Chapter 33

Swiftly they retraced their steps to Shandalar's clandestine sanctum, shielded from sight by Natassa's powers and their scent masked by Merlia's. Even with apparent precautions in place, they adhered to the shadows and alleys below. The impending hour unfolded, haunted by the persistent specter of potential capture, poised to react at the faintest sound of fluttering wings.

All the concerns, worries, and anxieties that had accumulated over the past few days melted away the moment they stepped into the enchanted sanctum. Joyful chirps, cheers of success, and smiles became the prevailing atmosphere as Shandalar and Arcturus assumed command, meticulously outlining the plan for Lyndis' recovery.

Secluded by a fire, Lyndis was to be cared for, able to sleep off the turmoil in which she’d been embroiled in. They gathered all the blankets they could spare as well as the pillows Shandalar could conjure. She was left to drift off into pleasant slumber, clutching her viridian scale, no doubt to tell her dragon all of what had transpired.

With that task completed, the rest could finally breathe easy. This night promised relaxation, celebration, and an embrace of life's joys. Tomorrow, with its return, would resurrect the concerns of their quest, the uncertain odds of success, and myriad other troubles. Now, they gathered beneath the false stars above, a phantom wind gently brushing through the grass, ruffling feathers and hair alike. A sense of brightness enveloped them all, a feeling that anything was possible and within their grasp. Yet, the mood shifted toward personal concerns.

“After a night like that, I could use a drink!” Merlia punched Asterion with a tired, sly smirk, “Compare numbers and stories I wager!”

His stern demeanor dropped, her infectious attitude spreading to him as he gave her a smile, “I do believe revelry is in order. I could think of worse ways to spend an evening.”

“Now that’s what I want ta hear! What’s your opinion on cards and a wee bit of arm wrestling?” Merlia flexed for the bull, “It’s never a proper revel without that.”

He gave a brief laugh, “I thought that was assumed. Do you think that gryphon is into those things as well?”

“Krotos? I imagine he’ll be itching for anything; wait till he hears the story!”

“Hear what story?” Squawked the blue and grey gryphon, emerging from the caverns outer door. “About how I was left here to sit on my paws and redecorate?”

Shandalar shook her head as the minotaur and dwarf commenced regaling the gryphon with their nightly adventure, Merlia already beginning to embellish the strength and number of their foes. "I'd best watch over them. I'd be dismayed to spend the next day repairing the damage they bring." Giving Arcturus and Veledar a knowing nod of thanks, she added, "If you have need of me, I'll be in meditation on our success."

“We have a grand tale worthy of song, and you wish to meditate?” Veledar scoffed at the notion, holding his head high. “I’ll never understand you.”

“One day, perhaps when the winds the Silver Highlands call to you dragon, or the Desert of the wolf licks your scales with its sands, you’ll understand. For now, celebrate, you have earned it. Tomorrow we are back to it, to gather the uniter plans and your book.”

He huffed, observing her departure to her meditations. All that occupied his thoughts was Lyndis' rescue and her subsequent full recovery. There was, of course, the matter of the kobolds; the female clung to Lyndis as if her life depended on it, while the other had been left above to be tended to on the morrow. A bitter sting lingered in the evening air, the cost of victory. Even though he had never known the scaled creature, he extended his thanks. Staring into the starlit expanse, contemplating such matters, he realized Arcturus was not at his side.

Searching around brush and flowers, he caught the man not relishing the night as the others had broken off to do. Amidst the foliage, the man found himself surrounded by an assortment of vibrant bushes, their leaves brushing against him with a whispering caress. Flowers of various hues adorned the grass, their delicate petals adding to the tapestry of nature that enveloped him. The mana lantern, like a silent guardian, bathed its surroundings in a soft, otherworldly radiance. Its glow pulsated with a subtle emotion, casting dancing shadows on the grass. Despite the serenity around him, the shadows of his thoughts seemed to have ensnared him.

"On the eve of triumph, one shouldn't linger in the muck." Veledar rumbled as he padded over, bestowing the man with a heavy huff. "It's the time to be among those you cherish, driving away the shadows that creep in with warm company."

“Sounds as though you hide from it.” Replied Arcturus in a somber tone, not averting his gaze. “Was tonight a victory?”

He chuckled deeply, prowling through the grass as he circled, searching for the ideal spot. "Did we not snatch Lyndis from the jaws of your kin? Was it not the echoes of their downfall that reverberated through the halls?" He grinned, nudging the man's cheek. "Unless you mean to suggest that my memory fails me."

“Then why does it not feel like it?”

It seemed whatever held Arcturus in its grip had a firm grasp. "You never intend to make things easy, do you?" Veledar growled, settling down around the man with a heavy sigh. "Suppose that leaves the task to me. Count yourself fortunate that I'm grand enough to handle it." Crimson scales formed a protective barrier against the cold, and his tail curled around the knight like a sturdy wall.

"So, what troubles you?" The dragon inquired softly. "The others revel in drink and song, while you linger alone. Why, I even saw Asterion laughing at Krotos' jokes, so you know he's well into his cups." He paused, sensing the chill that made the knight shiver. "Is this about the kobold? Ass-dick, was it?"

“Azzik, she said his name was.” Arcturus replied, slumping before the dragon. “But that was not it.”

“Speak plainly then, don’t talk around it.”

With a weighted breath, the man shifted, leaning against the dragon's scales. "I had an oath to protect the innocent. How many of those people tonight were simply there doing their jobs, safeguarding Lumara from the danger we posed? I reflect on all the blood that has been spilled, the death that we brought to their doorstep." He held his hands, staring at them, "Mine are just as covered. Veledar, who knows how many of those within that building I fought with, protected, pulled out of fires." A somber quiet settled for but a moment. "How many spouses will lack their other's kiss or children be denied a parent's embrace? I reflect on the lives we destroyed and weep."

“Is that all that troubles you?” He pressed back, “Surely you have faced many battles in your time, drawn blood from the enemy, how is this any different?”

“It does not matter.” He stared off as if to a distant place, “It can still haunt me.”

He shifted, pulling the man closer against his scales. He huffed his reply, “I will not apologize for slaying those that wished to take you from me.”

“Nor would I ask you to.” Arcturus shifted. “I can still dwell upon what has happened and regret that it needed to be done.”

Veledar sighed, “Many would not share your thoughts on the matter. You remind me of a younger me.”

“You? Did you not encase them in fire? Dwell upon your success of it?”

"That is but a fragment of the tale." With a profound sigh, he nudged the man, drawing back to leave their noses almost touching. "I won't deny a primal spark of enjoyment over their demise exists, reveling in the proof of superiority, but that is ever fleeting." He sighed, contemplating the night's events, a string of victories graced by his paw. When he returned to reality, there were emerald eyes seeking comfort from his scales. He heaved a great breath, ruffling the man's hair. "The harsh reality is, it needed to be done, cruel as that is to say."

When Arcturus remained in stoic silence, he lowered a forepaw across his lap. "In the days of my youth, on the initial embrace of Diin Diil's winter's kiss, when the land lay cloaked in its frosty allure." His mind wandered back to the bygone times of rolling through the snow with his adopted silver siblings, their laughter harmonizing with the brisk air. "Though the cold held my disdain, that's not the essence of the tale. In those realms, peril lurked in the form of Frost Shade stalkers—beasts towering twice the size of bears, boasting razor-sharp talons, and moving with an alarming swiftness, their scales as unyielding as the ice itself. Ordinarily, they spared dragons, particularly the young, for they possessed the wisdom to discern—"

“Veledar what does- “

He silenced the man with a low growl. "I can still recall the fear coursing through me as I fled, my heart nearly bursting within my chest. My sparks, at that time, were little more than an annoyance to the rampaging beast, still in the early stages of their development. Paw over talon, I scurried back toward my mother's dominion, where she, with the unstoppable force of her claws, crushed the creature." He hissed, vividly detailing how the creature's skull fragmented like an overripe melon beneath her indomitable might. "It was later revealed to me what I had stumbled upon. The creature wasn't deranged, possessed, or ailing as I had assumed; instead, it had been a mother fiercely defending her young. I was mortified, overstruck with grief." Taking a deep breath, he recollected how the indomitable aegis had plucked him up, cradling his mewling form.

“I can’t imagine you like that.”

“It was so.” His voice lowered, “She told me life was precious, that every step we take reverberates through this world, especially being dragons. I thought to those frightened creatures deprived of their mother, lost in this world, inadvertently, I’d done to them what humans had done to me.” He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in, “That was the cruelty of such choices, to be forced to act, even if it causes harm.” As his heart threatened to stretch, reminded of the emptiness of her cave he scratched himself with a wing, “The important bit is to not feel same for protecting those you cared for…I do hope that makes some semblance of sense, she always had a better way with words.”

“Thank you for trying…Umraadi” Sighed Arcturus, resting a hand on the dragon’s snout, “I’ve killed many like them before in my time on the field of battle. Men and woman that I could have sat down with and shared a pint, instead forced to trade weapons and spill blood.” His face darkened, “Sometimes I can still see them, experience the weight upon me. It bubbles up sometimes without my knowing.” His fingers rested on the dragon’s scales, “I don’t promise this won’t be the first time I cling to you like a rock when the sea threatens to swallow me.”

“Of course.” Veledar rumbled, “Although I’m far greater than a rock.” He pressed into the man’s chest, chuffing, and forcing laughter to his lips. “Though I must warn you, for these services, they come with quite a substantial fee.”

Arcturus rose a brow, “And what have I gotten myself into? How much is it.”

“We can discuss the specifics later. I would rather much spend the fleeting moments of the evening relishing in your presence.” His eyes hooded as he drew closer, chuckling softly before stealing a kiss. When they parted, he gestured the man to the grass, letting him recline upon his scales. They settled in, gazing up at the false stars, enjoying each other’s company and the warmth.

** * * * * * * * *

Hours had elapsed since their return, the artificial stars gleaming more brilliantly, the distant cold assuming an ethereal quality. Natassa bounded on her paws, feathers rustling with each exuberant movement, a joyous smile adorning her beak. With little left to attend to for Lyndis, the enchantment of the moment enveloped her.

Drawn to a conjured fire, where the warm glow caressed Arcturus and his dragon, an unexpected camaraderie unfolded in these newfound days. With a rhythmic dance, she approached, a song echoing through the ages recounting gryphon flights and their jovial ways. The dragon, his sapphire gaze reflecting skepticism with each step of her paws, became the focus of her merry approach. Seating herself beside them, she reveled in the comforting warmth permeating her frame.

“Aren’t you in good spirits.” Crimson Sky spoke with a playful growl, “And in my company, one wonders if you’re drunk or have partaken the halfling leaf.”

“Never was one to lose my faculties that completely dragon.” She giggled, “Though tonight might be as good as any. Would you believe I spied that muscle brute of yours, the dwarf and Krotos chucking drinking horns across the floor. Horn toss I believe she belched at me.”

“Never to subtle with the naming of their games.” Arcturus remarked with a soft smile as the dragon held him closer against his chest with a scaled paw. “While surprising, it is good to see your spirits lifted.”

“How could they not be?” Turning to them, her eyes gleamed in the firelight, “When a knight and dragon rush to a fair maiden’s side, rescuing one whom she holds dear to her heart from certain death?” She sighed whimsically, “Sounds like a fairy tale.”

“One of the grandest.” Veledar thumped his tail, head rising with pride, “One I hope would be worthy of retelling.”

“That doesn’t sound grand doesn’t it…The Crimson Sky and his knightly companion.”

“Paladin.” He corrected, flashing Arcturus a warm grin, “That addition cannot be absent. After all, he’s a reflection of myself.”

“Since when was that stated?” Laughed Arcturus, getting a growly warble in return.

“Recently, I can’t have your appearance being marred, it would reflect upon myself, and that, is just something I won’t stand for.”

“Why not joining in the tossing of horns?” Natassa asked softly, before gesturing back to the entrance, “Even the elf appears to be meditating with less complain than the last few days.”

“Why not yourself?” Arcturus rose a brow, “We were enjoying the company and these stars, fake as though they might be.”

“Well, that isn’t the question isn’t it.” She sighed, staring off to the stars, “I figured my attention should be elsewhere darling. The day has been won, my friend saved, naturally thanks to you and your group is in order.”

The dragon rumbled, “I’m glad that you could have your perception tested, realize that our expertise in such matters could not be matched.” He closed his eyes, giving a soft nod, “Nothing is beyond our powers on this plane or the next.”

She laughed, “I’d refrain from using such a grandiose statement, but you’ve earned a hint of indulgence tonight.”

What image of strength she had presented wavered for a moment. The gryphoness’ ears splayed, her tail twitched, her composure broke. When she next looked upon them, the veil had been lifted. “You two…truly…wow this is harder than I thought.”

“What is-“Arcturus asked, not wishing to spook the gryphoness stumbling over her words.

“It’s alright to be attracted to me.” Veledar gave a reserved sigh as if pained, “Everyone is, it’s only natural.”

“Not that.” She squawked, eyes narrowed, “It was something less to do with you.”

“Well, that’s impossible.” With a roll of his eyes the dragon chuckled, “Most things have to deal with me in some fashion.”

“You live in your own little world don’t you.”

“Sadly no.” He sighed, “I have to share it with other people like you.” His paw lovingly held Arcturus close, “And this one here.”

“Love you too.” Arcturus replied with some sharpness, exchanging a teasing look with the crimson beast.

“Oh shush, you know that you’re always the exception my paladin.” The dragon rumbled, “Leagues above the others and worthy of my affection.”

“It’s amazing how he can say such sweet things and also praise himself isn’t it?”

“I am quite talented Umraadi, you know this, you’ll have to be less surprised going further.”

Natassa laughed, unphased by the dragon’s nature. “I mean to say, my thanks. It’s not that often it gets tossed around.” She waggled a wing, “I mean, it’s not generally honest.”

Arcturus blinked, bemused, as the gryphoness continued to fumble through her explanations, recounting various instances where her intentions were misunderstood, always circling back to her sincere gratitude for their company this evening. He stoked the fire, coaxing embers into the air like irate insects fluttering within the radiance. "Think nothing of it," he chuckled, placing a hand reassuringly on her back. "You needn't be overly concerned about how I—" He hesitated, noticing the amused grin on Veledar's face; the dragon, predictably, was poised to magnify the situation. "We appreciate your candidness."

To that, dragon grumbled and bit his tongue, clearly understanding it was better than ruining this genuine moment.

“I know they’re fake, but I can’t help but linger upon them.” Natassa gestured to a series of stars above, linked together in a curve like path, “In the squawking steeples, we have a story, of the three gryphons of the wise beaks.”

“Wise beaks?” Veledar scoffed, “How can we believe truth in this?”

“They’re just stories.” Natassa continued, “They speak of a time of great strife, where gryphon fought gryphon, talon against talon, blood ran through our mountains like rivers. This turmoil was put at ease, when the wise beaks lent their wisdom, insisting upon our wings putting aside their differences and working towards a common goal. They begged for distrust to be put aside, for peace to rule.” Eyes travelled to them both and then back to the stars, “I used to think they were silly, daft things that could never happen. After all, the world doesn’t work like that. Or at least, I’ve never seen it.” The sigh that escaped her next was heavy, the weight upon her wings apparent. “Still, tonight and the days before, I have seen a glimmer of that light, in you two.” She gestured with a wing, “Shame you’re not a gryphon dragon, otherwise you two would be the living embodiment of the princes who formed Lumara proper.”

“I’ll try to not take offense to that.” Veledar huffed.

Chuckling, Arcturus laid a hand on the dragon’s scales. “It’s a compliment.”

“I don’t see how, she implied I would be better as a gryphon, preposterous.”

“Regardless.” Natassa clacked her beak, “You two showed me that people like that exist. Ones that would just, toss everything daftly into the wind to help a friend.” She paused, staring off as if to oblivion itself, “I used to like the idea of having friends like that, but well, I always fancied it a story, people are always hoping to use you, abuse you, wring you out till they discard you.” Her laugh was soft and weak.

“Sounds like you have met the wrong people.” Arcturus said softly, “Glad to have been the exception.”

An honest smile found her, “Lyndis is lucky to have two friends like yourselves.”

“Guess that doesn’t make us daft, does it?” Rumbled Veledar, adopting a regal pose, “Do continue with praising, I won’t tire of it.”

“No, that makes you still daft.” Laughed the gryphoness, fluffing her wings, “You’re also oblivious, reckless, mental, and obsessed with yourself to the point I’d think you’d pleasured yourself to a mirror.”

“If one did that, it would be for what it represented.” His reply came with a growl.

“But still.” She patted them softly, batting her eyes, “That’s the kind of daft, silly, reckless that really speaks to a girl.” Her head came to rest on them both one after the other, “Thanks, from the deepest part of my heart for being so altruistic.”

“Altruistic?” Veledar scoffed at the notion, “I rescued the woman to help retrieve my book, the fact she was my friend was only an added bonus nothing more.” When she squawked in protest, he added a harsh snort and grin, just to give her a hint.

“Oh, you’re teasing.”

Scratching his claws against his chest, he averted his attention, playing it up as if he cared not for her response, “I suppose this means you’re sticking around? Granted, I’m not surprised, people gravitate easily to me. I’ll have to talk to Lyndis; you can share whatever her cut of the treasure is.”

“What cut? I thought we were here for scrolls and your treasure!” Arcturus’ eyes narrowed.

Veledar laughed, “Have you seen what your people have done? I think a bit of coin is a small price to pay for the trauma and turmoil they’ve caused us!”

“Very well.” Arcturus relented, but the fire within not receding, “But let’s refrain from offering more of my kingdom’s treasury to just anyone.”

“No promises.”

She clearly entertained the idea, keeping her beak shut as she let silence rest upon her. Having someone like her to enchant, deceive and talk their way out would be great for their group dynamic, acting as a sort of jack of all trades. When she spoke, it was with a soft laugh, “Do you find me stupid?”

“No need to think that.” Arcturus laughed.

“The path you two fly is suicide. Did you not pay attention to Suntail’s fortress? We came ever so close to biting it.” She tossed back her head with laughter, “So no, you and mister dragon can go galivant off and rescue who knows what.” Standing to all fours she stretched like a cat, “But if we ever cross paths again, look me up, I’m sure there is some sort of mischief we can get up to.”

“I believe this might be the last bit of mischief we end up doing.” Arcturus quipped as the gryphoness bumped his forehead to hers before adding a nuzzle along the cheeks, a sign of affection.

“Shame.” She sighed, pulling back with a wink in her eye, “You were good at it, might even make you a dashing rogue.” Turning to Veledar she met his snout when he lowered it, doing the same to him as she’d done to Arcturus, “I think you’d be far more fun.”

“Oh, I’m the most fun person you’ll ever meet.” He rumbled, nuzzling back before pulling away, “So what now?”

“That’s a story for another time I’m afraid.” She trotted a few paces, giving the boys a batting of her eyes, “I’ve said my peace darlings and now must be off. There are spirits to be had, and that bull of yours to converse with.” She shook herself, “I wonder how he dances.”

“Careful now!” Veledar chuckled as she started to canter. “His people are known to be quite rough with his dances!”

“I was counting on it!” She chirped back, “But I just meant dance.”

“Sure.” He snorted, watching her until she disappeared from view. His attention turned where they should have been the entire time, back to Arcturus. “Now where were we?” He rumbled, before pulling him for another kiss.

** * * * * * * * * *

Not all souls sought solace in the same manner, as they basked in the aftermath of triumph and survival. For some, life's bitterness was thrust upon them, a distasteful concoction sliding down their throats like rancid custard. Feku, the kobold from the northern mountains, found herself ensnared in such a grim predicament. Not known for a quick temper, some might have labeled her an optimist, perpetually seeking the silver lining. Knock her down, and she'd unfailingly rise again – that had been the dynamic with her dearest Azzik by her side.

Now, within the cavernous depths of a mage's sanctuary, she fled from her former keeper. And for what? To rescue a princess at the cost of her mate's life? An icy chill seeped through her scales, an unfamiliar emptiness haunting her every step, as if she were a ghost gliding across the stone. Her sole anchor was the slumbering princess, Azzik's final bequest, a lifeline preserving his memory. Tears welled in her eyes. However, everything shifted when Asterion, the articulate minotaur, threatened to immolate Azzik's remains.

“No, he can’t be!” She barked, her eyes like blades within the shadowy halls of the cavern. She was a mouse before a lion, but she held her ground, baring her teeth, “You no burn body!”

“You can be at rest; I meant no dishonor.” Replied the bull with a snort, a brow raising at her convictions, “The others speak of his heroic deed, delaying this Suntail to allow you success, then again to face the Cthulhid creature, something far beyond his power. He acted bravely in the face of such opposition, deserves a warrior’s burial.”

“He not warrior, he cleric.” The kobold procured a dagger from her belt, brandishing it to his stoic demeanor, “No threat of burn. Azzik be buried…be buried.” The words faltered out her snout, she still couldn’t believe that she was. Her legs wobbled before she collapsed, tears streaming down her face, “He has buried with sack of coins…so he can see treasure lady.”

As the air filled with her despair filled lamentations, Asterion shifted, searching her from foot to snout, “What troubles you little one? Your mate died with honor, with respect, many of my kind would relish for such an opportunity. Songs will be sung about this day.”

“I no care of honor!” She wailed, holding herself until she was whimpering, “I no care of Korde, no care of stupid song.” Her snout lowered, as the world seemed to collapse in on her, “I…just want him.”

Asterion stared, resolute in the face of her sea of sadness before shaking his hood with a snort. Something seemed to pass between his horns before he offered a stern reply, “How much do you wish that? How much conviction rests within your heart little kobold?”

“What you mean?” She shook.

“You gnash your teeth and mewl, wishing for your mate back. I wish to know how far you will go for that?” His eyes brimmed with a radiant flame, daring her to meet them, “Would you face undead? Chase after devils? How about facing off against dragons all in the name of your love- “

“Anything!” She proclaimed without a second thought, bursts of navy spreading about her scales. “I fight whatever monster you want! I smash goblin, I bite wolf.” Tears were coming like rivers, “I even stab dragon!” Then the bravado died, her spirit flickered, leaving her clutching at herself, shivering on the ground, “But it not matter what I do, he no come back. There no big hero, no big twist, no like stories I tell.”

The minotaur’s brow rose, “And what if I told you that it was?”

She shifted, wiping tears from her eyes, “What you speak?”

The minotaur snorted, turning to face the box of wood that now bore Azzik’s corpse, “You pulled a blade on Lyndis, threatened her so that your mate would get a proper burial. If Korde can give little creatures like you and him this strength, I can show kindness to you in turn.” His expression softened before he knelt beside her, “This moved me little one. Do you know my quest?”

Feku shook her head.

“I am on a quest for a village that I destroyed in my madness.” He pats a crimson box tied to his belt, “Where I killed all the men and woman that saved my life. It brought great shame and dishonor to me and my house.”

“That is horrible.” She gasped, stepping back.

“That is why I need the scroll from within this city’s castle.” Said the warrior solemnly, fishing an amulet with a multicolored fist from his pouches, “It has the power to bring back the dead, not just one person, but many. With it, I pray that it will be enough to restore my honor and allow my soul access to Valhalla should I perish.” Clutching tight the amulet he steeled his gaze upon Feku, “If you keep the courage you showed this day, I vow to restore the life of your mate.”

A glimmer of sunlight pierced the prevailing darkness. Feku blinked, scarcely believing the revelation that had just unfolded. It appeared fantastical, as if plucked from the enchanting tales she often spun to captivate friends and guests alike. Without hesitation, she flung herself into his arms, tears now stemming not from sorrow but a surge of overwhelming emotions. Claws clung to fur as she buried her snout into his chest, gasping for breath as if her life hinged upon it.

“You bring miracle. Miracle!” She sobbed, half forming the words, “You come from Gleinriech, Miracle!”

Asterion blinked, offering an awkward pat to the shivering lizard in his grasp. “Is that a yes?”

“Yes! Thousand time yes!” She clutched him tighter, “Thank you mister bull cleric carpet!”

They stayed like this for several minutes, until all her tears had been spent. He never resisted or tried to move away; he was the rock to which she could cling to. When they parted a smile crossed her cheeks as green scales started to blossom and create islands among the blue. She doubted this minotaur was joking or playing a trick, he didn’t seem the type.

“There will just be one thing that I need.” He gestured to the coffin, “One of Azzik’s scales.”

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

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