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Chapter 18

The mage swept in without breaking his stride, electrical flashes cascading off his feathery form. Loose paper burned, wood seared before him, the door slammed shut and shook the very inn. The air thrummed with power, words caught in throats as a sense of dread swept over them all, if not for the; visage of the gryphon before them all might have thought a demon was within their presence,

"Do you have any idea how much embarrassment you've brought upon me? The laughingstock that I have become because my champion, which I requested to be there, was absent from the festivities?" Olas' feathers fluffed as he closed the distance between them, fierce eyes never leaving the frozen man. "I don't ask much of you Leon Silverblade and yet- "

What fury the lord had was soon abated as Agate broke through the room with an enthusiastic shriek, "It's Leon's Likalida, he's here!"

"His what now?" Olas pulled back his head, paws coming to a halt as all the sources of light returned to the inn.

"Come in, come in Lord Olas, we would never want to keep you away from your likalida." She swept a wing around the mage, disregarding his confused coo as she dragged him towards the frozen half-elf.

"Um, excuse me, but madame who are you?"

"Just a concerned subject is all my lord." The lavender gryphon chuckled, sliding up along Krantor and swiftly knocking the onyx catbird to the floor with a swift kick from the hinds. "Leon was just telling us all about you! We're so glad that you've come, for a moment we thought you wouldn't!"

"I didn't believe him when he said a lord was courting him." Helios chuckled, "Guess the world is full of surprises."

Was that true? Was Leon referring to him as his Likalida, his beloved? The lord swiveled to the still silent half-elf, getting caught within his eyes. There he could see the confusion, the shock, perhaps he even spied a hint of relief. His heart trembled in his chest as Krantor squawked about losing his seat to the rump of some pompous magician. "Leon is this true? You were waiting for me to arrive?"

What vulnerability the man had melted away as the shield of his emotions rose. Leon smirked, things back in control. "Gave me...us quite the scare, thought you were going to make a liar out of me. Though hate to admit it, I'm surprised you'd rather spend time with us common folk instead of plucking feathers and drowning in champagne with the blue blooded nobles at the mayor's estate." Leon pat Olas' feathers in an affectionate matter, but the lord would not let that pass.

Inside his chest explosions were going off, Leon had been waiting on him, not rejecting him as he thought! With a pleased trill, Olas surged forward, wrapping the surprised half-elf into the tightest of hugs. Cheeks pressed into rust-colored feathers as Olas sang him a soft, intimate song. "I was missing you too my big, dicked Leon, nothing compares to your company!"

"Wait...what?" Helios laughed from his book, as the lord's ears splayed.

He'd said that? Perhaps he shouldn't have had so much to drink, "I missed your company I mean." He laughed.

"Right." Leon replied, his cheeks crimson.

"I mean it my dearest! Nothing can compare." He nuzzled the man to make up for his blunder.

"You smell like a distillery."

"I may have had a few...Which reminds me, if you drink anything there, make sure to watch the label, they have drinks that can literally kill you my sweet."

"So, what finally made you come round?" Krantor chirped, planting his haunches in another seat, "We waited all night, how come no messages or spells?"

Hekate hissed and snagged the onyx gryphon by the scruff of his neck.

"Hey!"

Olas laughed, shaking his head. It seemed to simple now that it was brought to his attention. In all the night's events, he'd never once thought to do that. "Would you believe it slipped my mind?"

"The most powerful magician in the land...forgetting." Krantor replied, his voice drooling skepticism.

"Believe it or not I'm not without fault my good little gryphon! I was...merely distracted with my precious Leon's absence."

He averted his gaze back to where it mattered, running a talon softly beneath the man's throat. "It was ever so long without him there, all the other lords presenting their champions, unaware how great that my champion is. Each moment was like an eternity, I couldn't bear it another one." He nuzzled Leon's cheek, getting a hand to caress his head, "I'm sorry I didn't get your message till now my Leon."

"It's alright." Leon replied softly, "You're here now...Did you really miss me? Come on Olas, with all those nobles...Really?"

The great gryphon chuckled, nuzzling along his love, then nibbling his hair, he knew the commoners saw but he didn't care. Here it was safe, "I was ever so lonely darling, and you know what happens when I get lonely." His tail thumped as lewd images began to bubble, blood warm with desire, he chuckled as the man's eyes widened, unable to stop the dam that was about to burst.

"I wanted to grab that throbbing horse cock of yours and shove it under my tail, ride and squeeze it until you're shooting nothing but dust from your balls. I want to sing as you batter my backside, sack slamming into so that I will feel it come morning." He tossed back his head, eyes picturing the lewd acts, "Have your teeth upon my ears as you tighten a collar around my neck, telling me that I am a good gryphon as you spank my flank and call me your whore." Trembling he returned his gaze of lust to the half-elf, resting a hand upon his cheek, "Then, when you're spent, I'll rejuvenate your stamina, turn you over and pound you so hard that you'll never get me out of your head. When I have you begging, screaming my name I'll knot you so deep on my mottled shaft that you'll be tasting my cum when I'm fully drained."

There was a pause, the air growing quite still as the lord's fantasy was laid bare. Krantor twitched, ears at different heights, amazed he'd just heard that. Leon eyes were wide, cheeks crimson, looking as though he might die. Hekate was just shaking her head, groaning as her parents looked on, pleased.

"Wow." Helios chirped with a smirk, "I like this guy. I see why Leon adores him."

"Oh, whoops, it happened again, didn't it?" Laughed Olas, ear stitching themselves to his head. "What I meant to say that yes, I was lonely, and would trade any night with those rich jerks to spend a night in your company!"

As the others laughed and Leon grunted in embarrassment, Hekate placed a hand on the lord's flank. "For my friend's sake, you've lost your drunk privileges as well."

"My what? I'll have you know that you can't just take away someone's drinking-" Olas managed to spurt till the priest's spell took hold of him. The proud, powerful mage was swiftly incapacitated, collapsing to the floor in a disorganized pile as he screeched and coiled on himself.

His world spiraled, fractured, and broken, matching the intensity of the ache that wove straight through him. Tail flopped, his talons dragged against the wood as he continued to thrash, "Good gods what was that? Leon she's trying to kill me!" He tried to issue more orders and call for help, but his beak would no longer answer his commands, it left him with his only solace being that Leon had grabbed his head, stroking ever gently, and telling him everything was going to be ok.

When he rose, eyes steeled upon the Lavender gryphon currently strolling away as though she'd not just tried to kill the magician. Even as she offered tea it did little to quell the lord's ire, he clacked his beak in response, "Next time woman, if I wish to experience such a debilitating spell, I'll ask for it."

"I suggest then my lord, one drinks more water with their spirits." Hekate replied, avoiding his gaze, "Besides, it will help focus on your Likalida. Unless you like the idea of being a clumsy fool for him?"

Likalida, he cooed at the gryphon term of affection, unable to truly stay upset with her as the thought tickled him. It was saved for couples getting more serious, less than marriage but a connection had surely grown, he wanted to sing. He shooed her away as all the other gryphons looked onto him with envy, awestruck that he'd honored them with his presence. This place was quaint, simple, Leon would rather stay here? Puzzling to say the least, but he let his attentions fall upon the half-elf quietly sitting beside him, leaning back in his chair, sipping the same tea. "Did you lose your privileges too?"

"Only because Hekate here likes seeing grown men and gryphons roll around on the ground in agony." Said Leon with a mischievous smirk.

"That is certainly not it!" Hekate replied with a keen squawk, nipping at the man's tunic.

"Then explain why you enjoy your husband rolling around cupping his balls!"

"Entirely different circumstance and you know that!"

"It sounds awfully convenient." Leon pressed back her beak, the female being secured by the tender embrace of her mate's blue tipped wings and affectionate nuzzled along her cheek.

"It's alright my feather, we both know you don't enjoy my balls being hurt." Chirped Krantor.

"She's in love with him?" Olas cocked his head as the pair were soon swooning over one another, stroking at feathers, and giving gentle gryphon kisses with their beaks."

"Believe it or not, don't know what she sees in him." Leon chortled. "But I do admit watching him roll around holding his balls was rather funny."

"Ah yes, well speaking of that, you don't have anything to fear from me." He rolled a hand to his chest, head held high, "Except of course of having them pampered, tended to and exceptionally washed."

That made the half-elf laugh, music to the gryphon's ears. He ran a wing along one of the rafters now that his headache was gone, "I can't imagine you got up to much fun here- "

"Should stick around and try it, was loads of fun." Leon replied, "Magic tricks, candy, playing hunt, I even got to shoot a guy." He was forced to duck as Hekate tossed a balled-up cloth his way.

"Hah, I knew you shot him! I told you!" Cried the female, fluffing her wings and nearly knocking over a table.

Shot a man? Olas chuckled, uncertain by the twinkle in Leon's eye. "Should I be- "

"Stunned him Olas, calm your tail feathers." Leon replied.

"Oh good, I thought we had another situation like the minotaur back at the circus. Speak of which, any sign of those dastardly assassins?" He nuzzled at the man's cheek, earning a scratching from his magical fingers through his neck feathers. The lord warbled as pleasure crawled through flesh, made his leg threaten to flail on its own like a dog. He chirped as envious glances from the other gryphons flashed his way; a wing wrapped around Leon dragging him close secured that only he would receive such pampered attention. "You've got skills with your fingers that angels could only marvel at." His eyes closed with a pleased chirp, "But I very well knew that didn't I?"

The man blushed, getting a fresh look to the gryph before working his way to the ears. "Olas, why are you being so- "

"By the gods you make such a cute couple!" Agate finally chirped, wiggling her haunches. "I don't think I've ever seen the boy so excited."

"He was excited?" Olas turned with a coo, tail thumping as Leon averted his eyes. "Is that true?"

"I did ask you to come here Olas." Leon shrugged, "Do you think I'd lie about that?"

"See there he goes being all reserved again." Hekate chuckled, nuzzling up to Krantor as the male started to nibble at her feathers.

"Could you not answer for me?" Leon groaned, to have his face caught by a tender hand, talons gently pressed to his flesh.

"Is that true Leon? You wished me here?" The lord's heart leaped out of his chest; it was everything he wanted.

"How did you meet by chance?" Helios asked, pulling the lord from his focus.

Olas warbled, crown feathers rising as Leon tried to deflect, insisting they didn't need to know. Thankfully for the gryphons looking on with anticipation, the lord was not of the same mind as his foolish mercenary. One wrap of his wings around the man's lips was more than enough to distract him so he might begin his tale.

"Now that's quite a charming tale if I don't say so myself. I imagine however you mean when we first crossed paths and not when we began our intimate, sexual escapades?" He leaned over, brow raised, gaging their reaction. Pleased coos and chirps were his response, insisting that he do both. "Splendid!" He cried, clapping his hands, "Ever so splendid, I always love reminiscing about those stories." Leon was brought to his cheek as the lord nuzzled him with a chirp, "It was a marvelous day when we were small, I was a gryphet of about fifteen in the throes of my study."

From there he spun them the story of his youth when the years had not yet taken their toll. When his responsibilities and tasks were perceived as fun. He was wide eyed, curious, ever the gem in his parent's eye. Studies were forced upon him to learn etiquette, magical theory, plants, herbs, potions, anything that his father thought might have served the family well. It was grueling, tiresome, the young gryphet not finding time for much fun, or anything else for that matter, he had no friends of which to speak of. Often it was just him, alone in his home with the servants, toiling away at yet another task set by his distant father.

Despite this, he found time to slip away during such studies, often using excuses or his tutor's homework as explanations for his ventures. He'd go visit the forests near his parents' estate, where he would catalogue birds, animals, plants, herbs and molds, anything that might spark his curiosity. He described a day like any other, the young gryphon striding forth through the underbrush, harness with his studying equipment buckled over his form and the spirit of curiosity robbing him of any common sense.

While his voice brimmed with excitement over recovering such a memory, he couldn't help but notice Leon's puzzlement, on the edge of his seat as though he didn't know what would happen next. How strange.

"There it was by the river of Solantis, a tad further than my father or tutors would have liked, but often the curiosity filled gryphet that I would forget the rules, too captivated in the spirit of adventure. The perfect personality to attract some more _dashing_company." He made a quick smooch to Leon, his crown feathers rising as the man's flushed.

What had him gripped that day was a simple mold that he'd tracked to a fallen log, its bark slathered in vibrant green moss. He decided to crawl inside, the opening wide enough to fit, or so the young magician had thought. His eagerness and misjudgment reared its ugly head, as the gryphet found himself trapped within the log, unable to move, without a spell to help get himself out of this predicament.

"Oh, how I panicked, trapped within that wooden log, you should have heard my lamentations and squawks of misery, I thought I might die!" He chirped, rubbing his chest, "Dramatic I know, but I was small. But this story has a silver lining, for you see, that is where I met my knight in shining armor, my dearest Leo!"

To the mercenary he batted his eyes, recalling how the youthful teen had announced himself with a brassy voice, a hero clad in but a vest and trousers worn and covered in dirt, his handsome face the same, a hero already in the making.

"That's so cute!" Hekate warbled, tapping her mate excitedly on the forearms, "That's where he gets the nickname!"

"How did he get your fluffy butt out of there?" Krantor mused with a smirk, "All that grunting and haunch holding, fate sure does like to foreshadow."

"Oh, that's where my hero came prepared." Olas nuzzled at the crimson man's cheek, "He came with a jar of the most pungent oil! He slathered it all over my haunches and...Hey why is the black gryphon wheezing."

"Krantor it's not funny." Hekate squawked, her feathers fluffed as Krantor struggled to breathe.

With an annoyed chirp Olas continued as the lavender female clacked her beak, "I popped right out, landing on him, saved from a nefarious fate like winding up in some creature's belly! I knew then that he and I were destined to be friends."

He was beaming, a warmth inside shining as he pictured himself chirping about, trilling, and nuzzling against the teen. Questions on why he was stuck were answered, the half-elf finding his study silly or not worth getting stuck in a log. Olas had laughed back then, insisting that it was fun, only for his savior to counter with showing him what actual fun was. Olas had never seen what the common folk had done for fun and complied. Those coming days were fraught with new experiences, life without the rules and chains of his father's demands. Olas began sneaking out more and more to spend time with his newest friend, his first friend, the dearest one to his heart.

"And I couldn't let him go. Not this day not ever." He squeezed Leon tight, delighting in the man's half-hearted attempts to push himself free. "Until the fateful day that he moved. I didn't know then that I would be reunited, the ache was unbearable."

"Move...that's a funny word for it." Grunted Leon as the other gryphons gasped in horror.

"That's tragic! What happened?" Hekate was the first to squawk, thrusting her beak to the man. "I demand to know."

"Do as she says, it's only fair we know your past." Demanded Krantor, joining his mate.

Leon groaned, averting his gaze from his expectant friends, "Nothing to tell, long story, people move, piss off, take your pick. Fact is, left that hellhole, never looked back."

"It was the nicest hell hole then." Olas nibbled Leon's braids, "Of which I got to see you each summer. It was never the same after." When the man turned to protest and slap the gryphon's face, Olas was ready to catch that attack with a hand. Their eyes locked, a moment passed before Olas cooed and parted his beak for a kiss. He was careful, pressing against soft lips and wedging his way in to tangle with the man's tongue. He knew this was awkward for his kind, but it was the way two leggers showed affection, and none were more deserving than his precious Leon, his first friend. His eyes hooded as the man kissed back, softly caressing feathers in between his fingers.

"Aw, so you two were childhood friends? That is so sweet." Hekate said, bringing a talon to an eye, "Only to be ripped apart, it's so sad!"

"They're back together now hun you needn't cry!" Krantor protested.

She shook her head, "That doesn't undo the years they were apart!"

"Really changes how I view the guy." The onyx gryph replied with a roll of the eye, "What, don't give me that look, I just got kicked out of a chair, had a headache, you're lucky I'm even here humoring him right now."

Olas chuckled as Leon slipped free, returning to his seat but continuing to steal fleeting glances. Oh, the familiar hunger he could see in those sinful eyes, traveling over the lord's gorgeous rump. The gryphon gave the man a pleased chirp, making sure when he stretched those eyes could feast on everything the half-elf loved. There was nothing better than to see the desire burn bright, redden his cheeks and whisper of things to come.

"I just want to know when they first hooked up." Agate rumbled, "When this delicious interspecies pairing began!"

"Mother!" Squawked Hekate, "What in the hells?"

"Oh please, everyone watching wants to know." She waved off her daughter.

That brought an end to their kiss. Olas pulled back, his head aflutter, pleased with how his mercenary's hair was ruffled, the moisture glistening on his lips, the rapidness of his breath, the desire that lurked within his eyes, he adored teasing him. It was ever so cute when he was embarrassed, especially as it always meant the man would return the favor with domination and a spirit that tickled the gryphon's fancy. "That my dear was another lovely tale, one I most fondly remember because it was the night that he showed me how passionate fornication could be."

Leon grabbed Olas by the scruff of his neck, meeting the gryphon's amused smirk with sharpened eyes and a hiss, "Can I speak with you in my quarters...alone?"

He'd done it. The lord was adrift in salacious thoughts, "Oh my Leo if you wanted to get me alone you just needed to do so." The gryphon unwound himself, striding to the floor as the other gryphons whistled their approval of such an act. It would seem they had drawn the same conclusion as himself.

"Take care you two. There is a closet with lube and potions of preparation." Agate called, "Some fancy wolven toys if you fancy as well. What hun? They are our guests!"

Olas chirped as Leon groaned, the catbird following upon the man's heels with bouncing paws. They went up three levels to the steady clack of his talons on the wood, accompanied by the occasional thump of his tail on the wall. He playfully nipped, warbled, nuzzled, there wasn't a single step that Leon took that wasn't graced with the signs of love Olas gave freely.

He needed this, after such an abysmal, long day fraught with unease, it would be good to unwind and let them enjoy each other. He was already daydreaming of what the mischievous half-elf had in store, what plan would leave the gryphon breathless and squawking his name, he'd unravel and be overcome with content, safe within the man's arms.

Leon brought him to a rather quaint room, one with but a single nest like bed, draped in multicolored sheets. A single dresser covered in the many scratches of talons or beaks rested within, topped with a mirror perfectly sized for the traveling gryph. Candles were spaced out the wooden surface, even the nightstand nestled up by the bed. The gryphon chuckled, stretching his wings, pleased he couldn't even touch the walls.

"What in the name of Hades was that downstairs?" Leon hissed, shutting the door as the lord padded his way around.

"I do believe that was me telling a story and then kissing upon your lips. Oh, then I do believe I was to inform them on when you started fucking my-" Olas chuckled, turning back to give the man with a teasing grin, "Apologies my dear, did I embarrass you in front of your little gryphon friends?"

The man groaned, "No, I don't think they cared in the slightest. In fact, I imagine some of them would have wanted to watch." Half-hearted attempts to push Olas away were met with amusement filled chuckles, "Look, I thought the banter, flirting, and even the insults were fine, but what is with the kissing and loose beak? Do you wish for everyone to know that we're fucking?"

He brushed himself around the half-elf with a seductive chirp, grabbing the man's chin and pulling it to his beak. No resistance, eyes locked, "You are so cute when you are nervous my hero, but fear not." With a kiss he departed for the bed, strutting with a swaying tail that he knew would attract the man's eye. Rearing up he planted his hands on the bed, lifted his tail feathers, and shifted his tail to the side. His body shivered as he knew the alluring sight that he must be, ready and willing to be used by his love. A lustful song left his beak, relishing the warmth within, knowing that fire came would be tenfold in his elvish mate. The gryphon gave a teasing shift, imagining the man's eyes followed the gentle back and forth, "Now I believe this is what you've wanted since I've arrived, I noticed your gaze staring darling. Don't be ashamed, I love the hunger you have, just below the surface, waiting to be released. Good thing you have me, to show that you are an animal." The gryphon chuckled, "I brought enough lube so that you can do whatever you want with me. And don't go lying and saying you don't want to, I know that hunger when I see it, the Leon that has yet to be satisfied and needs his darling gryphon." The gryph turned to give him a sultry look, one that without fail had tempted the man far too many times to count.

Leon stood in a storm, a raging whirlwind of lust twisting and clawing at him till his trousers tended. Teeth grit as the man struggled to keep himself in order, to not give into what this gryphon had on display. A solitary gulp made the gryphon sing.

"What's the matter Leon, don't know how mad you make me? How can you be surprised?" He gave a fake moan, flicking his tail feathers a final time. "Are you going to come hither and pound your name from my beak or is it that you want me to throw you down on the bed instead and claim you? I warn you though, if you thought you were embarrassed before, wait till your friends here the songs I make you sing for me."

"Ah, so that's what this was all about all along. This isn't about you getting lonely and needing my company, this is about you getting horny and flying down here to get your fix. You flirt, chirp, put on a show until I fuck your brains out, then you take your handsome catbird ass and fly back to your blue-blooded friends." He ignored the gryphon's rump and sat beside him.

"Oh please, none of those people could even be counted as my friends...Well save one."

"Just a quick fuck then?"

Olas lowered his tail feathers, realizing he wasn't going to be getting what he wanted. "Leon, I said what I meant. I came not for the sexual conquest you have over me, but your company that I hold dear; that said should it happen to take the form of you humping me so well that I scream your name so be it." The lord flopped onto his side, leaving a hand upon the man's lap. "I would never just fuck you and leave."

He rested a hand on Olas own, eyes brimming with skepticism, "You can't expect me to believe that you'd leave your party, your friends, those fancy champagne showers." He waved a hand to their quaint surroundings, "For all of this."

"You think we have champagne showers?" Chortled Olas, "Leon, everyone there is wearing a mask, never showing their hands. They lie, smile, and enact schemes and plans to garner power or favors. I'd trade any night with them for one with you in a heartbeat."

"So, you'd rather be right here with me right now, even if I told you had no desire to loose my seed in your furry ass?"

"I know you're lying but let me humor you. You are correct, even without the promise of a sexual release I would be at your side." As he said the words, pride filled his chest as wonderment shimmered in Leon's gaze, it was like the man could hardly believe the words had slipped from Olas' beak. "However, should you happen to change your mind." He gestured to his rump, where his tail flicked to the side, "You are free to merely say the word and I shall raise my tail."

Tentative was Leon as he scooched closer, hands finally weaving them around Olas' neck. "Now the only question I have is if this isn't a quick fuck, wont your rich asshole friends notice you're missing?"

"Hardly." Laughed the gryphon before pausing, remembering how much of a scene he'd made. There would be talk, rumors, his father would certainly hear about his outburst. "Nothing that can't be explained away with drink and questions!" He drew ever closer, chuckling as he stroked Leon's side, "What shall we do my delightful hero, tell stories, sing to each other? I could always teach you the way of origami, or you could preen my feathers- "

"Sure this isn't a quickie?" Leon chuckled, "We know every time you insist I preen your feathers it winds up with your balls in my mouth."

"Only because you like them there."

For a time, they said nothing, feeling content to collapse against the sheets, their eyes filled with the other. Gentle motions were all that were had, hands running through feathers or hair. Their breaths were a gentle song which hooded eyes, soothed the soul, and ensured leaving the bed would be an arduous task. Olas pulled the man close, relishing the pleased sigh that escaped his lips, the truth that Leon hid from everyone else.

"Leon?" Whispered the lord when sleep began to tug at his fur.

"Yes?"

"I wish to do something before sleep takes hold...If you would be so bold as to accept. I know it might be a _hard_request, but I'd like you to consider."

Leon sighed, rolling his eyes, "Olas, we've talked about this. I'll suck your cock, worship your balls, slurp your tailhole, but I repeat, I won't let you piss on me."

Ears perked, "What! Heavens no, not that! Your response was ever so clear the first time. What I wanted to ask was if you'd wish to accompany me to the sky."

"On an airship? I've been on them I suppose, they're well enough."

"No, not an airship." Chuckled the lord, waggling a wing before the man's eyes, "I was thinking something far more personal than an airship."

"As in, you would be flying me up there?"

"Yes."

"Up in the sky."

"Correct." Chirped Olas, his chest already swimming in delight.

"No,no,no." The man pulled away, proceeding to leave the bed. "You won't be dragging me up there, no way no how. I'm good with my feet planted securely on the ground, thank you _very_much."

He'd expected this reaction, many who lacked their proper sky legs acted in such a manner. They were ignorant, lacked experience, of which Olas wished to cast away. He rose with a kind demeanor, slinking ever tentatively to his human's side, no sudden movements, no risen voice, he had to be ever so careful in these moments; he didn't wish to spook him. "I can't help but noticed that you're frightened dearest?"

"Afraid? Of course, I'm afraid!" He wheeled around, face to face with the empathetic bird. Leon didn't shift as Olas ran the length of his flank around him. "One wrong move and I'm on a one-way trip to the ground!" He shivered, "You'll never catch me like that."

"If that's what has you frightened, it is common. I can assure you that you're in no safer wings." Tenderly he approached, running his length against the man. It brought a calm that drove his hands to caress feathers, color returning to his face. "Do you trust me?"

What a simple question, it brought such turmoil to the man's face. The half elf didn't immediately respond, taking deep breaths as he averted his gaze. "That's...a complicated question isn't it."

"Not really, it's a yes or no." He was around him, wing wrapped tight, head to his chest. He could hear the rapidness of his heart, like a stampede pounding to escape. "Dearest, my spells shall keep you safe, you just need to trust me. Can you do that?"

Resistance only lasted for a few moments, "This truly means that much to you?"

"Need I beg for you to ride me?" there was a chortle from the man, "And I don't mean the other way."

What strength Leon possessed crumbled to dust in the way of the gryphon's determined effort. With a roll of his eyes, Leon groaned and stroked the catbird's ear. "Fine, I'll let you, but know if it was anyone else- "

"Oh wonderful!" Trilled the gryphon, leaping from the man and proceeding to prance around the room with gentle stretching of his wings, "We'll make it a magical eve, one that you...nay, you and I will remember for the rest of our days! The night that you and I were united in one of the most primal experiences that a gryphon might share to one so...flight challenged as yourself."

"Hold on, hold on." Leon grabbed the excited gryphon by the head, wrapping both arms around his face, "Let's not get ahead of ourselves. I get to say when this whole thing is done."

"Of course, that would only be fair." Olas pulled back, eyes flickering with suspicion, "And in the spirit of fairness, you're not allowed to call it off until after ten minutes or so."

Leon chortled, not even denying that he might, "You know me too well. Fair enough."

Hands wove around his neck, a talon secured Leon's back.

"Don't worry, I'll make it special." Olas whispered softly, before spreading his beak and pressing his human into a deep, passionate kiss.

Chapter 19

"I'm just saying, could we address the part where you piss on me again?" Leon stood, holding the harness of the gryphon lord, all his worry in his feet. His legs shook as he took long, slow breaths, trying to compose himself.

"You must be exceptionally worried to offer that of all things." Olas chuckled as he set his sights passed the shadow swept houses of Chios and towards the rolling, dark clouds above.

He was amazed he'd gotten this far actually. It felt as though lead had been poured into his shoes when they exited the tavern, yet the kind lord had whispered and encouraged him to this very spot. It was like he had a way with him, a key that could get the kittybird whatever his heart desired. What he desired, it seemed was a first date of all things, a moment to share of romantic interest.

His heart fluttered as the gryphon of his dreams turned round to offer a reassuring tap of the wing.

"You can do this Leon. I'm right here for you. Just take a deep breath and hold me."

Sure, easy thing to be said, but still doubt plagued him, whispered him to not trust the catbird, no one deserved that level of trust. One look however was all it took, being pulled in by those kind, brown eyes that he adored, ensnaring him. He took a deep breath, lungs filling with confidence as he swung himself over the pleased lord.

"There we are, not so hard was it?" The catbird chuckled, "To think it took so much encouraging to mount me. I figured you'd already had plenty of experience."

"Two vastly different skillsets you lewd catbird."

"That's alright, just reach out and grab me by the feathers. Don't worry about lack of harness or saddle, squeeze like I'm a horse and hold on."

He nodded, the feathers between his fingers helping fight back the worry. Shifting ever slightly he noticed how odd that it was, yet at the same time similar to how one might ride a horse. Out of instinct he squeezed the beast below him, noting the warmth that his feathers did bring. As Olas pumped his feathers it brought a strange sense of note, that he had not quite seen the gryphon at this angle. His head turned, ears flicking, it was sending butterflies in the mercenary's gut.

"Leon?"

"Yes?" He asked softly.

"Thank you for this. It means a lot."

"Not like I have a choice, you jerk. You gave me the gryphon eyes."

"I'll have to remember that when I ask things of you." Olas stretched out his wings, "Ready?"

This was it, the moment before the plunge. Leon gulped and nodded slowly, unable to vocalize.

"Then hang on tight Leon!" With a keening cry, Olas leaped into the air, powerful wings pounding the air into submission. Even with Leon on his back they rose, climbing with exceptional speed with every powerful flap.

The cold kept in his scream as it felt like his stomach was left behind. Silent pleas to the gods were swept away by the bitter wind as Olas brought them higher and higher. Thankfully the lord wasn't heartless, only bringing them slightly above the perch covered roof tops.

Leon was free to observe the lights of those who had yet to fall asleep, beacons in the dark night. Courage gathered, allowing him to gaze across the darkened town, seeking the tree line and paths that wove out to the courtyard beyond. It was without life, a ghost of its former self, a world of greys and blacks. Powerful muscles made an almost ride deprived of bumps and swift turns enjoyable and calm, Olas was doing his best it seemed to ensure this wasn't a horrible experience.

Hair billowing behind him, cloak ruffling, his hands gripping feathers tight, he imagined he was the perfect example of a gryphon rider to be. If not for a sudden bout of turbulence he might have maintained it. Instantly he buried his face into feathers, his stomach tossing and turning like a bowl. Fingers clenched tight as he pressed forward as if he were trying to merge with the beast. The mercenary shook in silence until the gryphon had recovered his bearings.

"Slight bump there, we're fine now!" Olas laughed peering a tender eye back, "Oh dear Leon, there are better sights than my feathers you know. Just lift your head and see!"

"Let me go at my own pace alright? I'm not a baby.'

"You're right, you more resemble that of a gryphet."

He didn't care if that disappointed his host, but the gryphon didn't question or push. All he did was drift through the night, steady as he ever did. Leon counted the wingbeats, taking deep breaths of his gryphon's scent, it brought calm, certainty, a reminder that he was safe. By the time he opened his eyes, they were starting to descend. He could feel the sinking in his gut.

"Oh thank the gods we're back." He breathed in relief, "Honestly though Olas if it weren't for the- "

They were not back at the inn, instead it appeared as though the gryphon had brought them not to the tavern, but to a rolling hill that overlooked the ocean.

"This doesn't appear to be the tavern, what gives?"

Olas merely turned round with a mischievous glint in his eye.

"Have you gone and kidnapped me? I'll have you know I won't stand for it."

"Clearly, since you're sitting. I burdened myself with showing you some of the more local sites, to soothe the beating of your heart. Besides, you didn't see much with your face buried in my feathers."

He couldn't stay angry with the catbird, not with his pleasing coo. He clambered off him, the grassy ground soft beneath his boots. His legs wobbled as his world regained focus, nerves slowly recovering. The salty air teased at him, reminded the mercenary of kinder days, when he'd yet to know the stone of the world. Gentle roll in and out of the waves tickled his senses, as he left the comfort of his gryphon's warmth.

Before him the crown sea rose and fell, the breaths of Sartren some said. What he could make out was a rocky shore, rising like a wall of grey.

"Behold make out point. One of the most romantic places in all of Dragon's Crown Coast. Young couples come here to get away from the wandering eye, sit and enjoy one another's company...Or other more intimate expressions."

The gryphon chuckled, but the gesture was not lost on him. The most romantic? That was rather strange hearing from the lord's beak, could it be that he actually cared? Leon nearly stumbled out of shock; it was what he'd always wanted. As his cheeks blushed, he fought the urge to simple hug the thoughtful beast. "Not much to look at is it?" He huffed, "Just a bunch of darkened rocks and the ocean. Think you've lost your touch Olas, or the most romantic spot doesn't amount to much around here."

"Oh, its quite the sight in the day." Olas strolled a few paced, head raised, unconcerned, "The sunlight shines on the turquoise waters, appearing as diamonds across it's surface." He spread his wings, ruffling the rust feathers, "The flying fish flutter about in schools, soaking in the lunar rays and glowing different shades of light. It creates a sense of wonder as warmth blows in, warming both the body and the soul. It's said to stroke a gryphon's ear and increase their libido."

Was this really Olas? Leon followed but eyed the chirping gryphon, tracing over every inch of his muscular flank, the body he knew too well. In his more reserved moments, he'd always imagined the lord taking him somewhere like this, taking an interest besides just the flirting and sex. Here he was, a twinkle in his eyes, swish in his adorable tail, sinking claws ever deeper into the half-elf's mind. He smiled as Olas went on about the possibility of flying sharks, he couldn't believe this, perhaps it was as Hekate had said, that beneath the façade of a lewd beast was the heart of a treasured soul. Still, history kept him reserved, unwilling to give away how touched he was, "Might as well have brought me to a where we can catch two halfling's wrestling, least we could get some decent booze and entertainment."

"Oh, that's a different type of entertainment to be sure." He wrapped a wing around the man's shoulders, pulling him against him. "Now shush that cute face and watch."

"What are you going to do, wave your hands and magically make it not suck?"

"Precisely." He gave a parting nibble of the man's braided hair before setting twin pools of determination upon the cloud choked sky. He began to chant in the draconic tongue, hisses and growls filling the air as he reared up upon his hind legs, arms going through the motions of the practiced spell. Air around him thrummed with power, rose the hairs on Leon's neck and brought waves of summer winds to caress feather and flesh. Ash beak parted, eyes glowed with magical power, Olas thrust his arms outward as he flared his wings wide as they could go.

"Part Sky!" He thundered, voice cleaving the very sky. At his gesture, clouds broke and parted, rushing away instead of staying to face the gryphon's will. Black clouds of nothing gave way for starlight, thousands of diminutive shimmering beauties. That however paled in comparison to Sartren's glory, the summer moon bathing all below in it's divine, radiant white light. It painted the ocean, lovingly caressed the shore, bringing a sense of life to it all.

White pedaled moon flowers began to crawl towards the sky, reaching out the divine mistress that they could never meet. Above them swam the schools of thousands of scaled fish, with the return of their moon began to thrum and burst with colors. Leon stood transfixed before their magical dance, winding and weaving ribbons of every color that he could imagine.

"Is that better?" Came a pleased with himself coo as Olas sat, rolling a talon to his chest, "I presume by your silence that it is?"

He shook his head, scoffing when he composed himself, "I've seen better, this is alright though."

"Alright?" Olas laughed, "Merely alright? Now I know you're pulling my tail! What could you have possibly seen that could possibly compare to this? Go on, name one that could beat an ocean of diamonds, the schools of rainbow light, I would love to hear what it is."

"You." Leon had crossed his arms, the words tumbling out of their own accord. He blushed as the gryphon took a moment to realize in his squawk exactly what had been said.

"What was it that you said?"

"You." He mumbled again, looking away as his cheeks burned, "Now don't let that go to your- "

"Oh, I knew that's what you said!" Screeched the lord, unable to contain himself. With ruffled feathers and a domineering warble, Olas was upon the man in a heartbeat, subjecting him to the most furious of nuzzle assaults.

"Come on now...Olas...grah." He only gave token resistance, half-hearted attempts to push back the smitten gryphon upon him. Fingers tenderly glided through feathers, each breath was laced with Olas' comforting scent, it was all he could do to keep his demeanor, "Come off it. If I knew it was going to summon a nuzzling, affectionate demon I would never had uttered the word!"

"That would be nothing but lies my sweet knight in shining armor! You spoke from the heart, your words like that of an angel themselves."

Words eventually fell flat, Olas beating back every protest with blissful chirps, each squirm with a firm nuzzle. Resistance eventually died, accepting this was to be his fate until the catbird let him go. On their own accord he stroked the feathery neck, digging in fingers to scratch until crown feathers began to rise. The pleased chirps that came were music to his heart, egging him on, bringing a smile to his face, for minutes nothing mattered save the handsome gryphon held within his grasp.

Eventually Olas dragged him to the ground, wrapping him tight within his embrace. Face pressed tight into a bulwark of feathers, they rolled till they were in the sand, laughing and warbling as one under the moon lit sky. When they finally came to a stop, the catbird was upon his back, gazing lovingly up at the man held against his chest. "Oh, my Leon." He said softly, caressing Leon's cheek, careful to not scratch with his sharpened talons.

"Olas?"

"Yes?"

Oh, he could stay right here, held within this gryphon's embrace should he ask of it. Already he could feel the warmth flood within him, the loving look in those eyes brimming with more carnal thoughts. Stay here too long and they'd be kissing one another, one penetrating the other for certain.

"You can kiss me if you want, cute that you're asking permission though. Ever polite, you need not ask my darling, my beak will always part for you."

"No, not that!" He laughed, having to push back a beak determined to get another kiss, "I thought you wanted to show me around this place, not look upon your beak...handsome as it might be."

"Can't we do both?" Sighed Olas, with a roll of his eyes, "But I suppose you are right."

"You don't have to get up, just yet- ah!" He was shoved off the gryphon as the lord rose to all four.

"No, you wanted to stroll the beach, don't go protesting now."

"Just saying, you make a rather fine pillow."

With a thump of his tail, he shook himself free of what sand clung to his feathers and fur. It dusted Leon in a shower of dust.

"Was that necessary?" Groaned the man, already dusting himself off.

"Can't have it ruining my feathers, now hold still!" With a spell, Leon was cleaned, not a speck left on him. A breath revealed the slight scent of strawberries.

"Like it?" Olas' chest puffed up as he gestured to follow. "Added a bit of flare to it."

"Strawberry is your flare?"

"It's certainly one of my flares." Replied the catbird with a lustful growl.

"Guess I walked into that one." He joined the lord at his side, his steps in tandem.

For a time, they padded along, so close they could brush against one another, looking to the stars above as the ocean lapped at their feet. Occasionally they would steal fleeting glances, accompanied by gentle smiles, blushing cheeks, and ruffling feathers. Despite the ocean breeze the air was rather warm, a comfort that could not simply be shed.

"So, what did you think of the flight, was it as terrible as you imagined?" Olas finally asked, bumping up alongside him.

He didn't wish to break the gryphon's heart, not after he'd brought him here. The man shrugged, "It was alright, figure we have airships for the flight though."

"Bah, nothing but a cheap copy! Machinery can't capture the primal, raw, spiritual connection of the wind below your feathers." He closed his eyes, drifting off to other times, "The winds caressing your face, the thrill of the air, it flows through you, gives us life. By the stars, I don't think there is a gryphon alive that can't go a day without flying about, it gives us a freedom never matched."

Was it that important? He'd never heard gryphons explain it that way. Not even Hekate and Krantor had given such gravitas to the act. "You make it sound as though it's part of you, just as natural as breathing."

"Why else would Parunga have given us wings?"

"I suppose to flaunt them about and play rounds of who has the prettiest feathers?"

Olas chuckled, "Suppose that could be one reason. But regardless of the sensations, the flight is always better shared. We join our flights in a great congregation, singing to the very stars. I suppose in a way this is why your people and mine formed our union, both of us loved the sky, you just needed someone to give you a lift."

"Which is why you wanted to have me accompany you."

"Of course, my dear, who else would I have at my side?" Olas cooed, brushing up alongside him and planting an affectionate nuzzle upon his cheek. "Of which must I say, it was more than I'd ever hoped for, a rush that could not be described." He laid a hand upon Leon's side, "It was like I'd found a missing piece I never knew I had."

Red flowed into the man's cheeks as guilt gnawed at him, if only he'd enjoyed it as much as the lord had done so. "This couldn't have been your first time with this, didn't you fly about with the misses?"

"Actually no. Her and my flights were as lifeless as everything else, the only time I've shared my flight was with my daughter."

"That can't be right. An estate, mansion, all the servants and rich friends, come now, you must have- "

"No one in my life." Olas sighed with a saddened warble, "I thought long ago that love might be fun with Isadora, that I would come to enjoy it, I was wrong on both accounts. It took many years for me to realize the bitter crow that she was, that our fights were not the normal back and forth that couples had. It wasn't until you came back into my life that a light was shown on how things could be."

"Olas..." His heart stretched, caressing the gryphon's neck.

"Leon, you've given me a taste of something I've craved for so many years, passion, to be wanted to." The gryphon drifted off, describing his fantasy of them together.

"There you are again, all mushy on me." He smiled.

"Apologies, but its rather easy. I just want you to know that I am glad that you're here with me. Even if it's merely to look at the stars and have a walk."

"Sorry I can't cast spells or engage you in a witty debate over magical theory, that's just not my- "

"Don't think for a moment you are inadequate." Olas was around him in a second, eyes shimmering in the moon light, "You are perfect the way you are."

His heart skipped a beat, breaths came slow, disbelief over the words. Only said because he didn't know his entire past, but Leon accepted them just the same.

"I adore you because I can relax around you, be myself, it's like taking off a cloak. Do you feel the same way about me?"

"Not exactly."

There was a dejected chirp.

"Don't feel bad, its that way with everyone." He scratched the lord's chin, casting away the bite as they returned to their walk.

"So, what became of you after we parted all those years ago? All I remember is that one day I had my summer friend, the next you'd run off. Were things that bad?"

It was hard to even remember those days, all he'd gotten were flashes, faces of people he used to know. "Why would you even care?"

"Cause you're one of my dearest friends, the very first!" Olas replied with a roll of the eyes, "And I have an interest."

"I had to get out of there." He grumbled, "Just away from them, I didn't care where I went. The more distance I put between my family the better."

"So where did you go?" He stopped to turn as water lapped at his scaley hands.

"Hitched a boat to Cliaran, spent a lot of time backpacking across the entire continent." He averted his gaze, "Learned a lot about the underbelly of that place, it's not all honor and stoic as they'd want you believe."

"How do you mean?"

"Just that people are not who they seem to be, that there are plenty waiting to take advantage, stab you in the back." He shivered, picturing Quintus' snout, imagining the control and depravity that had been laid to bare upon the mercenary's shoulders. "And no, I'd rather not go into it."

Olas didn't press further, but pressed closer as they strode across the sand. "Do you remember singing together I hope? Or the three-legged horse?"

"Singing?" He rose a brow, "We did that?"

"Course, you don't remember?"

"Those days...are hard to."

"Well, we did, all through the estate! The maids said you could shatter glass."

He half-heartedly shoved the gryphon, "I've gotten better jackass, Hekate's family even said I sing lovely, for a half-elf."

"Of course!" He laughed, sand flying as he redirected and shoved back, nearly knocking the man over, "I've always found you ever so skilled with your tongue!"

There he was, right back to lewd comments, Leon didn't care however, laughing as he pushed all his force into his rebuttal. Sand flew as he barreled into that mass of feathers, dragging the lord to the ground. Batting away half-hearted attempts to cast him away, he grabbed hold of the gryphon's feathers, engaging him in a mock form of wrestling across the shore. One moment he would be on his back, the panting beast atop him, the next their roles were reversed, his thighs secured around the catbird's chest. It ended there, panting, gazing upon each other in the moonlight.

There was nothing more beautiful than the sight he saw now, the twinkling gaze of the amber spheres that held him enthralled. Leon dipped, caressing tenderly his beak.

"You know, there are always other activities that we might do." Olas added a lustful chuckle, a cheeky hand dropping to grope the man's behind.

"Is that so?" He moved into the touch, warmth starting to spread through him. "And what might those be?" A smirk found its way to his lips.

"The typical fair, legs spread for you as you force your horse cock deep inside. I'll clench and moan, groaning your name to the heavens." Olas was panting now, eyes filled with a lustful fever, "How's that sound, do you want to stuff your gryphon?"

Moving closer sealed his fate, they'd done this game before. Olas knew exactly what to say to stroke his passions, where to touch to draw him in. Leon huffed and caressed that devious chin, grinding against the lord to give way to soft, needy chirps. Below he felt the beast shift, his hinds spreading on either side. One kiss parted that beak, allowed him to cross tongues and leave them groaning, lost in one another. Moments passed, moaning into each other as Leon's trousers drew tight, unable to hide the passions that had been roused.

"What about the cold?" He asked, leaving the gryphon's warm beak with a strand of saliva connecting them.

Olas chuckled, hand upon the man's head, the other sprinkling a bit of red dust into the air, "Nothing to worry about." He whispered, followed by a sentence in the draconic tongue. With a flash of crimson, the cool air died, replaced with the enchanting warmth of a summer's day.

"I do ever love magic sometimes."

"Now get those off before I rip them off." A talon caressed around the bulge.

Without further prompting he did as requested, sliding the fabric down and exposing himself to the warm night air. His mottled cock sprang to life, already roused and waiting further attention. It dribbled pre to the sand, waiting to be reunited with the magician who'd created it. He gazed down upon the wizard with hunger, massaging feathers and fur as the gryph procured and swallowed one of his many potions.

"Have a taste?" Olas offered, flicking his tail, "This one will rouse your passions and clean you out."

"Preparing for the future?"

"I always prepare for that."

Shrugging, he took the offered potion, swishing the lavender liquid inside. It glimmered with light for but a moment before he swallowed it in a single swig. It tasted of blueberries with a hint of oranges, clinging to his throat and leaving a tingling sensation in its wake. As he leaned in for another kiss his body trembled, the magic caressing him with tiny, pleasurable fingers inside. His cock throbbed with need, going rock hard, his skin flushed with desire. He ground into his gryphon's form, groaning as he sought a hole in which to fill.

"See, what a delightful potion." Huffed Olas, his own length growing free of his meaty sheath. Its blunted head seemed to wink, drooling it's desire all along his vanilla fur. It was a perfect duplicate of Leon's own, merely twice the size and more than that the girth, at it's base would form a knot, that the man knew far too well. Legs spread the gryphon kissed the man, his voice husky and filled with desire, "I do believe it was time you fucked me."

"Can't resist that can I?" He huffed, massaging feathers until they gave way to warm, soft fur. Fingers pressed and rubbed until he drifted lower, eventually caressing the hard, throbbing meat that was his lover's shaft. Smirking he squeezed and teased it's length, delighting in the groan and squirming that he received.

"Oh Leon." Moaned the gryphon, his head falling back against the sand.

That made his heart sing, relishing his pleasure. It guided him ever lower, past his sizable balls, each fitting into the man's palm. His prize waited for him just below that, the gryphon's tail star, seeming to wink and beg for him to enter.

"Here." Olas handed him a vile, filled with a translucent lubricant.

"Wouldn't want to break you." Laughed Leon as he opened it, swiftly spreading the cool goo across his rock-hard length. It glistened in the moonlight, throbbing with need as he positioned it at the gryphon's waiting star. "Ready?"

"Take me."

With a grunt he pressed forward, the familiar tail spread for his blunted head like it was made for it. He was swallowed with a greed that only a dragon could duplicate, taking all of it in merely a few thrusts of the man's hips. Warmth was all around him, velvet-like, welcoming, it made him tremble with delight and hiss his praise. "By the gods, you have a wonderful ass."

"Just for you my dear." Replied the gryph with a pleased grunt, powerful muscles squeezing along the man's length.

Pleasure wove through him, tickled every passing moment as he pulled back and sheathed himself into the waiting lord.

"Oh my....fuck."

There he waited, letting him adjust as he groaned and moaned, enjoying the gryphon's powerful clenches and soft warbles of pleasure. Passions boiled over, his hips practically moved on his own as he pulled back and slotted himself into the waiting ass. He sang with the gryphon as he laid claim to him, utterly giving all that he could till his balls were slapping against his furry haunches. When the cry for harder came he was more than willing to provide, repositioning and slamming himself till the beast was screaming his name.

He typically could last under such conditions, but the gryphon's praising and moans was more than enough to break down his control. As he slammed home and forced the beast to tremble and clench, he was losing his own battle to hold it back. Eyes clenched as pleasure wove inside him, he voiced his delight, combining with the gryphon into a most lewd song. Humping became erratic as the climax built, "Olas, I'm going to- "

"Don't hold back!" Cried the catbird, wings trembling as he took every powerful thrust, "Cum in me, fill me up, I'm yours Leon!"

Like that he broke, slamming his hips down in the last few erratic thrusts. His back arched as the lord pressed back, swallowing the man down to his knot. He grunted at this last wave of pleasure before the dam finally broke and he exploded up Olas' tail. Eyes clenched with every pulse, painting the gryphon's insides white. He held firm as the catbird trembled, clenching tight around his base, and ensuring the knot would swell, locking the pair together.

"Oh...Leon!" Olas squawked, ears pinning as his own peak was reached. His horse cock throbbed, growing a meaty flare as it spurted out ropes of thin, hot, gryphon cum. It shot through the air, painted his feathers, even a few pulses nearly striking Leon in the face as he groaned.

Panting, the man came down from his high, holding the gryphon's legs as he trembled. They shared a tired, pleased look with themselves as they panted. He was smiling against his better judgement, a wave of content washing over him, a closeness he'd thought he'd long since lost. Gazing down at this beautiful catbird, it felt right, warm, there was nowhere else he'd rather be. If not for the sound of the waves against the shore, he might wish to fall asleep within this lewd embrace, cuddled up with his gryphon.

"Leon that was magnificent, darling, romantic, straight out of those fantastical romances."

"What?"

Olas leaned up, a pleased look on his beak, "Walk along the beach, staring at the stars, connecting, oh I'd never imagined I'd have experienced such things!" The lord tossed back his head with a pleased sigh as he clenched and forced the man still buried within him to coil and collapse on his belly. "And I always wanted it to be you, my treasured friend, the one to want me, adore me! Oh Leon, you have no idea what you've done."

"You sound utterly nutters did you know that?" He chortled as the catbird continued his grandiose praises, filling every sentence with flowery words that Leon was certain he'd made half of them up. He did understand when the bird rested a hand on his cheek, careful not to slice through the flesh.

"My enchanting knight, the one who sets my heart ablaze, who ravishes me at the slight raise of my tail. How I adore thee, and only wish to fill your life with such pleasure as to rival mine."

He blushed, was this not what he wanted to hear? Silence gripped his tongue, lingering on the dramatic expression the bird had just done. No one got this excited over this, at least none that he'd ever seen. The way he was going on, could it be that it was just a fantasy; just an itch that he could not get with his wife? He'd have snapped back, countered the gryphon's praises, but instead bit his tongue. Even if it was an act, he was far too pleased with what had happened to protest, especially not while he was still buried to the knot in the bird's behind.

"Anything wrong darling? You haven't said a word." Chuckled Olas nervously, his ears tilting down. "Did I misspeak?"

"Not a chance." He remarked with a grin, trying to cast away the gryphon's suspicions that he saw through the entire romance act. "Just that you have a tail to die for, that wars should be fought over it."

"Ooooo, such a salacious thing, you really think so?"

A clench was his reward, making the man gasp and blush. "Indeed, none have a finer tail in all the land."

"And since you've tested many tails, you'd know?" With a cock of the head, Olas gave another lewd squeeze, drawing more gasps from his captive.

"Come on Olas, this isn't fair."

"Fair? You're buried in my backside. What's the matter, can't handle your handiwork?"

Trapped in a circle of pleasure that the gryphon was willing to exploit. Leon was left squirming, hands trembling through fur as Olas kept right on taunting him, massaging him, teasing his shaft with a promise to milk it further.

"Oh, your sounds are such music." Sighed Olas, his wings trembling on the sand. "I could keep you here for hours I think, trapped with me."

"Gods damn this perfect ass of yours." Growled Leon, trying to give as good as he was getting, rewarding this mischievous gryphon with a thrust, "I expect a quickie and you appear to go and have different ideas."

"Of course, I do, something I would imagine a gentleman such as yourself would not refuse." Olas replied with a seductive chuckle, "For I wish to share in the same pleasure as you."

So that's what he meant, cheeks burned crimson as the gryphon gave a lustful chuckle and perk of the ears. "You're waiting for your turn to knot me."

"Right here in the sand. I'll hold you down my dearest and batter your behind till you're singing my name." As the man gulped, he only continued, eyes hungry, "What can I say, your behind thirsts for my cock, to swallow every throbbing inch down to the domineering knot; it wants to milk me, squeeze every bit of gryphon seed tucked in my balls until your drooling it from your hole." Crown feathers rose one by one as he caressed the man's side, "Don't you want to feel every pulse of my climax as I paint your insides?"

He knew just how to stroke every fiber of his being, play him like a violin. Veins burned hot under the gryphon's gaze, the answer already formed before he was forced to moan it out by another taunting squeeze, "Yes, yes I do!"

"What was that? You know what I want to hear."

There was no way he was going to groan that to the gryphon, debase himself out here or at least that's what he told himself for the first fleeting moments. With a sniff of the air, he got hit with a cloud of masculine musk, of a stallion in rut, waiting to breed a mare. Before his eyes rose his gryphon's domineering mottled shaft, drooling pre from it's blunted head. As he stared, he knew there was no going back.

"I want you to fuck me, knot me, fill me with your seed!" He groaned without care, as the gryphon clenched down tight around his shaft.

Olas sighed whimsically, "Good boy."

** * * * * * * * *

Leon returned to his room after several rousing romps, it felt as though every bit of energy had been squeezed, humped, or loosed out of him. A sense of pride danced about his thoughts as he kissed the gryphon lord goodnight. He hated to admit it, but the softness surprised him.

"Can't you stay the night?" The words had stumbled out of Leon's mouth without a thought, it was better than spending the wee hours alone. "I'd prefer my favorite gryphon blanket."

"Oh, I can't." Olas had responded with a soft coo, nuzzling at the man's cheek. "But don't be too disappointed, there would be questions why I spent the night at some quaint shack."

"Tavern."

"Yes, yes, a tavern." He'd waved a wing as he giggled, applying another kiss, "But know should that not have been the case, I'd have stayed." A wing around the back pulled the man in, so that they were inches apart.

"Don't get your feathers in a twist." Leon had pushed the gryphon away, "Just was a thought, you go run off, sleep in your fancy beds."

"You...could always come back with me."

"Bah, got to stay here myself, can't have the others thinking I've gone and run off, I'm the only thing keeping their marriage together."

"Oh my, it's that bad?" Gasped Olas.

"Yes, but don't tell them." He'd replied, "Else they'll kill me."

Olas had bought the lie with a saddened chirp, but nodded in understanding. He left Leon with a press of his forehead to the man, followed by a tight hug and kiss. As his feathers vanished from view, the mercenary was left with a hallow feeling, like part of himself had gone with the magician.

It had seemed so real, hadn't it? A romantic evening that he'd always wanted, wished to experience, laid bare at the hinds of a lordly gryphon. Even now as he strode back into the darkened tavern, careful not to make a sound, he wished to go running off to the mayor's estate, find Olas and beg to be let into his quarters. He shivered, Olas was good at playing the act.

How many times had this happened before, where the first date had gone exceedingly well? Leon grimaced as he strode up the steps, nothing but a shadow. Each stride he remembered faces that haunted him, past romances of men and woman that had cast him aside. Too many times to count he'd been chewed up, used, abused, or stabbed in the back; was this not the same? His head throbbed, wanting nothing more than to tell himself he was being stupid, that it was all in his skull; for Olas truly loved him. That within that feathery breast was the beast that adored him to the end, but that's what the bird wanted, to get him right around his talon. He was clever, sweet, playing dumb when necessary, it was a clever ruse.

Before his quarters he paused, hands on the doorknob. That couldn't be it though, that had to be his own doubts clouding his judgement. How could it be otherwise though; he was just a common sell sword, what could he possibly give Olas that he didn't already have? The gryphon's words had been sweet, but that's all they were, honey to pull him in, entrap him, be a toy that might satisfy the bird's insatiable lust.

Tears welled in the man's tired eyes as entered his room, slid off his boots and collapsed upon the bed. As he buried his head into the fur blankets, it disguised the ache that coursed through him. A wound that would not heal, piercing through his side. This time he'd wanted it, desired this more than anything else. Sinful feathers teased at his fingertips, his breath pulled him in, the birds sounds comforted his heart, he was temptation incarnate, to ignore his past wounds. Leon grunted, fighting back the ache, helpless to shield himself forever. The worse part was that even as he shook, defeated and empty, that he wanted nothing more than to crawl into the catbird's bed and cuddle up close to his form. Could that be enough though, the façade of love and concern, a toy to be used by the lord? Would it be worth to exist in such a way, trapped within a gilded cage?

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Sorry for the delay, it has been quite the time. My usual proof reader took their sweet time, so that is what ended up taking so long. I will have the next scales and honor chapter up tonight.

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