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Scales and Honor: City of Light

Chapter 5: Bittersweet

Veledar opened his eyes slowly as he let out a long drawn out sigh. He was sprawled out on the basement's stone floor with his wings spread wide. He slowly folded them as he rolled so that he was upright on his paws, than set his wings against his back. He stretched his tail, than his neck. I was having the most wonderful dream...although what was it about? He tried to summon up the dream in his mind, but found it difficult. Like he was trying to find a small needle within a pool of mud. Each time he would fish around in his mind for the dream, he just spread things around and was unable to find it. He wrinkled his muzzle as he gave an irritated thrash of his tail on the stone floor. It let out an audible smack. Well I don't know WHAT it was, but I know Arcturus was in it. He placed one of his paws to his snout, and drummed his claws against his chin. Now what were we doing in this dream?

He thought for several moments like this, yet still unable to think about what had happened. “Bah." he exclaimed in an irritated hiss. That's when he noticed his dragon-hood pressed against the smooth, cool floor. Well hello there. He laid down on his side so he could inspect the enlarged, dripping maleness he knew so well. He watched one particular drop of his lubrication slowly drip off the head of his member, and splatter to the floor. So that's what the dream was about....Although that's no surprise after last night. His eyes narrowed as he remembered Lyndis interrupting his moment with Arcturus. Curse her, I WILL get her back. He thumped his tail again, as he stretched the frill there.

He swiveled his snout towards the stairs as he heard the sound of Arcturus loudly laughing. Then it was followed by someone mentioned Lyndis going out to meet a contact of hers. He gave a deep breath, the alluring smell of baked ham, mixed with honey filled his nostrils. He gave out a soft moan as his maw began to salivate. Another sniff brought the smell of earthy potatoes, mixed with the wonderful aroma of cooked bacon. Oh breakfast is going to be... He was drawn to the attention of his dripping member once more, as it demanded attention. Well I suppose I should take care of this. He chuckled to himself as he once again descended onto his member. If only Lyndis had not interrupted the night before..He opened his maw, and wrapped his lips around his cock. No time to imagine like I did last night. He sighed with a snort around his pulsing ridged member. Just a quick release. He humped slightly against his maw, shivering slightly at his own ministrations.

It did not take long for him to finally thrust up into his maw, and spill his essence. He gave a muffled moan around his cock as the orgasm faded away with each slurp of his tongue. He swished the cum around in his snout, savoring it's sweet taste. Once again he was reminded of the gryphons talk of how addicting it had been. He gulped it down, and released his member with a soft pop. He gave it one last lick over, causing him to quiver slightly at its sensitivity. He traced every inch of his cock, to be sure that it was completely clean. He did this until it snaked back to his sheath, and disappeared into it's fleshy depths.

Well.... He licked around his snout in one motion,That solves that problem. He looked back up to the stairs, and with his next whiff of tantalizing smells, his stomach rumbled. Now to solve the next problem. He slowly stood up onto all fours, his scales clinking slightly. His limbs all felt sore, like he had laid down on a hard stone floor all night. Oh right. His eyes narrowed. I did that. He lowered himself as he stretched his back, and rotated his wings. He then leaned forward, stretching his limbs and tail. Had Arcturus even slept down here? He wrinkled his snout as he could not remember. He cracked his neck, and refolded his wings against his back. His claws scrapped against the floor slowly, leaving a thin mark. He wiggled his tail and stretched his tail frill. HAH take that everyone who thinks I am clum- He felt his tail hit something hard, cool, and metal. He winced as he heard the sound of a bucket clanging onto the stone floor. Wonderful. He curled his head back to see a small bucket rotating in place on the floor. He gave a snort, as he flared his snout frills slightly. With another rumble of his stomach, he padded over towards the stairs.

He climbed the stairs carefully, his claws clicking as they tapped against the smooth surface. With each breath the savory smells of the coming breakfast, filled his nostrils and almost made him believe the food was already in his maw. He climbed the last step to see the morning sun, streaming in through the slitted window at the door. His eyes squinting into blue slits as the golden rays cast their light onto them. He gave out a small hiss and averted his eyes as he made his way over to the eating area..

Arcturus and Lyndis were already sitting at the table, chatting it seemed with Gus about something. In front of them were plates of half-eaten food, seemingly forgotten. Except for Lyndis or course, who seemed to yet touch her plate. They all were holding off white mugs with steam rising from the liquid. No doubt it is coffee. He padded over towards Arcturus and settled onto his haunches beside him. He turned his snout to see that Krotos was sprawled out on the couch, and eyeing him carefully. He saw the gryphon's tail twitch slowly behind him, and thump onto the cushions. “Well good morning my friends!.....and Acquaintances!" he said in a loud brassy voice.

“Good morning Crimson Sky." came a collection of voices, before they once again resumed their own conversation.

He eyes fell to Arcturus, as he continued talking. a_I wonder if he remembers last night....and how close we came to kissing...among other things._ How the dragon wanted to talk to him right now. Pull him aside and ask him this, he held himself back. Arcturus had just causally glanced at him, and he was not feeling his emotions like he had been. Which I should probably look into that. He slightly cocked his head and raised an eyebrow. Could the human be feeling my emotions as well?

“Finally you get up!" Mary walked over and practically through a large pot filled to the brim with what looked like a collection of food simply mashed together. “And I was right, ya didn't want ta eat breakfast as a human. Even if it's easier." She gave him an amused smirk, as she placed her left hand on her waist.

“Yes, well thank you for the food Mary." he gave her a polite tooth filled smile, “and yes of course I would rather eat in my true form." He wrinkled his snout as he twitched his tail, “Since I will most likely spend the rest of the day trapped in my human body."

“Why is that so horrible? Do you hate humans or something?"

“Well.....noo.... But I would rather be myself if you understand." He held a claw to his chest, and rotated it around. “Anything other than my own form feels wrong." Besides Mary if I hated humans how would I feel this way about Arcturus? His eyes once again drifted to the talking human. I have only known you for a short amount of time. Why does my heart feel this way? He stopped his claw over his beating chest. Because he suffered with you, and for you. He gave up everything for you. He felt warm at every reminder from his thoughts. He healed you when you were hurt, he has shown you kindness. Veledar almost reached out for the human, but held his forelimb from doing so. Besides his life has been marred with pain, I can at least make it better for him. He snorted softly, And I will make sure nothing bad happens to him..

Drawn from his thoughts by another rumble from his stomach,he lowered his vision to look at the collection of slop sitting in the pot. Well it certainly does not look like much. He dipped his head lower, opened his maw, and slowly gave the mass a slow lick. He got a myriad of flavors rush to his mouth. First he tasted the potatoes mashed together, followed by the taste of bacon, and lastly the honey ham. They all flashed on his taste buds for but a mere moment, Ohhhhhhh …..this is delicious! He moaned slightly into his pot. He quickly dipped his head further and started to slurp up everything.

He rose his head swiftly, some of what he had been digging his snout into slowly dripped back down into the pot with a plop. “This is absolutely delicious! Are you sure I cannot kidnap you and bring you back to my cave Mary, so that you could prepare meals for me? “

“No ya can't Crimson Sky."she laughed, taking a seat beside Gus, and grabbing a small mug of coffee. “Although I'm greatly flattered you like my cooking. We don't get many dragon's around here as you can imagine."

Veledar nodded to her, as he dipped his head and finished off everything in the pot. He soon found himself dragging his tongue along the metal bottom, making sure he got every last possible ounce of it. That was even better than the Emerald Ladies food, if that was even possible. He raised his snout once again, and cleaned it with a lick of his tongue. He slowly ran it across himself, catching even more residue from the meal. His eyes fell to Lyndis who was finally about to take a bite of her meal. Well I might as well start tormenting her for ruining my night.

He proceeded to tease Arcturus about all the shade's of red he had turned yesterday, even before they had settled down for the evening, He watched in amusement as the human tried to pass all of the instances off as something else. He grinned as he felt that same feeling of want and need from the human, and even affection. He would stammer and rub the back of his neck as Veledar pressed him each time. While he was doing this Veledar would do something to stop Lyndis from taking a bite. He would make a comment about her, “accidentally" bump her chair with his tail, and even rattle the table. She glared at him the entire time, but his mission was complete. Her ears twitched, and her eyes widened when she heard the chime of the bells from the clock tower outside.

“Eight bells!" she had gasped, quickly rising from the table and pushing her chair in with a squeak. “I have to be focking off! She donned her leather armor over her lime green shirt, and gave a quick wave as she ripped open the door. "Now don't get into too much trouble you two." she smirked, resting her gaze on Veledar. She gave a quick wave, stepped out, and closed the door tightly behind her.

Arcturus started chatting to Gus again, something about him not having to work today as a guard. Gus mentioned something about him taking the day off like usual. Veledar paid it little mind as the conversation seemed to fade away as he scanned the room and found Krotos just staring at him, as he were a cat hunting a mouse. The gryphon's tail still twitched, as his eyes never left him. Well lets find out what this is about. Veledar rose his head high, trying to look regal as he strutted over the lounging gryphon. He did this slowly of course, letting each paw step on the stone floor be filled with as much grace as he could muster. “So you must have had fun last night." He gave the kittybird a wide grin. He settled down onto his haunches, and curled his tail around himself. “Did my dwarf friend end up taming you?" He raised an eyebrow, and chuckled as Krotos rustled his wings.

“Well I wouldn't say she tamed me Crimson Sky, but she did end up going for a ride." Krotos chuckled, as he began to preen his feathers. “What about you? Did you finish this hunt of yours?" He gestured to Arcturus with a roll of his eyes.

“Well if you mean my affections for my human friend over there...no." Curse you Lyndis. “We were interrupted by my friend before anything could....progress." I was so close! He pictured the human's face from the night before, how it had not been filled with disgust, how he had not torn himself away, and how he had moved in close and they had practically locked maws. DAMN YOU LYNDIS!! He thumped his tail against the floor in irritation, as his blood began to boil.

“Well you should make a move now. Just walk over there and make your intentions known to him." Krotos rose his head, giving him a look of sympathy. “Your a dragon Crimson Sky, shouldn't you be more confident?"

That is true, I am certainly in most OTHER things. Veledar twitched his snout frills slightly, “Human's are complicated I think in this regard, and I don't want to ruin our friendship we have. Last night he was drunk, and I don't know how he will feel sober." I can feel that he has feelings towards me, or at least I think he does. His eyes drifted once again to the human laughing with Gus. Why won't you say anything? He twitched his tail, as he continued to stare. Perhaps he is scared, just like how you are scared. Veledar let out a sigh. I'll tell him when we get my book back, than there will be nothing in the way.

“Well Merlia did not seem so complicated like that." chuckled the gryphon, his voice almost turning into a chirp.

“That's because she is more like us, and appreciates pleasure for what it is. If she wants something she'll make a pass, and if offered she jumps on it."He gestured to Krotos, “Quite literally in this case."

“So your saying that If I made a pass at you, you would take me up on that offer?" Krotos crooned, and raised an eyebrow.

Veledar just smirked at him, “Why.....are you offering little kitty bird?" Veledar leaned his snout in close, so that he was almost touching the gryphon's blue head. “I did not realize that you were quite so eager to bend over for a dragon." he gave him a playful growl. “If you ARE offering..." he grabbed Krotos firmly with his left claw. “I will take you to your nest, bend you over, and pound your little soft butt into the ground until you are calling out my name." He growled lustfully in his throat.

“Ohh....." Krotos moaned softly within his grip.

Veledar nostrils twitched as he smelled arousal. He gave the gryphon's gender a quick glance, and smiled as he had gone hard almost instantly. He turned his head to Arcturus, who was now looking at him.

“What are you doing to Krotos?" the human asked, taking a sip from a glass of water.

“Oh nothing! Just having playful banter!" he lied laughing , letting go of the gryphon.

“That human is extremely lucky." Krotos managed to say in short breaths. “I think I might now actually want a go with you." The gryphon hugged the couch, trying to hide his erection from the others.

Well that certainly is interesting. Veledar smiled to himself. Although it's only natural, I am a handsome dragon after all. “Perhaps another time little kittybird." He cupped Krotos' beak with his claw, and watched him shiver slightly. “I have a more interesting hunt to get back to, besides I imagine your little soft butt can wait anyway." He released the gryphon, leaving him to try and become one with the couch, as he turned his attention back to his human. Speaking of which....

“So Arcturus, I caught only a few details of your conversation. Were are you dragging us off to this morning?" He asked, voice full of confidence as he strolled over to the human with grace. He stopped midway over to work a kink out of his neck, followed by stretching his tail. “I assume that is what you were just talking about." He cocked his head, “Don't you need a disguise?"

“What makes you think your coming?" I don't remember asking you Crimson Sky." Arcturus folded his arms and gave him one of those human smirks.

Please Arcturus you have to try harder than that. “Oh please, you can't go anywhere without me."

“Only because you insist on following me as if you were on the hunt!"

_ Oh how right you are my little human._ “Have to, someone has to protect your soft little behind." He settled his wings on his back, “So when are we leaving? And what about your disguise? Unless your plan is use me as a distraction, than I will decline."

“You still think your coming don't you?" the human chuckled, his arms still firmly crossed.

“Please Arcturus, don't play this little game with me. We both know you love my company. If last night was any indication. He gave an irritated sigh, as he thumped his tail on the ground. Curse you Lyndis...

“Ok, ok, ok." Arcturus held both of his hands up. “I did plan on you coming....You didn't doubt for a moment?"

“Of course not Arcturus." He moved his snout to be within inches of the human. “As I said, you LOVE me being around. He saw the human blush, and the same feelings tingle through his scales. He fought the urge to just kiss him right now, take a chance. No don't want to risk it. He buried the feeling within his chest.

“Stop bragging about how you know me." Arcturus tapped his hand against the dragon's snout. “and for the how?" Arcturus turned to his left, and grabbed from the floor a decent sized coal colored box made of wood. “She left me a disguise kit!" Arcturus hit a switch located on the box with a small click. The bottom of the thing than suddenly sprang open, dumping it's contents of assorted wigs,makeup, and other things all over the table. There was a pregnant moment of silence in the air as Arcturus just looked down at the mess. “I..I..guess I had it upside down..." Arcturus mumbled, his face growing red.

Veledar tried to a stifle a laugh at his friends blunder but failed, snorting loudly instead. This caused Mary,Gus, and Krotos to join in as well. They filled the room with their laughter and cackles of glee.

“Hah, hah, yes laugh at the paladin." Arcturus grumbled, starting to pick up the spilled contents and placing them back into the box.

“Well perhaps I am rubbing off on you." Or at least I might have if Lyndis did not interrupt. Curse you woman!

“I hope not, I would hate to catch your clumsiness." Arcturus laughed, “You would have me falling head over heals."

Oh come on! “Arcturus...." he said softly, “Do you remember anything about last night?" he lowered his head so it was once again close to the human. His frills twitched in anticipation.

“Now that you mention it....." Arcturus placed the box down on the table with a dull thump."Everything is sort of a blur from last night." He rose a hand and rubbed the back of his neck.

_ NO!_ Veledar wrinkled his snout, How could he not remember ANYTHING! We were so close! He snorted, causing Arcturus' hair to ruffle.

“What? I'm sorry Crimson Sky." Arcturus placed a soft hand on the side of his head. “It must have been all the drink, I can't help it if I cant remember anything....Did everyone have fun?"

Yea, you and I almost had fun together. Veledar narrowed his eyes, and leaned in towards the humans touch.

“Although, I did have the strangest dream." he laughed nervously, “I think it would have been your type of dream." Arcturus blushed, as he seemed to remember it.

“And pray tell what kind of dream is MY type of dream?" he twitched his tail, and his heart started to quicken.

“Well lets just say things got a tad heated between us." Arcturus gestured to himself and the dragon with his finger. “Like really, really close." he laughed and tapped the dragons snout playfully, “Some crazy dream huh?"

_ Soooooo he did remember.._ “How did this crazy dream make you feel?" he asked softly.

“Come on Crimson Sky. it was a crazy alcohol induced dream."

Manticores bottom. Veledar sighed, as his head drooped. “I suppose it was a crazy dream."

“Hey." Arcturus patted the dragons snout until they locked eyes. “If it makes you feel any better in the dream I immensely enjoyed it."

Veledar perked his head up, his frills twitched, and he practically gasped. No, No, Calm down Veledar. He stopped himself from moving his wings, yest he catch them on something. So he did enjoy it at least. Should I tell him now? He watched Arcturus get up, walk to the kitchen area and clean his dishes. No let him think its a dream for now, no need to startle him. Veledar's snout formed into a great big grin, A dream that he enjoyed. He gave his tail a happy thump, as he let out a pleased sigh. Last night was not a complete waste then. “So where are we off to everyone? I noticed you have expertly avoided my question."

Arcturus returned to the table without a word, his face seemed to be darkened as he took a seat. He reached out slowly with a hand and pulled out a shoulder length, light brown wig. It had curls that reminded Veledar about ocotopi in a book he read through once. He watched Arcturus raise it to his eyes turn the thing in his hands, almost as if he were in deep thought. Veledar felt a small tinge of sorrow spike again, with the next rotation of the wig.

“Oh I know you have not gone deaf on me Arcturus." He curled his neck around the human, who had place the wig firmly on his head.

“We are going to do some errands." There was a small smile that struggled to form on his face, “Got some things to buy." Arcturus turned to look at him, the curls swishing across his face. “Well how do I look?"

Veledar laughed deep in his throat. I prefer you without the wig. “Honestly I can say you have looked better." He gave a quick snort, blowing the wig off of his head. It flew off, and fluttered to the floor, forgotten.

“Thanks but I cant go out like this." He gestured to his face with a circular motion of his hand. “So you might have to put up with one of these silly looking things." He placed his hand into the box, and pulled out another wig. This one was blonde and seemed to have straight, long hair. He placed that one on his head and turned back to the dragon. “Ok, well what do you think of this one?" He tossed his head back, the hair swishing.

It does look rather nice on him. “I like your own hair better." He snorted, but Arcturus was prepared, and grabbed the wig before it could fly away.

“It will have to do I guess...You do understand that I need a disguise right?" Arcturus laughed. “I don't have to worry about you developing memory problems?"

Your the one who can't remember that last night happened dear Arcturus. “Nonsense." he threw his head back and let out a laugh, his side frills twitching. With his laugh done he resettled his neck into the shape of an “s", “I was merely paying you a compliment. I was suggesting I liked how you looked." He grinned as the human blushed again. I will keep battering against that wall of yours Arcturus, until I am firmly inside your heart. He tilted his head towards the side, and resettled his wings. “I guess go with the blond one. It was muuuuuch better than the brown one. Besides, than we will match when I transform."

“You like to match do you?" Arcturus grinned.

“Well of course. If I am the shining example of beauty it is only right my paladin is just as beautiful.

“If I remember correctly, I am Bahamut's paladin not yours." Arcturus tapped a finger to his snout twice. “She may not like you going around calling me your paladin."

“Well she might give you her powers." Veledar snorted, “But in regards to you being on my quest, and I being the leader." he held claw against his tan scaled chest. “You are my paladin."

“Well I guess technically true." Arcturus put a finger to his chin, “Than technically that makes you my dragon."

Now we will have to work on making that not just a technicality. “See, now your getting it!" he nudged the human gently, making sure to not dislodge him from his chair. “Soooo, what are these errands for?"

He sensed the human's mood darken as the same feeling of sorrow seem to clutch at his heart. It almost made him want to shiver in his scales. “It's just best I show you. You will understand when we get there I promise." Arcturus gave a sigh, “You just got to be patient, now get into your disguise there red scales, and we can get the errand portion of the day over with."

So it was not the errands that darkened his mood. It was what these errands were for. Veledar stared at his human, trying as if to peer into his very mind. Why not just tell me what they are for Arcturus? Are you afraid I will not go to whatever it is? He wiggled his tail slightly as his side frills twitched.

“Am I coming as well?" Krotos announced loudly, finally removing himself from the couch.

Well that certainly took awhile. He must really have a thing for dragons. “Finally calmed down enough to join us dear kitty bird?" grinned Veledar.

“Wait what?" Arcturus' eyes went to Krotos and than to the dragon.

“Never mind." Veledar chuckled as he saw a look of embarrassment on the gryphons beak as he clacked it together in silence. Veledar than held a claw to his snout, and focused looking human. He twitched his tail and said the activation word, and in a puff of smoke he was human once again. He held out his arms wide, “See I am a human!" He looked down to find his clothes from yesterday were still on his body. Even got the clothes right this time.

“Are you going to do that every time you transform my dearest dragon? I imagine there can only be so many times you can be thrilled about your actions? Arcturus laughed as he applied a fake beard and mustache to his face. It was the same color of the wig that was placed on his head, and looked horribly fake.

“Yes I just might." Veledar put his hands firmly on his waist. “And Arcturus I can never stop being thrilled with my actions. Because-"

“Dragon, I know."

Veledar crossed his arms. “Oh great now were finishing each others sentences." He turned his head away from the grinning human. “You look like you have dead animals on your face. Perhaps you should practice acting all deranged. It would certainly fit the look your going for."

“Well if I am the deranged and crazy one, what does that make you in disguise then?"

“Well." he held his chest and straightened his posture and gave a large grin, “I am the handsome explorer who decided to take pity on you, and take care of you with my great....greatness." Well that certainly was awful.

“Run out of words o handsome explorer?" Arcturus finished applying the facial hair and tossed on a grey shirt with a collar that was strung to the top. Veledar got a flash of the paladin's bare muscled chest.

_ Well he certainly was handsome.....for a human anyway._

Arcturus through on a pair of black pants, and tied a brown leather belt around his waist. Completing his dressing he slipped into his pair of boots.

“You should look into shape changing, it really cuts down on this morning ritual of dressing." Veledar gestured with one of fingers, “Or just go around naked." I would like that.

“Once again Crimson Sky, you cannot go around naked!" Arcturus laughed, as he stood up.

“But Krotos does it!" He gestured to the gryphon, who was busy preening his feathers. He looked up at his name called.

“What about me now?" he asked, pointing a talon to his feathery chest. “What'd I do?"

“You walk around naked!" hissed Veledar.

“Because I am a gryphon that's just how it is!"

“Well I think it would be funny to see you in a dress shirt myself." Gus strolled over, and ran a hand through Kroto's neck feathers. Veledar watched the kitty bird lean into the touch, and give a small chirp. So he likes his neck caressed.

“Well its not okay for humans!" Arcturus protested, “It's just another unsaid rule."

“Well it's certainly a stupid rule Arcturus. You have nothing to be ashamed of walking around naked." he folded his arms and gave the human an amused look. Or at least he hoped it was amused.

“Well thank you for thinking I look swell naked Veledar. I think you look swell yourself"

Oh I certainly know how you feel Arcturus. Gods damn you Lyndis!

Arcturus shuffled past him, his face still red. “Now lets get this over with." he gestured to the door with a wave, opened it, and quickly walked outside into the street. Veledar followed him, with Gus and Krotos right behind.

Veledar shielded his eyes for a moment from the bright sun hanging in the sky. It's golden rays casting the street in a faint glow. There were people shuffling through the larger cobbled street of this gryphon sized section of the city. Veledar gave a small relieved sigh as there were not as many people as there had been in the market area. He made his first breath of the morning a deep one, that made his nostrils flare wide and his chest rise. It brought the smell of fresh lilacs, with just a hint of roses, than came a myriad of other flowery smells. How wonderful! He thought as he took pace right behind Arcturus. Who knew the city could just smell so...so...pleasant at times! He closed his eyes, gave another sniff of the aroma, and gave a pleasured sigh. That's when he noticed were the smells were coming from.

The wafting aroma of flowers was coming from a cart nearby on the edge of the street. It was made of a pale wood and covered from top to bottom in different types of plants. There were flowers sprouting out of practically every color, which made it look like rainbow. Behind the card was an elven woman clad in a simple brown tunic and pants. She was holding a metal can, and watering some of the plants. Of course it was just a cart. His attention was pulled from the woman to the sound of wings swishing overhead.

He looked up to find a gryphon with feathers like bright sunflowers, leaping from one of the many perches scattered around the rooftops. She spread her wings wide, and gave them a quick flap, and landing gracefully on another perch just across the street. He felt jealousy rise in his chest as he continued to watch, and several more gryphons darted past, giving the yellow one joyful sounding chirps. The yellow one spread her wings once again, and bound after them with a flap of her wings, and a playful smirk on her black beak. They darted and flew gracefully until they were out of view.

“So were are we going for this first stop on our errands?" Veledar said in irritation as he avoided a large group of multicolored elves walking past. “Or must I still be kept in the dark?"

“Were off to go get a musical instrument!" Arcturus turned his head back,and had to move the golden hair out of his eyes. He had a large smile plastered on his face, although with his disguise in place he looked like a crazy hobo, more than a dashing paladin. Veledar let out a small chuckle.

“Well what kind of musical instrument?" Veledar cocked his head, as they came to a stop at an overturned wooden cart. It's contents of fruit and vegetables were spilled out onto the traveled street, a stout looking dwarf was currently scooping up the food and placing it into silver buckets.

“Its a flute right?" Gus suddenly popped up beside Veledar, causing the once dragon to almost jump in surprise. Is he taking lessons from Asterion?

“Why yes, it is a flute we need." He replied, holding up a finger as he continued to stroll along.

“And why pray tell do we need this flute? Do you mean to gather all the cities vermin to follow you out of the city?" Veledar asked, raising an eyebrow.

“No....but I assure you it's important." Arcturus head dipped for a moment,and Veledar felt the same feeling of sorrow shoot across through his own chest.

“Well it was just a joke Arcturus, no need to take it too seriously." He quickened his pace, and swung his arm around his friend reassuringly. “I did not mean to say you would look bad doing it either. Actually I think you would look most fetching in it, would be quite the tale to tell." He held out his other arm and swept it so Arcturus' could see. “Arcturus the paladin who saved Entis from the horrible grip of the rat infestation." He looked back to him, seeing the smile once again return. See Arcturus, no need to worry. Your dragon has you protected, even from yourself.

“Well it's not the worst story I have heard of." Gus laughed from behind them.

“I'd listen to at least once." Krotos held up one talon, a grin on his beak.

Veledar followed Arcturus down the busy, streets filled with the chitchatting of it's people. Until they came across a small store that appeared to be made out of rust colored brick. Veledar's eyes went wide as the dull orange roof, whose paint was peeling in several places here and there, making it sort of look like one of those cheetah animals. He walked up the large dirt colored door, that had a single bright silver handle. Arcturus grasped it firmly within his hand, pushed the door gently, and it opened with a myriad of chimes, of all different pitches. Veledar covered his ears as the chimes hurt his human ears. Once again thankfully not a dragon at the moment. He stepped into the place, already hating it.

The walls seemed to be littered with numerous instruments. Some were scattered into corners of the room, while others were neatly on display with black cases opened. He saw flutes, clarinets, few violins, drums, and a plethora of others he could not even name. He took a deep breath to find the air was sterile, as if nothing had been in there before. How odd. He heard Gus close the door gently behind him, once again a small chorus of chimes causing Veledar to clutch his head, as they seemed to penetrate his skull with their loud ringing. Veledar felt Krotos step next to him on his soft paws, his tail casually swishing back and forth.

Veledar moved his hands away from his ringing ears to find the noise from the street had been dulled to almost silence by the sturdy door. He strained to listen for any noise, but found all he could hear was his own breathing, and the study pulse of his heart. The room was well lit for having two windows, letting the sun's rays stream in, and illuminate small dust particles in the air. Among all of this was a dwarven man on a small wooden stool. He was holding a pristine looking flute, whose surface looked like a well polished mirror. He held a rag and was rubbing the flute in circular motions. He looked up at them with his baby blue eyes, and a smiled wormed its way to his worn and wrinkled face.

“Good day lads!" he said, his voice all cheerful, and scratchy . He placed the flute down carefully and bounded over towards them, with his silver lined black beard bouncing at his waist. When he stood before them he rubbed his right hand on his pants, and held it extended towards Arcturus. 'What can I do for ya today? Names Farin Calbak."

Arcturus grasped the man's hand and shook it lightly. When he had finished Farin turned to each of them and offered them the same sturdy handshake. Veledar winced when it was his turn, and it turned out the dwarf had a grip like a python. He almost thought his hand was going to be squeezed off.

“Nice to meet you." he replied through gritted teeth and a forced smile. He tried to retract his hand but Farin held firmly on as they continued to shake. Let go!

'Why ya makin dat face lad?" Farin asked, than looked to his hand. “Oh sorry bout that, sometime I don know me own strength."

Veledar sighed in relief as the dwarf finally let go of his hand. He cupped it with the other and rubbed it's throbbing fingers. I

“So what brings ya into me store? Are ya lookin for a string? Or maybe a wood?, persucion perhaps?" the questions rolled of Farin's tongue, as he gestured to each instrument in his store. “Oh I know." He said, his blue eyes filling with excitement, “I know jus da ting." He rummaged through some of his things, and proudly turned towards them to display a thin little bag that had little sticks poking out. “A bag pipe lad!" he grinned as he made his way back over towards them. “Do ya want a bagpipe lad?" He turned to Veledar, and gestured to him with his eyes. “Dis one ere has got da ear for it. I can always tell."

“Those things are awful!" Krotos squawked, glaring at the instrument. “They always hurt my ears!"

“Well dats certainly ur opinion gryphon." Farlin chuckled, “But jus dis morning I sold one of dese tings. She was a fine lookin dwarvin lass, bright red hair, braids all da way down....."

Wait a minute....that sounds like......no.... Veledar groaned, Please....nooo... he could already picture the long wailing noises, she would be playing to torment him. His eyes narrowed, Well I will just have to burn it...nip that little problem right in the bud.

“We are here for a flute." Arcturus interrupted, holding his hands up as if he were holding it. You know just the basics, nothing fancy."

“Jus da basics huh?" Farin casually strode over to a collection of them, and picked up a thin black case. The dwarf ran his hand along side the box, and pulled off the top, to reveal a metallic flute inside. One of the sun's rays struck it's surface, causing Veledar to hiss and cover his eyes.

“Yea that looks about right." Arcturus reached into his pockets. “How much for it?"

“Ten gold pieces."

“Ten? That's hardly fair, I will pay you 5 for it." Arcturus pulled out five gold coins and held them out in his palm.

“Five? Ya tryin ta rob me lad? Eight." Farin crossed his arms, and placed the flute back on the pile.

“Six gold pieces." Arcturus dropped another one into his palm with a clink.

“Seven lad, lowest I'll go."

Arcturus placed another gold coin into his hand with a sigh. “You strike a hard bargain Farin." He dipped his hand and let them slide onto the dwarves' outstretched palm

“Ya won't be disappointed though lad, I do fine work on dese tings." He placed the box into Arcturus' hands. “Pleasure doin business wit ya." he raised an eyebrow, “Ya sure I can't throw in dis bagpipe?" He held the bagpipe up with a grin.

“No, hes fine." Veledar said, grumpily. We do not need another one.

“What he said." Arcturus laughed, gesturing back towards him with a thumb. “As they say, don't poke the dragon."

Veledar rolled his eyes as even Gus and Krotos joined in on the laughter. He relented as he felt a smirk form on his face. Ok maybe it was so stupid it was funny. He sighed, and walked out of the store with the others. He was thankful as they slammed the door behind them, shutting off the once again loud orchestra of chimes.

“So do I get to learn why we need the flute now?" he nudged up beside Arcturus. “The suspense could actually be killing me.

“Not yet." Arcturus muttered, as he held the flute in his hands, caressing it softly within his fingers. The human looked to it as if the flute were made of solid gold, or something equally as valuable. Arcturus turned it over in his hand, and than wiped his eyes with the sleeve of his shirt. As he did this he got another flash of sorrow from the human, making his own heard ache a little. It felt the same when he thought about his mother........Veledar was about to ask what that had been about when from across the cobbled street strode an elven woman, walking straight towards him. Uh-oh.

She emerged from the crowd, easily making her way past the people. Anyone that saw her coming, seemed to part like water before her strides. Her back was straight, as she walked with an elegance only elves could pull off. She wore a robes that were the same color of chestnuts, adorned with bright golden stripes and stitching. They swayed, as a breeze caught them, making them flutter along with her onyx black hair. She ignored it, and pushed her long black hair out of her piercing blue eyes. “We need to talk." she said firmly, coming to stop right in front of the once dragon.

“Do I know you?" He rattled his brain, but could not match the face. Maybe she has me confused with another handsome person?

“No...No you do not....dragon." she said flatly.

Ok how does everyone keep seeing through this shape-change. I mean what was the POINT? He held his head back slightly and gave her an amused grin, “I think you may be confused woman." He gestured to his body, head to boots. “I am clearly a human."

“Hardly, I can see right through that shape-change dragon. Not to mention I spotted you changing into it." She replied, her face still emotionless. “I suggest we retire somewhere private so we may discuss things...." she looked around at the busy street. “away from prying eyes and ears." She turned and gestured to a tavern across the street. “I recommend that place, I know the owner and he has.....special rooms that would meet our needs."

Warning flags raised all over his mind. Who did this elf think he was. “I will not be going." he replied with the same emotionless voice she was giving him. This caused the elf to suddenly shoot him a confused look, as she rose an eyebrow.

“Excuse me?" she said in disbelief.

“You heard me elf, I will have to say no." he crossed his human arms, and puffed out his chest with his next breath.

“I will have to agree with him." Arcturus chimed in, stepping next to him. “Your in the robes of the high wizards here. We will be going no were with you."

Well I can certainly always count on you to back my tail.

“Uh guys is this a s-smart move?" Gus stammered, as Krotos ruffled his feathers.

“How can you say.....how can you say no?" the elf repeated the question. Veledar thought for a moment he heard irritation cracking through her emotionless attitude.

“Simple, it just rolls off the tongue quite easily.......no." Veledar smirked, Good one.

“Well listen here all of you. I know who you all are." She thrust a finger towards Gus and Krotos. “I know were your staying." she then gestured to some guards walking casually along the street. “I have the authority to order every guard, soldier, or construct to arrest you right now and clasp you in irons." She returned her gaze back to Veledar, he almost saw pride in those eyes of here.

_ I hate elves already._

“If I wanted to cause you harm I would have already done so. I also logically would have done it by not revealing myself to you. So once again, how can you say no when you consider all the facts I have presented?"

“So what your saying is your blackmailing us then." Arcturus crossed his arms.

“No." she replied, clearly irritation now in her smooth voice.

Hah, nice one Arcturus. Veledar grinned mischievously.

“Than tell us your name so we can at least be put at ease, since you already claim to know ours."

“Fine, it that is what will have you cooperate." she sighed, “My name is Shandalar Yllakas." she said it proudly, “Will that be satisfactory for you all?"

“Well..." Veledar began, as she shot him an angry glare. “I suppose." I will count that as another win.

“Then meet me in that inn, and we can discuss our future endeavors.....together." She turned suddenly and strode quickly towards the place. Veledar smiled to himself as he thought she looked even more irritated with him. “Did she seem a bit irritated to you?" He grinned, turning to Arcturus.

“Is it your goal to piss everyone off?" the human laughed, running a hand through his wig.

“Well n-no, but how could I resist....she started it." he crossed his arms.

“H...How did she start that exactly?"

“Well you know....." Drat what did she do again? He put a hand to his chin, trying to look like he was in deep thought. This seemed to work as Arcturus did not question him on his hesitation. “She tried to put on this attitude of non emotion. I saw through it of course and decided to poke at it." Yea that sounded good, lets go with that.

“How is that starting it?" Krotos asked from behind, confusion hanging in his words.

“MOVING on." Veledar said loudly, causing Krotos to click his beak at him angrily. “Should we even go meet with her? I have half a mind to just blow her off." I bet that would ruffle her robe nice and good.

“We probably don't want to burn the bridge." Arcturus sighed, “She knows everything, and she is right, if she wanted to hurt us she could have done so, and remained hidden. I think whatever help we can find in this city we should take it. Especially if that one is practically handed to us on a silver platter.

Of course he would agree with her. “I suppose." Veledar replied, rolling his eyes in irritation. He gave a deep breath, his chest rising. “We could always use the help, but mark my words she is going to ask us to do something, and I hate these......" He trailed off, trying to find the word he was missing. Sasifras? No that wasn't it, Steerings? No that wasn't it either.

“Side quests?"

That's the one. “Yes" he groaned, slumping his shoulders and hanging his head. He scowled as he heard Krotos let out chittered laughter. “That's right, laugh it up little kitty bird."

“What? Your adorable when your frustrated." the gryphon chuckled, his beak clacking.

“You really want to see me frustrated as a dragon?" he snarled deeply. “Now Arcturus lets get to this over with before I have to beat our gryphon up here." He turned and padded across the street towards the tavern.

The tavern was fairly large, well for a non gryphon building anyway. It looked to be made of fine oak logs, painted a deep dark blue, with bright silver trimmings. There were multiple windows, clear without a hint of grime on their surface. Veledar strode up the pristine looking door. It had gold letters with the words “The adjective noun." Well that certainly is a stupid name for a tavern.

“Hah!" Gus suddenly laughed loudly, “I always thought this place was funny! The adjective noun! DO ya get it?"

Veledar narrowed his eyes. “Yes I get it, but it's not funny." he hissed.

“Well I suppose you just don't have a sense of humor than." Gus wiped his eyes, as Krotos glared at the building.

“Apparently it was not made for gryphons, the damn door is too small." He said, fluffing his feathers.

“Actually." Arcturus pointed to a small brown plaque that Veledar had not seen before, It read “Gryphon seating on roof."

“Oh." Krotos resettled his wings, his demeanor instantly calming. “I stand corrected." He spread his blue wings wide, and clacked his beak. “Guess I will keep myself busy while you go talk to the elf then." He pounced into the air with his mighty back legs, and with a flap of his wings he was on the roof and out of sight.

“Thanks a lot Krotos!" Gus shouted, holding his hands around his mouth.

“See Arcturus, at least I don't leave you behind." Veledar grinned.

“Yea lucky me." the human replied with a laugh, trying to push past him. Veledar stopped him by holding out one of his arms

“Excuse me..." Veledar said, “As leader I will be going first of course." He opened the door with a crack.

“Your going to let it go to your head aren't you?" Arcturus raised an eyebrow, “Since she directed the conversation at you?"

YUP “Of course not." he lied, taking his first step onto the hard wood floor of the tavern. His ears were filled with the joyous laughter and chatter of the taverns rather full eating area, especially for this early in the morning. Although with a quick scan he realized they were not drinking ale like he had thought, but instead they were enjoying their breakfast. He took a deep breath, getting a good mixture of cooking meat, bacon, eggs, and potatoes. He strode forward as he heard Gus shut the door behind them. He passed some of the dozens of tables within this place, all of them had at least one person.

Well this place is certainly crowded......How dreadful... He thought as he passed a table full of rowdy halflings. They were talking in excited voices over being able to order their ale later in pints, as they erupted into a chorus of laughter. What ever the hell a pint is. He slunk along some chairs, almost catching his boot on one of the legs. Well at least I don't have my tail. He laughed to himself, imagining the damage he could do with it, in a crowded place like this. He finally came to a stop at the long thin wooden table, that had a rather flamboyant halfling man standing on a stool.

The man currently was holding his multicolored vest of red,blues,golds, and greens, with both of his hands curled around the edges. He looked up at Veledar and gave him a large tooth filled smile, showing off his almost perfectly white teeth. “Well howdy there fella. What can I be doin for ya?"

_ What accent is that?_ Veledar had never heard this one before in his life. Well I never met a halfling before either.

“Names Janvon Lightfoot, owner of this here establishment. Perhaps I can interest yerself in a nice morning meal. Perhaps some bacon and gnome grits?"

“No we-" Veledar began.

“Or perhaps ya want a dragon fire omelet." He held up a finger, “Spiciest thing on the menu."

“No, I am here for-" he began to curl his lip.

“Or maybe I reckon ya want dwarven rock stew." He held up the back of his hand to his mouth, “It's not really rocks mind ya, its jus what they call this dish of meat."

“I was told by an Elf to talk to you!" Veledar snarled. He really wanted to be himself right now. Thrash his tail, and make this man listen.

“Really now?" Janvon rubbed his chin, “Did she have brown robes, golden stitches, and dem blue eyes that make ya want ta kiss her?"

“She had blue eyes....but kiss?" Veledar crossed his arms, as Arcturus snickered. “No." He glared at the human, I want to kiss you, you dolt. “Though I imagine Arcturus here wanted to start making out with her." He thumbed towards the reddening human.

“I didn't want to kiss her!" he protested, causing Gus to burst out laughing, and patted the paladin on his back.

Janvon pointed to the door behind the bar, with a black sign hanging on it. Written in snow white letters was just a singular word. Private. “Well it sounds like we bee talkin bout the same misses. Yall jus go back in dat dere room. It'll be all private like in there, I guarantee it."

Right.

Janvon swerved his attention to Gus. “Hate ta be bearer of bad news o course, but she only wanted to talk to to these boys." he pointed to Veledar, and than Arcturus.

“Well fine then." Gus crossed his arms, “I see how it is. Guess I will go find Krotos." He looked up, as if he was trying to see through the ceiling. “Someone has to keep him out of trouble I suppose."

“Is that really a concern?" asked Arcturus.

“You would be surprised actually." Gus sighed, then chuckled. “You already saw him with Merlia"

“Well you best go check on him before some poor soul makes an accidental pass at him."

“Yea." Gus laughed, and made his way over towards a set of stairs at the back of the room.

Janvon hoped off the stool with a clack of his black as night boots on the floor. The little man walked with a strut as he brought them passed more of the patrons, Veledar caught another whiff of the alluring foods scent. He was thankful he had already eaten, or he may have been distracted enough to want to eat. The halfling pushed open the door with a smile. “I always be happy to oblige her friends, hope yall have a swell time speakin to her." He dipped his head and have a quick wink. “On yer partnership a course. Nah if yall be excusin me, I think I be seen some more customers." Janvon walked off shouting, “Ladies, welcome to the adjective noun!"

Veledar rolled his eyes and stepped into the adjacent room with Arcturus. He jumped as the door suddenly slammed behind them on its own. What the? He turned his head slightly, only to see it looked like a normal door still. Perhaps someone just knocked it then. He narrowed his eyes and returned his attention to the smallish room they now found themselves in.

The room was lined with several mana crystal lanterns, thankfully illuminating the room in a warm glow, since as Veledar looked around, there were now windows to speak of. Sitting down in a chair, in front of table that seemed to take up most of the room was Shandalar. She had her elbows on the table, with her hands clasping one another. Veledar thought he saw satisfaction briefly flash on her face, but she was still giving them the emotionless look. Her blue eyes locking onto Veledar's, and for a moment he thought she could pierce right through him.

“So you made a wise choice in coming to see me dragon." She said suddenly, her voice flat. She gestured to two other chairs on the opposite side of the table of her. They seemed to be made of a dark wood, that carried a fine reflective sheen.

“Didn't really have a choice really." Arcturus replied, striding forward, pulling out one of the chairs, and taking a seat.

“Feel free to talk. The room here is magically enchanted from any eavesdroppers that may be interested in our conversation." She turned her attention back to the dragon as he took a seat. “So Crimson Sky, I presume. Why have you come to Entis I wonder?"

He thought about answering her right off the bat. It was only natural to do so, but he caught himself. No I am the dragon here. He thought with a grin, as it swirled around in his brain and took shape. He was going to show her who was in charge of this meeting. The red dragon, that's who.

“You first. Why do you need my....our help." He held a hang to his chest, and tossed his hair back.

“hmmph" she replied, with a slight hint of irritation. “Fine Crimson Sky, we shall play it your way then."

Of course, was there no other way?

“I am not really working for this country. I am as much working for the current king as the ex captain of the guard is right now." She turned to Arcturus, who must have looked a tad surprised. “Please captain, it was not particularity hard to put together once I saw Crimson Sky here." She took another deep breath, as she rolled her shoulders. “Now Crimson Sky, I am working for the country Rothdell.....undercover." She placed her hands softly on the table palms down. “Now it's your turn."

Well don't mind if I do. “Well I came to this horrid place you call a city to retrieve my book. Which I might add was unjustly stolen from my lair." he hissed. He took another breath as his blood began to boil slightly. Nope calm down, almost have it back. Think about Arcturus, that will calm you down. Wait a minute...no it wont! It will do the reverse!

“That's it?, you are here to retrieve a simple book?" she raised an eyebrow, “Not for an attack? A well crafted ploy? Some master plan?" she said each one, disbelief seeming to grow with each word. She moved one of her hands to her forehead. “You only want your book back." she repeated.

_ Did I just break her?_ He snickered to himself at the thought." Yes is that so hard to imagine with your pointy ears?

“Its just not logical dragon. You go through all this trouble for a book?" Her eyes flashed with annoyance as she gave him a glare. “Your lucky you did not end up dead for your trouble."

“Well to be fair, the book was vastly important to him." Arcturus leaned back into his chair with a smile.

“Unbelievable." she tossed her lands lightly into the air, before returning them to the table. “Here I thought I would be getting help from a dragon mastermind, to help bring down this city." She sighed in a whisper, “A book."

“Ok well fine elf, tell me why you are here in the city, and undercover." growled Veledar in the back of his throat. If only I had my teeth right now. _ They would get the point across._ “I'd like to see you beat a quest to retrieved a treasured family memento."

“Quite easily dragon." Shandalar straighten her back, and folded her arms on the table. “I am here to stop or retrieve information on something that Lumarian's top brass are calling the “uniter".

That is also a stupid name. Whats with human's and names? Veledar fidgeted in his chair, his back was starting to grow sore. Gods I hate chairs.

“They seem convinced that whatever this is, will be able to put an end to the war with my country. I have been searching for months around this place and have turned up nothing concrete so far." She lowered her eyes and sighed, “Although I may have an idea were the plans are hidden, I need a more...aggressive approach." She raised her head, and focused on him again. “If you were willing to put your group and their services at my disposal, I would make sure you had mine. Also you would be rewarded quite handsomely from my country as well."

Hah see what did I say? Yet another side quest. “No thanks." he spat out, taking pride in her shocked face. “I have had enough with distractions, I do not need any more side quests to fill my time." He glared at her, “besides one of my hirelings is working on way into the very castle as we speak." He folded his arms, “and when I get my book back, I'm going to fly far away from this horrible place. I don't care about this war of yours going on."

“But I can help you get into the castle!"

“Already covered, but thanks for the suggestion my dear elf."

Shandalar sighed, and pinched the bridge of her nose with two fingers, and closed her eyes. “Surely you can see the benefit of having a wizard in this adventuring party of yours, and help get your......book back." she spat out the last two words, like a cherry pit. “Besides our two missions would be in the same place, it is only logical you accept my help."

“I will not be brought in to do another side quest. I have had enough distractions already." he stood up, and strode over to the door. He did not even glance back at the elf. There we played your stupid little game. Now I can focus on getting my book back, and acquiring my human friend here.

'Honestly!" she gasped loudly.

“He er..gets like this." Arcturus laughed, “If he changes his mind, were can we find you?"

Shandalar sighed again deeply. Veledar heard the sound of her opening a pouch, and suddenly the scratching of a quill on parchment. He heard the rustling of papers, “Your the more level headed captain. I am sorry to have assumed the dragon was in charge. Maybe with your words in his ear he will change his mind." Veledar could feel the death glare she was giving him, and simply did not care. Come on Arcturus, lets get back to task. So that I may finally win your heart, and have you wrapped around mine.

“Well it was nice meeting you Shalararan." Arcturus stood up with a scrape of his chair, causing Veledar to turn his head and look.

“Its Shandalar." she replied, her face once again glaring at them both.

“Isn't that what I said?"

The elf sighed, “No."

“Well Arcturus come, we have more important things to get to." Veledar quickly said, trying to make it convincing that they did have more important things to be doing. Whatever are we doing these errands for. He ignored Shandalar's look of disapproval as he laughed to himself. Veledar turned the handle, and opened the door with a crack. The roar of sounds came spilling into the small room, almost deafening in their intensity. Veledar instantly yearned for the quiet that room had provided as he quickly strode towards the exit.

“Well thank you, I will try to change his mind." he heard Arcturus mutter, than shut the door behind him softly.

Not very likely Arcturus. I don't want any distractions. The sooner I get my book, the sooner we can leave, and the sooner I can tell you how I feel. He glanced a look back as they strode towards the exit. He saw Arcturus snag Gus by the arm as they passed and point up towards the roof. Must be telling him to get Krotos. Veledar continued padding to the door, avoiding the halflings from before as they were swinging their arms wide in merriment. He pushed the door open as he reached it, and walked into the bright streets. Once there he took a deep breath, and leaned on the hard wooden building, while he waited for the others.

Veledar did not have to wait long, he didn't even have to resort to singing, or humming to himself. He did not even have to sit and count the number of smelly horses that were brought through the streets with the clip clopping of their hooves. Arcturus and Gus emerged from the entrance laughing. Gus appeared to be in the middle of turning in to a tomato, if the color of his face was any indication. “What happened with you two?" he gestured to the tomato colored man. Just as he had asked that, Krotos landed beside them, softly on his hind paws with his wings wide. Veledar got a quick glance, that his feathers around his head were all damp, and a much darker blue now.

“Those two accidentally knocked a waiter into me!" Krotos squawked, puffing out his chest feathers. “Then his drinks poured all over me, just look at my lovely feathers!" he held up one of his wings and stretched his neck, just to show off the numerous splotches were the drinks had poured on him.

“Oh come now Krotos, it was an accident." Gus placed a hand and stroked the gryphon's neck feathers, causing Krotos to let out a pleasured chirp.

“I demand a bath, in return for such careless on your part!" Krotos reset his wings, and glared at the guard. His tail twitched behind him, flicking against his flank. “And I expect scrubbing to get this mess out of these." Krotos chirped, as he turned his head and gestured to his feathers with his beak.

Gus just gave him an amused grin, and placed his hands on his sides. “Well nothing naughty up your feathers alright?"

“No promises." Krotos clacked his beak, and than gave Gus a playful growl.

“ok,ok enough of that I think." Arcturus straitened up, and took in a deep breath. “Off to our next stop.....a candle shop!" the human clasped his hands together as he casually led the way down the street.

Candles? “Arcturus?" he jogged over, and matched the human's pace. “Candles....really? What is this for? Some blood magic ritual? To set the mood when he made love to him? Ohhhhh he liked that one a lot. Although......that would not explain the flute.

“Patience." was the human's only reply, as he avoided a group of passerby s.

“I hate you saying that you know. I think I have waited long enough." For a many of things Arcturus. He steeled himself to keep walking as he felt the familiar glow in his chest. After the book, after the book. He repeated into his mind, hopefully the wait would not drive him mad. He gave a large sigh with his next breath. He wondered what his mother would think of him pining like this after a human?....Course she would not disapprove, he always suspected that she had a thing for the human knight Carpenter. Why else would she have kept his ashes in her lair? “So Arcturus, where did you end up growing up?" The question rolled off the tongue quite easily. How have I not asked that before? He thought to all his talks with the human thus far, and yet somehow he had never asked this.

He imagined a small Arcturus, fat faced, and pretending to be a dragon like Gwen. He was running around a grassy field with his arms outstretched, pretending to flap them. He snickered at the thought. How adorable you would have been. If your younger self could see you now Arcturus, flying with me high in the sky? Would he be jealous?

“I grew up in an estate west of here, large building close to the mountains." Arcturus replied, his voice flat.

“Oh yea, I remember that place!" Gus exclaimed and chuckled, “I remember all the mischievous things we got up to. We gave that gryphon nanny of yours quite the talon full."

“Yes, but she always was trying to set me up with her niece."

“Well whats wrong with being set up with a gryphon?" Krotos squawked angrily.

“Nothing, relax your feathers kittybird." Arcturus waved back at him, “She just wasn't my type is all. To top off with the fact I was too young for such things anyway."

“So at this estate what did you do?" Veledar cocked his head, “Did you play games like Gwen?"

“Hardly" Arcturus replied, his voice darkened. “I spent the days in and out learning about dragons. Arcturus held up a hand and started counting off, “Habitats, weak spots, how best to kill them." he growled the last one out. “I only had a small window to sneak off and have any real fun in my youth. That's when I would paint, and hang with this guy here." He thumbed to Gus, “So nothing too grand or adventurous.

“Whatever happened to your parents then Arcturus? Do they still live at this estate then? Veledar pictured a large four storied building made of stone, with numerous windows. It had a strong dark black wooden roof, that had four perches for the kittybirds that lived there. There would be a stable for the horses, and a garden out back with a sea of flowers. He pictured his mother, reading a book while chatting around with several gryphons.

“Dead or missing." Arcturus shot out.

“Excuse me? That might have been something to mention possibly."

“It.....just never came up."Arcturus sighed, “It happened all so long ago now. It's why I never lived at the place.....It just had....."

“Too many bad memories?"

Arcturus nodded silently.

“Who went missing, and who died?" Veledar felt terrible the moment the question left his mouth. I say I want to protect him, and than I fish for painful memories...good one Veledar....

“Mother fell off of a horse when I was nine, traveling in the forest." Arcturus pointed to his neck. “She fell and hit just the right spot." he made a crack noise with his mouth, causing Veledar to wince. “Snapped her spine, she was dead before we got back home."

“And your father was the one that went missing?" He hung his head, hating himself for digging it out.

“It was when I joined up with the army, wanted to be a paladin. Father said it was my job to go into dragon hunting with him, it's what Lunds always did, and had done." Arcturus looked up, through the crowds, as if he were looking at himself from long ago. “I told my father to shove it, and I was following MY dreams, and not what he wanted from me." Arcturus laughed weakly. “He left on some dragon hunt that would have taken him over seas. He...never came back from it."

“I'm sorry Arcturus. I did not know..."

'It's okay Crimson Sky, it's not like you would have known. Besides those things happened along time ago, they are long and gone."

“Sometimes things from the past can still hurt Arcturus. No matter how much armor you wear, or how many scales you have." His thoughts went to his brother once again, the little silver dragon flying in the air, his snout filled with such happiness. They then turned to the form of his great mother, standing over him with her eyes full of pride. His heart felt like a hand had just reached into his chest and squeezed tight. He winced his eyes at the phantom pain, fighting back some tears as his eyes welled up.

“Yea..I know Veledar." Arcturus patted him on the shoulder. “But these ones are, trust me."

Veledar sighed, and swallowed the dread. I am glad your here for an emotionally weak dragon like myself. Veledar weakly chuckled to himself. His head perked up as he heard the faint sound a wailing child. It was from across the worn cobbled street they had started walking on. Veledar had been so caught up in talking he had not seen this part of the city appeared to be older, more used, and worn.

There was a small human whelpling, sobbing into it's mothers long tan skirt that fully covered her legs. The brown eyes of the woman looked to the child as she was patting them on the back, appearing to whispering things to the distraught child. The little girl Veledar realized when she looked up for a moment, pressed her face harder into the skirt, sobbing harder than before. Veledar wrinkled his face at the sound of this wailing, it hurt his ears, thankfully not as much as the chimes before. It still felt like someone pressing hard onto his head, and wanting it to burst like a grape from the discomfort.

He glared at the mother as she started to look around, as the wind blew her soft brown hair. He saw worry in those eyes of hers. Almost like she does not know what to do. How could that be though, do human whelps just cry for no reason? The woman hugged her daughter tighter, as the worried look now dominated her face.

The inconsolable little girl clutched her mothers skirt with white knuckles. Continuing to sob into the fabric. Her eyes were clenched shut, as tears streamed down her face. Dripping off of her small chin, and splattering onto the stone. Veledar felt a sorry for the little girl, he hated seeing things cry. His thoughts drifted once again to his brother, his mother, Arcturus, and everyone else they had lost.

“What seems to be the problem?" Arcturus asked, as he strode over with a look of concern on his face.

“She wont say." The mother said, “She just starting sobbing and hasn't stopped." She looked around to people that were staring in her direction. “So I'm just letting her cry it out." She caressed the little girls own brown hair tenderly, but it did not seem to do anything. The little girl continued to wail into the fabric. Her tears were now starting to soak into her mothers clothes.

Veledar walked over as Arcturus crouched close to the little girl. He seemed to try and talk to her, with a soft and caring voice. However the girl did not respond and still continued to cry. He crossed his arms as Arcturus stood back up and held the flute case. “I think I know just the thing to cheer you up!" he exclaimed with a smile. Veledar caught the little girl take a peak at him, he tears gone for a second.

Arcturus pulled out the flute and rose it to be level with his chin. “Ready my dear?" he said to the little girl, raising an eyebrow. The little girl nodded in reply, He gave a twist of his foot, and placed the flute to his lips and began to play. The notes were slow, long and harmonious. They seem to hang in the air even after he switched to the next one. Veledar watched as his human continued, he moved with purpose as he continued to play. His ears were filled with the lovely sound of the flute that seemed to be powered by the sure spirit of Arcturus. Images flooded to his mind of vast landscapes, clear skies, and bright sunny days. To Veledar each note was filled with colors of emotion, each one bringing a smile to his face. He stood transfixed as Arcturus played, it felt to him as if he were trapped of vortex of sounds and feelings.

Arcturus stopped playing when the little girl was all cheerful and smiling at the him. Her teeth were on full display as she looked up at Arcturus in joy. “That was fantastic MR!" She exclaimed, “Why did you play that?" she clasped her hands together, and was standing on her tippy toes.

“Because you were crying my dear." he laughed, rustling the little girls head. “I figured it would help you out."

“Thank you sir." the mother said, patting her excited girl on the shoulder. “Now what were you so sad about?"

“I dunno." the girl ground her left foot into the street. “I was just sad mommy."

Veledar rolled his eyes as Arcturus wished them a fair well. He looked around to see that Arcturus during his beautiful playing had attracted a small audience. They all decided to clap for the human, as he gave a quick short bow.

“So where did you learn to play like that?" Veledar laughed as the crowed dispersed, “Did you do some traveling as a bard when I was not looking?" I would like for you to play for me.... That was beautiful Arcturus.

“Nonsense." Arcturus waved him off, “Just another of my many talents. You best watch out Crimson Sky, I may be just as beautiful and amazing as you." he touched the once dragons nose with his finger.

Amazing. Beautiful Veledar smiled, and treasured the compliments, along side the fondness he was feeling from the human. “Beautiful Arcturus, you flatter me." Arcturus just smiled as he led them down the street.

The next store they visited was a quick little stop to a general store. Arcturus walked in and quickly found the four white candles he was looking for. He paid the man 2 silver pieces and returned to the street. He saw the look of joy that had been on his face since the flute playing turn sour, and fade to a frown. “Well I have the things we need now." Arcturus held his head up and looked as if he were looking far off into the distance. “We should probably get it over with." he shuffled his feet as Veledar curled his arm around him.

“Are you going to be alright? Krotos asked, “Is he going to be ok?" he whispered to Gus."I kinda don't know whats going on here either."

“Do you want me to round everyone up now?" Gus asked, as Arcturus looked back at him. His eyes looked tired.

If you were just going to round people up why did you come with us? Veledar scrunched up his nose. “Why did you even come than?"

“Because dragon, sometimes people need others to be strong." He patted Krotos beside him, who fidgeted on his hinds. He saw the gryphon give a pleased clack of his beak as he leaned into the touch.

“You can go get the others if you want." Arcturus sighed, “I think I would like to be there for a moment before everyone else."

“You taking him with ya?" Gus gestured to Veledar. “Or do you want me to drag him with me?"

“Don't see how I can't. He will just whine the entire time if I don't."

_ He's right...Well perhaps I would just annoy him, or pounce on him._ Veledar observed as Gus put a hand on his paladin's shoulder.

“Well we will see you there. I'll go get Gwen, and Matilda. Do you want me to swing around and get the rest of your friends if I can find them?"

“Don't go out of you way to do so." Arcturus sighed, “They got a task before them to do. Veledar and I are the ones that had nothing better to do."

“That's not the only reason your going."

Arcturus paused for a moment, than nodded slowly, “Yea I know."

Veledar turned around towards Krotos, he was going to ask him what was going on when he heard Gus whisper to Arcturus."

“Hey you should know this is the happiest I have seen you in two years."

“That can't be true, we spent...time together Friday nights....poker...Elizabeth....Swiftwing." Arcturus replied back, also in a whisper. However Veledar grinned, as he could of course still hear them.

Perhaps these ears are not entirely useless.

“Well yeah you did those things with us." Gus crossed his arms. “But I saw the man you have become in the last day, and today. This man IS happier Arcturus. Your laughing, your smiling, your joking. If I did not know better I'd say you were HAPPY for once."

Veledar glanced back to see Arcturus fidget slightly, his mouth closed in silence.

“So whatever is making you act this way, whatever is bringing you this happiness? I suggest you not let it go." Gus placed a hand on Arcturus' shoulder reassuringly. “Because it is nice to see you happy again."

He saw Arcturus nod, and return the shoulder grab. “Don't worry about me so much Gus, I can handle myself." He saw Arcturus' eyes briefly look to him for second, causing the dragon to look away.

“Well good" Gus playfully punched him on the shoulder. “Would hate to see you go back to your grump self again, especially seeing you so....joyful." Gus waved, and started to leave with Krotos.

“Crimson Sky." Gus looked at him as he passed, “Take care of him ok? He is more fragile than he cares to admit."

“What do you mean Gus?" Veledar laughed, with a straight face.

“You know what I am talking about." the guard said,his eyes narrowed.

“I will."

“Well good!" Gus smiled, stroking Krotos on his feathers.

“Stop your teasing of me Gus, your going to make me want this bath much sooner!" The gryphon nuzzled against him, and batting his tail against the guard.

“I said nothing naughty would happen in that tub, fluff butt." Gus laughed, walking away.

“No promises!" the gryphon squawked.

Stuff is going to happen at that bath. Veledar laughed, and turning to look at the form of Arcturus. Whom was waiting patiently for the once dragon to follow him. He did not look impatient mind you, by the way he was standing straight, shoulder squared. He just looked at peace, as his eyes just locked onto Veledar's own. “So am I finally going to see this surprise of yours?" He rubbed his hands together.

“Yes."Arcturus grabbed Veledar, and brought him down the next street. Down the cobbled path, past a collection of residential districts, all with different colored houses. They even passed an area that was home to large white cathedral, that had numerous flags of different religions. He thought for a moment he saw Lyndis and Asterion walking among the crowds of people, but shook his head. They were probably far from here anyway. They made it past the people, until they were but a trickle. Then they walked further until there were no longer any walking. They past building after building, until they too were spaced far apart. Arcturus stopped at a metal gate, and pushed it open with a loud creak. The street turned to polished black stone, that looked like a path to a decent sized stone structure among a sea of stone pillars. They were all of the same polished black stone, with a thin green stripe of emerald at the top. They bore no other markings, and Arcturus strode right on past them.

What are these things? Veledar's thoughts raced, he had never read anything about human structures like this. He followed the human closely as they stepped up to the stone door of the place. It lacked any dust, any wear, and appeared to be perfectly smooth. On the door was a section of rock that was polished black, with a golden L right in the center. He watched Arcturus place his hand on the stone door, and visible gulp and take a deep breath. The human shut his eyes and pushed the door open, practically silently.

“Once inside you can change shape Veledar." he took a step into the stone building. “There will be no one to see you in here."

“Are you trying to kill me Arcturus?" Veledar laughed, following him with a step. “Lead me to a confined place with no almost no way out, than ambush me." He saw a rather decent sized room. Veledar looked up to find the stone ceiling probably could fit one an a half size of him high, and three of him with wings wide at the top. The room was much colder, and he gave a slight shiver at the drop in temperature. He breathed in deep, to get the smell of old stone, and cleaning materials. He traced a hand along the stone wall, it was perfectly smooth, with no dust clinging to its surface. The walls were spaced with lanterns, unlit. Further down he saw more and more of those stone pillars, all with the green stripe at the top. Arcturus pressed a stone on the wall, causing the lanterns above to spring to life, and bath the room in their light.

“You can close the door now." Arcturus said softly, “You don't have to worry about us getting locked in."

Veledar did so, closing off the place for the natural light. He practically was jumping for joy as he touched his forehead, and thought to himself. In a matter of moments, his wings sprouted from his back to be spread wide. His claws jutted from his fingers, his teeth grew sharp. His tail raced out behind him, luckily not hitting anything. It was over in the blink of an eye, and Veledar was practically smiling. He was back in his normal body. “Oh thanks for bringing us here Arcturus." he stretched out, working a kink out of his neck. “It is so nice to be in my body again." he cooed, resetting his wings on his back.

“Glad your happy with it." He waved to the dragon, “Come on." Arcturus walked down the rows and rows of tall pillars. His eyes scanning for something, although Veledar knew not what. All these pillars looked exactly the same.

Arcturus stopped before a smaller pillar on the floor. He reached into his pouches and pulled out a thin green sheet, and placed it on the ground in front of the pillar. He than took out the four candles and set them on each of the four corners gently. “Come on and sit down with me." Arcturus crossed his legs and took a seat facing the little cloth, candles, and the little stone.

“Arcturus what am I doing?" He laid down next to the human, so he could get closer to this stone. It seemed to be the main focus of Arcturus' attention.

“I- I wanted you to say hello to Geoffery." he said in a whisper.

Veledar's eyes widened in slits. This place was a.....Oh.. He cursed himself for making the joke now. He looked up to the human's pained face. “Why did you not tell me? Why keep this a secret?" He gestured to the room with a sweep of his forepaw.

“I did not want you to be spooked off. Its a grave I was taking you too."

“And you brought me here before everyone else? Why not have me wait with your other loved ones?" he whispered.

Arcturus did not answer as Veledar felt him suddenly start stroking his neck softly. “I....I used to play a song for him when he was small. When he would cry and cry, and we could not get him to stop. Arcturus held up the flute in his hand and caressed it, once again like the most treasured thing on this earth. “I'd play him the tune and he would stop, smile, and let out the cutest of sounds...I promised myself I would come here each year on his birthday.....and play the song for him."

Veledar watched the human's face grow even more tired, as his eyes filled with pain. He waited in silence as Arcturus rose the flute after a pregnant pause. He closed his eyes and slowly descended his mouth towards the flute. His lips pressed against the metal instrument, and with his next breath he began to play.

It was the same song as before, that he had played for the small child in the street. If the song was beautiful before, this was beyond words. The harmonious notes bounced off of the stone, and danced around Veledar's ears. The visions that Veledar was reminded of in the street came rushing back, but this time they were more clear. Much more vibrant colors, he let the tidal wave of music carry his mind away. He started to tear up when he noticed something.

Arcturus continued to play with his eyes shut, his hands moving expertly to produce the wonderful music resonating around the hall. However this did not last. The human's fingers slipped, and his lip quivered for a moment. Veledar saw his eyes open briefly, and they were all blurry with the moistness of tears. One note suddenly burst from the rest, it did not match the others. Arcturus tried to recover the note, but sputtered on the flute. Tears rushed down his face, as the human tried to keep playing. But all that was coming out were loud shrieks of the flute. Arcturus dropped the flute as he started sobbing, large droplets dripping out of his eyes, as he tried to wipe away the tears.

Veledar moved in quickly, snatching up Arcturus in his claws without a second thought. He could feel the sadness within the human, stabbing away at him like a dagger. He draped his wings over them, creating a mini shelter for them. He moved his snout closer, and Arcturus grabbed it. Pulling him close against him. His grip was rather nice, and warm. He felt Arcturus' touch his face against his head, tears dropping now onto his crimson scales.

“Veledar I ...was s-supposed to keep him safe....... This was not suppose to happen, I was supposed...... to die first." With each statement Veledar felt Arcturus' grip tighten, but he dared not push him away.

“Hush now." he replied, his voice soothing. “We agreed it was not your fault." He moved claw and wiped the humans tears from his eyes.

“I know."Arcturus sniffed, wiping his eyes with his sleeve. “I just can't help thinking about it." He let go of Veledar's head and instead grabbed his paw, and started rubbing it softly. “Every time I think I am past it...... Everything comes roaring back full force." Arcturus lowered his head, “I don't think I will ever be ok."

“Of course you will." You will have me. “He cupped the humans head with his right claw. “It will get better with time, but your right it will never truly fade." His own eyes started to water as he remembered his sweet brother, and his adoptive mother. Two beings he would never see again, or smell their scent, or hear their voices. In that moment he felt more alone than he had ever felt before in his life. He collapsed his head onto Arcturus' lap. This time he was the one to start crying. “I miss my family as well Arcturus, even my brother who died over one hundred years ago."

Arcturus snuggled his neck and head in his chest. “You will have us along the way Veledar. You won't be alone again, I promise. The human rubbed the top of his head, causing Veledar to groan lightly, and nuzzle Arcturus' chest. He let out a soft rumbling.

Veledar continued to nuzzle the human's chest, and when that was done began to nuzzle the rest of him with his neck. Arcturus may not have known what it was, but nuzzling was essentially the first kiss to dragons. It was a gesture filled with love, and emotion, as he ran his scales against him.

“What are you doing?" Arcturus said softly, trying to hold on and rub the dragon back.

“I am nuzzling you, what does it look like?"He asked, continuing his nuzzle assault. He only stopped when he felt Arcturus latch onto him with his arms around his scaled neck. Veledar dragged him over with his claws, and curled himself around the human. He thumped his tail as he felt his heartbeat, and he nearly jumped onto his paws and let out a roar when he felt the next sensation. He could feel a heat radiating from within his heart. Like all the other times he had felt Arcturus' emotions, and with each tingled pulse he recognized the pulse immediately. Even if the human had not realized it himself, it was love.

“Thank you Veledar, for being with me each step of the way. For setting me free, and showing me the way."

“You only needed a little shoving along it Arcturus, you paved the way for yourself." He replied, tightly griping the human. They only stopped the embrace when Arcturus pulled back, and cupped the dragon's snout. Once again Veledar found himself locking eyes with the human he loved. He prayed Arcturus could feel his warmth right now, not the one from his body, but the one from his heart at this very moment. He caressed the human's head with a paw as they just stayed like that for several minutes.

“So my son." Arcturus coughed suddenly, and looking to the stone. “He would have loved to meet you Veledar. I never told him the bad stories of dragons. I just showed him all the pictures of them." Arcturus chuckled weakly and wiped his eyes again. “He loved your kind."

“So do you." Veledar replied softly. “You always have." he curled his tail around the human, as he looked down at the little stone pillar. He felt Arcturus grasp his tail in one hand, and start stroking it fondly in his hands. “Well Geoffery." Veledar said in a brassy voice to the pillar. “I am Crimson Sky, the most noble and best of dragons. Your dad has told me all about you." He pointed to the pillar as if there was a little Arcturus standing right in front of him, eyes all wide with a big smile on his face.

He looked over when he heard Arcturus give another sniff. He scooched right on over so they were pressed against one another. Arcturus moved his hand to caress his wing membrane.

“Hes also one of the most beautiful, kindest, and loyal souls I have ever met Geoffery." Arcturus said suddenly. Looking up, once again locking eyes with the dragon. “And I wish you could have met him."

“I wish that very much as well Arcturus." Veledar moved in, and with a pleasured sigh snatched up the human once again in a hug. He closed his eyes , content, as he felt Arcturus' arms tighten once more. _This is were we belong Arcturus. Within each others limbs. _ He snuggled the human close, as they waited for the others to arrive.