Chapter 24: Forging Bonds and Shaping Power

Gathering the fellowship demanded meticulous precision, shrouded in a delicate dance of discretion, lest the scent of conspiracy awaken the watchful eyes of suspicion. In this intricate orchestration, Shandalar found her confidante in Natassa.

Asterion proved no challenge to sway; the minotaur's yearning for battle and a path leading him closer to his scroll made him readily amenable to Shandalar's proposition. However, it was Merlia who emerged as the most formidable challenge, whose skepticism could rival the ire of a dragon. She refused to yield to the elven mage's narrative. Swift as a dragon's breath, an arrow, guided by Merlia's doubt, sought to find its mark between the woman’s eyes. Yet, with a mere flourish of the mage’s wrist, a cerulean cascade of magic interposed, diverting it harmlessly into the sewer wall. Thus, the stage was set for words to weave their spell and tempers to abate. Even with this, it was only after Shandalar told how the red baby was back at her quarters did the dwarf agree to follow, albeit with a suspicious eye.

Upon their return, accommodations were granted – separate quarters within the cavernous depths. Though devoid of lavish comforts, it surpassed the dreariness of sewers and the peril of falling into the clutches of the Lumarian guard. The night unfolded with tales woven, sustenance conjured, and Natassa's attempts to entice them into dance with her myriad tunes. Yet, beneath these efforts to mask it, a shadow of concern for Lyndis' well-being lingered upon every furrowed brow. Despite the camaraderie, the unsettling worry cast a pall over their temporary respite.

The morrow had dawned, and Arcturus, diligent in his pursuits, engaged in methodical rituals. He delved into the intricacies of a spell inscribed within the pages of his paladin's tome – the sacred gift from Veledar’s treasures. Amidst the illusory garden, basking in the warmth of a fabricated sun, he endeavored to master this enchantment. Unlike his familiar shield of faith, this spell aimed to weave a luminous barrier, extending beyond the confines of his person.

However, his attempts bore no fruit thus far. The blushing knight found himself amidst an illusionary garden, arms outstretched, uttering arcane incantations to no avail. With each repetition, his efforts appeared more as a spectacle of folly than a display of prowess, and frustration etched itself across his countenance.

"Must you persist with your clamorous incantations? Surprising as it may be to you, Umraadi, some of us endeavor to indulge in the tranquility of beauty sleep," Veledar growled, his red-scaled form elegantly coiled, tail enveloping his paws. Nestled within his own fiery embrace, the dragon resembled a fortress of crimson might. Beside him stood the elemental warrior draped in scarlet robes, intermittently conjuring flames to dance around the dragon's imposing frame. “Cast aside these futile spells," Veledar implored, his snout nestled within his scales. "Abandon your worries and bask in the warmth with me. I assure you, its comfort defies description."

"You and I have profoundly different definitions of comfort," Arcturus chuckled, "I'll end up as a burned crisp!"

"Sounds like a personal problem. Suit yourself," rumbled Veledar, raising a wing to afford the elemental warrior easier access to every nook and cranny. "More heat for myself."

"Could you try not to be so lazy, you red baby?" Merlia interjected from her summoned table, a turkey leg in one hand and a tankard of mead in the other. "At least he's being productive! What do you do?"

"Are your ears clogged? Beauty sleep," huffed the dragon. "I must be at my most charming and awe-inspiring if we're going to rescue Lyndis."

“Bah, what do ya need to that for?”

"If you're not going to be worthy of story afterward, why even bother?" Veledar opened a judgmental eye, scrutinizing the greasy-faced dwarf. "And you're one to talk. How is stuffing your face going to help our princess?"

The dwarf burped into her fist, then erupted into a hearty belly laugh. "Don't you know, this is how I fuel the temple that is me body! Mark me words dragon, when the time to rescue the dainty princess comes, you won't find me waiting." She downed a mouthful of mead, slamming the tankard down. "Another!"

"Surprised you're eating her summoned food," Veledar hissed, "With how suspicious you are of the wizard."

"Still am, and the food be alright, nothing to write home about," she grinned, "Beats the rations and stench of human filth, am I right, Asterion?"

The bull, currently cross-legged with his eyes closed, sat on a brown cloth blanket, flaring his nostrils to inhale the scent of the lit incense around him. "Indeed," he growled.

"See? Even he is looking more cheerful; I think I saw him crack a smile!"

Arcturus entered his stance again, taking a deep, composing breath. "What happened to thinking that the food was poisoned?"

"Already checked that," Merlia brandished the turkey leg like a mace. "Don't give me that look; the rest of ya should be more suspicious of her."

"And why would that be?" Natassa mused from her resting place, interrupting her casual chirps. She had been reclining beside a sizable bush, engrossed in one of her musical books. "She agreed to help us get Lyndis; I don't follow."

“"Do I need to repeat it?" scoffed the dwarf with a furrowed brow, then letting out a deep sigh as the others gave her questioning looks. "How can you all sit there and not have the willies? I've met others of her sect before; they feel nothing! You tell them it's their birthday, or if their family's gone and kicked the bucket, what do they do? Nothing." She assumed a dull expression, devoid of emotion, clearly meant to mock them. "They don't even hate anything. How can you trust something that doesn't properly hate or have a good grudge up their sleeve?"

"I don't hold a grudge, Merlia," Arcturus said softly.

"We all can't be perfect, Arcturus, but even you properly hate hurting the innocent; you'll be fine." She gestured to Asterion, "Asterion over there hates everything."

"I don't hate everything," Asterion gave a harsh snort, his tail thrashing against the floor. "Just because I am not prancing around doesn't mean I hate everything."

"And the dragon hates thieves. Oi, birdie, what do you be despising?"

“Obnoxious, loud mouthed dwarves?” Natassa gave an exasperated sigh, not even looking up from her book.

Merlia bellowed with laughter. "But that elf, she can stab ye in the back without blinkin'. It's like those tricky constructs yer people make, Arcturus." She shot the group a smug grin. "But don't worry yourselves, ole Merlia is on the case. This very moment,  Ulga's keepin' a close eye on her, and if the pointy-eared lassie tries anythin', we'll be the first to know."

Arcturus groaned, squeezing the bridge of his nose, “We have just gotten back on track, things are looking up, you’re going to ruin things.”

"And it won't be my fault," Veledar grinned as he flopped onto his back, letting the elemental warrior flame his belly. "I'm gonnae hold this over ye forever."

She rolled her eyes. "Ye youngin's are frettin' over nothin'. How am I gonnae ruin it if she hates nothin'? We'll be fine."

Returning to his book, Arcturus knelt before the ancient tome. He felt a sense of frustration, a nagging awareness that he must have overlooked some crucial element. Despite executing the prescribed positions and movements with precision, the spell refused to materialize.

"You're missing the heart, human," Natassa mused, turning a page of her book, her tail flicking in casual observation.

Arcturus arched a brow. "Excuse me?"

Her ears perked as she slowly adjusted her gaze. "You're not a wizard. Stop trying to analyze or think of an equation to get it to work. You can't trust what's written down."

"That makes no sense," he furrowed his brow. "How can I perform the spell if I disregard all the instructions?"

With a thump, Natassa closed her book and rose, stretching like a cat with a groan. She strode over with a flick of her haunches. "You need to feel the spell, darling, down to your core. Not those muscles you meatheads train, but your very essence." She ran the length of his back with her flank.

“Feel the spell?”

"Yes, your mistake is thinking magic is a sword or tool. I learned with my spells, the songs I wield— it was always there, waiting to be tapped."

"It was always there?" He looked to his hands, skeptical, but when he glanced at Natassa, her confidence exuded an air that proved infectious.

"Most people do," she sighed, "though to the extent it grows is always in question. You have to focus, envision the spell as an extension of yourself. There is no spell, there is only yourself."

With a graceful movement, she reared up, using her wing to focus as she curled out a hand with a chirp. "Eventually, it will become second nature and will be no more different than breathing."

Ready to try again, Arcturus entered back into the stance, going through the motions as he focused not on the spell he had memorized but on himself. He brought to life a picture of a tree, many roots spreading through his being and to the tips of his limbs. In those dwelled embers, ever wishing to be unleashed. With a breath, he brought life to them, igniting their purpose, contorting them to his will.

As he moved through the motions, he felt it spread, a warmth radiating outwards to his fingertips. This time when he spoke the words, there was not a dam to prevent him. From him came a wall of shimmering blue light, three times his size wide and twice his height. It stood proud, but no prouder than the smile upon his face.

"I did it!" he cheered, tapping the wall for good measure. It was solid enough he couldn’t pass through it, the surface was cold to the touch.

"Yes, yes, I knew you could do it dear," Natassa rolled her eyes as she strolled around the shield, inspecting it from top to bottom. "What was this spell supposed to be?"

"Lo's protective shield it’s called," he tried to quell the self-satisfaction on his face, "one that should absorb an incoming attack and convert it to the user’s strength for a brief moment."

"Is that so?" She replied with amusement before slashing at the wall of light with her talons. It flared with life, the blue intensifying to near white. She chuckled, seeing that there was not a scratch.

With a clench of his fist, Arcturus bid the wall of light to vanish into nothingness. Tendrils of its existence swept towards him, proceeding to curl and encircle his arm. He held it with a smile, the strength coursing through him. "Granted it’s for a single attack afterward, but still."

Natassa scoffed with a chirp, "A bit too blunt for my taste dear, though fitting for you I suppose."

"Not everything can be charms or illusions. Sometimes the correct solution is a blunt one."

“I’d consider that a failure.” She fluffed her wings.

“It seemed to work on the elemental warrior.”

Ears pinned, "Exceptions to the rule exist dearest. I've found the alternative is usually superior in all respects. If I can’t get what I wish from singing, dancing, or my charms, I might need to rethink my expertise."

He met her reply with a reserved stance and a smile, "You’re thinking about it wrong perhaps."

"And how would that be?" She turned on him, resting a hand on his chest, drawing closer with her beak.

"I think you’d refer to it as a key upon your belt, well suited for a certain kind of lock."

"Now you’re talking my language, paladin." The gryphoness purred, ruffling her feathers, "Now I see why some say your kind have a silver tongue."

He bowed his head in respect, "You have my thanks for the help."

"No problem." She blew him a kiss.

“Dancing, singing, charms, illusions, and I assume picking locks, not to mention helping with magical expertise. What other skills pray tell exist in your repertoire?”

“If I tell, where would the fun in that?” She bat her eyes at him as her tail curled in amusement, “Wouldn’t you rather they be surprises?”

“That’s not generally the most strategic thing.”

“But it’s the more fun thing.”

“And where did one learn all these fun things?” He asked as her beak drew nearer.

She pulled back with a chortle of amusement, “Just a little bit here, little bit there, ventured a tiny bit in Whitedell.” She extended her wings in gestures, “I appreciate the interest paladin, though isn’t your dragon hubby going to be jealous you’re chasing after a woman?”

“I was merely curious of you was all.” He blushed, “I like to know the people I work with.”

Clicking her tongue, Natassa returned, closer than before. “Oh, I’m afraid I won’t do that my sweet knight. I must endeavor to remain an enigma, shrouded in secrecy, wrapped in the threads of mystery. How else shall I keep this chase of you after me going?

“Natassa.” He said sternly, crossing arms.

She sighed, “You’re no fun Arcturus.” Raising her head with a chirp she turned away, “Though we are of one flock for the present time, my life is not like one of my books, you can’t peruse it at your leisure.”

It would appear as though he was hitting a stone wall, the paladin shook his head, “You prefer the secrecy, the romantic image of yourself, I get it.”

“Are you mocking me?” She gave a halfhearted gasp, “You of all people.”

“Not mocking, just an observation.”

“Arcturus, people like you hardly ever get involved with people like me unless it’s a trip in manacles.”

“Is that because you deserve them?” His brow rose.

“If that’s what you call making the nobility look foolish.” She shrugged, “Taking from those who take too much and sharing their prosperity to their underlings.” She waggled a wing, “Of course with a certain percentage of a finder’s fee after all.”

“I imagine after you’re done, nothing is left?”

“Adventuring requires a good deal of coin Arcturus, I have to finance everything myself.” Natassa rolled a hand to her feather ruffled chest, “And unless you reside yourself to squatting and living in squaller, you need the coin to afford the finer things.”

“Lyndis must be important to you if you’re willing to suffer through such indignities.” He watched her reaction, the averted gaze, the shifting of her hinds, she was trying to hide the worry. “You remind me of someone else.” He gestured to the dragon, “I imagine Lyndis is someone important to you, even without reading your book.”

The gryphoness eyed him from head to toe. She cocked her head, tucking her wings, “Answer me a question Arcturus. Why is it that you are trying to rescue Lyndis right now? She told me a story of delusion, but I wish to hear it from the paladin’s mouth.”

“Does this matter?”

“Of course it matters.” She scoffed, “She had it in her head that you lot recruited her for a thievery. Why would you, a paladin be alright with that?”

“It’s truth of which you speak.” The paladin shifted, “Lyndis’ deeds of thievery do not sit easy in my thoughts. That is not whom I’ve seen before me. I have seen a woman who has been loyal, kind and uplifting during these past few weeks. She is unafraid to speak her mind and courageous enough to stand by our side no matter the squalls.”

“And the dragon’s theft?”

“Is it a theft?” He met her gaze, “My kingdom unjustly stole from him, I confiscated his treasure, we’re seeking to return what was his.”

“And the Minotaur’s scroll?” Her brow rose, “Does your blood not boil when you hear he wishes to loot your kingdom’s treasury?”

A shadow fell over his heart as his attention drifted to the meditating minotaur. “It is true that it doesn’t sit well with me. That I would prefer to not do it this way.”

“Aha!”

“Though I question the validity of my king to hold such treasures in his vaults. These last few months have been sobering to say the least. I’ve seen treasure unjustly taken, death ordered on the innocent, civilians slain in pursuit of myself and my companions. There are secret bases rife with blood, where captives are tortured for gods knows what reason.” He clenched a fist, pressing nails into flesh, “What the Minotaur wanted was a small thing, such a small price to pay.”

“And how does Lyndis figure into this?”

“One thing I could never stomach was leaving my people behind.” His gaze hardened, “We may not see eye to all the time, she may poke fun myself and the others, but she was still part of our team. There is no other option, we go get her, she can’t be replaced.”

“How romantic darling.” Natassa said with a pleasing coo as she laid her head upon him, “Duty, nobility, honor, all those things you read about. Now I know why your dragon wished to acquire you.” She gave the dragon a teasing eye, accompanying her words with a seductive croon, “He can pretend like he’s sleeping, but we know he’s watching.”

“Does this satisfy your curiosity?” He asked as she grabbed his chin.

“It certainly does sweety.” Her wings fluffed, “Lyndis is lucky to have you and the dragon after her heels. Now, I better return to my readings, before I end up with burned feathers.” Blowing a kiss and flicking her tail, Natassa sauntered her way back to her open book.

“And what was that all about?” Veledar had risen, padding his way to the paladin’s side. To Natassa he gave a sharper look, nostrils soon flaring, “Besides the needless flirting on her part.”

“Jealous are we?” Sighed Arcturus, catching the dragon’s jaw.

“Please.” Scoffed the dragon with a roll of a paw to his chest, “She could not hold a candle to myself. I was merely curious.”

“Helping me with my spells was all.”

“Why talk to her of that when you can have me, the master?” He gasped, then growled, “Or do you forget my aid back at my mother’s…My home.” Darkness came to mar his snout as he adverted his gaze.

Resting a hand on the dragon’s snout he pulled it towards him with a kind smile, “I would have, but I remember a certain someone saying they needed their beauty sleep?”

There was a pause as the dragon realized this, his gaze narrowing when it clicked. “You can still bother me with this.” He said with a growl, punctuating the sentence with a harsh snort.

“I’ll try to remember that.” Fingers scratched at crimson scales, slowly turning his low growls into soft purrs of delight. “Though if you ask my opinion, your beauty sleep is wasted.”

“And why is that?” Purred the dragon.

“How could you improve upon that snout?” With a brief kiss upon the crimson scales, a rumbling came to fill the air.

“Once more, you know the way to slip past my scales.” The dragon said warmly, before doing the required motions to shift his form into a more humanoid shape, like Cordenth had done back in the Forest of Despair. It was still taller than the paladin by at least a head in a half, muscular and well toned, “Might as well go back to your training.”

“What’s with this form?” He asked as sapphire smoke settled around the dragon’s new form, one sporting wings and a tail.

“If Cordenth could do it, so could I.” He swelled out his chest, holding his head in a regal manner. “How do I look?”

“Still had to be taller than me, didn’t you?”

“As it should be, doesn’t feel right otherwise.” He laughed, sliding around Arcturus to grasp at his wrists. Shifting ever close till he was breathing down the human’s neck he guided his limbs into position, “Now, I could try and show you some intimate moves.” Veledar growled.

“I don’t think they’d cross over.” Blushed the knight as the dragon’s hot breath washed over his neck.

“No sense in not trying.” Whispered with a growl in the human’s ear.

That was when Shandalar decided to return. With a quickened gait she strode into the cave, carrying a bundle of scrolls. “Come dragon, we have much to discuss.”

“Oh, come now, can’t you wait five minutes more woman?”

“Five minutes?” Arcturus said playfully. “Is that all?”

“Alright, make that fifteen.” Snorted the dragon.

“Now is not the time for jokes of fornication.” Shandalar replied, gesturing for them to follow, “I have located Lyndis in my information gathering, make haste.”

** * * * * ** * *

It emerged that Lyndis had fallen into the clutches of an inquisitor, a surly gryphoness named Suntail. She possessed a sharp wit, a shrewd mind, and intelligence that rivaled the best. Bereft of close allies she fully confided in, her lair lay concealed in the heart of a district, a secret held by only a chosen few. Shandalar unveiled that one of her operatives had danced perilously close to exposure, the risk taken to secure this knowledge for them.

As she unfolded the intricate layers of defenses—magical wards, alarms, and arcane weapons—it became evident that sheer force would not triumph. Arcturus felt a tightening knot in his stomach, growing with each new detail. The task ahead loomed like an insurmountable mountain, and the irony of relying on Natassa and Shandalar for infiltration, given Lyndis's expertise, did not escape him.

Asterion growled and huffed in discontent as they sought spells to navigate the shadows, one involving passing through stone. His eyes, typically ablaze with the fiery spirit of a warrior, now flickered with frustration. "Of course, we've been reduced to such a convoluted outcome," he snorted, his fists clenching in displeasure.

"Do you wish to obtain your scroll?" Arcturus interjected, anchoring the horned warrior's focus.

His eyes closed briefly as he grunted his dissatisfaction. "I shall endure this, but I only pray that Korde hears my pleas, and I may yet taste the blood of our enemies."

“Even if we do fight, I hope it doesn’t come to that.” Arcturus glanced over his energy crossbow, ensuring the rune for stun was already to go. “I’d like to get Lyndis out of there with the least amount of bloodshed possible.”

“You grant a mercy to your enemy that they shall not grant it to you.” Growled the minotaur, his gaze hard as steel.

"These are not monsters, bandits, or thieves we are dealing with," Arcturus grimaced. "These are my kin, doing their jobs to protect the people. I won't kill them until I have no other option."

“Pray it isn’t the death of you.”

"Fight, blood, muscles, fight, is that all you ever have on your mind, minotaur?" Natassa chirped with a witty grin. "It's like your brain is nothing more than muscle and swords love." Her feathers ruffled, the idea of infiltrating the facility and making the Lumarians look like fools seemingly exciting the catbird.

"I agree with Asterion; we should have gone with my plan," snorted Veledar, rolling a scaled paw to his chest.

"Barging in with your paws and burning anyone that gets in our way isn't a plan," Arcturus replied dryly.

"Of course it is," Veledar growled. "I laid it out perfectly for you. We go in, tangle with them as we usually do, yourself, Asterion, and I handle the physical parts, while Natassa and Shandalar over there do the more precise skilled work. Merlia spends her time introducing numerous kneecaps to her arrows." He held his head high, rather pleased with himself. "We snag Lyndis, sneak out and are victorious. Easy."

Arcturus squeezed the bridge of his nose. "That isn't a plan, and you can't have victory as part of the plan!"

"Is that so? Do you plan for defeat, Arcturus?" The dragon snorted with a grin, ruffling the man's hair. "Checkmate."

"I liked the part of his idea where I was bashing heads, left right and center; he told it well," Asterion grunted, arms crossed. "Plus, it would show them we cannot be trifled with."

"See, even Asterion agrees, and he hates me!"

"That is true," nodded the warrior. "I both agree with and find you contemptible."

"Besides," Veledar rumbled at Shandalar, who looked just as unconvinced as Arcturus was, "We can't let those fools get away with taking away my roguish princess. If we do, they'll just continue stealing from dragons."

"Now you're speaking my language, dragon!" Merlia pumped a fist. "Just point me in their direction; I'll make sure none of them ever can be adventurers when I'm through with them."

"There will be none of that," Shandalar stated firmly. "As I have laid out, storming the gates will prove a fruitless endeavor. Natassa's plan, to guile our way in, had the greatest merit."

"And why can't you be getting us in again, you fancy finger wiggler?"

"Suntail, the inquisitor that stands before us, trusts essentially no one. Even myself, with my status as a mage, cannot get clearance into her facility."

"Then when do we retrieve the princess?" Asterion snorted. "I tire of all this waiting. We know where Lyndis is now; let us go get her back."

"I agree with muscles here, oddly enough," Natassa purred, ruffling her feathers. "Fun as it is to girl around in these caves, I'd rather stretch my wings and get Lyndis back."

"And I wish to return to my quest," Veledar announced in a brassy voice. "Unburdened by these diminutive distractions."

Shandalar looked to each of them. "Spells must be prepared, strategy concocted. When we make our move, it must be precise, accurate, and when they are at their weakest. To reveal our hand too soon will do Lyndis no good."

"I don't get the point in preparing," Veledar growled. "Things always seem to change anyway; we end up winging it."

It was then that one of Shandalar's ears twitched, a strange look crossing her composed brow. She stood, folding her arms behind her. Evidently, someone had arrived at her personal quarters and requested her presence.

"Apologies, but to keep up appearances, I must depart. Otherwise, suspicion might be levied against me," she explained.

"We wouldn’t want you to be suspicious now, would we?" Merlia scoffed.

From the air, the sun-elven pulled a ghostly horse, its coat a translucent mist, and both its tail and mane curling off into wisps of fog. Large and with a commanding presence, the horse bid the mage to mount its back. The moment she gave the word, it galloped off, leaving nothing but fiery hoofprints in its wake.

"That was rather entertaining, don’t you think?" Natassa waggled a wing. "A tad fancy, but certainly not without its merits."

"It’s just still a horse," Veledar thumped his paw. "Suppose we can go back to discussing my plan again?"

"Tell me the part again where I shoot Garroth in the face with an arrow," Merlia laughed.

** * * * * * *

Shandalar returned an hour later, carrying a satchel over her shoulder. Behind her a series of boxes were being suspended in the open air, one right after the other, following her as if tethered to her by string.

“Taking up delivering are we lass?” Merlia laughed, thumping her knee, “You could be a one woman caravan!”

“I would preform exceptionally well at that, but no.” Replied the sunelf as she dug through her pouches. She plucked from them a brown furred mouse, letting it struggle in her grasp.

“You brought a snack?” Natassa chirped curiously, “I’m flattered but not hungry.”

Arcturus watched on, caressing his chin as the magician said little but let the mouse loose upon the floor. With a flourish of her hand her eyes radiated a blue light, putting an end to whatever spell she’d performed. From where the mouse had sprouted a beast of blue and grey feathers, the tips of which were brimming with teal. A yellow beak thrust itself from the tiny face, opening as the gryphon forming around it squawked in alarm. It was Krotos.

“What are you-“ His feathers ruffled, eyes were wide. He paused as he suddenly realized his surroundings were clearly different than where he’d been. “Where am I?”

“Krotos!” Arcturus exclaimed.

“A-Arcturus?” Stuttered the gryphon, his gaze traveling over them all. “I was just trying to deliver to you your armor when…Shandalar.” His gaze narrowed, his ears pinned, “This woman started casting a spell at me. Clearly, she has gryphon napped me! Gryphon napped us all!”

“The spell, my feathered acquaintance was a polymorph.” Veledar rumbled in amusement as he strolled to Arcturus’ side, “Then shoved into her pouches for safe keeping, honestly it was a good look for you.”

“Still, hot as that might be!” Squawked the gryphon, ruffling his feathers, “You should ask before doing such a thing! Just because I flirted with you doesn’t give you the right to do such a thing!”

Her reply was calm, “Your act of seduction fell on deaf ears gryphon. It had nothing to do with why you were polymorphed.”

“Oh, good.” He said softly, “At least I know I’m not losing my touch…Then why if you’re not mad at my flirting, why did you gryphon nap me?”

She guided the boxes to the cavern floor, “You evidently knew I was involved with Arcturus. That could not stand, not while we are at this critical juncture. In order for our plans to come to fruition, secrecy must be maintained.”

His ears pinned, “This means I can’t leave, can I?”

“Guess you’re stuck with us boyo!” Merlia nudged him with her elbow, “Worst places ya could be I figure.”

“Arcturus, talk some sense into her! I can’t stay here for…how long exactly?”

“We don’t know yet.” Replied the knight.

“An unknown amount of time! Gus and the others need me!”

Arcturus shifted under the pleading gaze of the gryphon, the loyalty of one’s flight on full display as the feathery beast whined and gave him the largest puppy dog eyes that could be managed. Despite this, the knight turned away bitterly, knowing if Lyndis had any chance this would be it. “Shandalar is right, you’ll have to settle into these accommodations I’m afraid, at least until we get Lyndis back.”

Krotos’ indignant squawk rang through the cave, though after a deep breath he was clearly not ready to give up. Sliding alongside Shandalar, his feathers fluffed, eyes hooded as he gave her a sultry voice, “Is there anything madame that I could do for you that might bribe you to let me go?” He darted his tongue out of his beak, “I’ve been told I’m quite good.”

His flirtatious comments were met with the brick wall that was Shandalar. She stared him square in the eye, “Your attempts to seduce me into letting you escape will not work. You are not my type gryphon.”

“That’s what they all say.”

“I stand firm, you will remain here.”

The gryphon sighed, his ears pinning as he accepted his fate, “Poor Gus, Mary and Gwyneth, they won’t even know where I’ve gone.”

“You didn’t tell them?” Arcturus asked.

“It was supposed to be a quick trip to drop off your new armor and weapon. Matilda swung by to drop it off, she was exceptionally excited to show it off in person, but, oh well.”

“New armor?” Now that caught his interest as Shandalar cleared off a space on her table, rolling out a map of Suntail’s facility.

“Oh quite yes.” Krotos tapped the boxes with his beak, “Matilda was annoyed she couldn’t give it to you in person, but she told me to pass onto your special friend for inspiring her.”

“Me?” Veledar pulling his head back in shock. It lasted only a moment as he chuckled, adopting a regal pose, “I mean, of course she did. People look upon me and are so moved.”

“Moved to tears generally.” Merlia smirked.

“Regardless, I think you’re going to love it.” Krotos continued with a  beak parted smile. “Said it’s her finest work yet.”           

“So are you going to open it my dear Arcturus?” Veledar tapped the box again. Snapping him out of the memory. “I know my eyes can be quite distracting, but I did not know you could so easily get lost within them.” Veledar moved his head closer and blinked.

He cupped the dragon's snout, giving it a quick scratch, right under his scales. Pride flared to life as the dragon’s eyes closed, purring softly into his touch. Though as he continued, the sense almost seemed to spread to himself, like his fingers were touching his own chin.

“You’re getting better at touching me you know.” Veledar chuffed.

“Is that so?” Krotos tilted his head with a mischievous smirk. “Do go on, tell me all about this touching.”

“There will be none of that!” Arcturus blushed, shoving the leaning in bird away.

“Then open the present, open it!” The catbird circled the boxes, fluffing his feathers.

“You peaked in them didn’t you?” He rose an eyebrow, laughing as the gryphon averted his gaze, clearly trying to lie.

“Why would…I do that? The stuff inside isn’t for me.”

“Because you were curious.”

“Well if I had gotten the box opened, and peeked inside. How do you figure I got everything back into the boxes?”

He’d already seen the bird play cards with Merlia, the ranger commenting on just how much finesse he possessed with his fingers. His arms crossed as he held his composure, Krotos folded with an exasperated squawk.

“Fine, you caught me. Is it so wrong that I looked inside?”

“I agree, you should open it.” Veledar shoved the man with his head.

“Hey!” Arcturus tried to resist, but found himself pushing back halfheartily. “Come on.” He finally caught the mischievous dragon’s snout in both hands.

“Oooh noo you have caught me Arcturus...” His eyes looked up, “Are you going to open it?”

“FINE!” Arcturus laughed, pushing the dragon back softly. “I will open the darn thing! Will it make you stop pestering me about it?”

“Well...” Veledar nudged him again forcefully with his snout, “I think you liked me bugging you.” Veledar pulled back, giving a great big stretch.

“Hey watch the tail!” Krotos squawked, as it smacked against his talons. “If I wanted your tail in my face I would have asked!”

Arcturus ran his fingers over the smooth wood of the box, looking for a way to open the thing. His fingers traced across claw marks, clearly from the mischievous gryphon currently staring at him. He found a spot that looked like the claws had dug into, placing his fingers there and gripping tight. He gave a pull, and the top of the crate came right off.              

Inside this crate was a red cloth nestled right on top of everything else. He picked it up with two hands, feeling the soft material in his grip. It was a red tabard with silver lining on it. He looked to the big grin on Veledar's snout, then back to the tabard. The tabard was the same color as the dragon's scales.

“It would appear she has good tastes.” Rumbled the crimson beast, holding his head high.

 Arcturus grinned as he set the tabard aside. Beneath the tabard were the pieces of his armor, bright silver, with patches of black. He picked up the breast plate and ran a finger of its smooth surface. He placed it down and picked up the pauldrons next, she had included a sword guard around the tops of them, to shield him from strikes.

Like a child eagerly opening their birthday presents, he was unable to hide the smile on his face from ear to ear and moved onto the next box. The next pieces were the armguards, they seemed to be attached at the forearm to protect past his elbow. Next after that were a pair of tassets, layered with the same silver and black design as the rest of it. As his fingers grazed the armor, he spotted the runes that were on his previous armor, noting it was probably the same design so that he could easily done it himself without aid.

The last box contained the helmet. He rolled the smooth metal object in his hands, noting how it’s head was prominent, almost similar to a dragon’s scales. It had two slits for eyes, with several smaller strips down the front. That’s why she had said Veledar had been the inspiration, the genius gnome had made him dragon themed armor! Inside the helmet he found a note, written in Matilda’s hand writing, insisting he try the helmet, as he’s going to love it.

“Do you like it?” Veledar asked softly, his eyes not taken off the human the entire time, intently watching his every move.

“You tell me, can’t you read my emotions?”

With a roll of the eyes the dragon closed his own. A moment passed as a dull rumble traversed his throat, “If I can decipher these correctly, excitement, joy and love. I assume the last one is for me.”

“Like always, you happen to be correct.” He laughed, blushing before putting on the helmet.

The moment he secured it, the note made entire sense. The interior of the helmet faded away, leaving it as though he were wearing nothing. He could see the entire room, not a trace of vision obstruction! “Veledar…this might sound…awkward.”

“Arcturus, if you wish to mate with me out of your excitement, it isn’t awkward.”

“Gods dragon no, is the helmet on.”

“Ah.” Veledar thumped his tail as Krotos burst out into chirp filled laughter. “That would be awkward. Are you feeling ill? Has my beauty stunned you? You’re clearly wearing it.”

                 “I can't see the helmet!” He cried out joyfully. “I have perfect peripheral vision!” He grabbed the dragon's snout and looked into his eyes. “This is fantastic!”

Veledar chuckled and twisted a claw into the floor, “Not more fantastic than myself of course?”

He playfully shoved the dragon against his scales. “Knock it off, or are you jealous of metal armor?”

“Why would I, the magnificent dragon that has stolen your heart be jealous of metal armor?”

“Because you’d rather him be praising you?” Krotos tilted his head.

“Careful kittybird, I’ll pin you against the cavern again.” Huffed the dragon in response.

“Oh no, a big strong male pinning me to the ground, what a terrible fate.”

As the two bickered and snapped their jaws, Arcturus placed all the armor out before him. Gathered together he would look impressive, his steel helm painting an intimidating image with his red billowing tabard in the wind. He smiled, picturing Veledar at his side, perfect for one another.

“Hey you forgot these!” Krotos bounded over, escaping the dragon’s paws to gather what looked to be his shield, wrapped in a thin coating of paper. Right beneath the shield was the hilt of a sword. The hilt a dark mahogany red, that sprung forth from a gold cross guard, whose edges were dragon heads. He sighed in happiness, finding the bottom of the sword ended with a red gem that looked to be held by a golden dragon claw. Gripping the scabbard tightly he unsheathed the blade with a hiss.

The blade was black as night, absorbing light upon it’s surface. He cleared a space and gave three practice swings, his eyes widening in surprise. It was the lightest sword he’d ever held, lighter than perhaps even a feather. He ran his fingers over the surface of it, finding it felt sturdy.

“Well I love your new armor.” Veledar grinned. “It lets everyone know who is really in charge of our little mission.

“You mean how you copied my look Veledar?” he grinned, beating the dragon to his joke.

“You have it reversed as usual Arcturus, they will look to you and see that you are my paladin.”

                He waved the dragon off as he ripped into the paper wrapping his shield. It tore easily in his grip, before tossed it to the ground. He did this several more times until the now red shield lay in his grasp. He hoisted it, finding it weighed the same as the mirror shield. However, the surface is where she had done her work. Instead of a smooth mirror there was now the picture of two metallic silver dragons flying towards one another. Above their majestic form was the symbol of Bahamut, a single bust of the dragon. He turned it over in his hands, finding another note tucked away in the arm straps. This one simply read. “It’s the same shield just worked my magic to change how it looked. Figured your dragon would not mind.

He looked up to Veledar and held up the shield. “She changed your gift, I hope this is ok?” he cringed slightly. He waited for Veledar to raise his voice, snort, or even offer a witty joke.

“I love it!” the dragon smiled. “Now it really is ours, instead of just a hand down from dear old Carpenter.” Veledar strode right over towards him. He lowered his head and got in close again. “So what do you think of her inspiration?” he puffed out his chest.

“Do you want me to compliment the armor or the dragon?” he laughed, running a hand up Veledar's snout.

“Can you not do both?”

“Fine Veledar, the armor is beautiful, just like the dragon she based it on.”

“Yes that will do.” Veledar rumbled, nuzzling across his cheek.

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