared into the air with a graceful flapping of her wings, her form brushing against the ceiling above. From her beak flowed an enchanting and uplifting melody, a composition crafted to fortify the senses, channel focus, and kindle the spirits of those fortunate enough to hear it.

“I feel his presence.” Veledar snarled, indicating a patch of earth.

“You’re welcome!” Natassa chirped from above.

“Not now gryphon, he’s coming! Arcturus stand back!”

The intense gaze, the drawn breath—the knight recognized the impending fiery onslaught in the dragon's intent. Hastily, Arcturus sprinted to a safer distance just as Veledar unleashed his scorching flames upon the emerging elemental warrior.

Flesh began to blacken and burn, peeling away like wax before the crimson dragon. Even shielded as the warrior was, it was no match for the raw, magical power that was a dragon's breath. Its momentum carried it upward, eyes crackling with black rivers before its body was reduced to nothing more than a pile of ash. It collapsed at Veledar's paws.

“That’s the way, what a fiery showing darling!” Cooed Natassa from above.

Veledar gazed upon the remnants of the creature, offering a gruff nod of recognition to its demise. A spark of pride ignited within his chest as he raised his head high, declaring, "So concludes the fate of a creature that dared to contend with a dragon as mighty as I."

In the throes of rising tension, Veledar had deftly guided them to triumph. Arcturus rejoined his side, a surge of relief coursing through his veins. The sole regret that lingered, as he observed the remnants of the elemental warrior, was that they couldn't have resolved the situation without bringing an end to its existence.

"A pitiful demise, indeed," Natassa remarked upon landing, her gesture encompassing the heap of ash. “Man acted as though he had no self-preservation.”

“Maybe he was an idiot?” Veledar remarked, dusting his paws off on his chest, “Not realizing he was totally out matched? I applaud your assistance Natassa.” The beast gave her a smug, tooth filled grin, “I heard your praise for me from down here.”

She squawked indignantly, “It wasn’t praise! I was casting my spells.” Natassa gestured to Arcturus with a lash of her tail, “If not for my swiftness, your human would be a bloody, broken bag of meat.”

The knight gulped, rubbing the back of his neck, noting how close he’d been to taking a strike to the jaw. “Rather grim picture you paint Natassa.”

“I try dear.”

Veledar rolled his eyes, padding to Arcturus’ side before giving the man a resounding growl, “Fear not Umraadi, with me around, you’re one safe bag of meat.”

“Thanks.” He wasn’t sure if to take that as a genuine compliment or a back handed one, “Question now is, what was Shandalar doing with Elemental Warriors in the city.”

“And where we even are.” Natassa spun around with a chirp, eyeing the scenery that remained unscathed by dragon fire or unturned earth, “You cannot teleport in Entis.”

The dragon wrinkled his snout, “Is that true? It sounds as though you’re making that up.”

“No, she is right.” Arcturus put his hands on his hips, “They have a ward around the city to prevent such a thing. It was installed a while ago, one of our kings was worried about people teleporting in to assassinate him.”

“So how did we get to this garden then? Answer me that metal britches, because last I checked illusions could not move us anywhere, and we were in an alleyway to start.” Veledar narrowed his gaze, slashing at one of the plants with his talons. It didn’t fade away, it earned a well-deserved hiss.

That was when another voice rang through the garden, reserved, stern. Shandalar strode from one of the collections of greenery that had parted to reveal a hidden door. “Are you sure you walked into an alley?” the elf raised an eyebrow. “And that the alley was not itself an illusion for the entrance to this place?”

To her Veledar glared, his eyes narrowed, “Gods I hate illusions.”