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Scales and Honor: City of Light

Chapter 2: Gnomes and Homes

Veledar was being pulled away from a man dressed in a multicolored jumpsuit. Lyndis had his left arm within her hands, while Arcturus had his right arm. They were giving him looks of irritation as the once dragon struggled in their grip. If I were a dragon right now this would be going much differently. He sighed deeply, as his friends overpowered him.

“But I want to stay and watch!" he struggled slightly as he watched the multicolored man toss multiple objects into the air, one at a time, just to catch and toss them again. He had heard some human whelp in the crowd mention it was called juggling. The man had seemed to be doing quite well, as the air was filled with a multitude of joyful cheers and shouts. It made Veledar forget that they were here on a mission. It doesn't look so tough. His eyes strayed away from the man to his friends, easily dragging across the cobblestone. I bet I could do it even better than that man could. Veledar narrowed his eyes, I could have done it in the air. He imagined the shouts of the crowd below as he out preformed the juggling man.

“Lets here it for Crimson Sky!" he imagined a fat man yelling out.

“He is my hero!" an elderly woman standing behind a wooden post would cheer out.

“Sleep with me Crimson Sky!" shouted a rather dashing human paladin.

I like that one the most. He grinned, the thought rolling around in his mind. He focused his eyes on Arcturus as the human was not looking down at him. His face was stern, calm, and focused. He doesn't even know.

“Ok no more distractions. I promise we are almost there." Arcturus let go of Veledar as they reached the mounts and Asterion.

“So you are mesmerized by tossing objects?" Asterion snorted, as his nose flared. “That will be good to know." The bull kicked his hoof against the stone and led his horse down the street.

Veledar folded his stupid human arms together. He wrinkled his face and gave a sigh. He stood there for a moment as his friends continued along the people filled streets. He let out another groan and bounded after them. He looked around to see that the further they got from the selling place the less people were around. The sea of people had turned into a small trickle of folks wandering to where they had come from. It took them an additional thirty minutes of walking to get to where Arcturus kept on insisting was only a short distance away. It would probably have taken less time if we did not have to keep stopping for people to pass intersections!

While they walked his eyes would scan for guards that happened to be walking by clad in their leather and chain-mail. “So these people were your minions?" Veledar thrust one of his digits towards a group of guards standing around and talking to one another. Veledar counted four of the guards in total.

“They were not my minions." Arcturus laughed, patting stinky two on his snout. “They did however work for me." The human let out a sigh, “It feels so weird walking these streets, and feeling like a total stranger."

“Well perhaps with your pull you could have had them aide us in our heroic quest into the castle?"

“Wouldn't want to involve them Veledar." Arcturus shrugged his shoulders, “Even if some of them would side with us. It would be risky,and it would only take one of them to blow our cover. Than everything would be ruined for you."

_ Right that would be extremely bad._ Veledar narrowed his eyes, imagining a whole city of soldiers bearing down on him. How I want to thrash something, bar my teeth, roar. He held his hands in the shape of claws and let out a mock roar with his human mouth. Although it came out as a , “Arrrrrrggg!" Just for once I want one of my plans to be a good one. “Listen Arcturus, one of these days my plan will be the one we choose. You just watch."

“HAH, Oh I'll be on da lookout!" Merlia laughed loudly.

“Oh yes you do that Merlia, It will be a grand plan." He held out his hands and spread them wide, “It will be simple, well thought out, and best of all save all your lives." Veledar held his head high and briefly closed his eyes. He held the pose for a moment until he was satisfied he got his point across. Since Merlia did not reply he figured that was the case. He unfolded his arms and started kicking the cobblestone as they walked. There was a sudden stomp that filled the air, rattling nearby pots that hung from windows. Veledar perked his head up, wishing he was a tad bit taller.

Standing in the street was one of the constructs that had shot him form the sky. This one was painted all brown with strips of gold highlighting it's edges. It carried one of the energy cannons on it's left side, and had another limb with a built in great sword. It walked towards them, each of its stomps rattling more and more objects. The red eye at it's center seemed to look directly at Veledar with malicious intent.

Veledar eyed it with suspicion as it continued its ponderous advance. People in the street actually seemed to avoid it, unlike the horses. However as they did this, they did not even look up in concern. They simply continued at whatever pace they had been walking at previously. The thing took another step towards Veledar and he had the gut feeling it could see him. He did not know how. Maybe they enchanted it to see through illusions? The thought worried him. So much for our disguises, how long did it last?

The dragon put his human mouth into as much of a menacing snarl as he could. Which just ended up making him look awkward with his mouth open. He would not give it a chance to fire it's cannon, not like the time in the fort. He narrowed his eyes and started to picture himself as his true form.

“Veledar!" came the voice of Lyndis, as she grabbed him roughly and shook him out of his trance.

He turned his head towards her in one swift motion.

“Snap out of it." she said, than asked with worry, “What's going on?"

Veledar pointed to the large construct menacingly walking towards them. How could they not understand? “I have to stop it before it gets a chance to attack us!"

“Look Veledar, it is only doing it's patrol." she replied, grasping the dragon's human left arm. “Now trust me, nothing is going to happen."

Against his better nature he looked to Lyndis, and than briefly back to the construct. “Fine Lyndis, but if it beats us I will not let you hear the end of it."

“Fine, just wait and watch."

Veledar shut his mouth as the construct drew nearer still. He looked up at the monstrosity as it got close enough to reach out and touch with his hands. True to the half-elves word the thing seemed to ignore them and simple stomp on by. Veledar watched it clomp away, parting more and more people as it went. He continued to glare at it until it disappeared behind a building.

“See what did I bloody tell you." Lyndis laughed, playfully punching his shoulder. “Your so jumpy, you got ta focken relax!"

“Easy for you to say Lyndis, our plan does not revolve around you keeping your concentration and not blowing your cover."

“Fair enough, but we can't be jumping at every stray noise you hear. You have to sit, watch, and wait." Lyndis gave him a sly smirk.

“Lyndis is right you know." Asterion suddenly spoke, causing Veledar and Lyndis to gasp in surprise.

“Ok you have to warn us before you talk or somthin!" Lyndis laughed, “Your going to give us heart attacks!"

Asterion just snorted as a man walking by bumped into him. The man quickly gave a quick “sorry." before walking away terrified from the bullman. “Dragon, glorious battle will find us in due time." Asterion said, paying the man no mind.

Of course they were right. Veledar rolled his eyes at that realization. He could not wait to be at Matilda's. It would be large enough for his true form after all. He could lay down on his back and she would be fawning over him left and right. He imagined her small excited gasp as he showed off his body to her. That would be nice. All he had to do now was survive the walk to the blasted house. How hard could that be?

Veledar continued with the others as something else drew his attention from the tall buildings, the people, and the gryphons flapping their wings overhead. It was the head of a red scaled dragon impaled on a large pike. It was stuffed, and frozen in the expression of a ferocious snarl. He noticed that Arcturus did not raise his head, and seemed to be actively avoiding this landmark. So that was the nefarious Dread Flame. Veledar narrowed his eyes as he glared at the thing's orange eyes. He imagined what they were like in life. Probably filled with hatred. How he wished it was alive right now so that he could slice him up once more. Cause how dare he hurt MY paladin. He crossed his arms and gave an angry snort. He turned his hands over right now and imagined ripping the stuffed head to shreds. Than he would find a way to incinerate the thing to ash. That way Arcturus would never have to set eyes upon it ever again.

“So dat was Dread Flame eh?" Merlia suddenly gasped, “I'd taught he'd be a bit bigga. The dwarf stopped and held up two hands as if in a square. “I'd say he had a slightly bigger head den you Veledar."

“Nonsense I have a much bigger head!"

Merlia put her hands down and placed them on her hips. “I hope yer talkin about tha tinking head lad."

“I was also talking about my dragonhood." Veledar said proudly, causing the dwarf to roar loudly in laughter.

“Just when I think your better behaved, I catch you bragging about your bloody cock." Lyndis sighed, placing her hand on her nose. “Arcturus guess what V--"

“I heard him!" the paladin replied, not looking back.

“Well back to that arsehole spiked in the center of town. I did not know they did that!"

“It was the king's idea." Arcturus grumbled back, “I'd just have gotten rid of the blasted eye sore."

“You going to be okay?" she curled an arm around the paladin's shoulders.

“I'm always fine Lyndis, I just don't like lookin it is all." Arcturus lifted his head with a smile. “Besides, I got all of you with me now." He turned and waved towards the street, “Now lets hurry up, before Veledar over there is stuck as a human forever."

“What?!" Veledar nearly shouted, That couldn't happen right? He thought as he brought a hand to tap his chin. No, No, that can't happen. The paladin was just teasing him. “Hah....hah...hah" Veledar laughed slowly full of sarcasm, “Very funny Arcturus, I will of course remember this moment if you ever shape-shift into a dragon." He than growled playfully, “I will make it an experience you will not forget."

Arcturus was quiet for just a moment before he let out another laugh.

Veledar followed him of course down several more streets. They all seemed to blend together to the dragon. That was until they came to a small building, with a bronze gear it seemed for a sign. The outside of the wood structure seemed to be fairly well made, and kept in fine order. It was a dark brown, that reminded Veledar of the trees near his old home. The door to the place sat in between two large windows, and was painted with a thin coat of bronze metal.

“Well were here!" Arcturus said cheerfully, as he spun around to give the others a great big smile.

Veledar tilted his head to the side. It is still so strange to see him wear a different face. Veledar just shrugged, Course the others must feel exactly the same way to not see me as my fantastic dragon self.

“Well it certainly does not look like much." Lyndis pointed a finger to the simple gear sign. “It doesn't even have a bloody name on it."

“Well I like it lass, keeps it simple. Don need ta worry about all dem names. Ya just go, lets get to da gear!" Merlia strode over and knocked the sign with one of her knuckles. “Besides, da best tings in da world don look like much." Merlia brought Ulga over to a post and tied the ponies reins to it. “dey are always better beneath da surface." Merlia rubbed her hands together as if she were washing them, “I can tell ya about dis dwarf, not too much ta look at mind ya." She suddenly had a mischievous grin form on her mouth, “But dat boy had some stamina. See he could last fer---"

“We don't need to hear about that certainly." Arcturus interrupted loudly as he held up a hand for her to be quiet. Veledar noticed his face had turned a slight shade of red, like it usually did when he was a tad squeamish.

“Oh so da paladin gets wee bit squeamish wen Merlia talks about da fun times. Are ya some sort of child lad? Yer a grown man, ya should be able ta talk about it."

“You think that is something, you should have seen his face when I told him dragon's like to fuck for fun."

“Did ya now?"

“Oh yes, he turned more red than he here is now." Veledar gestured to Arcturus, who was once again turning the same shade of Veledar's scales. “He did not even let me tell him about this time with two gryphons were I got them to worship my----"

“ENOUGH!" Arcturus shouted, “We do not have the booze to have me hear about how two gryphons...."

“Dragonhood." Veledar finished, showing his teeth off to the crimson human standing in front of him. Oh this game was fun.

Merlia roared in laughter as she smacked her knee. “Yer right, now dat is funny! Arcturus ya look like one of me nephews that learned about girls for da firs time."

“You know what?" Arcturus held up his hand a tad higher, “Lets finish this conversation never." he turned to the door and grumbled something.

“Or at least until we get some more alcohol in him, you heard him! So don't worry Arcturus, you might not hear that story now. However you will hear it eventually."

Lyndis and Merlia once again screamed in laughter like banshees. They reined it in fairly quickly as they noticed they had scared several flocks of birds away, including some gryphons who were passing overhead.

“Enough of this sex talk, and laughing at Arcturus' demeanor that reminds us of a little boy." Asterion strode over and tied his horse to the same post as Merlia, “I wish to see the gnome woman." The bull passed Arcturus and pushed open the door loudly. Veledar heard a small bell ring out from within the place. Even while outside he got a small whiff of some of the smells, that leaked out of the place. It was the smell of burning oil, and the stale smell of cut metal. Veledar breathed in once and had to cough into his hand. Why did all human smells have to stink? He narrowed his eyes, as his coughs subsided. Well this is a gnomes workshop he reminded himself,...and Arcturus smells pleasant.

He padded up the steps and entered the opened door. The first thing he noticed was that the ceiling was a pretty standard height for human buildings. He was a tad concerned that with a gnome involved everything would be much smaller and he would be forced to crouch over. There were numerous metal objects hanging from wires from said ceiling by thin wires, wooden crates stacked against every wall, and a large oak desk sitting nearly in the center of the room. The walls themselves were also not barren from things. Knickknacks of all different sorts seemed to cling to them, their purpose lost on Veledar. They were all lit by the dim glow of several lanterns powered by mana crystals at their center.

He breathed in again, finding the place smelled like coal, and rocks from the mountain. It was almost pleasant until he also smelled the burned oil, and metal among it. He wrinkled his face, and realized the room seemed to be filled with the sound of ticking, clicking, and a small thud every few seconds. Veledar wished he had his normal senses about him, suspecting there were even more than his feeble human senses could detect.

On the back wall there was a single large wooden door, which held a red plaque with white letters spelling, “Stay Out." From behind the door came the sound of a dull explosion that rocked the door slightly, than made all the metal hangings jingle.

“Coming!" yelled a high pitched female voice from the other side of the door, followed by the sound of yet another explosion. “Gods damnt!"

The door swung open after a few minutes to reveal a small gnome woman, with onyx hair. Matilda stepped out, quickly shut the door behind her, adjusted her goggles on her head, and gave them all a smile. She was covered in soot, that left small black lines covering her hands, arms, and parts of her face. If Veledar did not know any better he would have sworn that she was a miner. She wiped her dirty hands on her brown pants before extending a hand. “Names Matilda, owner of this here shop." she gestured to everything around them, “Is there anything I can do for you?" she asked, followed by the sound of an explosion from behind the door that made her cringe.

“Don't mind the noise! It happens all the time." She chuckled nervously, than slowly turned towards the door. “You know on second thought." She held up a finger towards them, “Hold on." She reentered the door before anyone could say a word. Veledar heard the sound of metal striking metal for the next minute, proceeded by little small ringing explosions, than curses.

She emerged moments later holding a small metal bone that seemed to be covered in a thin lair of black residue. “As I was saying." she laughed, “Names Matilda, and what can I do for you."

I'm going to like her. Veledar turned to Arcturus, who seemed to be at a loss for words.

“Hey Matilda, we have some things to discuss you and I." Arcturus tilted his head to look back at Lyndis. “ Lyndis would you be so kind to drop the spell?"

Lyndis poked Arcturus with a finger. The illusion seemed to shatter off of him like little flakes of dead scales. They started off little by little, but after ten seconds the disguise was gone.

Veledar heard the door they had come in shut with a sudden slam, that made him jump slightly. He gathered himself and breathed deeply. I hope no one saw that. He looked to the others, and it looked like he was in luck. He breathed a sigh of relief.

“Arcturus!" Matilda shouted, the words exploding from her mouth almost instantly. She dashed to the paladin and seemed to be trying to crush him with her arms. He watched the paladin squirm slightly in her grip, and Veledar was reminded of when he and Arcturus would wrestle. “I knew you weren't dead!" She cried, as tears started to swell up in her eyes. “I kept saying to myself, That boys tougher than that dragon, woulda never killed him!"

Arcturus tougher than him? He shook his head back and forth at the idea.

Matilda continued by burying her head into the chest plate of Arcturus' armor. “I promised Selina I'd protect ya, and to think my armor had failed you." She opened her eyes and wiped them with the back of her hand. Her eyes than seemed to be tracing Arcturus' armor as her eyebrows scrunched in anger. “What have ya been doing to my armor!?" she suddenly shouted, gesturing to the silver metal. “Look at all the dings and scratches! Matilda smacked Arcturus on his arm, “What happened to ya, that it took this bloody long for ya to come back!? Did ya kill the dragon?" She backed away and stomped her foot, “Tell me Arcturus, ya owe me an explanation for scaring me half to death!" Suddenly if in realization of the others Veledar watched the woman's eyes jump to each other person in the room other than the human. “Who are they?" She swiped a finger across the room, pointing to each of them in turn. “And why did ya come into my store wearing a disguise?"Matilda returned to the paladin with a glare. Her eyes looked like a mother dragon who was about to yell at her wrymlings for doing something stupid.

_ Like I was caught fooling around with my adopted sister._

“What have you done now Arcturus?" She adjusted her goggles slightly as she pulled them over her eyes. Veledar thought she looked like a bug, how the gems made it look like she had numerous eyes. Her head swiveled to each of them in a harsh motion. She would rest her eyes on them for a moment or two before turning to the next one.

“Well you see it's a very long and complicated story." Arcturus rubbed the back of his neck with one of his hands. “Surely you don't have the time to hear it."

Matilda suddenly gasped and took a step back as her sight befell Veledar.

Veledar gulped, Guess the goggles are for more than protecting her eyes.

“Y-you will have to come down into the lab." she stumbled with words, as her gaze never left Veledar. “I'll make some tea of course, and you can tell me about your friend here." She turned to open the door, and waved them to follow. Veledar strode over to follow the gnome right after Arcturus. She led them past a well lit hallway covered in blueprints, to a long set of wooden stairs leading down towards the basement.

Veledar walked down the steps carefully, mindful of each step as the wood squeaked beneath him. He ducked his head slightly as they went down so he could see into the basement that awaited him. His eyes clung to every metal object that was scattered around the fairly large stone room. It was surprisingly big for once again, a place were a gnome would spend most of her time. Most of the metal objects were placed onto brown wooden tables littered about. Along side the objects were vials of multi-colored liquids of every shape.

Curious about the vials, he reached out with a hand to touch one as they passed. However he found Arcturus' hand reached out to stop him. He narrowed his eyes as the human's firm grip was able to overpower his own. Oh how he could not wait to be a dragon again, and not put on this charade of humanity. Than I will pay them back for dragging me around like some sort of pet. He imagined it now, pulling Arcturus by his collar, or dragging him aside with his tail or wings. I bet he will struggle. Veledar grinned to himself. But it will not matter.

Matilda came to a stop at a far table in one of the corners of the room. It seemed to a light tan instead of the dark brown of the other ones previously. The table also was different as it was not practically covered in cluttered. What is with people cluttering all their tables?

“So whats the story Arcturus?" Matilda asked, pulling over a wooden chair loud scraping noise, that made Veledar cover his ears.

“Gods woman, do you need to shatter my ears while you move a gods damn chair?" Veledar wrinkled his face as much as he could.

“Yes!" Merlia scraped yet another chair across the floor, with somehow an even louder scrape.

Veledar's entire body shivered with each tug the gnome took on the chair.

“I do!" she placed the chair near the table, and went to go retrieve four more. Thankfully this time she did not scrape the chairs but merely carried them over to the table.

Arcturus had offered to help her of course, followed by the others asking as well. Matilda had simply held up a hand and shook her head, “Nah ya save your energy for the story yer going to be telling me, besides.." She gestured to all of them with her left hand, “Your my guests. You best not lift a finger any of ya, or I will break it." she thrust a finger to each one of them with a fierceness in her eyes Veledar had not gnomes could possess.

Veledar padded over to a chair and sat down upon it. He instantly regretted it, for although he despised the horrid smell of the horses, at least they were comfortable. He squirmed in his seat, rocking from side to side. No matter what position he took it hurt his backside.

“Whats the matter?" Matilda asked him, raising an eyebrow. Veledar looked to her eyes and found they were wide with curiosity. “Is this the first time in a chair.....Dragon?"

“What now?" he spurted out in surprise, almost falling out of his chair. He heard a collected gasp of surprise from the others. “Well thanks everyone for playing it calm and collected." Veledar said with a monotone voice.

Matilda just gave them all a smile of victory.

“Well spit it out woman, how did you know." He crossed his arms, “Your a wizard too aren't you?" He spun his head to look at Arcturus, looking for any sign that this gnome was in fact a wizard. The human just gave him a shrug. Fountain of knowledge as always Arcturus.

Matilda tapped her goggles slowly with her pointer finger. “Goggles of true-sight, dragon. I made them myself, lets me see through magic, illusions, or even shape-shifters." She shrugged and gave out a small chuckle, “Have to admit you look funny all scrunched up like that."

Veledar looked down at his human body, he did not look like he was scrunched up. To him he looked like everyone else was sitting. “I am not scrunched up!" he held his hands open towards Arcturus who was sitting there looking innocent, “I am sitting exactly like him!"

Matilda shook her head from left to right several times, letting out a sigh. “No you misunderstand. I can see your real body with the goggles." She gestured to Veledar by twirling her hand around. “It looks like it is all pressed together to fit into that human body of yours."

Veledar touched his body, trying to not imagine his wonderful dragon body all smushed together like some sort of clay creation.

Matilda lightly smacked her forehead with an open palm. “Oh totally forgot, did anyone want tea?"She clasped her hands together, and looked to each of them in turn.

“You know I have never had this tea. I shall have some."

Everyone around the table agreed to have some as well, to Matilda's apparent delight. She let out a little high pitched squeal. “Oh that's wonderful! Usually no one wants to have any with me." She pointed to Arcturus with a grin, “Even Arcturus, no matter how many times I asked him." Matilda turned around and walked over towards an oven on the opposite wall, that already had a small white teapot on it. “Already had some water boiling anyway." She smiled, opening up some cubbards. She returned to the table with a tray, that had six off white teacups.

“Sorry for being distracted by the dragon here Arcturus, I am curious about all the companions of yours you have dropped on my doorstep." She cocked her head to the side, and Veledar watched her eyes inquisitively gazed into Arcturus'

“Don't worry, about being distracted by me Matilda. It happens all the time to me." Veledar held his hand to his chest firmly. He rolled his eyes and groaned as he was not met with the familiar feeling of scales, but soft human flesh. His own eyes flashed in irritation as Matilda seemed to ignore his statement. He looked around to find that she was getting everyone else's attention.

Matilda gave everyone her full attention as they introduced themselves, and shook the gnomes hand.

_ What should I do when she asks for my name?_ He smirked, as a plan already formed in his mind. I have to make it memorable for her. It is her first time meeting a dragon after all....

“So dragon what should I call you?" she asked, finally turning to him.

Veledar grinned and held out his hand. “I Matilda, am....." He thought about changing into his true form. He pictured her eyes would swell up in tears at getting the chance to look at something so beautiful. She would stammer as words failed her, and she would of course swoon.

“Crimson Sky don't!" his friends called out in unison, but it was too late. Smoke suddenly exploded from Veledar and filled the room instantly.

Veledar felt his body return to size, his wings sprout forth, his tail extend outward, his claws spring out, and his neck grow. Veledar through his head back and bellowed “I am Crimson Skaaaaaaaaaah." One of his horns caught a wooden beam above him, and got caught. He gave a snort of annoyance, as with a tug he found he was stuck. “What is this?!" he snarled, showing off his teeth. He tugged harder this time, but he did not budge. He watched the smoke clear and see his friends amused faces. Well at least she will be mesmerized by my form, even if I am stuck.

Matilda however did not wear a face of wonder, or even a face of enchantment. Her face was scrunched up in anger instead as her eyes stared at him, and it seemed fire would spring forth from them.

Veledar gnashed with his teeth and thrashed his tail as he struggled. His tail came crashing down onto one of the tables and demolished it. Table legs flew out from it, as the wood cracked loudly. Vials shattered on the ground, spilling the various liquids onto the stone. Lastly papers that were on the table settled down into the puddles, and became ruined.

“Stop ye fussin ya big baby!" Merlia shouted, as she bound over trying to capture the dragon's wild flailing tail. Asterion stood up to help her as well.

Veledar felt them grab his tail roughly. “Hey!" he hissed, his voice taut.

“WHAT HAVE YA DONE TO MY LAB!" Matilda shrieked out as she gestured to the broken table, shattered vials, and ruined papers. Veledar thought for a moment an ogre was yelling at him, and not a small gnome. “YOUR LUCKY YA DON'T HAVE ANY BALLS OR I WOULD BE KICKING THEM RIGHT NOW! YOU OVERGROWN LIZARD!

Veledar held up one his claws, “Firstly I am not a lizard, I am a dragon. Secondly Matilda I blame your ceiling for being too small. You have gryphons in this city, surely you should have had this place constructed bigger." He gave another small tug, but still his horn would not be free. He went limp in defeat. Asterion and Merlia let go of his tail, it landed on the floor with a thump.

“RETURN TO A SMALLER SIZE BEFORE YOU RUIN MORE OF MY LAB YA DOLT!" She shook her fist at him.

Veledar sighed and held a claw up to his snout.

“BESIDES THIS PLACE WASN'T MADE BY ME. IT WAS MADE BY HUMANS, FOR HUMAN SIZED PEOPLE!" She threw up her hands, “WHY DID YOU EVEN TRANSFORM, YOU KNOW YOU COULD HAVE GOTTEN STUCK!

Well I of course would not have, if I had remembered the rafters. He pressed his claw to his head and pictured himself smaller. Course now I just feel stupid.

“He was trying to show off for you." Arcturus explained, patting Matilda on her back. “He uh...tends to do that a lot.....its his.....dragon charm." the human than sighed, “I will pay for anything he destroyed."

“See Matilda everything is okay! Arcturus will pay for everything!"

“ya should be payin for da who bleedin ting!" Merlia laughed, “Yer got ta coin!"

“Well I am certainly surprised.....Crimson Skaaaaaah was it? Matilda put her hands on her hips and gave him an amused grin.

“Its Crimson Sky actually." he snorted in irritation.

“So change shape, or turn back." She sighed holding the bridge of her nose, like Arcturus usually did. “You can't stay like that."

“Fine." Veledar did a claw movement, and flicked his tail. Causing more books to go toppling over onto the floor.

“Watch your gods cursed tail! Your going to make an even bigger mess!"

“Woman it was already a mess when I got here. I simply changed were the mess was." He replied, as the room around him seem to grow around him. Although he knew it was simply his own body getting smaller. He stopped shrinking when he was shoulder height at the table. Its not the size he wanted to be. He held his head so it was level with Arcturus' own. But it will have to do. He sat down, rustled his wings, and curled his tail on the floor. “Are you happy now?" He turned his head towards her and have her a big tooth filled grin.

“Fascinating." she said softly, her voice full of wonder. She shook her head slightly as if to break her awe. “Now Arcturus." Matilda turned to the human, “You went about meeting all these people here, why have you brought a dragon into my workshop shape-changed-"

“Well I can't go very well walking around in public can I?" Veledar growled under his breath , as he thumped his tail on the floor.

Matilda stomped her right foot, “Why you came in disguise, and why everyone was telling me you were dead!?" Matilda turned red as she finished her last word. Veledar noticed she was breathing heavy and had a vein popping out of her forehead.

_ Must be angry at him something awful._ Veledar smiled, This should be interesting. He figured he would be angry too if he was concerned over someone for awhile, and found out it was all for nothing. Course I would have done some roaring, snarling, an breathing fire. Course whatever she did was probably good for gnomes.

“Well as I said, its a long story after all." Arcturus sighed, once again rubbing the back of his neck in a circular motion.

“Well I got the time Arcturus!"

“What about your customers?"

“I usually don't have any. Well any that come into the store anyway. Most folks just pay me to make something for them. Besides..." She gestured to a bell that was close to the stairs. “That there will tell us if someone walks in. Now come on Arcturus, tell me what happened." She smiled, “I mean, look at all your friends here. Your like one of those adventuring parties you hear about in the tales!"

Veledar sat in relative silence as Arcturus told the tale of how they had met. The human described in detail the interrogation, and his internal dilemma he faced to set him free. “Than I whisked him away with my wings!" Veledar interrupted loudly, “And you should have heard him scream when I picked him up!" Veledar roared in laughter as he pawed the floor. He stopped after a minute when no one was joining him in his laughter. “Oh come on now, it was funny."

“So yer the reason that everyone thought he was dead? I mean I figured it might be the dragon, but kidnapped? Matilda scrunched up her face, and glared at him.

“Well yes, I suppose I kidnapped him. It was for his own good naturally." Veledar said proudly, “He even thanked me."

“YOU THANKED HIM?" Matilda turned to Arcturus, and pulled out a small white piece of cloth. “A DRAGON KIDNAPS YA LIKE A PRINCESS, OR A MAIDEN AND YOU THANK HIM?" She smacked Arcturus with the cloth, as everyone stifled laughter.

“Well he had a point!" Arcturus shielded himself with his hands as Matilda continued to try and thrash him with the rag. “The king's orders were suspicious and full of lies!"

“And I did not want to see the noble deed of freeing an innocent dragon go punished by a pompous fool." Veledar held his claw firmly to his scaled chest. He sighed at the familiar feeling of his own scales. He closed his eyes and slightly twitched his frills, tail, and wings.

Arcturus than continued with their trip to the fairy realm, and all that they saw there. His eyes grew tired, and his voice became brittle as he mentioned his wife and child.

Matilda gasped, and turned to Veledar. “And you saved him?"

“That would have been for the second time, yes." He swelled his chest,resettling his wings on his back.

Arcturus described all the other places they had been. The time in Trost were he talked about Veledar's singing talent, then Drakenburg with the dragon banners, than he got to the part were Veledar's heart had stopped.

Veledar touched his chest as he felt a phantom pain shoot through it. He winced, but managed to hide it from the others. No sense in the others thinking I am a wrymling. He returned his paw to the ground and gave a great grin as the story had gotten to when he had flown with Arcturus. He watched the human talk with such joy of the feeling, and Veledar felt that tingly sensation all through his body once again. He scowled as Arcturus reached the end of the tale and talked about the Emerald Lady, including her task.

Merlia's face filled with dread as Arcturus described the situation beneath the fort. “They were doin that down there?" she said softly, “I think there is more to it than that horrid mess." Matilda ran her hands through her hair. “As horrifying as that sounds."

“Yea it is." Arcturus rubbed his hands together, “And that is the entire story up until now." He leaned back in his chair and gave a sigh.

Matilda was silent for a moment,than padded over to Veledar. “So all this trouble is to get Crimson Sky here killed?"

“It would suppose so my dear. Your king really wants me dead for some reason." Veledar swelled his chest out in pride, “He must know how fearsome of a dragon I am."

“Well ya best hope lad he neva finds out how clumsy ya are." Merlia laughed, “Or he mite have ya image ruined."

Matilda held out a hand and opened it. “Crimson Sky, may I......touch you?"

Merlia stifled a laugh into her hand. Arcturus placed his hands on the bridge of his nose as he sighed.

Veledar ignored the dwarf as his attention was solely on Matilda. Well that was certainty polite. Much better than that fairy. “Of course you may touch me Matilda, and thank you for asking." He held up a claw to stop her thought for a moment. “Just don't whollop me like you did Arcturus."

“I promise I won't wack you with a rag." She said with a laugh.

“Or anything else that may come to mind. Like for instance say a frying pan."

“Or a boot!" Merlia added with another hearty laugh.

“yes including a boot, do you promise still?" He cocked his head to the side and watched her carefully.

Matilda just have him an amused sigh, “Yes I promise Crimson Sky, I wont hit you with a frying pan, rag, or a.....boot."

“Thank you Matilda, now you may touch me."

“May want ta rephrase dat Veledar." Merlia chuckled, causing Lyndis to place her palms in her face.

“Can you go one time Merlia without making that kind of joke?"

“And let im get away wit it? Never Lass!"

Matilda placed her hand on his snout, her hand was soft and slightly warm. Veledar breathed in lightly, causing her to giggle as she flinched.

“Neva thought......your nose feels like leather!" She pulled her hand back with a grin, “Thank you Crimson Sky you helped me complete a fantasy of mine."

“ooooooo" Veledar gave a happy croon, and tapped his tail lightly on the stone floor.

“I would not compliment the dragon, it will go to his head." Asterion grumbled, making everyone jump slightly as he sipped his tea loudly.

“Oh hush you." Veledar waved a paw dismissively at him, 'let the woman fawn over me if she wishes." he hissed.

Matilda without another word retreated to a rather large pile of assorted objects, which she started tossing out and onto the floor. “Hey I got something of yours Arcturus that ya left behind on the ship!" Matilda turned around and was holding the human's armored helmet. Matilda strolled over and placed it onto the table with a thump. “There now you have the complete set." she smiled, “Now back to business, you need to get that book of Crimson Sky's" She pointed a thumb back towards the dragon.

“That would be correct, we need a place to lay low while we figure out how to do it."

“Well your certainly welcome to stay here." She placed her hands on her hips, “Unless you found a different place to hide the freaking dragon."

“Please, no one needs to hide me." Veledar held his neck out and seemed to work a kink out of it, “I can shape-shift after all."

“Yea but not all the time, how about when ya sleep!? I bet you change back when that happens right?

Veledar scowled at the gnome being correct, as the others just watched, sipping their tea. Veledar rolled his eyes, and pushed some books with his tail. Damn she did have a point.

“Watch the tail!"

“Calm down woman, I simply moved them." He replied, just as the books were knocked over. Whoops.

“Don't make me rethink my offer dragon!" she thrust a small finger towards his snout, so close to his snout he could simply lean forward and touch it.

“Fine Matilda, we can stay here, and......I will refrain from trying to make a mess."

“Good." Matilda nodded, as the bell she had pointed out before rang loudly. It's sound reverberating off of the walls. She turned towards the stairway, than quickly back to them. “One second if you would, apparently I have a customer." Matilda held up a finger and casually walked up the stairs.

Veledar followed her movement with his snout, than curled his neck back instantly when she was up the stairs and out of view. “So what is the idea to get into the castle? I know it might be fun to sit in this lab for a bit. Considering I was tortured all day by being human." He held a paw to his chest and tried to look hurt. It truthfully wasn't hard, he dipped his snout slightly and lowered his eyes.

“aw wut a poor we ting ya are." Merlia said with a grin, “Shood I git a glass of milk for ya? Or maybe ya want a story? Onna acount of ya bein a big scaly baby!" She let out a hearty laugh, pounding her fist on the table three times. Thankfully her fists rattling did not spill any tea.

“Weeeeellll, I've had an idea brewing in my head the entire time I've been here." Lyndis placed her tea cup down with a small clink. “Despite Veledar's wining here of course."

“Heeeeeey" He pouted, pulling his neck backwards and rustling his wings.

“HAH!" Merlia took out what looked like a metal water-skin and took a drink. Veledar could not think of the name of them, but thought they might be called metal skins.

_ Metal Skins, that sounds about right._ His eyes narrowed as with his next breath he smelled the a faint bitter smell, which seemed to be mixed with berries.

“Although..." Lyndis turned to Arcturus with a concerned look on her face, “Arcturus here might not exactly like it." Veledar watched her lips curl into a grin,

“And why would I not exactly like it?" the human raised an eyebrow, as he pulled the cup away from his mouth.

“Because.......It might involve.......a little wee bit here." She held up two fingers really close, “people that could be.....less than desirable."

“Wonderful." Arcturus replied in a monotone voice.

“Well lass, I didn here a no." Merlia whispered loudly, not even hiding she was covering her mouth with the backside of her hand.

“You know I'm not deaf now right?" Arcturus rolled his eyes.

“Well you could have fooled me at times." Veledar moved his head towards the human and gave him a playful tap with his snout right on his back,

“HAH even da dragon tinks so!" Merlia roared, and then turned to Asterion. “Come on handsome ya got ta add somtin now!"

“He is clearly not deaf......perhaps he is......." Asterion stumbled through his words and than trailed off. “A bad warrior?" The bulls snorted when no one laughed or gave him a reply.

Lyndis stifled back a laugh, as she stared in disbelief of the mintoaur.

“Well ya go in work on yer next one Asterion. I'll take care ov da insults for ya."

“Well anyway." Lyndis swallowed down her laugh. “I could set up a meeting with a contact of mine. He might be able to find us a way into the castle, and away from prying eyes."

Veledar gave a rumble of approval, as his spines flexed a bit out. “Excellent idea Lyndis, of course I hope it goes better than your last foray into the underbelly of a town."

“What happened last time?" Asterion whispered to Arcturus, as the human had not explained that detail to the gnome.

“We got attacked by a gang." Arcturus whispered back.

“So Lyndis, how do you know these people? I thought you had never been to Entis in your life?" Veledar tilted his head to the side, and shifted his tail to the other side of his body. He was sure she had mentioned that when they had first met in the field. Although perhaps he had only assumed by her warning she had gone.

“I never said that. I remember telling you to count yourself lucky they only stole your book, and to consider it gone!" She raised her hands slightly, “Although look at me now, planning the bloody crazy idea you had!"

Veledar's chest swelled with pride, “Not so much a crazy plan is it?" Veledar moved his paw in a circular motion, “Or it is and we are all crazy."

“"Well not now Veledar!" She gestured to all of his friends sitting around him. “When you first mentioned it was just you." She gestured to his body, “A head strong dragon. Now though? You have a skilled ex-paladin of Lumara, the best damn ranger I have ever seen, Asterion over there." She than jutted a thumb into her own chest, “And me. I can say with complete confidence your chances improved immensely." She formed her hand into a fist and punched the palm of her other one.

“Well tell me how you know these people, I noticed how you were avoiding the question."

“Well lets just say I visited here a year ago on my journey and I was a.........thing getter." She coughed into her hand trying to hide the last bit.

Veledar narrowed his eyes instantly, as he moved his tail back in forth. “You mean this entire time you actually have been.......a thief?!" He moved his snout frills back and forth as he snorted a patch of warm air at the half-elf, scattering any loose papers that were still left on the table.

“Yes?" Lyndis cringed slightly

“HAH I knew it!" Veledar swept his tail on the floor, catching Arcturus' chair and pulling it our from under him. The human fell to the ground with a thud and a pained sigh.

Everyone burst out laughing as Arcturus pulled himself up, dusted himself off, grabbed his knocked over chair and once again sat down. “You know we should chain that thing up." Arcturus laughed, rubbing his backside with his right hand.

“Sorry about that." Veledar lowered his head.

“You know Veledar for someone who keeps giving me shite about being a thief, you certainly have not thrown me to the wayside." Lyndis said with an amused smile.

He curled his neck so he could face her, “Well that's because someone has to keep a watchful eye on you my dear Lyndis. I have to make sure you do not steal any more of my hireling's things." He gave her a tooth filled grin as he twitched his tail slightly.

“ So besides being a thing getter, I did jobs for them. Thrill of the jobs and all that." she waved her hand dismissively. 'So I figure I scour around and find my old contact." Lyndis crossed her arms and looked to the others, amber eyes burning with confidence.

“Well, I for one think its a good plan." Veledar turned to look at the others in turn, who seemed to be agreement over it as well.

“I have a suggestion." Arcturus held up a hand, “Although I do like your plan mind you. I suggest we have a plan b as it were. You know just in case things go....

“Tits up lad?" Merlia laughed.

“South.." Arcturus finished, ignoring the chuckling from the dwarf.

“You should relax Arcturus, I'm sure Lyndis plan will be a success. Perhaps you should unwind and be a bit less worrisome?" Veledar replied, lowering his snout close to the human and giving him a grin.

“Wish I had your optimism at times Veledar." He turned his attention to Merlia, who was still chuckling slightly. “You can travel safely outside this room without a disguise, could you perhaps do some scouting for me?" You might be able to find some things I do not know about the castle."

Merlia placed her flask down and dragged a thumb across her chin. “Sure ting lad. Can ya sketch up a map of da walls?" Merlia reached into her pack and pulled out a rolled up piece of manila parchment. Veledar noted this one was different than the one from the forest, for starters this one had lots of empty space. She next pulled out a black feathered quill, and a small glass bottle of black ink. She placed the quill down, and the bottle beside it with a small clink. She than unrolled the scroll, and placed several of the metal objects on the paper's edges.

Arcturus took the quill from her when she held it out to him. 'Course I can!" the paladin smiled as he uncorked the vial, and dipped the quill into the ink. He placed the quill firmly onto the paper and began writing on it.

Veledar watched him work as the human looked at the paper intently. He drew with broad strokes at first, than his hands seemed to come alive as he added little details here and there. Well he did say he liked to paint. Perhaps that translates to drawing as well? He would have to remember to get the paladin to draw him sometime. He turned his head to inspect his red scales and tan membranes. He wiggled his tail back and forth to his own amusement, then he flexed the tail frill. I would naturally be at my full size of course. Perhaps he could capture me roaring? He than had a mischievous idea pop into his mind. Or perhaps I can have my legs spread on my side, and he could draw ALL of me. Veledar chuckled to himself at the dirty thought. He imagined the human turning slightly red, his eyes locked onto his dragonhood. Oh certainly that would be fun. He looked back to Arcturus, who had started to slow down his quill strokes.

“There one castle wall sketch completed! Arcturus set the quill down and cracked his knuckles loudly.

Veledar shivered his body at the sound of his bones. It was like taking claws down a cave wall to him. How the mortals could stand the noise was beyond him.

“Dats not half bad lad!" Merlia jabbed one of her fingers to the parchment. 'I tink I can head hear to scout out da place. Looks like da least pryin eyes spot."

“So what are the rest of us to do while Lyndis and Merlia do the real work?" Veledar yawned. He stretched his front limbs out, lowered his head, and raised his hind quarters like a cat. “Take a decent nap?" _That certainly sounds nice, especially after spending the day as a human. _

“I will go to temples. Go get reagents for special spells." Asterion announced with a gruff voice. Once again making Veledar and everyone else jump slightly. Asterion did not seem to mind the joke they kept making about this, opened his spell book and began to read.

Veledar's interest was peaked. He had no idea what these special spells were but he wanted to know. “Asterion what are these...special spells you just mentioned?"

“Well not exactly special, but certain spells require reagents for me to cast. Like for instance an iron bar, holy water, things such as those."

Veledar wrinkled his snout in disappointment. “Well that certainly is dull. Well while you work on that I will have Arcturus here all to my lonesome." Oh how I enjoy that little prospect. He turned to his snout to Arcturus, Perhaps I will even tell him about my growing interest in him. He imagined the human would be thrilled of course. It was not every day a dragon showed interest in you. He imagined Arcturus struggling to speak as he turned red. He would be simply be awestruck. Veledar would strut over with confidence and do one of those kiss things he had read about. Veledar sat down and patted the ground slightly. Although what if that ruined the friendship they had built? Veledar wrinkled his muzzle again at the thought. I much prefer the first thought.

“Well once Matilda is back I will head out." Lyndis stood up, and brushed herself off lightly. “That leave Arcturus and Veledar here to lay low."

YES! Veledar watched Arcturus fold his arms, and his face fill with irritation. Veledar felt sympathy for him, he knew the human liked to be doing things. I could certainly have him do things. Veledar smirked to himself, than shook his head. No focus on the elf, not on having Arcturus suck my.....gods damnt. Veledar shook his head again and managed to get the thought out of his mind. I don't need to flag in front of everyone. He padded over to his human and sat next to him, “Don't like waiting Arcturus?"

“I hate being here, just sitting on my hands." Arcturus replied, sounding more like an upset child than a grown man. “But I understand why I must. It's much safer for them to carry this out, and they do not need disguises." Arcturus fidgeted in his seat, clearly still upset about the whole thing.

“Don't worry about that. I will of course take good care of you. I will keep you company, and with me I guarantee you will not notice the others are gone." He grinned to the paladin as he rose to his hind legs slightly, and placed his left paw on the his shoulder.

“Thanks Veledar."

“Not at all, can't have my paladin dying of bordem after all!" Of course I can find ways to keep us VERY busy. He shook his head slightly again as he settled back onto his haunches. I have to stop, or I will be flagging down here. Veledar took a deep breath, and released a sigh. He could feel his heartbeat start to slow down. That should do it. I can think of this when I have Arcturus alone.

“SO I HAVE YOUR ARMOR DOWN HERE IF YOU WANT A LOOK!" Matilda shouted out from up the stairs and down the hallway. “YOU SEE MY WORKSHOP IS MOSTLY FULL WITH OTHER INVENTIONS OF MINE, NOTHING TO HIDE OF COURSE!

“Quiet" Lyndis whispered harshly as she waved to everyone to get around her.

“you could ask nicely." Veledar replied back softly.

“Now Veledar!"

“Okay, okay." Veledar hissed as he took his place with the others around Lyndis

“Hezdremhah Ilir" Lyndis muttered, causing a thin transparent field to shut off the area around them and the rest of the workshop.

“Oh nice one Lyndis, I don't think they will see us through the transparent field. Veledar muttered, his voice filled with sarcasm.

“I chose for us to see it that way!" Lyndis hissed in a whisper, booping her hand against Veledar's snout.

“HEY!" he snarled at her, “I have a right mind to bite you!"

“Ya best not do that ya bloody dragon, or we're going to get caught." She thrust a finger to the transparent field. “That's a major image illusion spell. I chose it to resemble the walls around here, and that is all they will see."

_ Drat she had a point_. “Fine I won't bite you. I must say you win this round." He sat down on his haunches an glared at the wooden stairs.

“Now as I said, don't be surprised to such a mess. I may have smashed some things around when I was done here last." Matilda's voice came again from above, but much closer this time.

Matilda peaked her small head down the stairs for a moment, than the rest of her followed down as well. Her mouth opened slightly, as her eye scanned the room. Veledar saw her adjust her goggles slightly, and then she smiled in response. Veledar wondered what this was all about, but than realized the gnome was not alone. Standing beside her was a human woman clad in a brown uniform, with gold lines stitched into the edges. She had a brown cloak wrapped around her neck complete with a broach in the shape of an eagle. Around her waist was a black leather belt, complete with a sword and scabbard. Her fierce blue eyes looked right at Veledar, and for a moment he wondered if she could see through the illusion of the wall. However as she gave no other reaction he sighed in relief.

“Elwin." Arcturus gasped, as the dirty blonde haired lady took her last step on the stairs.

Elwin? Veledar turned his snout to the paladin,.I will have to ask him later how he knows this woman.

Her head moved from left to right, as her eyes than looked to the clutter. “You really have a mess down here." she muttered, as if the words themselves were disgusting. She stopped when she saw the destroyed table.

“Shite." Lyndis cursed in a hushed whisper , “Thrice curse your tail."

Elwin's eyes narrowed in suspicion, “What is with the table there? It looks like something came in here and demolished it." She pointed at the table first, that the liquids still spilled on the floor.

“Oh yea sorry about that." Matilda laughed with a shrug, “I got carried away when an invention of mine didn't work." She held up one of her arms and flexed it, “Sometimes I don't know my own strength." Than she lowered her arm and scowled, “Or the man I bought these tables from pulled one over my eyes."

“Indeed, I suspect your tables were poorly made then." Elwin said sternly, although the look of suspicion on her face did not fade away. Her left hand moved to stay on the hilt of her stowed sword, as she padded into the room.

“Well course things have been tough and all, but my lady that did not stop me from makin the armor you wanted!" Matilda walked over to a corner of the room and tossed a few things over her shoulder. When she was done there was an object covered in an off white sheet. It stood about four feet tall and roughly two feet wide. She grabbed the sheet with both of her hands and turned back to Elwin with a cocky grin. “Now feast yer eyes on this!" She pulled the sheet away to reveal a silver suit of armor with gold trimmings almost identical to Arcturus' own.

“That's beautiful!" Elwin exclaimed as she practically jumped for joy, only for her to catch herself and walk casually over. She reached out with a finger and traced it along the chest plate. “It's just like Arcturus' armor." she said quietly.

“Well ya wanted the best, and that's my design, and it was well paid for." Matilda chuckled.

“I didn't know him much, but he was there when I became a paladin." Elwin turned to Matilda and gave her a deep bow. “I am truly honored that you would bestow armor to me that will allow me to live up to his greatness."

“Your w-welcome." Matilda replied in surprise, “You don't have to bow you know, its just armor. Well........that's not true I guess."

“Sounds like she was talking about Veledar." Lyndis whispered, “Or at least how he wishes people talked about him." She shot Arcturus a sly grin.

The human held a finger to his mouth and whispered quietly, “Shhhhh."

“and you will have it shipped to my quarters?" Elwin stood back up to her full height. 'I have a route to get back to and all."

“You don't worry about it, I'll have it shipped soon as ya leave." Matilda slung an arm around the woman and started to lead her back towards the stairs. “Glad you love the armor Elwin, I know you will do it proud. I hope you have a great rest of your day." Matilda brought the paladin upstairs, and returned a minute later with a look of relief on her face. “Shes gone!" she exclaimed as she wiped her brow with rag, “ya can drop the spell now."

Veledar watched the shimmering field vanish as quickly as it had sprung into being. “You made a duplicate of my human's armor?" Veledar cocked his head to the side, “Now he doesn't look unique!" He snorted, causing Matilda to chuckle.

“What did ya expect me to do? I thought Arcturus here was dead, and a new paladin wanted the best armor I could make." She held up her hands and rubbed two fingers together, “Besides they paid me quite well too." She then held up her hands and formed a square as she looked at Arcturus. “Besides...." She closed one of her eyes and tilted her hands slightly. “I have a new idea. Just let me borrow your armor, tabard, and your shield, and I'll change it to something unique if you want."

“Why would you do that?" Arcturus asked, raising an eyebrow in confusion.

“Call it helping a friend like I always do." She turned her head slightly to Veledar, “Besides." Her eyes locked right on him, “I got a little bit of inspiration for something breathtaking." She turned around on her heal and held her pointer finger high.

She walked over to another table and cleared stuff away, than spun around so fast making Veledar think she was going to fall and hurt herself. “I found something interesting after you vanished! I found a rock that fell from the heavens right outside the city walls! Matilda held in her hands something that looked like a sword. It had a silver cross guard, and the blade was as black as night. 'It took all my skill to forge this thing, but boy is it sharp." She chuckled, walking over carefully. “I would say it is sharper than adamantium." She pointed to the old sword of Arcturus, “besides that sword of yours is on it's last legs as it is."

“Nonsense my sword has been fine!" Arcturus protested, crossing his arms.

“Well than let me see the thing than and prove you wrong!"

“Fine!" Arcturus drew the old sword of his and place it our for Matilda to see.

“Yup, look right here Arcturus." Veledar watched her point to several lines in the metal blade. “Whatever stress you have been putting this through, whatever magic you have bee working into it has damaged it. Your lucky, your next bout with it your sword would most likely shatter it."

“You made a sword out of Bahamut's tears?" Veledar gasped. He never thought of one of those ever falling to the surface, but it sounded exactly like what it was.

“Bahamut's what now?" Matilda asked, turning to him with a look of confusion.

“Bahamut's tears." Arcturus explained, “It's a interesting story I can tell you about later. Is the sword supposed to be a gift?"

Matilda clutched the sword tightly and pulled it against her chest. “Well I was going to give it to ya, but inspiration like the one I got demands I make small changes to it."

“What kind of inspiration are you going on about?" Lyndis asked suddenly, “Now you have me intrigued.

Veledar saw Matilda's eyes once again turn to him, “Don't worry you will find out." she gave the half-elf a grin. Matilda turned and returned the blade to were she had picked it up from. She set it down on the table with a small thud.

Arcturus shrugged and removed his armor piece by piece. Placing each section of it on the table carefully. Than he undid his pack to place his tabard next to it, neatly folded. Lastly he set the mirror shield next to all of this. Veledar noticed he handled this with more care than all the others. “Be careful with the shield Matilda, it's a gift."

Matilda nodded, “Now the bad news, you can't stay here." she clasped her hands together, “Not with the paladin breathing down my neck now." She jabbed a thumb towards the stairs. “I saw her eyes as she left, she was still suspicious of that table. You can't afford to have someone see you, and I can bet she will assign someone to watch me. Especially if they know your alive.

Veledar groaned as he rolled his eyes and lowered his head. “So what do you suggest we do gnome?" He rustled his wings slightly.

“MATILDA!" came the shout of a voice from upstairs, just as the bell rang once again.

“Gus!" Arcturus and Matilda practically said in unison.

Veledar felt a shiver of happiness spread through his body. Well that is odd. He looked to Arcturus, who looked practically ecstatic. I think these emotions are Arcturus'. Why am I sharing some of his emotions? Veledar tilted his snout to the side and held a claw to his jaw. I have never heard of something like this before. Perhaps it is because he is a paladin? Or does this happen to others that ride dragons?

“GUS!" Matilda shouted, cupping her hands around her mouth. The gnome waved for them to stay as she made her way towards the stairs once again, than climbed them quickly. “WHAT BRINGS YOU TO ME WORKSHOP MY BOY?"

“Well I was in the neighborhood and figured I would stop in and say hello!" replied this man called Gus. His voice seemed to be closer than before. Veledar pictured him walking down the hallway and meeting the gnome with a smile.

“Your never going to believe who I found, and is in the lab of mine right now! He will be so glad to see you," Matilda than shouted so loudly and suddenly Veledar might have believed it came from a copper dragon. “And you meet his HUMAN friend!"

_ Well that's my cue I suppose._ Veledar touched his snout and recited the phrase for the transformation. He felt his body once again condense swiftly, than expand upwards all in the blink of an eye. The smoke that poofed from this magic thankfully only lasted a second before vanishing. He grinned as he saw his clothes were still on him. Perfect again. He was so proud of himself he hardly noticed when Matilda brought down the stairs a portly looking guard.

The man seemed to be talking calmly to Matilda when his eyes suddenly locked onto Arcturus. Veledar was able to watch the emotions swirl around the man's face. They shifted to confusion, disbelief, and than to happiness. “A-Arcturus!" Gus bellowed out as he sprinted so quickly towards the human Veledar thought he might spot teal scales on his neck. Gus nearly tackled Arcturus as he pulled him into a bear hug. “Your alive!" Gus shouted in disbelief. “Gods above I knew it!"

Arcturus patted Gus on the back, as Veledar felt a tad bit jealous of this display of compassion. He narrowed his eyes and glared at the two. I want that hug.

“How is this possible?" Gus pulled away, and raising one his eyebrows. Gus leaned his head to the left to look at all of the others standing there. “And who are your friends?"

“Well about that." Arcturus rubbed the back of his neck. “I can tell you about it later Gus, but I need a place we can stay for awhile."

“Arcturus they said the dragon killed you. You owe me an explanation on were you have been this entire time."

Veledar rolled his eyes. As interesting as the tale of their adventure was, he did not want to hear it again so soon. Thankfully Arcturus gave a very quick version, and glossed over the major details. Although when he arrived at the part of their departure from the forest of despair he neglected to mention that Veledar was still among them.

“So what about the dragon? What happened to this Crimson Sky?" Gus sat down during the tale and had put his head into his hands, and his elbows on his knees.

“Went on the way he was bound. I promised I would get his book back for him, we both agreed that Entis was very dangerous for him."

_ Clever paladin, you must speak only truth. So you decide to tell a story that is true, but you did not tell all the truth._ Veledar smiled at the dragon like craftiness.

“So is he what? Waiting for your group here to retrieve the book for him?"

“In a matter of speaking, but as I say again we need a place to stay. Whatever is going on the king wanted him dead like no one I have ever seen. He sent two airships and twenty four of the constructs Gus, just for a single dragon!" Arcturus sighed, “Something rotten is going on here in Entis Gus, and I need to see it through." Arcturus placed his hand on Gus' shoulder.

Gus let out a sigh, letting his shoulders rise and fall slowly. “OK Arcturus, I trust you. What kind of friend would I be if I didn't?" He returned the hand on shoulder gesture and looked to the others with a grin. “You and your friends can stay with me, until this whole situation blows over, and you get that book back to the dragon."

Well that was easy. I expected a bit more convincing to let us use this man's home as a nest of operations. Heck he didn't even ask for a bribe!

“So how are you going to go about getting this book of his back? You can't just walk into the palace and retrieve it. Not after that fight in the woods with Garroth."

“We were actually just talking about that." Lyndis stood up to check her things, making sure everything was in order.

“Were you know? Well whats the plan then?" Gus shot her an inquisitive look.

“I'm going to go see about some people that can help me. Merlia was going scouting, and Asterion wanted to visit a temple." Lyndis replied, gesturing to each one in turn.

“Well we best move ya to my house than, how my wife and gryphon are going to be surprised.

“You have a gryphon living with you now!" Arcturus gasped, “How did that happen?"

“Well after you went missing I did what we talked about. I went down and signed up to be a gryphon rider. I instantly met Krotos, and we hit it off. Been flying for little over month now."

“You did not mention if he was living with you."

“Well we had to move in together, our house was not big enough you see, and he lived at the aviary. So we had to find a bigger house together, a gryphon sized house." Gus shrugged, and the guard sort of sets you up when you become a rider."

“Right I forgot about that. Well how is it living with a gryphon than?"

“Interesting to say the least, you did not mention that they become part of the family, and you theirs."

“Does that bother you?" Arcturus raised an eyebrow.

“No but it was strange going to the aviary and having like thirty gryphons all excited to meet you, and greet you like a brother." Gus laughed, had me honestly shocked.

“Anyway I am sure it will be fine, Mary and Krotos love company. Although I think he likes it too much, He likes to sing for them. Mary on the other hand will be head over heals to see you, considering we thought you were dead." Gus stood up and gave everyone an infectious smile. “Wait until you all try her cooking." he held a to fingers to his mouth as if pinching it. “Delish."

“I don't know lad. We been pretty spoiled ova da last couple o days." Merlia chuckled, stashing away her flask.

“And I don't think your mate's cooking could hold up to what I have had." Veledar added, not wanting to feel left out of the conversation. He stretched his human back and went to stretch his tail. Oh right. His face turned into a frown, as Gus seemed unphased by the statement.

“Well you will just have to see about that mister...." Gus turned to Arcturus, “You never mentioned this guys name, What was it?"

“Dan" Lyndis suddenly blurted out.

That wasn't the name! Did she forget?

“Ryder." Merlia said at practically at the same time.

That's not it either!

“Well which one is it?' Gus laughed nervously.

_ Great._ Veledar narrowed his eyes as he looked to Arcturus, who looked like he was at a loss as what to say. Right he can't lie. Looks like it is up to me. Veledar cleared his throat and extended his right hand. “Dan Ryder at your service." He grabbed Gus' hand and started shaking it with a smile. “Just a normal human adventurer."

Gus just gave him a confused look as he did not tear his hand away. “Sure. Arcturus you sure do meet the most interesting people sometimes." He chuckled. “So shall we get on out way than?"

“Yer not even gonna tell ya wife first? Won't she be surprised wen ya show up wit da lot of us?" Merlia slung her pack onto her back, and stood up.

“As I said Mary loves guests!" Gus rubbed the back of his neck and closed his eyes, “Besides its to help a friend.....she'll understand." Gus gulped loudly. Making Veledar question the validity of that statement. Gus led them up the stairs after Arcturus had his disguise recast on him. Veledar frowned as the appearance of his human changed to the other one he had.

_ I liked him the other way._

“Come on get out of here the lot of ya." Matilda started to shoo them out of the building towards the front door. When they had all been pushed out by the gnome she slammed the door behind her, startling a nearby alley cat. Veledar once again got close to Arcturus as the sea of people was around him once again. He gave a deep breath, and hoped that this time as human did not last long. He trailed after Gus with the others.

The trip thankfully did not take long through the city, as Gus lead them quickly along. Veledar of course stopped several times to once again take in the scenery, but was dragged away each time by his friends with an, “awwww". With a grumble he ignored the gryphons flying once more over head. Veledar kicked the street of the current cobbled path, finding that it suspiciously looked exactly like all the other streets they had walked today. Perhaps the mortals built their cities like this to confuse people?

Gus brought them towards a district that seemed to have many tall towers in it made of fine wood. Veledar could make out the half circles carved deep into the thick towers, that were filled with what looked like lanterns. Those most be inns that catered specifically to gryphons that Arcturus had mentioned. He looked around to find that in fact all the buildings around them were indeed larger than other parts of the city. These tan houses seemed to have everything doubled in size. It looked like that even if he were in his full dragon size he would be able to fit through the doors. If he folded his wings up of course. See why can't all mortal buildings be like this?

Veledar's gaze was drawn to not just the people walking the streets of this place, but the numerous perches that every building seemed to have built into them. They rested just fifteen feet off of the ground, and every other one seemed to contain a gryphon. The kitty birds would be chatting with one another, flying over head, or simple perched there and watching the others below. Veledar was amazed at the diversity in not just the people walking by, but the coloration of gryphons he saw. He had not even seen some of those darn kitty birds in those colors! The ones that stood out to him were gryphons with bright blue feathers with teal tipped wings, and ones that reminded him of a striped horse in a book he had read about. Zeerbas they are called. Veledar nodded to himself as he watched the white and black creature fly overhead. Yes Zeerbas that sounded right. I think they live far to the west in Rothdell.

Gus stopped outside a house that was different from the others. For starters it was painted a light blue rather than the tan of the others. It was two stories, with the first floor being made of what looked like stone. It had one small grated window made of metal that rested right next to a large sturdy, wooden door. Above the first floor was what looked like the main living area, which was made wood, painted light blue. Numerous supports were connected from the second floor to the first. On this floor were three large windows that Veledar could make out, but he could not see through the black drapes on the inside. Atop the second floor was a black roof, also made of wood. Jutting out from the roof was two perches about four feet in length, and wide enough for a gryphon to grasp hold with its talons. Well this certainly is a step up from the huts and hovels I have seen in previous villages.

“Well here we are! Home sweet home!" Gus gestured out to the building with a warm smile.

“This is quite the nice hovel you have here." Veledar folded his arms.

“House." Lyndis whispered next to him. “It's a house."

“House! I mean what a nice house you have!" Good I'm doing fine. Hes none the wiser.

“Well Gus I would love to stay and chat buuuuut I have a meeting to set up." Lyndis said, shaking the man's hand. “I will be back later, say hi to the Mrs for me."

“Well just make sure you are back by six bells, that's when Mary typically has dinner ready for us." Gus let go of her hand and gave her a slight wave, “Take care of yourself."

“I can handle myself." Lyndis chuckled, turning and walking away. She raised a hand and gave the group a slight wave, as she faded into the sea of people.

“Don't have too much fun without me!" Veledar shouted, cupping his soft hands around his mouth.

“I dun tink she heard ya lad." Merlia pushed passed him, “Got a place ta tie up da mounts?"

“Nonsense, of course she heard me." Veledar turned, crossing his arms. “She has those elven ears of hers."

“Why yes Merlia, we have a stall nearby we keep Mary's horse." Gus gestured for the group to follow, and led them to a large stall that was close to the house. It seemed to be a communal area were other horses were being kept. Inside contained pens that were large enough for each horse to move around in and lay down. In no time at all, all four mounts were inside a stall that Gus had pointed out was his. If the horses felt crowded at all, they did not seem to mind at all.

“I figure I can save ya da trouble of havin another one in dere." Merlia held out her hand, and waved it to Ulga. “Okay Ulga, I tink it might be time ta turn back."

The small pony started to fade into a white light, and started to shrink quickly. In a matter of seconds all that remained of the small pony was a small orb of light. It floated roughly two feet above the ground, before flying to Merlia's outstretched arm. The orb circled her arm, until it found a pouch in her pack to nestle into.

“What was that!" Gus said in surprise, as he had jumped when Ulga transformed.

“Ulga is a spirit lad, dun get ur panties twisted bout it." Merlia chuckled, as Gus tried to regain his composure.

“Guess you guys see much stranger things outside the city walls huh? Just like the spasts Garroth was talking about."

“Ghasts." Arcturus corrected the man, holding up one of his fingers.

“Oh right, the ghasts." Gus smacked his head with the palm of his hand, “How could I have forgotten that?" The human stood their for a moment, before clapping his hands together. “Well now that the mounts are settled in for the night."

“Who will feed them?" Asterion snorted, and fidgeted slightly.

Gus along with everyone else jumped slightly with the bulls words. Gus took a moment to recover as he stood back up and took a breath. “Wow you are really startling with your words friend. Perhaps you should talk more so that it is not a surprise."

“I talk when I need to." Asterion replied as he turned his head to the direction of the house.

“Well the stable boy comes and in feeds all the mounts. I will be sure to leave a tip for the lad for taking care of several more horses this eve." Gus waved to them, as he padded over towards the stalls exit. “Well lets go back to my place and share the excellent news with Mary!"

Yes, now wont that be a sight to see. Veledar grinned, and fought back a snicker of laughter.

They returned the house quickly, it hardly took a minute or two. Gus walked up the stone steps to his front door and pushed the door open. “Hello dear!" He cried out, holding his hands wide. “It is so good to see you!"

“What do you want Gus?" came the stern voice of a woman, who knew her husband all too well.

“What do you mean I want something?" Gus replied innocently.

“You only claim it's good to see me when you want something." the female laughed.

Well now is as good of time as any. Veledar trotted up the steps, his boots stomping on the steps. He popped out from behind Gus, with the others right behind him. Standing inside a well kept house was a woman dressed in an off white shirt that had frills near the cuffs, a blue corset, and eyes like polished wood. She had her hands on her hips as she seemed to have a look of annoyance painted on her face. Veledar extended his hand and gave a slight wave. “Hello!"

“So this is what you wanted. To bring a friend of yours over?" She laughed, “I am not your mother Gus. You could bring your friend over if you wanted." Veledar watched her smile fade as the others stepped up behind him. “This isn't about the company is it?" she brushed her shoulder length blonde hair out of her face. Her face once again resumed it's appearance of being annoyed.

“Well you dear, this one is actually Arcturus." Gus gestured to the black haired Arcturus, before wrapping him with an arm around the shoulder. “Come on Arcturus, show her."

Once again the illusion that had been cast on Arcturus broke away, to reveal the man's true face once again. The shattered pieces vanished with a small puff of purple smoke. Arcturus stood there in silence, giving the woman a nervous smile.

Guess Arcturus can will it off, and did not need Lyndis before.

“Hello there Mary." Arcturus said softly, and giving her a nervous wave.

Mary leaped towards the paladin and embraced him deeply. “We thought you were dead!"

_ Was everyone going to hug Arcturus today?_ Veledar narrowed his eyes and tried to bury his jealousy, and failed. He felt his blood start to turn hot, and beat faster. I want a hug from Arcturus damnt! Among other things of course!

Mary backed away, and wiped a tear from her eye with the back of her hand. She gave a loud sniff and waved to the others. “All of ya can come in, come in." She turned and walked a few paces inside before turning back around, “Gus promised my cooking didn't he." she said in a monotone voice.

Everyone replied with a quick nod, or in Asterion's case a snort.

“Well that would be certainly typical of him." she smiled, “Now once you get settled I would like to hear the story how our friend returned from the dead."

Veledar rolled his eyes at the prospect of the tale being told again. This was the third time! Veledar decided to check out the room he was in as Arcturus, sat down on a couch placed by a fireplace and started the tale again. Veledar took a place on a chair, by a large wooden table big enough for a gryphon. On the table were three lanterns, that were unlit currently. His eyes found a what looked like stairs leading to the second floor, no doubt were the bedrooms were. He figured if a gryphon had to sleep anywhere it would be there. There was another set of stairs on the far wall, that seemed to be heading down to possibly a basement. Do all mortal structures have those? He thought back to the small hovel he had damaged. That one certainly did not have one.

He shook his head and looked to cabinets close to the table that were cracked open to reveal plates and glasses. Next to the cabinets was a small desk with a drawer, and yet another lantern placed on it. From the table seemed to be a kitchen like area, that had a cutting board, a stone oven, and a frail looking wooden door. He did not know what lay back there, but he figured it was to hold dry foods or booze. I hope it's booze.

Asterion suddenly took a seat beside him as he scrapped the chair on the floor. Veledar covered his ears from the pain, as the bull gave out an amused snort.

“Are you annoyed from the story Dan?" Asterion said the name as it were something alien to his mouth.

“I heard it twice already, I do not need to hear it a third time."

“I thought you would enjoy hearing about the tale you currently are in." Asterion crossed his arms and leaned back in his wooden chair. He gave Veledar a coy smile.

“Even I can tire of hearing the same thing over and over Asterion. Especially if happens in the same day."

Suddenly the door opened quickly, and a small girl wearing a red dress ran into the room. “Dad!" she cried out in glee, as she latched onto her father. Behind her was a blue gryphon, with a yellow beak and brown eyes. He strutted in and closed the door with one of his hind paws. He ruffled his feathers slightly, showing off teal tipped wings.

“Gweneth!" Gus smiled, as he hugged his blonde haired daughter back. “Did you have fun with Krotos?" He turned to the gryphon who had continued his strut, glaring at all of them as he took a seat next to the family. “She was good wasn't she Krotos?"

“Oh yes, she was well behaved. She hardly pulled my feathers hard at all!" The gryphon gave a smile with his beak, “She will make a great rider one day."

“You hear that daddy? Krotos thinks I will be the best flier ever!"

Gus gave out a chuckle, “Well that certainly is good to hear." He placed a hand on her head and rubbed it slightly. “I guess she just has a knack for it huh?"

“Just like her parents." Krotos replied, lifting his eyebrow and giving them a grin.

“Oh you fly with Krotos as well?" Arcturus said with a smile, turning to Mary.

“Well no, I don't like flying that much." Mary replied, her face starting to turn a slight red.

“So Gus, whom are your friends here?" Krotos swept a fore-paw at them.

“Well you should recognize the man right there." Gus pointed to Arcturus, and these are his traveling companions. I figured they could stay with us for awhile, while they tend to some personal matters."

“Arcturus Lund!" Krotos squawked, readjusting his wings. The gryphon than gave a slight bow, “It is such an honor sir to meet you. I had not gotten to meet the champion that had defeated Dreadflame!"

Veledar watched Arcturus face darken from the comment, “You don't have to bow you know Krotos. It really was not my most well remembered moment in my life."

“Oh yes." Krotos stood back up onto his four paws. “I am terribly sorry, I did not even think it about that tidbit."

“Its okay Krotos." Arcturus held up a hand slightly to reassure the gryphon.

“Well this here is Gweneth." Gus said, gesturing to his daughter. Whom seemed about ready to spring from his grasp. “Okay now you can go to him sweety."

“Arcturus!" Gweneth than shouted out, and went from her father to Arcturus. She latched onto him with a great hug, and buried her face into his chest. “Were did you go!" She asked, pulling back and looked up to the amused human's face. “Dad said you went to fight a big bad dragon! Did you end up killing him? Was he big? Did he talk funny?" Gweneth's face started to turn red as she continued to speak. “Did he smell? Did he roar really loud? Did he hold his head like this?" Gweneth held out a hand and shaped it to look like a dragon's neck.

“I went to go fight a dragon." Arcturus began, lowering his voice. “You should have seen him Gweneth, he was so arrogant, so full of hot air." He poked the girls nose, causing her to giggle. “You should have seen how clumsy he was. I watched him trip onto a table!"

Veledar saw Arcturus turn slightly to give him a smirk, causing the dragon to narrow his eyes at him. Tread carefully Arcturus, or so help me you will be paying for it later. He imagined tickling the human until he cried, that seemed suitable as a punishment. Or perhaps he would hold him down and lick his face, he now knew he hated his saliva coating him. Or maybe something naughty. Perhaps I could get him to lick me. He grinned to himself as lewd thoughts came to mind. He would have let out a playful growl to the human as a warning of his intentions, but being a human he had to settle for a glare.

“I would not say he was a big bad dragon Gwen. I actually talked to him and we became best friends."

Krotos gasped as Arcturus had said that. Veledar tried to not act amused at this.

“Friends?" Gweneth exclaimed as she raised an eyebrow in confusion. “I hadn't thought of that! I have never heard of dragon friends before!"

_ That's because your people don't tell tales of the nice dragons beyond your borders._ That would have to be fixed at some point. Lumara deserved to hear good tales of dragons. Hell Veledar knew of one dragon called Ramakox, and he was loved by mortals!

“Well what happened to him?" Gweneth pleaded with big round eyes.

“I would like to know as well." Krotos chuckled, “This dragon seems quite the handful."

“That is actually the part Arcturus here was telling us about when you two walked in." Gus replied to the gryphon with a smile.

“Oh yes." Arcturus lowered his voice once again and cleared his throat. “That's when we started his grand quest to retrieve his stolen book." Arcturus continued to tell the tale like it was an enchanting tale. He would hold up his hands at the right moments, and describe details like they were from an exciting story. He would give out grins as Gwen would gasp and hold her hands together in glee. He finished the story with their adventure to Entis, once again leaving out the part that Veledar was with them.

“So this dragon is waiting to get his book back? Must be an important book to go through all this trouble." Mary asked, as she walked over to a cubbard and retrieved a brown ceramic mug.

“Yes, he has been quite impatient about it actually." Arcturus smiled wide, “He kept on complaining on it until my ears would bleed." He pointed to his ears, and got another laugh out of Gweneth.

“Well you would have too if you had stuff stolen from your house and forced to walk everywhere when you were used to flying." Veledar crossed his arms, turned his head away, and closed his eyes.

“Well perhaps if all of you are going to stay here I suggest the basement. We only have the one guest room after all." She turned her head around to look at Gus. “I figure the girls upstairs in the guest room while the boys rough it out in the cellar."

“That sounds good to me, do you mind Krotos?" Gus looked to the blue gryphon who did not appeared to be bothered in the slightest. In fact Veledar figured the gryphon was ecstatic about it. If the grin on his yellow beak was any indication, Krotos' tail seemed to be thumping against the floor quickly.

“No I love having new people over!" Krotos smiled, and winked at Merlia, causing the dwarf to chuckle. “They are always so fun!"

“So Arcturus your friends are free to stay, you don't mind sleeping in the cellar do you?" Gus' eyes looked to Arcturus and raised an eyebrow.

“Well I have my bedroll to keep me warm." Arcturus padded his pack as he slung it to the floor with a thud. “Besides I have other ways of keeping warm."

Yea me that's how. Course there can always other ways to WARM up. Gods damnt. Veledar shook his head slightly, what had gotten into him today?

Arcturus have a slight nod to all three of them, “Well thank you for opening your home to us. We are most grateful for your accommodations."

“Yes, thank you." Asterion added quietly with a snort, this time no one jumped.

“See dats how ya do it!" Merlia laughed, than turned to Krotos, “Aye thank ya."

Veledar rolled his eyes at the idea of sleeping on a hard stone floor. I guess I still get to snuggle Arcturus, so at least I have that.

“Arcturus is staying with us!?" Gweneth turned to her mother and cried in excitement.

“Yes Gwen." Gus laughed, “For a couple days actually."

“Yay!" Gweneth cried, as she jumped up and down for joy. She had a smile on her face that seemed to be taking over her face. She grabbed Arcturus' hand and started trying to pull him off the couch. “Come on Arcturus! I will show you and your friends the basement!"

Veledar stood up, and cracked his back. Well he might as well see this basement of theirs. It would be were he would be sleeping for the next few days. He rolled his eyes, hopefully they would not be here for that long. He padded over to the girl who had dragged Arcturus off of the couch, with Asterion in tow. Gwen brought them to the steps heading down to what she was calling the basement. Veledar was reminded briefly of the fort as he eyed the stone steps leading down. Although he doubted much so, that this basement would be like the last room of that place. He shook his head and cleared that image from his mind.

Gwen grabbed a lantern and activated it's mana crystal with a touch of her finger. The dark stairway was bathed in the lanterns light dull orange light. “We're going to have so much fun all of you! We can play dolls, and we can play knights! Gwen started dragging Arcturus down the stairs by his hand. “We can even play dragons!" She said with much more excitement than the other ideas.

“You played dragons with this whelp?" Veledar chuckled with a large grin. “I would have loved to see that play out." Veledar imagined Arcturus giving out small roars as he ran with his arms outstretched and flapping. He would have been so adorable! Caught in thought he did not keep track of his footing and tripped, stumbled, and fell down the stairs. He went to catch himself on one of the wooden railings, but his hand slipped right past it. With a tremor of pain all over his body he crashed onto the stairs. He finally came to a stop when he hit his head hard enough for him see stars. He felt his world start to spin as he looked up the stairs, to see Arcturus had managed to pull Gweneth out of the way.

Well with my luck I will have a concussion. Veledar let out a groan as he rubbed his snout with a....claw...Un-oh.

Gwen let out a loud screech, “Drag- She did not get out much more as Arcturus' covered the girls mouth quickly.

The first to bound over was Krotos, who stood at the top of the stairs with his blue wings spread wide. His eyes went to Gwen first, than to Arcturus, and then narrowed his eyes as he focused on Veledar. He crouched low in an aggressive stance, with his muscles all tensed up. “Gus ru-" he tried to shout but he hardly got a word out.

“ Vostavek lu" Asterion snorted as he thrust a hand towards the gryphon, silencing him with the spell.

“Calm down!" Arcturus yelled out to the gryphon, who was trying to talk but failing.

“Why does he need to calm down Arcturus? No dwarf unhand me! I need to see whats going on!" Gus emerged beside the gryphon holding a sword firmly in his grip. Veledar watched the man's color drain from his face as he looked at him. “T-thats a d-d-dragon." Gus managed to say before his eyes rolled to the back of his head and he collapsed onto the floor with a thud.

_ Oh great he fainted._

“A Dragon!" Gwen shouted out, managing to slip out of Arcturus grip. “A dragon!" she said again, her voice filled with excitement mixed with fear.

“There is a dragon!?" Mary yelled, “Hey let me go Merlia!"

“No, yer not seein it lass!" Merlia shouted out, “I promise ya he is good, now just calm yerself!

Krotos took a slight step towards Gwen, as his eyes carefully watched Asterion and Veledar.

Veledar watched Gwen turn to Arcturus, as if waiting for a reaction from him.

“Everyone this is Crimson Sky!" Arcturus held out his palm and gestured to Veledar.

The dragon watched Krotos stop, his wings fold back up, his muscles relax, and his eyes return to normal. The kitty bird did move his beak again, and nothing seemed to come out.

“Well hello there Mr Crimson Sky, Dragon sir!" Gwen smiled and turned her head to look up the stairway. “Mom, Crimson Sky from the story is here!"

“He is what?" came the reply from Mary, who sounded in shock. “There is actually a bleeding dragon in my house?"

“Yea but can ye keep it quiet?" Merlia responded.

“Your actually here!" Krotos exclaimed, the spell clearly have worn off. The gryphon pointed to Arcturus, “Hes actually here!"

Mary was the next one to appear looking down the stairway as Veledar stood back on all fours. Veledar looked up to see her face was full of fury. She stomped down the stairs, and jabbed a finger into Arcturus' chest. “You brought a bloody dragon into our house without telling us! I thought you said he was waiting to get his book back!"

“Well that is true." Veledar groaned, as he worked a kink out of his neck. “Here I am, and I am indeed waiting for my book." Veledar reset his wings on his back, “He simply did not say were I was."

“Hmmph." Mary crossed her arms, “I suppose your technically right."

“Well its probably for the best anyway. Now I don't have to hide my true form in this hovel."

“Its not a hovel dragon!" Marcy turned to jab her finger as Veledar. “It's my bloody house, and you do best to speak of it with respect!"

Veledar moved his snout back from that finger, “Well fine, I will be respectful of your house."

Everyone's attention was drawn to the groans of Gus from the top of the stairs.

“Man that was the strangest thing, for a second I thought I saw a full sized dragon on my basement stairway." Gus chuckled, holding a hand to his face as he shook his head from side to side. He turned his attention back to the stairway, and Veledar watched the color drain from his face once again, Oh not this again. Veledar rolled his eyes, “Don't faint, I mean you all no harm. Besides I would not want you to hurt your head on the wood floor."

Thankfully Gus did not faint again, instead his eyes went to Arcturus. “So care to explain this little development?" Gus held out his arms and gestured to Veledar.

Arcturus explained what Veledar had said to Mary. This just made Gus let out a loud sigh. “Why did you not tell me when we were talking Arcturus? I wouldn't have minded!"

“Sorry about that, I did not know how you would react." Arcturus cringed, “I also did not want to rope you into all our problems. Give you at least an excuse."

Gus held up a hand, “Its okay Arcturus, I understand. Well I guess we all know now! He sighed again and turned his gaze to his wife. “Well Mary can they still stay? For at least a couple days."

“Couple days?!" She exclaimed, looking to all of them. “You expect me to put up with a whole group of adventurers for a few days!? After this?" Not to mention Crimson Sky here!" she gestured to Veledar without looking at him.

“Well if it makes you feel any better, I will be on my best behavior. I can be a most graceful dragon."He tried to give her his best puppy dog eyes, as he held his claw to his chest. After all he had heard humans could not resist those eyes.

Arcturus let out a burst of laughter before covering his mouth. He turned to Veledar, with his eyes wide in horror, as if he had been caught doing something bad.

That's it Arcturus your paying for that one.

“Well I don't mind if the dragon stays!" Krotos said with a happy chirp, “I always wanted to meet one of those basta-----." He paused as his eyes locked on Gwen, “guys." the gryphon gulped.

Mary just buried her face into her hands, as she let out a large sigh. “Fine the lot of you can stay...but!" She raised a finger and pointed to all of them in turn, “If I say to do something, I want to you to do it! Now before we continue on with the night, is there any more magical creatures lurking in my house I should know about?"

“Not any more lass." Merlia laughed, “We can only manage the one. Now if ya don mind, I gotta do some scoutin of me own." He heard the dwarf walk over to the door and swing it open, then quickly close it.

“Well come on Crimson Sky we can continue with the tour!" Gwen smiled, looking up to his snout with wonder.

_ Well I guess it could be worse._ Veledar gave the little girl a grin, “Okay my dear, I would love to see your basement." First things first though. He quickly grabbed the paladin and squeezed him into a hug. There I got my damn hug. He felt the human try to squirm away but he held firm. Oh no I am getting my hug Arcturus, and your not escaping me. He held him for two long minutes before releasing the human.

“What was that all about?" Arcturus asked, adjusting his shirt.

“Had to make up for all the other hugs you had today."

“You were jealous?" Arcturus laughed with a grin.

“Nonsense!" Veledar lied, holding his head up and looking away from the human.

“Right...." Arcturus, “Now Gwen you were going to show us the basement?"

“Well come on....Asterion was it? Your going to help me cook while everyone gets ready. Mary said from above.

“Can I help cook as well? Krotos let out a little coo, as he padded away from Veledar's sight.

“You just want to add booze to everything!"

“Well whats wrong with that?" Laughed the gryphon.

“Okay, you get everything set up with Gus. We apparently are going to be having a party in here tonight.

“A party here with a dragon and adventurers!" Krotos laughed, “I can't wait!"