Scales and Honor: Darkened Skies

Chapter 21: Keep Shenanigans

Nivra meandered through the archway to Struport, admiring the parted gates in a slack jawed awe. She could tell by the design work on the metal slabs and the elven runes covering the surface, it was hundreds of years old. It towered over her, making her feel like an ant caught within a giant's shadow. Even Crimson, with his scaled snout held ever so high above them came to one third of the thing's height.

“Its not too far!" Stonebeard said cheerily, a smile poking free of his beard. “As I said, da Lords were worried about lads like yerselves tiring out yer feet!" The dwarf pointed out towards the revealed town to the right and to the keep nestled on a nearby rocky cliff face. Good spot if she had to say so, segmented from the city and using the land as a natural deterrent from attacks. She followed in a wondering silence as Crimson asked for the third time if anyone else had seen the stone dragons above the gate. When everyone proclaimed, they saw one he was left grumbling and insisting that there had been two.

The sounds of the irritated dragon drifted from her mind like a boat adrift on the sea as she took in the town around her from the comfort of her hand placed on her loyal gryphon. They entered a courtyard among the bluish grey buildings that rose several stories above them and were tipped with stone grey shingles. Circular windows were on each floor, looking as if each one had numerous eyes to gaze down upon them. The wood used to craft such structures looked to have been shaped from the very ground, as runes lined the base boards near the pristine crème cobblestone street. Flowers that smelled like vanilla hung from thin wires across the several streets that ran off the courtyard deeper into the city and away from the keep. They were seafoam teal and darkened blue, and for some reason made Crimson's eyes narrow as he gazed upon each one, he gave a harsh snort as cerulean flames burned within his pools as a growl unwound itself from the depths of his throat.

The streets were far from empty, not packed like a box but ample populated as numerous races and genders strolled on their busy way with waves, smiles, and nods to others as they went. The chatter of such sounds came as a dull roar, laced with excitement and anxiousness for some unknown event that would be occurring soon. When they passed a wooden cart stocked to the brim with flags, children peaked out from the gathering of peoples to gaze upon the red dragon with them. Crimson grinned, fluffing out his wings and starting to practically strut along the street as people started to stop and stare in amusement and curiosity at the red dragon's antics.

“So what's going on here?" She rubbed Voidwing's neck, turning to Stonebeard, and ignoring the rumbling of her stomach. She caught wind of an almond scented dish on a cart of meat skewered into small, thin sections, cleaned and dipped in a thick amber like sauce. Perfect for nibbling away at. She had never felt so hungry as she did now. She chocked it up to all the walking and stress of the day. Plus with the promise by the dwarf about a banquet only made the problem worse.

“Oh dis?" Stonebeard smiled, gesturing to the banners and gathered people. His eyes lingering on a trio of wolven woman scampering by with wheat colored fur, wagging tails, and smelling too much like whiskey. “Hatchday for one of da resistant dragons. Eva since she been a wee ting. Everyone gathers to praise and spoil her something fierce." Stonebeard pointed to a low hanging sign that had the picture of an acquatic looking dragon carved into the wood.

“What is the young one's name?" Nivra asked warmly, admiring the frills and webbed claws of the picture. I've never seen a baby dragon before." She found herself giggling at the though. Some dog sized wyrmling that just got into all sorts of trouble. It was hard to not give Crimson a look, especially after the little stories his friends had shared about him. Painted a much more dare she saw human side to dragons that was rather adorable. Though she didn't expect Stonebeard to suddenly burst out laughing, smacking his legplates.

“Ha!" The dwarf cackled, looking like he might die from laughter with how red his face got.

“I dare say." Nivra's brow rose as she stared in bewilderment at such actions. “My good dwarf, whatever had caught you in a such a fit? I don't think what I said was funny to anyone."

“Oh, sorry about dat lass." Stonebreard wiped one of his eyes with a final chuckle. “Jus I know da dragoness in question. Used ta bug her something awful about her wee size." He thumbed back towards Crimson with a grin. “I reckon she's jus shy o dis one here. Ifn ya happen ta meet her don't call her a wee ting! Gets right under her scales."

“I shall endeavor to remember." She nodded, turning to Voidwing and shooing the black Gryphon forward who had stopped as he caught sigh of a puppet theater. His apricot spheres widened when he curled his neck toward her, practically begging for her to bring him over so they could watch. She patted between his ears softly, curling a finger around the appendage with a sigh. “We have business to attend to." She found herself rather disappointed in herself for letting this silver tipped beak boy down when Voidwing sighed and carried on through the street. She'd find a way to make it up to him later once this meeting with the Lord was through. Perhaps she could put on a play for him with magical puppets. Maybe even recruit the Feku's help in playing music or enchanting them to move around. She smiled warmly at the thought, the slow tapping of his tail pleasing as he watched on with captivated interest. He was adorable at times.

They came to another wooden gate , although this one was much smaller and not nearly as elegant as the main one had been This one only had a symbol of a blue dragon painted on the surface, and only large enough it seemed for two horses to pass through tightly packed together. It was worn looking, with many scratches and smudges along the painted wood. Crimson rumbled behind her in approval in a growly sort of way as he watched the gates open with a casual flick of his tail. Somehow during the walk, he had made his way to the front of the pack, proclaiming himself the leader of their so called adventuring party. She watched on with amusement as Voidwing's beak followed the swishing of the dragon's tail, knowing the urge that lingered below her bodyguard's hide. The urge to leap, to pounce. She wondered how much he could fight instinct coursing through his veins. Memories of the gryphon pouncing on other gryphon's tails came to mind at the castle. Keening cries and surprised squawks soon chittered on like phantom voices in the wind.

When the gates came to rest with a dull, metallic clunk they were presented with a long grey stone bridged that stretched across the rock covered chasm that continued down to a river that ran with splashing water against numerous jagged stones. On either side of the bride sections were raised to act as hand holds and were just as wide as the gate had been.

“Seems rather exposed don't you think?" Crimson rose a brow as they packed closer together and passed under the gate. “I'd have put my little keep in the center of the city. Not out here on a rock. Don't you mortals have any sense?"

“Since when did you become an expert in the placement of castles and the like?" Arcturus gave the dragon an inquisitive look, forcing the proud dragon to glance away with a twitch in his frills.

“I may have read a book or two on the subject. I did do things in my spare time before we were thrust together."

“Right…"

“I did!" The dragon snapped his head down to prod at the human's back.

While the two started to bicker about what the dragon did in his spare time, Stonebeard went on to explain the city wall overlooking the bridge and how easy it was for a gathered militia to loose arrows or fire rifles at any invading force. Combined with some choice spells it would make this particular keep hard to take from the land.

Nivra found herself nodding as Voidwing's talons clacked against the sturdy stone. The salty scent of the sea was strong here, wafting up from the nearby ocean and filling her senses. She stopped midway across the bridge, laying her hand onto Voidwing's side as she admired the river below them. How the water misted the air as it struck rocks before flowing out into the ocean that sparkled like a sapphire in the sun's radiance. Seagulls darted to and fro in the air, sailing out with stretched wings along the currents that shifted numerous boats through the ocean's steady waves. It was stunning to say the least as she stood, pressed up against the warm gryphon. The gulls cry sounded out, bringing a brief pause to the faint crashing of the water against the shore.

“Isn't it beautiful?" She whispered softly as the others crept along without them.

“Not the prettiest thing I can see of course." Voidwing's ears splayed before nudging at her side. “We ah..better catch up." The gryphon's head flicked towards the others. “Or we're going to get left behind."

She tilted her head towards him, giving him a searching look from the top of his ears to the tip of his beak. Had she heard what she thought she had? Sure she knew he cared for when they were alone, but out here with people around? That was something new. “Oh Voidwing, they wouldn't dare start without us." She smiled, tapping his beak with an open palm, “And thanks for the compliment. You look good yourself soft paws."

He gave her an awkward smile, fluffing up his feathers as he guided her with his beak towards her companions. When they did, she ran a hand along the back of his neck, scratching into his plume to get a happy chirp as her reward. The pleasing sound brought warmth to her bones, pulling a smile to her face.

Once clear of the bridge the path they had been on began to narrow constantly. Where the bridge had been large enough for two horses, the path before them was just large enough to fit one and a half men along in its entirety. They stood for several minutes, discussing at length a plan for the larger companions. Stonebeard suggested the gryphons and dragon a place to stay in the stables while the business was discussed.

“I don't leave my princess." Voidwing had replied with a taught voice before she tapped his beak and shrank him down to the size of a housecat and propped him up on her shoulders. The little black gryphon resettled his wings, mindful of his talons so that they didn't poke through her clothes and cut her skin. She patted his crown feathers softly as the others worked out the arrangement for themselves.

“I have to get smaller?" Crimson groaned, tossing his head in a dramatic fashion.

“Unless you want to take the form of a human and stay that way." Lyndis shrugged, earning herself a hardened glare and lingering snort.

“Fine." The dragon's neck rose with a flick of his tail. “But I do this under protest. None of you dare speak a word of this to anyway." His snout darted to each gathered person as if daring them so speak until he met Merlia's and she laughed.

“Ya mean like all da other times ye done dis?"

“Didn't happen." Crimson pulled his neck back, glancing away from the dwarf.

“Dats funny, cause I remember ya being a tad cuter when we attacked dat fort."

Crimson's eyes rolled, pressing a talon to the leathery plate of his scales on his snout. “Honestly Merlia. If you share this to anyone there shall be hell to pay."

“Oh really?" The dwarf crossed her arms, giving the dragon an amused smile as she tossed her hair behind her. “I look forward ta it!"

“Hmmmpf."

Nivra watched as the dragon shrunk down smaller and smaller until he was slightly bigger than Voidwing currently was. Despite this the little dragon puffed out his chest, baring his fangs as everyone glared down and gave him a cacophony of Awwwws.

“I am not cute!" The dragon snarled, swooping up to land on Arcturus' shoulders with a growl."Go on my mate! Tell these chattering monkeys that I am not cute!" The dragon flashed the man a grin, tapping his paw expectantly. When the human said nothing, the dragon snapped his snout back to him with a gasp. Their chatter devolved into bickering at his cuteness as Shandalar pressed her palm to Krotos' beak and shrank the blue bird down as well.

“I miss Entis already." The yellow beaked gryphon chirped as he started to shrink. “At least I could fit into the buildings there."

“How about you?" Nivra turned to Voidwing, who had settled onto his belly, his tail gently curling around her back.

“True, it is rather annoying at times, but I can manage. I've put up with much more uncomfortable situations."

“Like the cacti." She laughed, curling a finger under his beak.

“Yea." The black gryphon glanced away with splayed ears as his eyes winced at a phantom pain. “Like that time."

Oh damn. She hadn't meant to remind him of that scenario. Not enough to get that reaction anyway. She apologized rather swiftly and stroked his back tenderly, the black and white gryphon erupted into pleasured rumbles that was music to her ears.

“Are we finished here?" Stonebeard chuckled, balling his hand into a fist and hovering it over the keep's wooden door. When the others nodded, he smiled. “Well, lets be off den!" He hammered the wood with his knuckles, determined it seemed to pull anyone out of a daydream. Nivra even found herself wincing with the volume of the man's knuckles rapping against the wood. “We got ourselves some visitors fer da lord! Open up ya lazy no good mother of a bugbear! Ifn I catch ya sleepin on da job again by thor's beard dere will be hell ta pay!"

Silence hung in the air as the dwarf's powerful knock came to an end, the only sound being the water rushing far below them and the seagull's cry in the distance. Asterion coughed into his fist as Lyndis shifted her weight from side to side.

“So…" Nivra leaned against her staff for support as the moment seemed to drag on for far too long.

“Who goes there?" Came a squeaky voice as the door's view slit close to the ground slid open to reveal a yellow reptilian eye.

“Who goes dere?" Stonebeard growled. “Who goes dere? Ya can see who it is ya scaled git!" Stonebeard jammed a thumb at his chest. “Now open up for da guests.

The eye wavered over each of their forms for a moment or two before coming to rest at the dwarven cleric. The slitted sphere widened. “How do I know it's you?"

“I have guests!" Stonebeard's hand curled into a fist. “I got princesses! Now open dat door before I throttle ya fer good measure!"

“If you're really Stonebeard you know the password." The eye pulled back to show a dull green scaled snout as a tongue licked its nose with a single swipe. “No password, No in. I has job."

“Thors beard…Dave!" Stonebeard's face grew redder as everyone stood transfixed as the dwarf slammed his fist against the wood.

“Dave?" Nivra chuckled as her brow rose, turning towards Feku. The bard was smiling away, humming to herself and tapping her foot against the stone. “Is it normal for Kobolds to have that name?"

The bard's sounds came to a stop, turning to her with a talon placed to the tip of her snout. “Um..No..No its not." The little lizard flinched as Stonebeard slammed his fist once more against the door, and Veledar suggested that Arcturus simply knock the door down with his strength. Really show that kobold on the other side who was boss. “You think he human in disguise?"

“I doubt it." Nivra sighed, righting herself as Stonebeard shook and glared at vision slit with flames. Breaths came quicker, and the wizard almost expected steam to be rising from his ears.

“Done?" Dave asked, a slight hint of amusement lingering in his words.

“Aye." Stonebeard gasped.

“Sooo." Dave rose his lips to give the dwarf a tooth filled smile. “The password please?"

The dwarf's gaze only hardened further. If his eyes were weapons, they would have been pressed up at the kobold's throat right about now. The cleric's shoulders slumps as his head dipped with a heavy sigh. “Da password be Nutashin. Now open da door ya scaled git! You're only givin me a hard time fer losin yer name in dat game of cards."

“You trick!" Dave hissed, slamming the vision slit shut.

Once more the group was left in a silence that hung think in the air and lasted a tad too long.

“So, I think that went well?" Crimson snickered, tilting his head to the side. His paw tapped the human's armor. “Because I think that went swimmingly.".

Nivra couldn't help it, the silliness tugged at her senses and broke down her walls. The princess tried to fight it back, but it bubbled to the surface like a pot set to flames. She laughed, near tears forming in her eyes as everyone turned to stare at her as if she had gone mad. Realizing this she snapped her mouth shut, cheeks burning with an inner flame as she righted herself and straightened her back. Thankfully the door cracked open to draw all those eyes away from her and towards the green kobold that stepped out into the open.

“You could have asked nicely." Dave the kobold stepped forward, one claw brushing off his chestnut colored leather armor. The guard's arms crossed across his smaller chest like an iron wall as his eyes narrowed. He nodded with a snort, his metallic helmet with a pheasant feather, slumping forward and forcing the lizard to reposition it.

“Nice to meet you Dave. I do apologize for Stonebeard here." Nivra smiled, surging forward to give the little guard a nod. She took pride in his stern demeanor cracking before her, his slits widening when he glanced to her. Perhaps he was surprised that a visitor would grant him a hint of respect.

“You must be the princess!" Dave ducked his head, his helmet nearly falling off this time. “Apologies. I thought dwarf was playing trick."

“I don't play tricks!" Stonebeard snapped.

“Says you." Dave glared back with a growl.

She waved off his words like it was no trouble. “

“Thank you, princess." Dave righted himself with a snort and swelling of his armored chest. When his eyes met Stonebeards; they gleamed with frustration for a fraction of a moment before the guard held out his arm and invited them in with a simple bow. “Welcome then." Dave cleared his throat with a clenched fist. “To the home of Lord Threlfall. May these walls keep you safe and pleasurable."

Nivra curtsied to give her thanks as everyone voiced their thanks in their own ways. She chuckled as Crimson had swelled up his little chest and flared his wings, acting as if this small act was the most important thing in the entire world.

Dragons.

She would have thought they would be so regal and wise. It was rather refreshing to think of them as something different entirely. Perhaps when this quest of theirs was over she would have to convince him to stay within their territory. She was certain that there would be much she could learn from them. They did have a lot to catch up on after all.

Make amends for all the misdeeds and violence against them.

She sighed when her heart began to dully ache within her chest, her hands quivering over Voidwing's head. The gryphon as if sensing her thoughts pushed his little head against her palm and nuzzled against it with a concerned coo. His sweet little sound brought a glimmer of clarity to her cloud of unease that had wrapped itself tightly around her heart.

“Now, the lord is not in at the moment." Dave rose a finger. “Doing important business and all that. Wishes to see you at dinner he says, free reign and all that." The kobold smiled as a human woman in a soft blue colored short dress stepped into view. Gold trimmings were around the edges, hugging ever curve. It looks more fit for function rather than looks, this woman must have been part of the house staff. The woman ran a frail hand through her curly black hair, mahogany eyes brimming with excitement as a smile stretched from ear to ear of her stocky face.

“I believe that Hulmarra here can show you around, and especially to the rooms that you'll be staying in."

“Finally." Veledar flopped down on Arcturus' shoulder, his wings falling to his sides as the tiny dragon let out a pathetic groan. “Some rest."

“Cause being small is exhausting?" Arcturus grinned, rubbing a finger underneath the dragon's neck.

“Of course it is." Crimson rumbled as his eyes closed with a happy tap of his tail. “Now keep rubbing, never stop."

“So, the first room you wish to see is the bedrooms yes?" Hulmarra beamed with a joy filled voice. It was as if it was spreading into the others with a warm glow. She gestured to a narrow stone hallway behind her, when her eyes fell onto the feral companions she frowned. “They are shrunk are they not?" When they explained the situation the girl sighed, gesturing to the hallway behind her. “They will be forced to sleep in the stables I'm afraid. We don't have anywhere else that is big enough to fit their true size."

Crimson gasped, “With the horses?" The little dragon's head rose and looked away with a snort. “I Would never be caught sleeping with such common beasts!" The dragon's snout wrinkled at the mere thought of such an act.

“Dats funny, cause ya didn't mind when we were travelin wit da wolves." Merlia scoffed as Hulmarra issued a swift apology and led them inside, the door closing softly behind them with hardly a sound. The pair soon were at it with snappy remarks, each one making the dwarf's face grow a tad redder with each utterance as a smile crept it's way to the red's snout. Nivra chuckled at the mere display of such a thing.

Lavender was the first smell to hit her nose, the scent suddenly flowing around her like the forceful lapping of the tides. It clung to every stone surface like an all-encompassing moss as the woman led through a series of stone hallways lit with lanterns seemingly bolted onto the stone. It was small, smaller than she was used to in the spacious halls of Lumara to say the least. They could hardly walk two people in the corridor without having their hands brush against the wall. Smooth polished stone that seemed to glisten in the torchlight as if by some morning dew. Hulmarra explained that the structure was built several hundreds of years ago to stand as a defense against the numerous barbarian tribes that threatened to take their land. As she said this, she glared at Asterion, which the cleric only snorted in response with a hardened glare.

The guide admitted it was rather cramped compared to standard designs that they now used throughout the city. The lord had liked the keep the way it was. Something he had claimed to remain untouched and remind them of their past. Murmurs of either pride or irritation spread through her companions like the fluttering of a bird's wings. Crimson's head darted back and forth to each painting that hung sparsely on the wall. Rumbles escaped his little snout, followed by little trills at the sheer prospect. It made her want to giggle at the curiosity lingering on his little snout as it darted back and forth as if a frog watching a morning fly. She thankfully held it in this time with a cough.

Hulmarra brought them up a spiraling staircase of well-kept stone. The stairs were hardly steep and evenly spaced. She placed one hand on the railing that followed the outside, noting how it spun in a clockwise fashion. They passed through two more doors at least larger than the last ones. Each one was of thick oak wood, complete with vision slits for any guard to use. They indeed did pass two more guards stationed in the halls, adored in some pristine crème colored clothes traced with regal blue. The humans bowed their heads as Stonebeard and the company approached. Hulmarra flung open yet another door, this one of darkened redwood that squeaked loudly down the hall.

“Sounds like a dying cat." Merlia stated with a chuckle. “Perhaps Arctrurus' family hired da same person!" The air filled with snickers of their time spent at the human's estate as they funneled into a rather large bedroom.

There was a large bed dressed in lavender and baby blue sheets pushed against the wall, topped with crème colored pillows laced with a frilly design. They looked to be as fluffy as Voidwing when he pushed out his feathers and were the size of a full grown gryphon's head. There was a navy canopy that rested at the side of the bed, assurance of a private affair. There was a mirror that hung on the wall opposite, flanked by two dressers and a wardrobe with a stack of folded clothing of all colors. When Nivra leaned forward she spied they were dresses and blouses of all cool colors, with a bright aquamarine one sitting right on top with yellow stitching.

“This will be the princess's room of course. Finest for the royalty and all that." Hulmarra gestured to a desk lined with several candles of sparkling silver with pitch black wicks. When they stepped closer Nivra got a whiff of strawberries wafting from the cylinders of wax.

With her next intake of breath, she was back to a cliff near her home, leaning back against the brave black gryphon while they enjoyed a shrinking sun that painted the sky a great brilliant vermillion. Her skin flushed as she held his onyx head, staring long fully into his apricot eyes. There had been a cool breeze that night, but she hadn't minded as they admitted their feelings for one another.

“And if you follow me, you'll see the other guests' rooms." Hulmarra called from outside the room, seemingly having stepped out while Nivra was lost within her mind.

“This is terrible in comparison!" Crimson harsh shout pulled Nivra back to the present, Causing her to glance around at the empty room. Blood rushed to her cheeks as she quickly scampered after them, hoping no one had noticed her absence.

“Somewhere nice I take it?" Voidwing's soft voice came as she shut the door behind her with the upmost care. Her eyes widened as the door didn't seem to want her to remain hidden or save any bit of her pride, for its squeak shrieked through the air like a roc seeking a mate along the treetops. She curled her head around already expecting a stream of laughter from the others, but thankfully no one had looked as she slunk across the hall. They were all too fixated on the numerous smaller rooms that only bore a small dresser for clothing, a mirror, and a small bed to fit one person, two if they were cramped close together. Crimson was glaring at the poor woman like she had committed the most horrible of crimes. Little plumes of smoke were rising from his flared nostrils as his tail smacked Arcturus' plate as if in defiance.

“Fine as dis is lass." Merlia pulled out one of the fluffy cushions on the bed and squishing it between her palms. “Can we get a better place ta rest?"

Hulmarra's eyes widened. “Is something wrong?"

“Its too clean in dere." Merlia tossed the pillow back onto the bed. “It lacks real grit." The ranger rubbed two of her fingers together. “Am I makin meself clear?"

“Good gods by the sound of it, it makes me think you would prefer a whorehouse!" Hulmarra laughed, placing her palm to her mouth.

“At least dat place be lived in!" The dwarf chuckled, “Dis place feels like a fancy illusion cast by one of yer wizard! Like somethin be ready ta spring out at me on a short notice!" The dwarf picked up the mattress, eyes scanning the bottom as if expecting a trap to be hidden there. She let it fall with narrowed eyes. “Besides!" Merlia spun around, stroking the blue gryphon on her shoulder. “What am I suppose ta get a wink without me gryphon blanket?"

“Yea!" Krotos' feathers fluffed as he pushed himself to all fours with a clack of his beak.

Nivra sighed as the conversation devolved once more into talk about the stables and how the feral members of the group didn't want to stay there. Once promises were made of finding an inn for them, they cooled down. Angry hisses and squawks were shifted into grumbles and flicking tails. The wizard fully expected whatever truce had been established was only temporary, only waiting to pounce as another irritation jutted it's angry head. She pitied the girl who spun on her heel, ignoring the sour looks that the gryphon and dragon were giving her.

She offhandedly asked if anyone prayed to the gods Fureen or Sartren as she showed them to a prayer chamber located across a courtyard large enough for several gryphon's to fit with wing's outstretched. The chapel could hardly fit eight people. Two shrines where within the candle lit circular structure with a roof made of transparent glass. Hulmarra explained it was to bear witness to the god's domain respectively and cater to the eternal lovers. In decoration this seemed to be true as well. One side was adorned in cloths of pristine white, sparkling golds and little sections with red and orange pictures depicting the sun's flames. There was a carpet beneath a small gold idol that ran along the floor and eventually faded into a blush purple dotted with stars. Rising from that end of the carpet was an ivory statue carved to resemble a female wolven reaching her hands out for her long lasting lover. Instead of brights she was set before cool blues, vibrant purples and glittery silver that shimmered softly within the candle's flickering flames.

Nivra bowed her head to such idols. While they were not gods of her nation, she knew better to disrespect any god. Though they did not stay in this place for very long as Hulmarra eyed the feral companions with an odd look and whisked them all out of the place with a roll of her hands. She led them next back across the courtyard, revealing they would be heading to the kitchens and pantry with a smile springing to her lips and a bounce to her step.

“I would like to say that the lord is looking very much for your arrival. He gave all the chefs permission to use as much as they wanted from the pantries!"

“That would be wise." Arcturus smiled, running his hand along the length of Crimson's neck. “These friends of ours can really stuff their faces."

“I'm a growing dragon! It's a reasonable amount of food for me!" Crimson thrust his snout towards the feather fluffed up blue bird. “They naturally eat more. Birds and all that."

“Hmmpf." Krotos beak rose with a dismissive snort and flick of his tail. “Guess that means more delicious food for us then." The gryphon's ears flicked back as he tilted his head into half parted beak smirk.

“S..sure." Voidwing laughed, his voice trailing off as the gryphon's gaze seemed to dart to anything that wasn't the red dragon staring daggers at both gryphons.

Nivra carried on after Hulmarra with a sigh, her hands rising to caress the diminutive gryphon on her shoulder. Giggles bubbled up from her throat as her black furred companion practically melted in her hands, his limbs flopping weakly over her chest, his eyes closing in bliss. Soft chirps of delight lingered in the air. Distracted, she bumped into Merlia and apologized before the ranger could get angry with her. Shock struck her when the dwarf just told her it was no problem, laughing it off like it was no big deal. The woman simply punched the princess playfully, telling her she didn't mind getting bumped into by friends. Krotos burst out squawking laughter at that, earning himself a dwarven burst of “Hah!"

Friend huh? Nivra's eyebrow rose as they continued down the fine stone steps. Hulmarra was going on about how the kitchens had once cooked a meal for the queen and king of Drenedar. That their halfling chef had been so proud. Delicious. She lingered on the word and placed a finger on the air.

“Absolutely delicious."

As if summoned by her very words Nivra found her nose getting seduced by the very air. Shoulders slacked, breaths came in with a sigh as the smell of cooking meats hung in the air mixed with a menagerie of spices. Her mouth watered like a leaky faucet as her stomach started to taunt her. It roared like a lion, ending its proclamation with a gurgle.

“Quite da princess dis one." Merlia laughed, thumbing towards Nivra with a grin. “Has an appetite like a giant. Reminds me o home." She nudged Stonebeard who was starting to chuckle away with a reddening face as he recalled a story about an uncle that had an unfortunate accident with a pair of loose fitting trousers.

What could she mean by friend? Is she trying to get a favor? She winced, arms clutching her sides as her stomach felt as though crocodiles were snapping at her insides and tugging firmly. Hopefully they wouldn't have to wait long for the meal, or at least get away from such teasing smells. Her cheeks flushed hot as they rounded what had been the final corner. The smells were getting stronger as they continued forth. She could even hear the soft sizzling and crackling of boiling oil that there were urging to make a dish called tempura. Nivra's nose wrinkled at the thought of fish but the gryphons seemed to be rather ecstatic about it. Krotos' mood even shifting to one of happy chirps at dinner being mainly fish dishes. The princess rubbed her stomach, certain that hunger was going to get the better of her. Maybe she would even give in and try the fish.

“Are you trying to make me rip up your kitchen?" Crimson proclaimed as they opened the final door. “It smells absolutely divine! It's the one thing I like about you mortals. It's the food that you cook for me." He smiled, snout tapping at Arcturus' face. “You should learn to cook better. Make us tantalizing meals."

“And be reduced to your wife?" Nivra chuckle, fighting off the wiggling of knees by holding firm against her staff. Never had she been more thankful for it, and not ending up sprawled on the floor. She held tight her stomach as another gurgle rocked her frame, just as Crimson gave her a sour look.

“No, he wouldn't be my wife." The dragon hissed, tapping his paw against the man. “Honestly Nivra. I was merely suggesting something that my dearest mate could learn. Is that so wrong?" He smiled to her when she admitted that no there was nothing wrong with that. “Then good!' The dragon trilled, “Now excuse me. I have to go back to sniffing!" The red rose up, placing his claws on Arcturus' face and gesturing to the room with a wing talon. “Closer! I wish to gaze upon our food!"

The pair laughed as they stepped into the room, the powerful smells bursting forth and wrapping around them all as if by a cinnamon scented cloak. Pots of all shapes and sizes sat on metallic grates suspended about a raging fire. Flames danced and licked around the pot's bottoms like a tender lover and filling the room with a nearly overpowering warmth. Next to the large grill that filled the room was a table made for the cleaning and dicing of gathered foods. The steady chops of knives set a tempo to an unknown song as the human chef holding it paid them little mind. His dark grey tunic and trousers were folded back around his wrist, keeping the fabric safe from any platter or spill. Over his tunic was a large dark blue apron tied around his neck. Unlike the shirt it was dark and smeared with small traces of meal that he was preparing. To his left and right were two similarly dressed elves who were busy dicing away at some green lettuce and some radiant looking tomatoes that were ripe and filled with juices.

“I believe we are having a plethora of almond slathered cod, lemon butter salmon, garlic roasted red snapper and I think some shrimp dipped in a candied sauce made from cinnamon. Then pair all of it with heaping loads of steamed vegetables and some tempura as well. Which in my opinion is bleedin great, I've had some in other houses, but our chef here seems to do something with the oil that makes it taste positively divine. Then of course there is the rice, which don't be surprised to find a rice ball or two in the offering." Hulmarra smiled, pointing to a boiling pot that's top was leaking small tendrils of curling steam through the air. “I know they're not the fanciest of foods, but William simply adores them. When he had tasted them from a local vendor, he demanded that Cade here learn the recipe and duplicate the offering on special occasions. Which I have to say." She chuckled. “Having two princesses I believe would fit the bill."

“Of that there is no doubt." Nivra laughed. “The food already smells positively delectable. It has me practically slobbering away like some hound. Even entices me to try the fish. And I've never uttered that before." Nivra bowed her head, just as a man's angry voice ran through the air. Before them stepped a red faced halfling dressed in dark brown clothing that had trace amount of stains around his wrists. The white fluffy hat wearing halfling stomped his hair covered feet towards them with a stubby finger already thrust at them.

“Get these animals out of here I tell ya! Before they a getting ta ruining my dishes!" He gestured to the door with his hand.

Nivra was about to greet the man with some kind words. Perhaps quell his rising temper that was threatening to burst from his cherry red cheeks and wrinkled brow, but that was unfortunately dashed when their resplendent dragon beat her to the punch.

“But we're your guests!" The dragon protested with a fluffing of his wings. Myself and my gryphon friend were merely inspecting your so-called dishes that you wish us to feast upon this evening! Isn't that right Krotos?"

Krotos' head pulled back, tilting slightly to the side as his ears swiveled towards the little red dragon. His eyes widened as a gasp came from his orange striped beak. “We're friends now?" he clacked his beak, tail twitching in shock. “When did this happen?" Crimson didn't look at him and merely waved a forepaw in his direction.

“Never you mind that." Crimson flicked his tail around Arcturus' neck as the human gave a heavy sigh. “We can discuss that later. After I'm done correcting this halfling on his manners to his esteemed guests."

“Well Mr fancy dragon." The halfling plucked up a wooden spoon , wagging it in their direction. “Guests shouldn't be in the kitchens like ya are. I Cade Tealeaf, didn't get where I was goin cause I let just any scaled or furred beast inta my kitchens." His eyes narrowed on the little red, setting the air aflame with their intensity. “Y'all just goin ta have to wait like everyone else!" Cade snapped to Hulmarra, giving the poor woman a death glare that caused all the remaining color on her face to drain away. “Why are they still here woman? Go on and git!"

“Well you heard him! Let's go before we learn what he can do with that spoon!" Hulmarra started to shoo them out of the kitchens, mentioning that she still had to show them the study. The only resistance to this was Crimson, who gave little pathetic groans as they were escorted out by her rolling hands. Everyone else though was discussing the tempura and how utterly divine that the other dishes smelled.

'Don't think I'll be able to think about anything bleedin else." Lyndis groaned, rubbing her stomach as they shut the kitchen door behind them. “Been awhile since I had a good fish dish!" She turned to Hulmarra with a sly grin, “That your master plan eh?" She laughed, grabbing the woman by the shoulder. “Show a bloke the kitchens and get them weak with hunger?"

“Aye so dats what ya were doin." Merlia chuckled, flinging her braided tail behind her. “Thee ole dwarven guest trick. Get yer guest starvin fer more before tallkin deals." The dwarf winked, letting out a hearty laugh. “DIdn realize dat was a ting up here as well!"

This continued for several minutes as the poor girl was ribbed and teased as she led them through the corridors. She kept her calm though with a straightened back, answering simple questions that only brought up chuckling laughter from the other adventurers. The only one who wasn't doing this was Feku, who was shuffling along with her head held low, watching her claws. She had asked to help prepare the meal before they had left but Cade had insisted that he would be mortified if the guests were forced to help prepare his masterpiece of a meal. The little lizard's scales had shifted to a faint, darkened red as she grumbled to herself in harsh whispers under her breath.

 So, it was that Hulmarra brought them up a spiral staircase of pristine looking stone that had small sections of the stairs painted to resemble the night sky. The railings were covered in blue and white swirling colors that resembled the tail of a shooting star. Lanterns were lining the walls on every floor, only half of them lit to provide the needed light to follow. Nivra felt her heart quicken slightly as they started to near the top.

“Would the previous owner mind?" She asked when Hulmarra mentioned that this study belonged to the resident court wizard. The girl had sighed, pausing in her walk as eyes gazed out past the stones. She said that the wizard had recently left to clear his mind, undergoing a spiritual crisis as it were. What that was the woman wouldn't go further into, but it at least started to fight the quickened beats her heart was doing against her chest. They passed a stain glass window that was painted to resemble a blue dragon with its wings spread wide, lightning springing from its open maw and cleaving the cloud filled sky above like a great axe. Crimson had taken much interest of that, insisting that they get something like that done for him by the end of this little venture.

Anticipation bubbled beneath her skin as they drew closer and closer towards the wizard's study. Her fingers clenched in and out, her breaths coming more quickly as she stroked Voidwing's back. She had seen many wizard's studies over the years. Each one carried a sense of wonder, questions that needed to be asked. Like someone had pulled off a sheet so that they could gaze into that man or woman's soul. By the time they had reached the final step and wooden door with an ivory symbol of the moon she was practically hopping on her toes to go in. What could they learn about this wizard's soul?

“So we're doin some snoopin on dis here wizard eh?" Merlia's arms crossed. “Not sure ifn I like da idea o dat."

“Why did you bleedin say it like that?" Lyndis chuckled, shoving the dwarf's shoulder. “You didn't seem ta focken mind back at the fort. I think you kept those pictures you found for gods sake!"

“Aye, but dat be a different story lass." The dwarf waved her off. “ He deserved ta get knocked down a few pegs. Dis be a finger twiddler. Dey usually like dere privacy to remain dat way. I dun wanna end up a newt or something because o me wanderin eyes."

“Till he pisses you right off." Crimson grumbled with a roll of his eyes. “You are aware we have our own wizards to counteract anything right?"

The dwarf snapped to the little drake, hardened eyes locking onto him. “I heard dat ya scaly baby! Shall I go on how ifn he had a mirror you'd be stuck fer days? Or perhaps a few dozen shiny coins fer you to covet like da sneaky dragon ya are?"

Nivra sighed as the pair started yet another bickering match over whose size was what and whose job was what in the party, and how Merlia was being too anti dragon for Crimson's tastes. She simply surged passed the pair and nodded when Hulmarra turned to her, eyes glancing to Crimson and Merlia before drifting back to the others. Arcturus simply mentioned that they should ignore the two, just as they were going to do. The man winced as the red drake considered this an insult and nipped at his ear for the trouble. Crimson stomped his paw against the man's chest plate, insisting that as a dragon he should never be ignored.

“Quite full of himself isn't he?" Voidwing chuckled softly as Hulmarra opened the door slowly, one eye still lingering on the group as if something was going to happen. Like an entrance to a treasure trove the door cracked open and Nivra's beating heart practically leaped from her chest. What books could she gleam from here? What sort of spells would this wizard focus on? She was nearly bouncing for joy as the darkened study slowly brightened from the tower's sliver of light.

“Light" Hulmarra spoke, taking a step inside. The moment her foot touched the ground the lights around the room sprang to life. Candles that were resting in three-pronged metal, torches lining the circular room all illuminated together in synchronization. A chandelier woke from its slumber, filling what darkness the others had left with it's enchanting light. In the center of the room was a circular table with several long legs that splintered off into numerous little appendages. Books piled high on the hard wood, some in stacks of at least ten, while others were covered in open parchment and dried wax from long spent nights. The room smelled of old books and burned candles, intermixed with the faint smell of lavender that was typical of the rest of the keep thus far. It clung to every book laden surface, and wrapped around them.

Nivra's brow rose at a bone white human skull resting on the table near the center, suspended on a blue cushion lined with golden thread. She took a tentative step, mindful that she might smudge or track dirt onto the thick multicolored carpet that filled the room. It had vibrant golds and reds all swirling around like fat nobles lost within a sea of black threads. She sighed as memories of her past reflected on the glass window that dominated the west wall. She closed her eyes, swearing she could even the hear the soft sound of her ink and quill traveling along the pages of her spell book as she transferred yet another spell to memory from years past.

“Well this is certainly something else." She ran her fingers slowly over the circular table, tracing the grooves in the worn wood.

What stories could you tell?

 If only the wizard who it belonged to was here. She'd listen to hours of what sort of experiments he had concocted, what hidden mysteries of the arcane that he had sought to unlock. “And who did you say was the wizard who lived here? I'm not particularly knowledgeable about wizards from your kingdom. Perhaps we could send him a message? Would be nice to pick another learned person's mind of the interworking's of the arcane." She turned her head over her shoulder, ignoring Crimson's narrowed eyes.

“But I am a master of the arcane!" The red dragon placed a claw to his ever-swelling chest. “I'll try to not be insulted by your blatant disregard for a dragon such as I."

“She's right you know." Shandalar cut off the little outburst with her calm and collected voice as she strolled around the study with a straightened back and hands folded behind her. “You cast magic a different way dragon. Yours is like a candle to the true flames of the arcane. You wield it like your claws or your tail. This is like a true art of which you will never truly be able to master without years of practice and study."

“Hmmpf." Crimson's jaw snapped at the air as he shifted his tail around Arcturus' neck. If Nivra didn't know any better, she thought her former master had a confident smirk threatening to emerge from her lips.

“Jandar is out house wizard." Hulmarra sighed, running a hand along the gathered books on the numerous bookshelves that lined the walls. The spines were all different sizes and shapes, packed to the brim on shelves that seemed to struggle to contain them all. The woman stopped, staring deeply into the window as if looking after a long-lost love. “The bloke went up north to tend to a personal matter. We hope that he shall return one day and leave this study for him just as he left it."

“is this the same Jandar from the Swirling Storm?" Crimson sprung up as questions were soon given with hushed voices. Even Lyndis had her arms folded against her chest with the flickers of curiosity reflecting in her amber pools.

“That.." Hulmarra chuckled, “Is often a common misconception actually." She stepped back with a smile as her hands rose with the palms out. “He just bears the name is all. Not related to the dragon Storm at all."

“Then where is Storm?" Crimson's head cocked the side. “I want to meet him already!" The dragon's frills flared outwards. “Surely he would have wanted to meet me of all people if he were here!"

Nivra strolled around the study as she listened in on the woman deflecting question after question, simply stating that the blue dragon was a busy creature. They would get no guarantee that he would show himself. Even if the new guest happened to be a dragon with adventurers in tow. The wizard found herself chuckle as the red dragon snorted harshly, demanding that she was giving them the run around. He vocalized his protests with little hisses as Arcturus picked him up and plopped him down onto his shoulders. He got a few nips and narrowed glances for his trouble. Nivra stopped to admire a small crystal resting on a series of hard leather-bound books, the torchlight sparkling off it's smooth surface. She could understand the dragon's frustration to a degree. Something was certainly off about the woman's response, and not just her own distrust of new people. Hulmarra was shifted slowly from side to side her eyes occasionally glancing to the door as she spoke in length about when the room had been constructed and put to use. Something wasn't right. She had to be lying at both Jandar and the Storm excuse. Why would you let a dragon roam freely through your city? Especially one that wasn't exactly built for them. If she were in charge, she'd have at least set the dragon to check up on Crimson who was now glaring at Arcturus with little taps of his frilled tail against the man's breastplate.

Let it go. Her mind whispered to her as she plucked the crystal off the table and rolled it between her fingers. Let the woman keep her secrets for now. Perhaps you could get Lord Threllfall to spill the beans as it were. Then you can bring up the lying. Heck, perhaps she could even shift Crimson's attitude into liking her more.

Hulmarra finished the tour, clasping her hands together and repeating that the Lord would not be too long. “If you need anything. The sure thing to do would be to find one of the servants. They shall meet your needs with the upmost haste that they can provide." She left without another word as the group started to chatter among themselves. The talk that went about was of the upcoming meal, soon drifting to what to do in the meantime.

Nivra glanced out the glass window towards the dwindling sunlight that coated the land. Soon it would below the horizon and night would come rushing in like the tide. The oranges and reds eventually fading away into violets and dark blues as thousands of stars winked into existence.

“We should go spar." Arcturus nudged Asterion with a raised brow. “Finally get that rematch from our time at the estate."

The cleric gave the paladin a smirk with the flick of his tail. “I will meet that challenge with pride." He pounced his chest with a fist and clamped a hand on the human's armored shoulder. “Perhaps this time you can emerge victorious."

“We'll see about that." They went to depart, but Arcturus turned back as Crimson leaped off his shoulder and landed on the ground with a flare of his wings. “Aren't you coming as well? You're free to."

“And reward you for your behavior?" The dragon's neck curled into an S as his claw rose to touch his chest. “There are consequences for your actions paladin. This one will be the lack of my attention to your little games that you play with our oversized bovine there."

Asterion just snorted, rolling his eyes and walking out of the room. Arcturus followed suit, wishing the dragon well and promising to see him later. Feku went running after them with a swaying tail and her violin held tightly within her claws. “Wait for me!" She exclaimed over her clacking claws. “I can play music!"

Crimson scampered away from the door, coming to a stop and admiring his little claws with a disinterested sigh. “I suppose that I will have to entertain myself for the time being"

“Is dat right?' Merlia smirked, “Cause I didn't tink ya'd put on dat kinda show!"

“Not that." The dragon's snout wrinkled as his tail flicked behind him. “Get your mind out of the proverbial ditch dwarf."

Following in the cleric and paladin's actions the others soon broke off as well to follow other pursuits to pass the time. Merlia was captivated by Stonebeard's tale about more of his travels, offering to go get a pint from a near by tavern. He gave her a wink and said ta not worry. Dey be back before the lord returned. Krotos found a small pale blue pillow with the symbol of a blue dragon on it. His tail flicked to life as the gryphon plopped down onto his haunches and began to preen his feathers with little rumbles or bird noises soon coming from his beak. Shandalar slung off her pack, plunging her hand into the container and procuring a parchment of paper that been rolled up with a dark green seal. The plans they had found in Lumara she had said they were, the night they had escaped from her father's clutches and the info she'd been studying nonstop since that night. She slipped down into a chair, rolling out the parchment and practically gluing her eyes to the pages.

Crimson settled down onto his belly by the window, staring out into the sun's warm radiance of intertwining yellows, reds, and the purples that rippled outwards like the waves of the ocean. Lyndis had taken one last look around the place, stretching her back until it cracked and letting out a satisfied groan. “Think I'm going to take a bleedin bath." She yawned, tapping her lips politely before dragging herself towards the door. Nivra's brow rose. A bath sounded nice. She turned her head as the thought nearly pulled her along after the Drenedarian princess, but she wasn't sure how Lyndis would see that action, or if they would simply devolve into bickering with one another. She decided to wait until after dinner, not even risking it. She turned back towards the book cases that lined the walls, ignoring how Krotos had perked his ears up at the bath and gave the rogue a smirk.

“And I better not catch you peaking." The princess thrust a finger towards the blue bird with a warning glare. “Or you'll get a piece of my mind."

“Oh please." The gryphon chirped. “If I gander at mortal woman I have at least the decency to ask first. Course your prudence about nakedness is simply adorable." His ears splayed as the woman's gaze didn't shrink away and simply held his eyes captive. “I…already learned that lesson in the past."

“Same page then." Lyndis waved, turning rapidly on her heel before strolling out the door. “See you lot during dinner then. I got a date with a near scalding collection of water and soap to wash away whatever is going through the blue kittybird's head."

“To be fair. I think about that with most of you!" Krotos called after her, his ears perked up and giving the others a beak half parted smirk.

“Classy." Shandalar said coldly, “Perhaps you should throw yourself at her more often. Seems to be doing wonders for you."

“Hmmph." The gryphons preening didn't stop. Instead he looked away to keep on with his cleaning of his feathers.

“He can't help it after all." Crimson chimed in, strolling over with a swelling of his chest. “The gryphon has sadly caught the affliction that makes him more attracted to mortal woman."

“You're one to talk red scales." Krotos' snapped back. “If I recall correctly you practically warble every time that your knight even glances in your direction."

Oh brother. Nivra chuckled to herself as her two feral companions resorted to name calling such as feather brain, red bum, and uptight kittybird. It ended when she had taken a few more steps, hand raising to trace her fingers along the spines of the plentiful tomes packed onto the shelves. They were smooth, worn, clearly aged well into their years. She spied several books she'd never heard of before. Soft taps sounded as she dragged her finger along every multicolored book. Once more she was the age of twelve, twirling her fingers into circular shapes as Shandalar watched from across the courtyard of her home with crossed legs. Nivra's fingers crossed at the wrong time and the spell she had been weaving from the ether suddenly exploded into a shower of brilliant sparks of the brightest cerulean that had left the image burned into her eyes for several moments after. She had been sent flying backwards onto her rear, rapidly blinking her eyes. Her hair was standing on edge and her teeth were chattering as Shandalar stood with a knowing smile like a loving parent.

Her next step the scene shifted. She was years older and sparing back and forth with the elven wizard in question inside one of the many libraries back home with tables pushed to the far corners to create a makeshift “Arena" for them to practice in. Laughter had found its way to her younger self as she held an electric crackling whip in one hand while coiling it over the red carpet below. The girl snapped it towards Shandalar, who deflected it with a mere wave of her hand.

“Lost in thought?" Shandalar's present words melted away the memories like frosty boots before a raging fire.Just like that the younger wizard was back within the study, hands having stopped over a grainy and dark blue covered tome. Her breaths were coming a tad faster than before as she swished her shoulder length hair behind her with a hand.

“I think she might have a nail loose." Crimson snickered, throwing his head back into a laugh. “That's what you get for spending all your free time with elves. You go simply mad!"

“Or perhaps it's your ineptitude to realize logic and choose better outcomes for yourself or your so-called friends."

“I resent that!" The little dragon spun around, paws striking the ground as he flared out his wings. His chest puffed up to appear bigger as small plumes of black smoke coiled and snaked their way from his flared nostrils. “I always choose the better options! We would be dead times over without my interventions!" Crimson's head rose, eyes closing as a foreclaw went to his armored chest. “You're welcome of course."

Krotos snickered into his feathers as he continued his preening with a happy thrash of his tail.

“Hey!" The dragon hissed, stamping the wooden floor with a paw. “No one asked your opinion, did they? You just keep on eating your feathers like a good little kitty bird!"

Shandalar's stern gaze drifted from the dragon to the still snickering gryphon. “it's not like his choices have had any more merit. You'd think that both of you hatched from the same clutch!"

“That might be going too far!" Krotos' squawked, feathers fluffing up as he pulled his head back and stared daggers right into Shandalar's eyes. He snapped his beak back towards Crimson when the little dragon fell over laughing with his tail thrashing onto the floor.

“Was just.." Nivra held at her side, turning to stare into one of the paintings hanging on the wall. It reminded her of her brother. The one lost during the war. She rose a brow as she stared into the strokes of brushes that had created the three family members. Some woman she did not know, and a cheery looking man holding what appeared to be a blue dragon in their arms. “Just remembering things." She said softly, her voice almost a whisper. Her face hardened as her brother's form stood tall next to the window, his lavender cape fluttering in a phantom wind before turning to give her a faint smile. Instead of warmth that she sure it was meant to convey she instead felt cold as tiny little claws raked against her neck. “Reminds me of the library back home. The one that he and I used to study in." She swallowed back a dark memory. “The one we used to train in. The one where you showed me to think I was better than what my father thought. Better than I thought of myself."

'Wasn't that hard Nivra." Shandalar's eyes went back to her documents, hand going to caress her chin. “You speak as if it was this impossible task. You were not the only one to need a little push every now and again to reach their potential." She rose her stern face to stare at Crimson, her irritation flickering before her eyes. “You at least pursue better things. Unlike certain beings I know."

Krotos chirped indignity as Crimson rolled his eyes. “You make it sound as though she is a little wyrmling cast into the sky to fly." The dragon pounced to the floor, stretching his limbs one by one.

“You are tossed into the sky as a wyrmling?" Nivra shifted her gaze to the maw snapping dragon, who was wiggling his haunches with a flare of his head frills.

“Mothers do it to help us fly." The dragon scampered over to Krotos' resting place, placing a forepaw on the gryphon's side. “Come on gryphon. I'm rather parched and I request your assistance in the matter."

“And why is that I should help you?" Krotos' head pulled back, giving the dragon an odd look as he scanned his scales up and down with inquisitive eyes. “I'm quite content to stay here and preen my feathers!"

“That may be." Crimson strolled around the gryphon with a flick of his tail, head held as high as his little neck could. “But then you would miss out on the chance of snatching some spirits from the kitchens."

Krotos tilted his head to the side, his ears swiveling towards the dragon as his tail tapped as if in thought several times against the cushion. Nivra could see the indecision lingering across his beak as the gryphon mulled it over, letting out a long sigh. “Go on."

“I need an accomplice."

“Can't you go somewhere once dragon without causing some sort of mischief? We're guests in this place." Shandalar peaked up from her parchment and giving the pair an icy stare. “You're going to get us thrown out of this place, or worse yet, thrown into the dungeons for your antics. Besides, I'm sure the staff would love to get you some spirits if you only inquired the need to them."

Crimson snorted, raising his snout and wheeling away from the elf with a swish of his tail on the air. “Ah but you forget one little detail within your clever idea wizard." The dragon curled his little neck around to give the wizard a smile to show off all his miniature teeth. “Where's the fun in that?" Those cerulean eyes brimmed with excitement as his tail sways playfully behind him. He snapped back to Krotos, who had let to budge from his resting place. “So, are you in?"

“Perhaps…" Krotos turned his head slightly to the side, as if to feign his disinterest at the prospect. “Tell me about how we're friends again?"

“Uuuuuggghhhh." Crimson groaned with a roll of his eyes. “We're friends you blue feathers kittybird. Are you going to help me or not?"

“That's all I wanted!' The gryphon beamed with a nod, pouncing from his pillow with a happy chirp. The little bird landed next to the dragon with a flare of his wings, his haunches swaying side to side in a confident strut. “I knew you were going to warm up to me!"

“Don't make me regret that decision." The dragon snorted, pulling his head away as the little blue gryphon rubbed up against his scales with a little coo. “And don't do that! Now come on!" The dragon gave a tiny roar, charging at the door like an excited rodent with the gryphon right behind his frilled tail. It was when they were going to cross through the entryway that Krotos' head turned around and the gryphon came to a screeching halt.

“Care to come with us Voidwing?" The gryphon's eyes locked onto the onyx guardian around Nivra's shoulders, giving the diligent bodyguard a beak parted smile. “it's going to be fun."

Nivra glanced over, locking eyes with the silver striped beak of her loyal bodyguard before he turned back to the patient ferals in the door. She could see his form shift on her shoulders as his muscles tenses and loosened with need.

“I'll be fine here." He said as last, letting out a little sigh.

“Are you sure?" Krotos chirped, pulling his head back.

“I don't want to leave my princess unguarded!" The onyx guardian squawked with splayed ears, ruffling up his feathers. “It's my duty to protect her!"

Nivra silenced his little outburst by placing a finger gently onto his beak and clamping it shut. “Shhhh." She whispered as he pulled his beak away from her, his feathers ruffling outward like a little black cloud, “I'll be fine soft paws. I'm a capable mage that had had the best teachers. I trained with both Nigel and Shandalar here." Despite her words he still looked to her with concern flickering in his apricot pools. She sighed, narrowing her eyes and straiting her back. If he wasn't going to be convinced with her mere words then she would be forced to throw around her authority if only for his best interest at heart.

“Voidwing." She said sternly, with all the force of a future queen. “I order you in the name of Lumara to go assist the antics of that red dragon and his gryphon side kick in this apparent heist they are scheming." She waved her hand regally, ignoring the little snickers that were coming from the red drake.

“B-but princess!" The gryphon protested, tapping her shoulder with an onyx plated claw.

“That is an order." She pointed a finger at his eyes, to which they crossed to stare at her fingertip. “Do I make myself clear gryphon?" With the proclamation made she crossed her arms sternly, keeping her firm stare onto that diminutive black guard.

His weight shifted from side to side, tail trembling across her back. His ears pinned against his head, not sure if to take her words seriously or not. When she didn't budge, he relented, head drooping with a heavy, defeated sigh. “I understand you princess."

“Hey." She pushed a finger under his chin, raising it up slightly so he was looking into her eyes. She gave him a warm smile. “It won't be so bad. Now go about your duty my loyal servant. Go help that silly dragon with whatever is stuck in his head right now."

“I'm not silly!" Crimsons growled, flaring out his wings. “I am fierce and most strong!"

“But you look adorable right now!" Krotos chirped, laughing away as he scampered out of the dragon's nipping range with a flare of his wings. “And apparently have had your reflexes dulled!" The gryphon circled Nivra, swopping around her to chirp and egg Voidwing down from her shoulders. When Voidwing did, he leaped off towards the others, settling down next to Crimson with a careful stride.

“Don't worry about him princess!" Krotos called happily as he shifted through the air and back towards the door. “We shall take good care of him, wont we Crimson?" The Gryphon's crown feathers extended before giving the princess a big wink.

“Oh, cease your lewd winking and lets go!" Crimson snarled, gesturing to the door with his wing talon before bounding out into the hallway and flaring his wings into flight. “Now come on!" The gryphons bound after his frilled tail with squawks. Even Voidwing looked determined to give chase to that swaying tail with a renewed energy she only saw during his trials or combat. She chuckled to herself as she turned back around to see that Shandalar had placed her books on the table and was now sifting through the stacks of paperwork with widened eyes. Upon noticing that the ferals had left the elf looked up, her fierce blue eyes locking right onto Nivra's.

“You trained with Nigel?" Her voice was taught and lacking any of the playful banter or aura that her recent conversations had. Even her brow was stitching together into what the wizard could only describe as a scowl.

Now wasn't that a tad interesting. She had never known Shandalar for the jealous type. Perhaps she had picked it up in the years since their parting? She remained calm as the elf stared at her like a predator. She strode over, resting a hand onto the crowded table. “Yes, I did. An old gentleman to the northwest of the capital. I was intrigued by his offer one day to learn more, so. I took it." She stepped calmly away from her mentor and strode to the window, gazing down into the stone courtyard below. She saw Feku, standing near the side with her blade of shining light held within her claws as Asterion and Arcturus were seemingly instructing the little lizard on how to properly hold her weapon. Braziers lit the area around them, painting her companions in a golden light. From them she glanced up to the sprawling city of mismatched colors and the smoke rising in the distance like grey snakes spiraling upwards into the darkened sky. The buildings moved with the earth, rising and falling with numerous windows that in the sunset looked like black berries dotting the many brown and grey bushes of the city.

Within the spacious areas she pictured that wrinkly and creased face of her other master. His kind yet firm deposition as he trained her. Despite his soft appearance he had been rather firm. If not for his pushing she might not have the drive that she currently had.

“I don't see why you were concerned. Father said he was rather skilled, and you always spoke of increasing my knowledge." She turned her head over her shoulder, giving the wizard a smile. “You didn't honestly think you were going to be my only teacher did you not? Why would I limit my learning in that regard when you taught me to do otherwise?"

“I am not jealous Nivra." The elf opened a book and let out a sigh. “Please. Describe the man for me if you would."

“Why so much interest in one singular man?" She spun on her heels, striding over back towards the icy eyed wizard. “Are you going to look him up and steal from him spells and research? If so, I believe we are friends with a roguish individual that would do it for the mere thrill."

“Girl." Shandalar's gaze cut through her good cheer like a frosty blade. “Tell me about this Nigel. I must know if its whom I expect it to be."

She leaned back, her arms folding across her chest as interest grabbed hold of her mind. This sounded interesting, ominous. Shandalar had never looked this way before. Never during her tutelage over the years. “What do you know that you're not sharing?"

“Describe him for me Nivra. I must be certain whom it is you speak of."

“Fine, I shall play your game, but you tell me all you know. Deal?" She rose her brow, tilting her head to the side and smirking when Shandalar nodded back to her in agreement. “He was a kind old man. Firm, but hard. He pushed me more than you ever did in the magical arts."

“Oh?" Shandalar's icy tone took on one laced with curiosity. “How did he do that You seem quite skilled as of late. If not a tad arrogant in your abilities. Very much like that resplendent buffoon at times."

“He gave me challenges to overcome." Nivra glanced away, staring deep into the wall and into the far reaches of her time at a wizard tower years ago. One that reached for the very stars like some blackened claw. Round and round it went, he summoned mazes, puzzles at every corner and greater constructs for her to overcome than her father had ever constructed.

“Be the best that you can be, and don't let morality stand in the way of your greatness." The old man had said, never letting up in his training even when she was sweating profusely and gasping for breath.

Though Voidwing never liked that place. The gryphon had always said that someone was watching them. His beak had twitched while his ears had pinned against his head. She had never seen him so scared in all her life. She remembered staying with him and whispering assurances that everything was going to be alright. Nigel was a friend of the royal family and would never let harm come to them. She even remembered that black dragon that he had showed her. Some unruly beast he had said that had spent its years roaming the countryside in the pursuit of endangering her people. She remembered that piercing emerald eyes that she could tell were that of a killer. The dragon had sad nothing, only staring at her with such flames that she thought the air itself would have burst aflame.

“Please…come here now." Shandalar's voice broke through the memories like weakened glass. When Nivra turned to look to her, the wizard's stance had not shifted. She looked more defensive than ever before. In fact, she looked even more guarded by the way she had taken a step back and risen her hands. That was rather alarming. It was almost like her master was treating her like some sort of threat to be guarded from.

“What are you so scared about?' She asked calmly, trying hide the sudden fluttering of her heart and sense of fear gnawing at her mind. “You're acting like you've seen some sort of demon sprouting from the ether. You're starting to worry me, all I did was train with a kind old wizard who had been friends with the family for years! So, tell me what has you so spooked, and I shall comply with your request."

“I have to see if he left any marks on you. Magical tampering, altering memories. This wizard is dangerous Nivra. He's one of my peoples most wanted fugitives of all time. Did he give you any tattoos? Any markings to place upon your skin? He had been known to force others through that to do his bidding."

Dangerous? Nigel had never been dangerous. Strange at times during their training, but never dangerous. Perhaps the worst thing he had done to her was have her battle against some creatures that he had wrangled from the wild but never dangerous. “How so?" She waved her hand through the air. “I have a hard time believing this outlandish accusation you place upon my feet. Nigel has always been a kind soul to my people, granting aid and favors over the year. He never placed anything upon me without my consent."

That did it. Shandalar's calm suddenly froze, her eyes widening like a chasm. “You said that he was well known? When was this? I'd never known him while I was there!"

“It was before you arrived, and I sought him after you left. Father had taken a liking to him over the years. Always traded away some magical contraptions for favors and what not. “

“Well look at you." Nigel had said, warmth flowing through his wrinkled face. “Such strength lurking beneath your form. And you say you need a teacher?" He had been so curious and helpful, politely offering the position as one of his pupils. When she had asked about the previous one, he had mentioned that he had been lost to him by a black dragon. The one that he had kept within his dungeons ever since for its punishment.

“Nivra…That.." The elf's mouth snapped shut, fingers tapping against her lips as she stared off into oblivion. “The Nigel I knew was a Lich. A very powerful one at that. He toyed with our wizards that went out to hunt him, but none turned up any fruit. Some we found were killed or maimed, their souls ripped right out of them and no doubt fed to his phylactery to maintain his unholy life. He vanished one day from our divination spells, and we had not heard of his interaction over the years. We had presumed he was dead for good. That some group of adventures had finally crossed his path and put an end to his horror.

“Phylactery?" Nivra tilted her head, sifting through all the info she had been given. It was rather hard to take in to be honest. That kind old man that had taught her for years of spell craft. How could he had been an undead monster? It had to be nonsense. Surely if he was as bad as the woman said then surely, she would be dead right now. Right?

“It's a power source. One that holds the Lich's soul. It requires dark magic and a sacrificing of souls and other evil deeds to create. Such a thing holds the abominations soul. If he is ever slain in his normal form, he will return to his phylactery to reform over the course of one to four days. They can live forever using this method. The soul he sacrifices is destroyed in its entirety. It doesn't even pass on into the afterlife." Shandalar mimed a small explosion with her hands. “it's simply scattered to oblivion."

“I never saw one. And he didn't even look like a corpse. He was a kind old, wrinkled, balding man!"

“Think" Shandalar tapped her forehead. “Illusions girl. Powerful spells to block sight and detection. I imagine that he didn't want to reveal his true form till he was certain you were his."

“But what for? What end game would that have accomplished? A replacement? If he wanted to drain my soul from me surely, he would have done that while I was training from him no?" Cold claws suddenly raked against her heard as she remembered Voidwing over the time. Is that why he was so warry about? That his improved senses were warning them of danger the entire time during their stay? She shivered at the thought but shook her head to try and clear it of such worry. But it was no use she couldn't shake the sense of questioning that hung in her mind and coiled tightly around her heart.

He was just an old man. He hadn't used an illusion on me…I'd have--. Her thoughts stopped dead in her tracks as she remembered Hilda, and how the woman had hidden from her so easily. If Nigel was as powerful as Shandalar spoke of, then he would have had no problem fooling her. Her blood turned to ice as she took in the shear magnitude of it all.

“Then if you're right and he is a lich. Then his claws run deep in my kingdom. There are numerous lords and merchants that owe this man favors. If they are strong enough then pushing against them in the open might trigger something that would shake our kingdom to the core."

“That's why you have to be subtler." Shandalar spoke coolly, as if facing this ancient wizard was no big deal. “He is old and powerful. I don't even think in my position that I could best him in one on one combat." The elf rose, striding over towards Nivra with a straightened back and aura of confidence.

Well that wasn't good. Nivra's eyes dashed out the window as her mind thrashed around looking for an answer. If she was admitting that then it couldn't be good. Shandalar was one of the most powerful mages she knew. If even she couldn't best him then that was truly something to worry about. She rose a hand to rest against her forehead as she released a heavy sigh. Maybe a change in topic would bring rest to the rapidly beating heart in her chest, or how her arms trembled like some scared fawn. “Did you gleam anything from the scrolls?"

“Possibly." Shandalar turned her head back around to the messy table. “It gets easier and easier each day in the translation process.  I have found the words, Gold, Emperor, terrible, and prison all scattered with the texts. What it means still eludes me so far, though rest assured that I will crack it one day. It has really put a flame under me. And now that we have a reprieve away from the undead, orcs, and other nefarious forces I can spend my time trying to decode the ancient's message."

That sounded promising, even bringing calm to her quivering arm for at least the moment. “Well let me know the first second you find anything. Whatever it was it was considered by my father and his mages to be of the upmost importance." She crossed her arms as an image of her father reflected in one of the many glasses dangling from the chandelier. His eyes locking onto her, judging her with an icy chill. What horrors could be lurking within those passages? Crystals were already made from mortal souls, how much worse could the rabbit hole go? She shivered at the thought.

As if answer to her prayers, a chuckle found its way to her chest as she spied the red dragon scampering through the courtyard below, a dark violet bottle clutched firmly between his jaws. Behind him smiled two gryphons, chasing after him with smiles on their beaks as they wove around their training companions below. She lingered on Voidwing's expression, the joy radiating from him even reaching her at this height. This was good for him. To relax and make bonds. Often, she worried about him. That despite his loyal protection he was withering, dying on the inside of having to give up so much for her. That she was robbing him of moments in his life. She stood in silent contemplation, until the sun had vanished to leave nothing but the purple and blacks of night and the moon starting to rise above the oceans' horizon and join its brother and sister stars in their eternal dance.