FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Chapter 24

After a night of passionate reunion, Arcturus demanded to see the Lumarians. Once brought to Skywing and his Lumarian soldiers, the paladin could not contain his happiness. His arms wove themselves around Skywing’s neck tight enough that one might think his fingers stitched themselves into the gryphon’s feathers. White and black wings returned the gesture, the air filled with tender trills. Praise was not only do for Arcturus himself, but Veledar stealing the attention. The dragon was met with words to inflate his ego, cheers and pumped fists, even some songs from gryphons who caught sight of him.

“You’ll be an honorary gryphon!” Swiftclaw, leader of gryphon squad chirped as Veledar beamed. His fellow gryphons filing in at his side, each giving the dragon a resounding trill. “What you say flight, RedClaw?”

“I could see Firebeak.” Said Moonfeather with a playful swish of her tail. “Maybe a Leathertail.”

“You’re both wrong.” Huffed Brightclaw, the blue jay colored gryphon, “He is a Fastpaw.”

“What are you doing?” The dragon had growled, as the gryphons went back and forth on what to call him. “You may call me by the title, Crimson Sky.” He fluffed his wings and rolled a paw to his chest for good measure, but he only got a chorus of squawks right back.

“But that lacks the gryphon nature of the name big guy!” Moonfeather chuckled, striding over to bump her flank alongside his, “You get your gryphon name from the others! I definitely think Fastpaw.”

The other gryphons nodded their head, Swiftclaw flicked his ears back, giving a beak parted smile. “Then it’s settled, welcome to the team Fastpaw. This must be quite the honor for you.”

“Fast paws?” Growled Veledar as the gryphons chirped and cheered for their newest ally. “You’re making it sound as though I tend to myself rather swiftly.”

“Perhaps.” Moonfeather chuckled, “Is that how you do it? I feel sorry for Arcturus.”

His frills flushed as the gryphons had another heartful laugh at his expense. “Ask Arcturus any day you oversized chickens, I do not do that swiftly at all.” He turned his head round as Arcturus was shaking the hand of some Lumarians, pounding his chest to the minotaurs. “Arcturus do I cum too quickly or just the right amount of time?”

The knight groaned and squeezed the bridge of his nose as the others around shared boisterous laughs, even giving the embarrassed man a slap on the back of encouragement. After all, they couldn’t very well poke fun at the dragon that had delivered them from certain death.

With the trial concluded and guardian’s resolve directed, the coming days were ones filled with paperwork, information on Dreadflame’s movements. That would not be all to occupy their time, Arcturus found himself intermixed with training militia, tending to defensive strategies, aiding the guardians where he could, especially when it came to fighting dragons.

Veledar himself saw training with the gryphons, joined by the likes of Krotos and Voidwing. They performed aerial maneuvers, tactics, starting to work as a unit at the wing commander’s order. While irksome to the dragon, he performed them with little fuss, though insisting that it should be him that was the leader on several occasions.

Word had spread swiftly that Dreadflame’s forces had amassed beyond the western wall. Even Fremra’s storms had dwindling effects upon them. Each day they were gathering more and more numbers, waiting to pounce upon Struport and its defenders. Morale started to dip with this revelation, noble houses seeing how the winds might turn, took to their ships to leave the city to its fate. They claimed to return with armies one day to reclaim the city, but Arcturus doubted this to be the case. It was only their own skins they were saving, and once the city had been emptied, they’d return, appearing to be the big heroes that everyone wanted. The guardians let them go, focusing on keeping the morale of the gathered militia and soldiers together for when the undead would arrive.

To that end, Nivra had been hard at work, tending to the final preparations to what she was now calling, Hero’s feast. The name she’d thought was rather fitting, considering it was thanks to Arcturus and Veledar. With it she’d spread it to all the gathered ranks of the guardians, dulling what powers Dreadflame’s dragonfear held, hopefully giving them a chance where one did not exist prior. Even still, talk told of zombified races large and small, skeletons that did not sleep, shadows to devour men alive, to dragons that towered over them all. In the nights she caressed Voidwing’s feathers softly, telling herself this was just the thing that they needed to level the field of battle.

It was on the fourth day when daily routines saw a break. The sun had drifted to the western mountains, it’s light running across the land like molten lava. Red-orange light touched upon all below, whispering of days yet to pass. Clouds above were stretched thin, rivers of grey-blue hinted with spots of lavender, they connected to the horizon, tugging upon the twin moons to rise. Arcturus was reclined within his quarters, sipping a cup of jasmine tea. It warmed the flesh, steeled the mind, but not more so than the dragon he was currently using as a couch.

Paperwork was spread around him in stacks, reports, movements and other information that had been gathered. He had to admit, it was this part of the job that he did not miss about being a paladin in Lumara’s ranks. At least the gentle rise and fall of Veledar’s chest comforted him, as did the flicking fire that danced away in the fireplace. A hand fell upon crimson scales, shifting along his mate’s neck, the gentle purr that came betrayed the fierce nature the beast had shown. He smiled affectionately, as flashes of content rippled through him, courtesy of the bond. Time could have no meaning if he wished, how simple it would be to drift off, eyes closed and simply enjoy the safe, loving feeling of being here with his dragon. If not for the shadow of Dreadflame’s presence upon the coming days, the knight might have thought all was right with the world.

But he could not drift off or waver, he had responsibilities to fulfill. With a heavy sigh he grabbed the next parchment, more onyx guardian reports of troop movement. No sign of Dreadflame, but certainly word of his dragon allies. Arcturus furrowed his brow, he’d asked for dragonbane to use against these dragons, but the request had been denied. Evidently what they had was spirited away by some noble or thief. “You’d think an ounce of it would remain within the city is all. Are they mad?”

The dragon groaned, eyes closed, curling his tail around Arcturus’ feet. “Strange. It’s not every day that you hear a loved one wish for poison that might trouble their dragon. Yet here we are.” He opened one lazy eye with an amused chuckle, “Must I worry you’ve slipped back into the old ways? That our time together has meant little?”

He nudged the dragon’s belly, not dignifying his teasing with a look. “Oh, you know very well it was for Dreadflame. I have much more ready ways to subdue you Umraadi.” When the snout moved closer, he groaned and scratched that crimson chin. “You know, your great and wonderful talents could be used to help me sort through these deployments, instead of demanding scratches like the gryphons.”

“But this is far more pleasurable.” Veledar thumped his tail. “Besides, I’ve read half a dozen of these. That is your area of expertise. I don’t hear you asking how my sore wings are.”

“Fine, how are your sore wings? Are the drills we’ve been running too strenuous? I thought a grand dragon as yourself would be well suited, even outshine the feathers of my kinsmen.”

“You need not mock me Arcturus.” The dragon snorted, flopping his head down onto the multicolored circular rug beneath them, his scales a perfect match for the red found within the tapestry of colors. “The gryphons are better suited for the quick, agile moves they wish to implore. Dragons like myself are better designed for long distance flights.”

“Are you just making an excuse to not live up to your title of Fastpaw? I don’t believe this is the way to get them to change it.”

“Ugh, don’t get me started on the name. Can you believe that I actually looked when they called me it?” He flared his nostrils, “I’ll never live it down.”

“Perhaps that’s what I shall call you now.” He gestured with his freehand, “The majestic and power-“ He froze as Veledar hissed, eyes narrowed.

“Do so at your own peril Umraadi.”

“Oh, is the dragon going to hurt me?” He grinned, shifting back and forth against the scaled belly. “You undermine your threats with Umraadi.”

Veledar thumped his tail in frustration, batting his paws against the rug as he filled the air with his groan, “I’d focus on how you’re going to best Dreadflame, instead of how to wound your dragon.”

“If he’s as easy to wound as you, this will be easy.” He sighed and moved onto the next report, Merlia was teaching people to shoot their rifles and loose arrows, he could only imagine the tongue lashing the dwarf was getting up to. But Veledar’s words did linger upon him, souring what comfort he had. With no dragonbane, there would be no swift way of dispatching the dragon. It would take great effort, trading many lives. Unlike last time, the beast was not like a wrymling hatched, his strength would be that of legend. “You don’t suppose the stunning trick will work again?” His heart darkened to that bleak night, “It worked last time.”

“If he’s stupid then yes.” Replied Veledar, “He and I both know a simple shield or protection spell is more than enough to deflect the stuns.”

His brow furrowed, “Then we’ll have to go for weak points along the joints, the wings, the eyes.” He searched for his shield leaning up against the far wall, admiring the silver dragons in flight upon its surface. “I do think your gift will prove ever effective…If his eyes are as observant as yours.”

“Don’t remind me.” Hissed the dragon, “Just make sure every of these hunter tricks you know is used against him, I don’t wish to be accidently blinded.” His snout shifted away with a harsh snort, “If you’re looking for more, perhaps add bombs of powdered chocolate to the list?”

“You’re actually using Axton’s suggestion?” Gasped Arcturus, earning a scoff from the dragon.

“Just because I thought it was an amusing idea back then doesn’t mean you get to tease me now. Yes, it might help put the dragon off his balance, I’d not count on it however.”

“Of course. Then there is cold, red dragons hate it.”

“Yes, that’s why we’re by the fire, inside.” Veledar growled, slinging a paw around Arcturus, and pulling the man against his firm chest. “And not out there like Merlia and the others. I don’t care what she says, running around doesn’t help me feel warmer at all.”

He shook his head, “No, ice spells and the like. I hate to say it, but they work double as effective against dragons like you.” As he rested a hand on Veledar’s red-orange belly scales, the dragon trembled.

“I forget sometimes that you know dozens of ways to exploit and kill me.”

“Seems rather fair, doesn’t it?” He kissed the now grumbling dragon’s neck scales. He got a halfhearted paw brush in return. “Both knowing we could kill the other but don’t.”

“You’re lucky you’re the cutest hunter I’ve ever seen.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes, otherwise I’d have burned you ages ago.”

“I highly doubt that.” He returned to his papers without delay, relaxing upon his dragon to take out the dread awaiting on every page. Deaths upon deaths, reports of the undead’s activity. Asterion was adding enchantments to the walls, Jandar the dragon was aiding in setting up magical traps in the snow, everyone was doing their part for what seemed to some, the battle to end their days. Several detailed how Fremra was teleporting refugees out of the city via her trees, often finding spots on the Isle of Draconis to hide them. The poor dragoness, when she wasn’t doing that she was tending to the weather, keeping a fleet of vessels to the north from arriving upon their shores. It was within these documents he found a weathered note, one addressed to him with a printed pawprint on the crease.

Interested guided his careful fingers to open it, having to resort to tearing through the parchment. Within was a document written in draconic that more resembled that of chicken scratch. Thanks to his bond he could read it as easily as the common tongue, that fact bringing a smile to his lips. It was from Howling Tempest and her wrymlings. It told of their desire for him to be safe, to return to them once the battles were over. Warmth tugged at his heart strings as it spoke of his day back in his youth, when he had freed the mother from her capture, and how she’d known he was special then. Since she could not take him with her then, she insisted now that he was part of her family. He’d have to go there and fight her on it if he disagreed.

“Something the matter with that letter?” Veledar snorted as Arcturus’ eyes welled up, so moved when he procured a diminutive amulet within made of a silvery metal.

“Just an amulet of mithril.” He chuckled, turning over the reflective surface. Upon it was a crudely drawn draconic rune, no doubt with a trio of claws, “The wrymlings figured it would come in handy. Is it magic?”

Nostrils flared, “Not that I can tell. It’s just normal metal.”

“Suppose it’s the thought that counts. How do I look?”

Veledar tilted his head as the knight rested it upon his neck. “Like it will do little but clash with your attire.”

“Are you envious?” The silence was more than telling as he settled back down to dig through the other documents, leaning up against the dragon with a pleased grin. What good cheer was gained was swiftly lost as the man poured through such grim paperwork again. This time he was noting the lack of Dreadflame’s appearance. Perhaps the dragon was trying something more subtle, bound to catch the knight where he least suspected it. His heart darkened at such a thought.

“Has the good news faded out?” Asked Veledar, nudging at the man’s side with a flicking tail.

“Looking for patterns.” Grunted Arcturus, standing up to gather a map of the region to unroll across the floor. “He’s waiting for something.”

“Probably just to get overwhelming numbers.” Veledar licked his nose, “Nothing suspicious about that, the dragon is merely being smart. He knows myself, you and Fremra reside within. I’d be wary of me as well!”

“Which is concerning.”

“Why is that?”

“When I faced him last, Dreadflame was a beast of rage and revenge. My defeat of him was wounding to his pride, all consuming. There was nothing he wouldn’t do to achieve his revenge. Yet here I wait, challenging him, mocking him, and he waits?” Arcturus ran his hands through his hair, “I fear he might have a little bit of Garroth’s tactical mind within him.” A haunting image of the dragon crossing his mind. The blood scaled beast chomping down to devour his once age-old friend. He shivered, recalling the conflict they’d shared over these past few months. Was it that Garroth had been this way all along? A silver-tongued monster? A blood thirsty man out for coin? Or had it been because of the dragon’s influence, twisting his thoughts, readying the man for possession? It true, it would be another soul that Dreadflame had torn from the paladin’s life.

“How can you be sure that this isn’t his way now?” Veledar rolled a paw, shifting to sit up. “You knew that dragon for less than an hour. For all you know Garroth could be long gone, though I’m not quite sure that human was all there to begin with.”

“He was better once.” He replied softly, a cold hand falling upon his shoulder. “Before the orb. I’m certain of that. Is it better that he’s been consumed by Dreadflame, or trapped within, unable to stop what he’s doing?” He hung his head as Veledar whined, seeing what he’d started. A crimson paw wrapped around the man, pulling him close to nuzzle at the top of his head.

“I know my words can do little to quell this thought, but regardless either of those outcomes we still need to put an end to him. If he is truly lost than think of it as rescuing a friend from a fate worse than death.”

“I suppose you’re right.”

“I don’t want to be.”

He massaged the dragon’s neck as he returned to the papers, anything to keep his mind from lingering on the forge eyed beast. Even now he could remember the blood, the burned ashes of his house. Arcturus shivered, “Any sign of Cordenth and Lyndis? It’s been quite some time since we’ve heard from them.”

“No word. Not a pigeon, hawk or a spell of sending.” Grumbled the dragon, “Which I might add was rude, you’d think the green dragon would have found some way of staying connected. How else am I supposed to tell him about our heroic adventures?”

“Oh yes, that’s the first thing I was thinking of. You rubbing it in his snout of your heroic deeds.”

The dragon huffed and gave the human a roll of the eyes, “Arcturus, that is the fun of the contacting other dragons. We trade barbs, I insult him, we share a laugh over our continued survival.”

“That’s how you expect it will go down?”

“I don’t see how it wouldn’t.” Head cocked, frills flared, Veledar chuffed as he searched Arcturus up and down. His paw pulled tight as he rubbed his nose to the knight’s. “You look exacerbated of your task. I implore you to take a break with me.”

“A break?” Arcturus laughed as Veledar pulled himself from the ground, stretching like a cat before giving the paladin a mischievous grin and seductive swish of his tail. “You’ve been doing nothing but sleeping this entire time!”

“Untrue, I’ve been the literal thing of which my mate has been leaning on.” Veledar replied, slinking around Arcturus, having his tail rub up against the man. “And I know just what we need to keep our minds off the darkness waiting for us.” He nibbled at Arcturus’ vest, “Now do I need to rip this thing off you or will the knight submit to his dragon? Come now, we both know you want this.”

The air suddenly grew hot, he kissed those lips soon as they neared. After all, they had been going at it steadily for days. Perhaps the dragon was right? He chuckled, caressing the scaled cheeks of his love, uncertain if it was his own emotions or those of the dragon twisting around inside, molding him into the perfect companion. Unfortunately, as they began making out passionately, filling the air with lewd groans, they were interrupted by Voidwing flinging open the door.

“Alright lazy knight and dragon, I have a party in need of you.” The gryphon said, moments before catching sight of the pair and releasing an indignant squawk. His wing snapped upwards in the blink of an eye, shielding Axton from sight, who’d entered right on his hinds.

“Oh, get your feathers unwound, nothing was happening.” Veledar growled, plopping to his belly with a disappointed thump of his tail and shifted uncomfortably. “And what do we owe this intrusion? Quickly before I bite you both.”

Voidwing composed himself, fluffing his feathers, “Very well, the spell that Nivra is working on, it requires…a bit of a party. I was sent over to gather you for the celebration!”

“Gather us?” Arcturus’ cheeks were crimson, “You’re sounding like its-“

“Mandatory, yes of course it is.” His eye brow rose, “I thought I mentioned this to the dragon earlier. Right before the flight drills?”

Veledar grumbled rolling his eyes, “I didn’t think you were serious. A party to help a spell?”

“I wasn’t joking! Why would I do that?” Squawked the gryphon, ears pinned. “Nivra went and said that it was rather complicated, but it needed something about food, drink and good cheer to function.”

“It has pinatas and everything.” Axton beamed. “Those were my idea.”

“And you’re certain this is needed? This party?” Arcturus rubbed the back of his neck as he strode around Veledar. “Could we not have our own, quiet get together?”

“One with only a few guests perhaps?” Veledar rolled his paw, mischief gleaming in his eyes, “Possibly a pawful of gryphons? Or only one in particular?”

Voidwing shook his head, “No, I told you this morning, it needed to be large. That way we can affect the most amount of people per casting of the spell. Having it just be for a pawful of us would be a waste of the bowl!”

“Bowl?” Asked Arcturus, had he missed something?

“Look, I came here to get you two. Everyone is getting ready or already there. So we’re not leaving until you’re coming.” He fluffed up his feathers, eyeing the now growling Veledar down.

“Ugh, must we?” Snorted Veledar, as Voidwing and Axton were gestured out, so that the two could prepare.

The knight massaged along the dragon’s flank, soothing away the tension he could feel beneath his scales. “Alright, so it’s not ideal, but being the leader sometimes means putting your wants and needs behind that of the others.”

“So, you’re saying I’m the leader now?”

“In this instance, both of us are.” He replied with a smile, scratching the dragon’s chin as his snout curled towards him. “So, we go down there, soak in the good cheer, put on a good face for the others. Besides-“ He nudged the dragon, “I bet a few of them would like to lay the praises thick on your scales for saving them.”

To the dragon’s credit, he kept up a stronger face than Arcturus would give him credit for. He huffed and strode around the room, grumbling and dragging his paws as though he would refuse. Either by his own virtue or not wishing to be complained to, Veledar relented with a heavy groan. “Fine, but I’m not going to like it.”

“Good.” He gave that grumbling snout a smooch, “Then after we can retire and celebrate how you see fit.”

Veledar rumbled deep in his throat, gifting Arcturus a tender lick across the face. To the door he groaned, eyes narrowing. “And now I want this blasted thing to be done with faster.”

** ** ** ** **

Despite the initial success in swaying Veledar’s mind, the process of getting him to the party was another ordeal in itself. The dragon kept on insisting upon trivial things, from the way his scales were polished to what Arcturus would wear. From their room came snarls and hisses most loud that any passerby might mistake that the human was in great danger.

Eventually the man had emerged in a pristine vest, red with golden swirls stitched into the cloth. His slacks were fine and sat on him well, matching the delicate way his hair was slicked back. Veledar nodded in delight at such a sight.

“There we are. Now my image won’t be ruined by the ill appearance of a ruffian.”

“Ill appearance? Since when have you cared?”

“Since you said the party was for me.” Grumbled the dragon as they made their way out of their room. “Your image is a reflection of myself. So be on your behavior for the night.”

“Me, have to watch my behavior?” Laughed the knight, “I do believe it is you that I should be worried about.”

“Then that will be your job.” Hissed Veledar, rolling his eyes, “Make sure that I don’t make an ass of myself.”

“Do I count right now?”

“Don’t get smart.”

When they arrived, what had been told them was an obvious lie. They were led to the dinning hall in which they’d frequented these many days, lacking any sort of decorations that might tell of any sort of party. All that did give it away were the multitude of guests, Lumarians and Drenedarians both. Though upon first glance there was no friendship shared between the two groups, they’d segregated themselves to either side of the hall. The only hint of anything being extended was the gaggle of gryphons perching upon the rafters, chatting among themselves while watching those below.

“Oh, of course I would be let down in such a manner.” Groaned Veledar, his snout tracing the long tables filled with chatting peoples. Not one among them had drawn their eyes to him upon his entry. “Do I spy banners? Or am I being heralded by songs?” His tail swished as eyes narrowed, “I don’t even spy a cake or catch a hint of games. What sort of travesty of a party is this?”

“One that has failed to get off apparently.” Arcturus replied with a grunt, trying to shove the dragon into the hall. He wouldn’t budge. “Come now, it won’t be that bad.”

“I thought you were not supposed to lie.”

“I’m not.”

“Then explain all of this?” He gestured with a wing to the meandering guests, a cloud of unease settling about them all. “No minotaur wrestling, no gryphon singing, no card games, drinking…This is like a party for the followers of Hades, nothing but a dreary atmosphere of dullness.”

He frowned, of course this was the way it was. Days before the coming battle, many had lost people to the battles with the undead and the scuffle with Veledar. How could they just be commanded to have good cheer? “Don’t judge them too harshly. Think of it as an opportunity to bring spirit to them, allow them to unwind and take notice of the dragon that saved them.”

Veledar replied with a dull tone, “You want me to be a mascot.”

“I’d never put it like that-“

“But it would be somewhat accurate.”

Arcturus rolled his eyes as Veledar huffed and searched over the guests. “Do you want the praise or not Umraadi? You’re most confusing at times.”

The dragon shifted on his paws with a growl, “I’m a most complicated beast.”

“More like a bratty one.”

“What was that?” Veledar’s growl came at the knight’s ear.

He scratched the bottom of the dragon’s chin, repeating himself. “Come now, go enjoy yourself. You’re over thinking this.”

“I suppose so.” His eyes rolled before settling onto the tiny bruises around his love’s neck, evidence of their previous encounter on the beach. “Since you’re wearing my mark, I’ll let you win in this exchange.”

“Good.” He sighed, at least that part was over.

“But I’m not going to enjoy it.” His snout went high with a huff, “No ifs ands or buts.”

He spoke too soon. Though he supposed that was going to be the best he was going to pull out of the dragon’s chest.

“I’ve seen more lively get togethers at funerals.”

“What funerals do you frequent?” His brow rose as Veledar took his first step, people parting to allow the dragon room.

“If I did. I would imagine them to be so.” Replied the dragon with a harsh snort, before his sharpened gaze falling upon a decoration gracing one of the tables, “Is that a red dragon pinata I spy?” He gave a great gasp before wheeling around, smacking his tail against a Lumarian soldier. “That’s it, I’m done. Have fun with this terrible party Arcturus.”

Running after him, the knight placed himself in front of the irritated beast. Hands rose softly as he held firm, realizing that if the dragon wanted, he’d not stop him.

“Come now, terrible atmosphere, no singing, dancing, food, no praise. You can’t defend it.”

“Then go speak with them, instill it into them. Go win them over as you have me. Let them see you the way that I do.” As Veledar drew closer and his snout lowered, the man caught his jaw with his palm. In those eyes he saw the conflict, the not wanting to let him down and personal pride.

“Very well. You’ve swayed my heart.” The crimson tail swished as Veledar retreated with a harsh snort. “But again, I won’t be enjoying myself. I’ll suffer for the sake of yourself and the others.”

“Remember what I said, sometimes you have to sacrifice for the happiness of you-“ Arcturus groaned as the dragon was already mingling with the others, waving and announcing his arrival.

“Yes, yes. It is I Crimson Sky, wonderful to behold and pleasing to the eye. I know that I am your savior and hero, and that I brighten your little lives. Why am I here? Good question! Go and ask my mate over there, Arcturus, he’s the one holding me here against my will.”

Arcturus groaned as his cheeks grew red, the dragon’s irritation not helping matters as it churned within his gut. Gods he would need a drink just to survive this night, perhaps he’d get lucky and the dragon wouldn’t end up breaking a table or getting into some drunken rant. At least he was here, so what if he was being an ass? He had bigger things to worry about, enjoying whatever this was supposed to be, that after all, was that not the princess’ orders.”

He passed a group of chest thumping minotaurs, each telling stories from back home of their many battles. By the swaying tails the others were captivated, eager to try and out do the other with their tales of strength and honor. Among them were several humans and gryphons, despite their small stature and lack of horns, were enjoying the boasts all the same. Tenzin was among them, standing on par with the cow like figures, challenging them with confident eyes.

Krotos was off in a corner with a bunch of other gryphons, his feathers all pristine and taken care of. What fur he had was brushed and presentable, the blue and teal tipped beast putting on a show for a group of females and males. Merlia of course was among them, drink already in her hand. The paladin chuckled, at least several of his friends were trying to enjoy what was to come. With every step he could feel his own tentativeness grow, wondering among all these faces who might not survive the coming days.

Before he could dwell too long upon these darker thoughts, the paladin found himself with a brown and white wing wrapped around his shoulders. Pulled in he was face to face with gryphon squad, each of them planted around a solid table. Cards were already spread out around them, Mug sitting among them gleaming as the others squawked and cursed his name.

“Sucks to be you gryphons. Guess you lose again.” Grinned the Kobold, pulling in a pile of gold.

“Bullshit that’s what it is.” Moonfeather clacked her beak, “You’re cheating somehow.”

“Nah, its better if I don’t sweet cheeks. You get rather pretty when you’re angry did you know that?” When she snapped to him the kobold poked her beak, with a salacious growl. “See? You only prove me right!”

“Boss, can I tackle and grind this kobold into the ground?”

“Kinky.” Mug grinned.

“No.” Swift claw chuckled without looking, “He’s one of us now Moonfeather…Although…You can feel free to haze him.”

“Wait…What?” The kobold’s eyes widened as the four other gryphons chuckled with ill intent, predatory eyes all upon him.

“Want something Swiftclaw?” Arcturus asked, brushing the wing off his shoulder. “Not everyone just pulls me aside.”

“Skywing might disagree sir.” Swiftclaw chuckled.

“I thought we mentioned about that.”

“Ah yes.” The gryphon’s ears twitched, eventually splaying as he sputtered out Arcturus’ name.”

“There we are.”

“Still doesn’t feel right.” The brown gryph patted a seat beside him, “Come take a seat, join us. We have some news for you and your dragon anyway.”

“Fastpaws” Moonfeather giggled, causing the others to join in.

“Should I even question it?” Arcturus asked, already thinking the worst.

“It’s a sign of affection that’s for sure.” Swiftclaw’s ears splayed as he laughed nervously, “But besides all the doom and gloom, we have decided to welcome you and him into gryphon squad! Lets hear it for them both, congratulations!”

Around the table the gryphons clapped their talons together, some even using their wings. Mug too joined in, though his lack of interest clear upon his snout. It all fell apart into raised brows as Arcturus chuckled and shook his head.

“Well, why not? We’re a great team of fliers, the best in Sethera! Does your dragon think he’s too good for us?”

“Not that.” Arcturus said, his eyes searching for his friends through the hall. “Perhaps awhile ago your offer might fancy myself, but not this day. For I already have a group of my own. It may not be the best or the most pristine, but it functions well enough.”

“That so?” Mug scoffed, gathering the cards for another hand, “What sort of losers are they? Don’t see you hanging out with them do ya?”

“Oh, they’re around.” He scanned through the crowd to find who he spoke of. Veledar himself was easy to spot, already deep in conversation with a group of Drenedarian knights and Lumarians. The dragon was holding a paw to his chest, clearly enjoying the attention despite his reservations. Arcturus smiled as the sensations rippled within his flesh, spreading their warmth. Asterion was off on his own, trying to keep to himself, drinking in a corner devoid of people. Feku and Azzik were busy tugging at Tenzin’s legs, trying to sway the ilbir warrior as he planted himself with a confident grin, engaging with a minotaur in an arm wrestling match. “Though we have a gryphon missing from the bunch, and we have a princess, queen, and another dragon. He’s green.”

“Diverse bunch then.” Swiftclaw trilled as Mug groaned and started dealing out the cards, when he asked Arcturus if he was interested, the knight refused with a kind shake of the head.

“They’re the family I got. Two years ago it was as though I had no one. Now its quite different.” His arms crossed as he took a deep breath, “Even though we face darkness together, I’d not do it with anyone else.”

“Though surprised you mingle with us commoners.” Laughed the gryphon, “With your dragons and royals? You got enough blue blood to hold your own separate party!”

“Hey, Arcturus, you work for the royals right?” Mug snorted, “How much that pay?”

“We manage on the roads.” He waggled a hand, “Crimsons the one who keeps adding up the bill. But stars I’m not sure if he’ll follow through.”

“So, no pay?” The kobold tossed his head back in a mocking laugh, “You do it all for the goodness of your heart? Swiftclaw you may not want to recruit this dunce, his head is thicker than Brightclaws!”

As the blue gryphon pinned his ears, clacking at his kobold team member, Swiftclaw patted Arcturus on the back with a wing, “Oh, that won’t be a problem, he’s a noble character! He has an upstanding moral compass and honesty that we could use! Not to mention that dragon saved us twice over.” The gryphon nudged at his side, “We’re willing to be diverse with the dragon, although the name stays , we’d still be gryphon squad.”

Arcturus chuckled, “So he’d be an honorary gryphon?”

“Both of you in fact!”

“Though your offer is kind fair gryphons. I have my own group as I’ve said.” He rose to stand, “And as pleasant as it is to speak with you, I do have others to visit.”

“Well, if you do change your mind we’ll always be here!” The gryphon replied with a thump of his tuft tail, “But do run it by your dragon, doubt he’d resist being part of a prodigious team such as ourselves.”

Just as he was going to reply, a blaring trumpet resounded through the hall. It signaled all in attendance to cease their conversations, to put aside their needs, to divert their attention to the arrival of Nivra, Axton and Voidwing.

Nivra was clad in her usual lavender attire, a black cloak wrapped around her, silver dragons stitched into the fabric. A staff with an amber sphere, surrounded by a silver dragon, clutched firmly in her hand, she looked like a proper mage. Behind her were carts, laden with food, guided by invisible hands. Plates were strewn across them made of polished silver, with roasted ducks, salted pork, diced salmon to just name a few. They were surrounded by equal amounts of fruits and vegetables of all different shapes and sizes. Steam curled off all these confections, twisting seductively through the air, begging for the crowd to come hither.

“I told you no trumpets!” Nivra shouted to the unseen heralds, tapping her staff against the floor. Cheeks were gentle flushed when she turned back to the silence gripped hall. Some dropped to one knee, heads of gryphons and men alike did bow. Even Arcturus found himself batted over the head with Swiftclaw’s wing.

“It’s the princess!” Hissed the gryphon.

Arcturus found himself pulled down. He supposed that in his time around her he’d forgotten.

“Oh, you needn’t bow. Not this eve anyway.” Nivra gestured for everyone to stand, “This is supposed to be a most rousing banquet!”

“One that is now better with your arrival!” Skywing said, the tiger gryphon emerging from the crowd with a brassy chirp and a most dignified bow. “Your highness, you’ve blessed us with your presence. Do you require aid with the refreshments you have in tow?”

She composed herself, shrugging off the help as she directed the plates with a casual flick of her finger one after the other. They rose through the air, with upmost care, directed to the tables at her command. Mouths salivated, eyes glistened with want, the air was abuzz over all the offerings provided. At the clap of her hands, barrels laden with beer and malt liquor were dragged in, large enough and numerous enough to quell the needs of this hall thrice over.

“Take your fill, eat! Drink and be merry! My spell Hero’s feast will only work if you genuinely enjoy yourselves. Let your stress and unease fall by the wayside.” When no one immediately reacted, the princess sighed, seeing the arduous task before her. “I know that it will be hard to do this. Many of you have lost friends and allies in the days leading to this hour. I ask of you to put aside all of this for one night, remember them with drink and song. Without such an effort, this spell will fail.”

“And what does the spell do?” Arcturus called out, asking not for himself, but to sway the ears of all who heard her answer. Of which she did with a kind gesture, insisting that their enjoyment was paramount for the successful defense of not just Struport, but all of Sethera.

“And we have our great Krotos and Voidwing here to thank for such a boon!” Nivra gestured to her two birds, Voidwing having his ears splay as the crowds cheered for him.

“Of which they deserve medals!” Krotos squawked from his reclined position, wings wrapped around two gryphons, Merlia held within his talons. “For outstanding courage in the face of harrowing magicians and their nefarious tests!”

There was swiftly a murmuring from the crowd, whispering if the princess’ words rung true. It was as she had said, many had lost and suffered, those things could not easily be laid aside, even for one night. It was Arcturus that cleared his throat, loud enough that eyes fell upon him. This is what he was good for after all was he not? Swaying those around to acts of courage? The knight gathered himself and continued, comforted that he could feel Veledar’s gaze upon him.

“Come now, the lot of you. You heard what she said, same as I. True, she might be the princess of Lumara, and her father may have seen his ill work spread across Sethera’s shores. I know of her, trust in her, now that did not come easy. I know the sweat and the hard work she has done for this spell, for not herself, but you, on the chance that it will give us a light in which to cling to. She has endured as I have, slings and arrows of accusations that did not ring true. I see the eyes of all those who dwell within here, you’ve lost siblings, parents, partners…children.” He paused, pushing down the ice that licked at his heart, “In this we are one. Outside our enemies gather, forced together out of fear, death and vile magics. They hope we are divided, frightened, no stronger than a fresh babe.” He looked to all the gryphons, humans, minotaur and wolven as he strode, confidently around. “I ask of you to raise your tankards, your swords, to be what we always should have been, allies. Let our enemies know we are not to be felled so swiftly, that we shall stand side by side, forming an impenetrable aegis. Beak to beak, shoulder to shoulder, we will declare that we will not go quietly in the night. That we will not vanish without a fight. Let our deeds be sung through the ages, one worth remembering in song.” He grabbed a tankard, filling it with ale, the frothy foam billowing down the side. “Now who’s with me in spitting in Dreadflame’s face and roaring that we are not afraid!”

For a moment he thought his words might have fallen upon deaf ears, that the ice would not be shattered, that all in attendance would not be swayed. Yet, to his surprise, this was not the case. It started with a resounding chirp from Skywing, the gryphon gesturing with his wings. Like a fire had been lit, so did all the other gryphons. Cheers soon followed in a great cacophony of praise, all silenced out by a dragon’s roar. Arcturus grinned and gestured to them all, his gaze falling upon that of his Umraadi. Magnificent, eyes dazzling, it was hard to not carry himself right on over and give the dragon a tender hug and kiss.

“Come on Arcturus, you’re blocking the fucking table!” Mug shouted, barging forward along with the rest to gather up good food and drink.

In the kobold’s wake came gryphon, men, wolves and eventually dragon, piling high whatever was provided to them. It kept coming as if by magic, tantalizing to the taste, sinful some might have said. The hall soon filled with great cheer, as the sound of singing and conversation swelled to the walls with warmth. For a brief moment there were no divisions by kingdom or class, all of them were merely people, coming together to fight off a great evil. Even Nivra, though she tried to leave, was pulled into the fray by her friends.

“And let you escape while I must be here?” Veledar had extended a wing to drag the reluctant princess to the party. As he rumbled at her red cheeks, the Lumarians rose tankards and insisted upon her presence.

“Well, I suppose I could spend a bit of time.” She had laughed, caressing the underside of Voidwing’s beak. “I’m staying everyone!” With a series of squawks and chirps a place at a table was made for her, with her bodyguard planted right beside her.

The night soon began to move swiftly, grabbing Arcturus and moving him to each group of his friends. He played darts with Merlia and Krotos, taunting Tenzin and Asterion as they struggled to keep up. The paladin found his cheeks blushed profusely as Veledar began to sing to him, accompanied by a trio of gryphons, insisting that it was a love song. That in particular had ended with a paw around his back, a kiss upon the lips, only to be broken apart by a fiddle and the happy squawking of gryphon kind.

Skywing had nabbed his shoulder with a wing, dragging the knight to the clearing floor. Gryphons and Lumarian soldiers bowed to one another, dancing around to a hearty tune. Flanks rubbed up along the sides of their gathered partners, as hands caressed the necks and scratched their heads. Heads tilted, eyebrows raised as they continued with their traditional dance. The gryphon commander laughed with good cheer as Arcturus and he moved about the room, just like years of old. At the fourth circle the partners had been changed, the knight finding himself now dancing with Moonfeather.

“Hey there Arcturus.” She mused, sliding salaciously around him. There was mischief in her eye. “Having fun?”

“Surprisingly yes.” He replied, hand upon her ears before dancing away. She came back with a pleasing chirp, mimicked by the rest of the dancers. “It would appear as though we’re drawing a crowd.”

“As is typical. About time the guardians loosened up.” Her eyes flicked to a paw shifting Veledar, who had yet to take his eyes off them. “It would appear we might have to cut this short.”

“He’s not going to get-“

She whistled and gestured, bowing her head and retreating. Veledar strolled over, taking her place in the dance.

“Finally.” The dragon hissed, moving in time with how the gryphons had done, now wiggling his tail. To his credit, he was doing far better than a typical newcomer to the dance.

“Jealous?” Arcturus asked, hand brushing along the dragon’s neck. He turned and was presented with a snout, the knight dragging his palm upwards to poke him right between the nostrils. “For a beginner you’re quite alright.”

“I pick things up fast.” He replied, stepping in rhythm to rub up along Arcturus’ back. His tail flicked too and fro, to mimic the tail feathers of the others. “I may have asked Krotos a thing or two.” He gestured to where Merlia was laughing away, engaged in the dance with the amused blue and grey gryphon. “You approve?” The dragon sauntered away as if in a strut, swaying his head back and forth.

“You continue to astound me.”

“I try.” Veledar winked, before slinking off to join his next partner, this time being Tenzin.

“Hello there.” Smiled the ilbir, running a paw along Veledar’s flank.

This continued until the music finally ended, Arcturus’ blood warm and invigorated. He laughed with the gryphons and dragon, pointing out that some of the guardians had even joined in.

“Did you see Alonso and his husband?” Veledar rumbled, nudging at Arcturus’ cheek.

“Oh yes, I believe it was most cute.” Tenzin rumbled, his eyes focused not on the wolven and his guardian, but another man among the crowd. The ilbir licked his fangs, clearly planning on how he was to spend the rest of his evening. “The way the human was on all fours, trying to be a gryphon? Hilarious.”

“Yes, but why did the gryphons correct him and show him how to dance it when your partner wasn’t a gryphon?” Veledar chuckled, “I rather liked seeing a human on all fours.” Eyes flicked to Arcturus, playfully bumping the paladin with his rump.

“Is that what you wanted? To see me strutting around?” Arcturus said, grabbing another tankard of ale before teasing at his love’s snout.

“If you were naked? Perhaps.” The dragon licked his nose before getting a quartet of gryphons calling for his attention. He sighed, “They ever so love my attentions. It’s tiresome.”

“Here I thought you loved it?”

“Oh, I do.” Veledar gave a parting kiss, before nudging Arcturus. “Why yes, I am the dragon that saved you!”

Arcturus breathed deep, catching strong aroma of pleasing ale, tantalizing foods and the gentle caress of pipe smoke. The air was awash with continued songs, parties trading stories, smiles found on every face. It was what they wanted, he found himself bouncing on his feet as he followed on the heels of his dragon, ready to see what was so interesting that four gryphons were dragging him off to. Unfortunately, Arcturus had gryphon problems of his own.

“Arcturus, there you are! Haven’t gotten a moment alone.” Skywing sauntered around him, wing extending around his friend to gently guide him where he wanted. “Come, sit, be merry, I do believe the lads are engaged in another round of cards?”

“Just like old times heh?” He replied, getting a click of the gryphon’s tongue.

“They’re almost good as Arnold and Riker, but not quite.” His brow rose, “Still remember how to play?”

“Course I do, don’t think I haven’t.” He playfully shoved that white feathered head, before planting himself down on one of the navy cushions.

“Found us another one lads!”

They were around a long table, the food having been cleared and moved to the others. Space had been made for gryphon squad, accompanied by a few faces Arcturus knew. Merlia, Krotos and even Asterion were holding cards. The dwarf was eyeing Mug with much suspicion, while the blue and grey gryphon laughed, insisting that he was an expert. Asterion merely flared his nostrils, telling the gathered group that it was on. Arcturus was welcome with hearty clasps on the back.

“Oh, so the lad gambles.” Merlia taunted with a grin, “Here I thought he was wholesome.”

“Oh, he can get quite salacious.” Skywing replied, planting himself at Arcturus’ side. “Should have seen him in Rothdell dwarf. Lots of close calls that would blush the cheek of a certain knight.”

“Oh, really now? Those sound-like stories to hear!”

“Perhaps, but my beak be sealed of such things. Would take quite effort to pry them loose.” He gestured to the cards.

“Is that a challenge?” She laughed, nudging at Krotos’ side, “Hear that blue bird? Think the commander wants to share.”

The blue-grey gryphon’s ears flicked with interest, eyes gleaming with mischief as Arcturus’ cheeks did burn. “Though you heard him Merlia, I believe you have to win to hear those stories.”

“If it’s only pretty bird here sitting in my way, that be easy. Haven’t met a gryphon alive that can best me in dwarven poker.”

“That’s only because we haven’t played.” He poked her in the nose with a trill, “I know the game quite well. How about we make this extra interesting.” The gryphon leaned into Merlia’s ear, whispering something that darkened her cheeks worse than booze had ever done.

“You’re on bird.” She growled, thrusting a finger to his chuckling beak, “But it will be you that’s strung up and stuffed.”

Oh lords, what did he get himself into? Arcturus took a swig of his drink, letting the taste loosen him. Skywing nudged him as if to insist that he was ok, the knight merely scoffed and shoved him. “Don’t worry about me. I know many the stories to turn this one’s feathers red. Like that time we had to replace the feathers of a minotaur chiefto-“ He found a talon clamped over his mouth, ears of the gryphon in question splayed.

Skywing chuckled, “Perhaps we should wait for someone to win and pick you!”

“If you insist.” He replied, getting delt his cards by a more than enthusiastic Mug. “What say the rest of you? Winner gets to pick one of the losers to tell an embarrassing story.”

Around the table he got nods and cheers, either by the spirit of things or aided by their drink. Arcturus found himself sharing knowing looks with his gryphon friend, knowing that each had ample amounts of stories to tease and taunt one another. The question was, who would be free to tell them first. Even Asterion, stoic as he typically was, threw his head back in laughter and agreeing to the terms.

The first to win of course was Krotos, the gryphon happily trilling as he laid down his cards. His attention drifted all over the players, a gryphon in a candy shop. His choice was that of Skywing himself, causing Arcturus to want to bury his face into the gryphon’s feathers.

“Well alright, you asked it.” The gryphon chuckled, snatching Arcturus and dragging him close. “There we were, enjoying our down time as we typically did in those days.” He flashed the man a lewd wink, “When a surprise inspection came about, we scrambled to get every lose hair or feather in order.” As Arcturus groaned, the gryphon continued, “But as we stood there, something had gone unnoticed.” He pointed to the edge of the man’s lips, “In our haste we’d forgotten evidence of our, activities. The look on the knight-commander’s face as he spotted it.” As the others howled with laughed, Skywing pressed in closer, “And what was it you told him Arcturus?”

“That it was a manner of diplomacy, sprinkled with better unit cohesion between our teams.” Sighed the man, his cheeks burning. Only for a comforting chirp and nuzzle be graced upon him.

The next to receive their victory was Mug, the kobold practically shining with how bright he gleamed. Talons tapped the wood with malevolent glee, purring when Skywing’s ears did splay. “Arcturus, spin us a story of the commander, I’d like to know why he’s squirmimg.”

“Of that there could be plenty, but you’ll get the one.” The knight replied, leaning back, watching his faithful gryphon squirm. “It boggles the mind which he thinks it is.”

“Be gentle Arcturus. I was with mine.”

“No mercy.” Asterion tossed back a drink, slamming it on the table. “Go for the throat Arcturus.”

“You heard the minotaur.” He chuckled, pinning the gryphons’ ears. “Though I think the best time was during our flight at the Silver Highlands-“

“Oh lord.” Skywing whimpered, his head drooping to the table, “Not there.”

“Yes there. Where our illustrious gryphon sampled some of the local cuisine. Which contained the spice known as gorvador that the commander knew his kind was allergic.”

“I thought it was a special variety that wouldn’t affect me.” He sighed.

“Sick as a dog for days, had hives everywhere.” Arcturus winked, “And I do mean everywhere.”

“EVEN IN HIS SHEATH?” Krotos gasped in shock, spitting out his drink.

The knight clamped his mouth shut with a mischievous grin as Skywing squawked and fluffed his feathers, ears pinned. Wrapped in laughter, the group continued with their game. Merlia revealed that she’d accidently walked into a group of prominent lords going at it like wild animals. Krotos spun the story of how he came to learn he enjoyed being tied up and being spanked, of which Merlia grinned and smacked him on the behind. Moonfeather accidently talked about getting mated in front of her mother, Swiftclaw didn’t properly preen his feathers for his brother’s marriage.

“That’s not that embarrassing lad.” Merlia hiccupped, pouring her third bottle of wine by that point, Krotos snagging it when her tankard filled, chugging it back with a muffled chirp.

“It was for me! It was dreadful!” Squawked the gryphon fluffing his feathers, getting a knowing nod from Krotos. “See? He gets it!”

Back and forth the stories went, getting bellies of laughs each time. Arcturus found himself adrift in a river of good cheer, spinning yarns of years long since. It reminded him of the path he’d walked, those in his life, even though the events stung, it made him smile all the same. Eventually he drifted to Veledar, wondering if the dragon would saunter on by. He of course did, applying a tender lick and nuzzle, almost as if to show off to Skywing. Then he returned to his group of mortal fanatics, getting lost in yet another round of singing with gryphons, this time with Feku and Azzik to dance to the beat.

Asterion tripped upon a field of battle, Mug didn’t detonate an explosive. Still it continued. It was well within the next few hours that Arcturus perked up from the pleasing game to hear a faint sound that cut through the room’s noise like an axe. A distant roar, like the one that he’d heard prior to meeting Veledar. Though it was soft, it faded away everything else. The man’s heart stilled as he laid his cards down, the group laughing as Voidwing and Nivra had joined the group, the princess going on about how Voidwing tumbled into a patch of cacti, getting hundreds of needles in his balls.

What did it want? Arcturus heard it again, the sound tugging at his mind. He pardoned himself and left, deciding to follow it’s siren like affect. Chirps and questions were had of him, but he waved them off, insisting that while fun, he had to get some air.

It led him into the spacious halls, far from where the guests did tread. Its allure was overpowering, the sound resonating deep within Arcturus’ being. It made something in his chest grow hot, reminding him of the first time the shard of Bahamut had reconnected within his heart. He rubbed his chest as the roar teased him again, bringing the knight further into Fremra’s keep. Was she trying to contact him again? Tell him something? Guide him to some unseen destiny? There was so much of these shards left undiscovered.

In silence he went, the guardians no where to be found. It appeared as all who could be at their respective parties were. This meant within the shard’s room, there was not a soul to protect it. The dim lights that lit the room set a perfect, enticing mood, drawing the paladin’s attention to the shimmering pool of liquid that rested within.

There it dwelled, mist twisting and curling off its surface. The air smelled heavily of rain and dragons, cold talons running along Arcturus’ flesh. He tried to move at first but found his leg’s frozen, stuck as though he were a deer facing down a hungry dragon. Uncertain if any hint of movement would cause the apex predator to pounce and eat him.

“Is this what you wanted of me? To come here?” He asked softly, rubbing the dull ache about his chest.

There was no answer.

He’d come this far had he not? Should he not draw closer? Wisdom told him to stay, to not draw closer, yet despite this he moved forward regardless. Too many questions rested between his ears, drawing back to his encounter when he was a boy, running in fear of his dead mother, to whimpering at the broken body of Veledar himself. Why had the roar come to him again? Had he not finished what it wanted, reigniting the shard within him? Did it want him to touch this one? With every step he could feel a gentle tug, pulling him along as if by a thread. He found himself crouching before it, gazing upon his image, yet it looked wrong, but he could not put his finger upon it.

“I’m here, what would you have of me?” His brow furrowed as his words fell upon nothing, starting to sound like the ravings of a mad man. But as he stared deeply into that shifting liquid, he could feel himself starting to lax, the tug starting yet again. He was a man, standing on the edge of a cliff, wavering, shifting, afraid he might fall. He drew closer with a hand, only stopped from dipping it in by the last whisper of his mind, and the inquisitive chirp of a friend.

“Problem with the party Arcturus?” Skywing asked, his talons clacking on the tile. “Didn’t take you one to oogle pools of shimmering water. What are you expecting, a strange woman to burst out and give you a sword? Or perhaps it catches your eye as something valuable? Though I suppose that’s why you fell for the dragon eh? All the spare coin?”

“Oh yes, that’s what I go for.” He laughed, retracting a hand to face the approaching gryphon. “Nothing but a gold digger me.”

“I knew it. It was always there resting beneath the surface. No wonder I had no chance.” He strode around the man, eyes upon the pool. “What is it?”

“Shard of Bahamut. Said to be a fragmented remain of the dragon goddess herself.”

“I was expecting a rock, with the name shard.”

“It’s just a title.”

Feathers ruffled, “Dragons seem to like those too.”

“Like FastPaw?”

“Oh, that was funny. Dragon’s face never gets old. All defensive.” Skywing drew close, dragging his flank alongside Arcturus and drawing still. His head turned, twin blue seas of concern about him. “Is anything wrong? I’ve not seen you so spooked since the ghosts of Alteresh at Nearon.”

“Yes, but unlike those ghosts, I know not what I face here.” He patted the gryphon’s cheek before kneeling before the pool. “It bears the name of a spirit that has booned me with healing magic and my dragon. Yet my heart hesitates around it. It wants me but I know not what for.”

“Sounds like an amusing problem.” The gryphon planted his haunches beside the man, tail flicking around him. “All these dragons after my Arcturus, you dog.” When Arcturus rolled his eyes to him he chuckled, “Hey, I’d like a medal for that. I neglected to mention all the knots if this were the case.”

“You’re starting to sound like someone I know.”

“Bah, the night is filled with spirits and good cheer. Forgive me if I taunt you playfully with taking a few knots.” Skywing laughed, his beak drawing close to watch over the water’s edge, “I’ll take credit for better preparing your behind for all the lewd dragons it will enchant.”

The paladin’s reply was flat as he held the laughing bird, “More talk of knots and I’m tossing you into the pool.”

“I was only joking.” The gryphon’s ears splayed.

“And I was not.”

“Then forgive me, I have tread past the line.”

Typical Skywing, bowing his head, acting as if wounded. Arcturus found himself caressing thick feathers with a sigh. “Never could I stay angry at you.”

“And never should you. Especially when I was only teasing.” The gryphon chirped, turning to cock his head to the shard. “And this pool has you all twisted? I’d say it has you more worried than the dragon up above.”

“Veledar?”

“I believe you know what dragon I speak of.”

“Of course, I do, you know he plagues me. Even on a night such as this.”

“When you’re suppose to cast off the shackles of dark thoughts and enjoy yourself.” Skywing flicked his ears back, giving the man a beak parted smile. “I saw you laughing, smiling, playing all those antics.” His onyx crown feathers rose as he teasingly poked Arcturus’ nose, “And don’t forget how you danced with me. I saw the look on your face, you missed rubbing up against me. I think you danced far better with me than your mate. How scandalous.”

“Oh, shush you.” He scoffed, the shadow of Dreadflame forgotten for now. “I danced equally as good.”

“Think you mean equally as bad. Arcturus you know the moves yet make them with the finesse of a drunken ogre.”

“Alright you, didn’t know we had a critic in our midst.”

“When it comes to this, yes.” Skywing chuckled, before lowering his beak to sniff at the pool. “So shard of Bahamut, what exactly makes it special? And more importantly-“ His brow rose, “Why have fear of it? As you say, was she not the one that gave you your powers?”

“Yes, but-“

“And If you’ll forgive me, that the legends of that dragoness tell that she was of good heart, doing her best to assist our kinds?”

Arcturus’ brow rose, “Since when did you know of Bahamut?’

The gryphon’s ears flicked as he sighed, “Arcturus, I do read. I’ve perused the libraries from time to time.”

“When not engaging in physical acts, booze or the local singing competitions for sure.”

“I’ll have you know that all those are parts of our culture!” Chirped Skywing, nibbling at Arcturus hair, “Should I mock you as well?”

“Feel free to.” He pushed away that onyx beak, “But that’s not what ails me. True I know not of what this shard wants of me, but neither do I imagine she means me ill.”

“Sounds perfect then.”

“No it doesn’t.” He turned away to face the shard, almost feeling it set its eyes upon him. The knight stilled, letting silence fill the time. “Skywing, I appreciate your help, but we find ourselves in strange times.”

“Of that we can agree. You flying atop a dragon, myself defending what were our enemies not that long ago?” His tail flicked, “But I assume you mean something more than the mundane.”

“That I do my greatest friend. You and I are not stuck just between two armies like days of old. This is not some petty squabble between kingdoms, lost to the ages.”

“I’m aware, this one involves dragons. Instead of kingdoms we have undead, who I imagine will have no need of our treasures…” He shivered, “Just our bodies.”

“But it’s more than that.” His legs trembled as the mist gently curled, brushing his leg as if it were intelligent. “Dreadflame, this shard, they are remnants of an older war. One between Bahamut and her son. We now act in their proxy, good versus evil with the world up for the prize.”

For a moment Skywing didn’t speak, the weight of the statement flicking his charcoal ears. When he did it was accompanied with a harsh trill and thump of his tail, “Well, that’s rightfully fucked is it not?”

He turned, “Excuse me? You sound like a rightful sailor.”

“And I argue there is no way to better reply. You tell me of ancient gods seeking battle through us, to pile upon the weight of undead hoards and deadly dragons.”

“Technically the emperor was not a god, more like a demigod.”

Skywing’s gaze narrowed, his voice flat, “You know what I meant. This sounds far above our paygrade. Though now I can see for certain why we’re here.” He eyed the pool, miming splashing it with a talon, “Have you considered just taking it?”

“How?” He spread out his arms, “It’s not like I can sling a pool under my arm.”

“I suppose not.” The gryphon strode around the pool’s ring, tail flicking about his hinds. “But Arcturus, if you were trying to sway me to your thinking on why we should not question this, you’ve failed.”

“How you mean?”

“If this Dreadflame is as dangerous as you say, that he means to bring back some old go…Demigod. Then should we not use every means at our claws to stop that from happening.” As Arcturus shied away, the gryphon pressed forward, “Did you not give an oath? The same one as I?”

He couldn’t look to him, but did offer a tender hand. “It is true, the thought is not lost on me Skywing. The trouble lies in what will become of me after. I’ve seen these orbs and spirits of dragons, possess the good and the troubled. When it’s over there appears to be nothing left of the original, just a husk to be manipulated like a puppet.” He caressed the gryphon’s head as it drew closer with a concerned chirp. “Bahamut very well might not mean me harm, but that may not matter. When I bound to her the first time, I felt a burning, part of her spirit grafting onto me.”

“Was that bad? You’re still here.” Skywing poked at his body, nibbling down Arcturus’ side until the man stopped him.

“But what of a second one? She was desperate to stop her son once before. There might not be anything left of myself when it’s over.”

“Arcturus.” The gryphon’s reply was weak, “That doesn’t change the oath we took. To our land, to the innocent. I’d do anything to stop them from coming to harm.”

“That is different my friend. That is a danger learned and expected. This is of ancient magic, one that cares not for our kingdoms and concerns. Should I take it and it deem our own kingdom wrong, I could be a worse danger than what we face.”

Skywing paused, raising and then lowering his ears, “Then let’s be rid of it, look away and let us return to the party.” A head slid under the man’s arm, lifting it with a pleased chirp, “Tomorrow can be for troubling thoughts such as this, tonight should be for relaxing and casting off such concerns.” He gave a wink and gryphon kiss on the cheek, “I do believe they were the princess’ orders?”

He blushed, running a hand along that furry neck. He supposed that the gryphon was right in a way. “I’ll consult Fremra in the morning of it. She’ll be thrilled that it was roaring at me.”

“It was roaring? Are you sure you’re not going mad.”

“Quite sure.” Arcturus laughed as they made their way back into the halls.

The pair said very little as they strolled through Fremra’s halls, but remained ever close. What had happened weighed heavily between them, the implications of the coming battle on their mind. Both could look into the other’s eyes and see the turmoil of facing Dreadflame again, to repay him for what he’d done. When they returned to the hall the party was very much still in swing. Gryphons hung from the rafters taunting the minotaur, guardians were trying their luck in games with the Lumarians.

“See? Like we hadn’t even left.” Skywing chirped, eying the tables still adorned with drink. “You all well?”

“Of course. Glad that you came along.”

“Always take a gryphon with you places, that’s the rule.” His wing came to brush Arcturus across the head, “You know better. Where are all those rules we trained into that head of yours?”

“If I recall, it wasn’t bring gryphons with me, but always bring you in particular.”

“If that’s what you wished to take away with it, who am I to argue.” Feathers ruffled as the gryphon graced him with a sly grin, “Someone had to protect you.”

“I think it had less than wholesome intentions.” Sighed the knight, only to earn himself a bumping gesture to return to their friends and a teasing nibble along the ear.

“Like you had an issue with it.”

What laughter they had died the moment Veledar appeared before them. Nostrils flared, eyes sparkled with fury as they traveled between Arcturus and the now chuckling nervously gryphon. He stood, imposing, letting both soak in his form. The knight could only sigh as Skywing bowed his head.

“What did I say Arcturus?” He growled to Skywing, “About slipping off with him?”

“You said that-“Arcturus began.

Skywing splayed his ears, prostrating himself before the dragon. “Forgive me Crimson Sky. I cannot keep this from you any longer. Your mate and I got intimate within our cell. It was brought on emotional chains that we still share. I know you might guard him jealously, but I implore you to understand, it was a moment of weakness. I know that he is yours-“

The air warmed as Veledar lowered his snout, nostrils flaring with heat. Within his eyes was a sapphire forge, looking to sear the gryphon before him. That scaled tail swished ever slightly as Skywing trembled and shivered. “Is this so Skywing?”

Arcturus rolled his eyes at the display, knowing where this was going.

“Yes. Forgive me, it won’t happen-“

On cue Veledar thrust down a paw with a hiss. “Don’t say such a thing to me my dear gryphon. I have saved your life now twice since we’ve met. To think this is how you would repay me after returning Arcturus to me.”

“I know, we acted on our weak moments. Dragon, please, we didn’t mean to-“

“Hurt me? Is that what you were going to say?” He chuckled in a cruel way, licking between the gryphon’s ears. “I wasn’t hurt Skywing. I know just how you can make it up to me.”

“Have you made him squirm enough?” Arcturus mused.

“Not nearly enough.” His breath ruffled the gryphon’s ears.

Eyes closed, Skywing sighed, figuring where this was going. Tail feathers fluttered, “It’s only fair. If that’s what you wish fair dragon, I shall be yours for the evening.”

Both knight and dragon suddenly stilled, the gryphon’s offer resting upon the air. That was certainly unexpected. It was Veledar that broke the silence with a mocking chuckle, keeping up the façade.

“Oh, that will come later my fluffy gryphon.” He rumbled, gesturing for Arcturus to join at his side. “But first I have another quest for you.”

“Ah.” Skywing rose tentatively, “And what would that be.”

With a tender lick of Arcturus’ cheek, the dragon rumbled most lewdly, “I would like you to mount Arcturus here.”

His beak fell open, head cocked. “You can’t be serious. He can’t be serious.” To Arcturus he snapped, tail thumping, ears perking up. “Arcturus tell me this is a-“

The knight sighed, brushing under the dragon’s jaw, getting another growly rumble. “I’m afraid his mind is made up. Somewhere in his horned head, he had the amusing idea of watching us-“

“Go at it like a pair of gryphons in heat.” Finished Veledar.

“Yes, that.”

At first, Skywing said nothing, still convinced perhaps he was being tricked. From Arcturus to Veledar his head shifted, until the reality set in. He laughed and chirped, not believing his luck. A wing grabbed Arcturus and pulled him close, eyes glinting with delight. “If that’s what you want dragon who am I to argue. Do you my human?”

He blushed, facing down two pairs of predatory eyes. “You did say to unwind and enjoy the evening. I can’t see a better way than to spend it with those I care for.”

“You heard your knight dragon.” Trilled the gryphon, bowing his head, as if he didn’t approve of the decision, “I will do as you request.”

“Very well.” Veledar replied, sliding around the pair and groping at Skywing’s haunches, “But tonight this is mine as well.”

“But you said-“

“Oh, I know what I said.” He rumbled, sauntering off with a swishing tail, “But you still played with my love without inviting me. I can’t let that stand. Now come boys, you both owe your dragon a favor. Until morning you’re both my playthings.”

“Wait, since when do I owe you favors?” Arcturus asked, unwinding himself from the ear splayed gryphon.

Veledar’s response was firm as he turned back to peer upon his human, “Ever since your knights stole my treasure Umraadi. Now come, your dragon has need of you.”

Exchanging looks, Skywing and Arcturus chuckled, pulled after the dragon as though attached by a leash. They excused themselves with waves and chirps, wishing the other party goers well, to mask what was to transpire. Some gave them knowing nods, expecting this to happen. Merlia whistled and massaged the gryphons around her, leaving no doubt what she was getting up to.

Once in the hall, away from the guests, they were faced with the smirking, smug visage of a dragon cashing in his debts. He graced them both with a predatory lick, causing cheeks to blush and feathers to rumble.

“Do keep up you two.” The dragon mused as they followed the tip of his swaying tail, “You have quite the evening ahead of yourselves.”

** ** ** ** ** **

I do wonder what could be running through Veledar's head! Hope everyone is of course doing good for the week, I myself am heading off to Niagra falls for the weekend, take care!

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