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Scales and Honor: Darkened Skies

Chapter 24: The Library

The streets of Struport buzzed to life with the hum of its many peoples. Soon as the sun began its slow crawl towards the sky our group of adventurers were ready to start the day, some nursing headaches from the night prior. Where once empty streets of polished stones sat dormant, now had the busy too and goings of its citizens. Conversations traveled back and forth of many things, criers shouted about events abroad to swarms of interested people. Bird's darted above the roofs, chirping a symphony of notes as they crested upwards into the golden glow of the morning sky. The salty aroma of the sea wafted along through the many streets, wrapping everyone in its soothing cloak.

Arcturus sighed as he strode alongside his companions with a joyful bounce in his step. They were off to the grand library placed within the dead center of the city. He rubbed his chin as the morning's crisp air caressed his smooth skin with little icy fingers. He shivered, pulling his dark red cloak tightly against his body as the wind seemed its best to chill him to the bone.

They had set out right after breakfast and morning rituals for their spells. Something that he and Shandalar had insisted upon despite their safely within the walls. Veledar had been the only one to complain but it was soon dashed as Krotos joined him on his morning flight around the city. The pair had returned with wrinkled snouts and angry beak clacks alongside a whole team of pegasai knights. Apparently, you needed something called a flight license to fly freely among the city. Veledar had replied with his usual round of insults, snorts, and heavy eye rolls to the guards doing their jobs. The paladin had apologized for his friends, insisting that they would get whatever license that was required as soon as their business was taken care of. When the dragon had lowered his snout with a grumble about the circumstance the human had offered his soothing hands, rubbing around his mate's nostrils to quell the rising storm of anger that he could feel brewing that tan scaled chest. He had whispered words in draconic, curling a hand around that rumbling chin and enjoying the pleased noises he could summon up with a mere rub of that armored neck. The good cheer was returned with a swaying tail and warm feeling flowing from his chest that even cast away the morning chill.

They had rounded one of the many sprawling streets that wound through the city proper. If not for the guards leading them the well-mannered paladin might have gotten lost. He wondered if such a thing was meant to confuse attackers at the gate, buy more time for the local militia and guards to mount a proper defense. To go along with this theory, he noted that there were trees planted among the stone and lining most of the walkways. Every ten feet or so there was yet another maple tree to greet his gaze, as if a statement by the peoples that nature could thrive within a place like this and unite the many peoples lurking within its walls.

Curious eyes drifted among his friends, often people stopping to stare and whisper with hushed voices, pointing fingers as they passed. Most times they focused on Veledar as Arcturus and the others tried their best to surge forward and follow their leading guards. Thankfully the dragon was not being his normal self and kept mind to task despite the looks of awe or wonderment crossing each face that they bumped into. Eventually the larger streets narrowed into smaller ones, some that even the gryphons and dragon had to walk in a single file line to not block up the entirety of the street with their bulk. Banners hung more thickly in these places, wire wrapped in layers of winding flowers of every color. Arcturus had smirked as Veledar watched these with well trained eyes, carefully taking each step despite them being well above his horns. Though the dragon's snout was wrinkled Arcturus drifted back to pat along his shoulder, trying to lighten the mood by gesturing to a series of red feathered birds darting overhead with messages rolled up and tied to their legs. The red's mood softened as the feathery animals fluttered past his head without a care. One even landed on his horn to chirp away, to which the dragon shook it loose with a growly chuckle.

“See? He smirked when the dragon's gaze narrowed to him. “Not so bad."To that he earned himself a nosing and slurp of a warm tongue across his face, something that only made him sigh and rub the dragon's cheek as his own warmed. With his hand he curled it under his dragon's scaled chin, beckoning him to continue forward as the two wizards of the party started discussing a form of casting that involved movements very reminiscent of dancing. Just when they crested the street there came a gap within the tightly packed buildings above, just enough so that they could lay eyes upon the stone library that seemed to sprout from the city like some great hardened tree.

The crème colored stone was adorned in many carvings of dragons that ran across its surface and curled around pillars at every turn. Colored glass windows spread out across every floor, to which there were four in total that he could make out from this distance. The sun was rising just above it's teal shingled roof, giving the whole thing a more divine glow as the guards leading them seemed to pick up the pace. He found himself stopping to take in the view, which turned out to be a mistake as Krotos ended up bumping into him with a surprised squawk.

“Well..Fine then." The gryphon settled his feathers, refolding his wings against his back. His ears perked up as they began walking again, tilting his head to gaze at Voidwing and Arcturus at the same time. “What do you think of that Arc?" The blue gryphon raised a brow, his eyes filled with mischief the knight had seen all too many times.

“O dare I ask what you want." He chuckled, not simply walking into whatever convoluted lewd talk he was having.

“Of me helping this fledgling here." The yellow beaked gryphon gestured to Voidwing with a fluffed up wing and the Kobold that was hanging around the black gryphons neck. Her snout was a splattered with green little islands to break up her grey scales as she was whispering something into the bodyguard's ear. “You know, after he struck me in the balls like some uncouth barbarian."

Oh right. He had been told that loose story over breakfast, fighting the urge to burst out laughing and sending his own meal splattering over the table. “If I recall that story correctly, it was you o noble gryphon that started the whole ball kicking affair."

Krotos pulled his head back as they passed a pair of kobolds scurry past them with bundles of scrolls held tight against their chests. “Semantics really." The bird's feathers ruffled, followed along with several irritated clacks of his beak against the air.

“Howeveryou put it, sounds like yet again you got what was coming to you."

“Hmmh. Well aren't you rude this morning. Did you not get your morning lay with the dragon?"

“That's besides the point." He countered, thrusting a finger to that beak.

“I didn't hear a no." Krotos' beak surged forward, his eyebrows lifting up and down with his lewd accusation. The man's cheeks burned but he didn't relent.

“What I do or don't do is not an excuse to dictate my actions. I'm not some uppity gryphon who can't keep his nether regions to himself. Besides." He smirked. “What was the fledgling here talking to you about anyway? Why would he need your help of all things?"

“Awk!" The gryphon gasped. “You wound me sir knight. I know many things of which I can unload upon the inexperienced!" He covered his beak with a wing as he started to snicker at his own words. It took a moment of trying to compose himself before the lewd gryphon could speak once more. “Voidwing here was wanting my help in courting that female of his."

“Oh!" Arcturus glanced back to the smaller gryphon, whose ears had started to splay against his head and his whole demeanor shrinking. The body guard looked away with a weakened laugh, eyes finding anything else to look on.

“Just needed some help really." He muttered softly, prompting Feku to rub his neck.

“So.." Arcturus' arms crossed against his chest as he glanced the slowly walking gryphon up and down. “You thought the best idea to do that would be to recruit the most lewd gryphon that I've ever met? The one who Is constantly laying down suggestions to roll around the hay with him. The feathery friend who flashes his balls and lifts his tail at the drop of a hat?"

“Well when you say it like tha-“

“Nonsene! He made a well thought out decision!" Krotos interjected with a laugh. “Don't be trying to scare him away Arc, especially when I can actually help the poor gryph!"

“And his father was an instructor for this sort of thing…I figured he could help me out with my inexperience in the manner…of..you know.." The gryphon tilted his head back, apricot eyes darting to Nivra who was happily chatting away with Shandalar. “She is kinda small. And I've never….Well..you know."

“And you came to the right gryphon!' Krotos' teal tipped wing curled around the smaller gryphon and pulled him close. “We'll teach you right. That little human of yours won't know what thrust into her. We'll have her swooning and moaning your name in no time! Hell she will be drooling for gryphons by the time I'm done with you two."

“I hope you mean on a date or something." Arcturus chuckled, earning himself a questioning look and chuckle from the blue gryphon. The lewd smirk that he was sporting on his beak gave away what he had intended. “Oh..of course you don't. How utterly silly of me to think that a single thought in your head didn't revolve around mating or mounting for once."

“I can play music!' Feky clacked her claws together, the light green starting to dominate her scales. “When you go on date thing. Humans like violin! Charm them like marsh puppy!"

“Precisely!" Krotos nodded, “Some good food, enchanting music, proper flirting, maybe a seductive mating display. You'll be good for sure!"

“Mating display?" Voidwing shyly curled his head back, mirroring Arcturus' own confusion on the subject.

“Um..Krotos." The human chuckled as they passed a child running after a bunch of others dressed as a teal and orange dragoness. “You are aware that humans don't have mating dances, right?"

The gryphon brushed off his concern with a roll of his eyes and fluff of his feathers. “Oh please Arc, leave this to the gryphon professional. The girl wants to harp after gryphons, then she will have to appreciate how a gryphon attracts a mate wont she? She'll love it!" He fluffed up his feathers with a happy clack of his beak that the knight watched on with skepticism.

“Sure."

“Mating display? Whatever is it that you are conversing about?" Nivra surged forward, wrapping an arm around her gryphon with an infectious smile she flashed to the others. “Well unwind your tongue. What is this about mating displays? It sounds positively salacious."

“Nothing really." Krotos snapped quickly before anyone else could summon up a reply. Even Arcturus was left with words caught in his throat as the gryphon easily directed the princess to him with his pleasing voice.

“That sounds like an outright falsity. You've been chatting all morning it seems." She glanced between the two gryphons, finally resting on Arcturus with eyes filled to the brim with a need. “So…paladin that speaks only truths. Whatever were they were talking about?"

Oh damn. He glanced over to Krotos' whose beak had protruded out from the princess with a knowing look. One that told him to keep his mouth shut about it, and let their plans be a surprise for the eager eyed woman demanding his attention. “Well." He laughed, rubbing the back of his neck as her gaze only tightened on him. “They were obviously talking about something they want to keep a secret."

“Uhuh."

“Oi Arc." Lyndis clapped a hand on his shoulder, “Have you seen that dragon of yours?"

He silently thanked the gods for this distraction as he curled his head over his shoulder, eyes traveling through the packed streets for that red scaled love of his. Yet there was no sign of his magnificence among the sea of people. “Can we go anywhere without you wandering off?" He laughed, excusing himself from the warry eyed princess with a bow of his head. “Wait here." He casually excused himself, telling the others he would catch up in two shakes of a tail. “Someone has to find that dragon of mine. You know, before he gets into something and somehow manages to collapse the entire market." The others thankfully agreed with quickened nods as they proceeded to at least amuse themselves with talk or glancing at the many different shops that lined the streets. The paladin had no time for them however, he had a wandering dragon to find.

He lagged back down one or two streets that were packed with crates filled with supplies for the multitude of shops. Blacksmiths, fletchers, tailors, even some general stores with potions. Everything that an adventure could want here could be found underneath a wooden sign and through a well-made door. It was not long thankfully until he spied a red head peaking its way over the crowds., right below a bright purple sign with the image of a white rose painted on its worn surface. How could he have even lost the dragon here? He stuck out like a sore thumb among the grey and brown!

“And you're saying that other dragon's wear these things? I've never heard of that before!" Veledar's head pulled back in surprise, the beasts cerulean eyes locked onto the figure of an olive-skinned human female holding up a series of thin golden twine within her outstretched hands.

“Sorry about this. We are sorta in a rush." He laughed to the woman, cupping his love's horn when that snout lowered to nose at him and eye the garment the lady was holding. “Got places to be." He apologized to the woman, bowing his head and easily guiding the dragon away like some scolded child.

“What is this about?" The dragon groaned yet didn't pull his head back. “Can't you see I was discussing a great deal that would have benefited us both?"

“How would it have helped us both?" He chuckled as Veledar swayed his tail behind him, nearly tripping a series of stunned people.

“I would have looked more wonderful than I do now. Thus that would have earned us more attention. Thus more jobs and chances to earn more coin and prestige!"

“We don't need that right now. Already on a quest!"

“Oh right." Veledar's snout wrinkled. “I think they might have been sweet talking me into purchasing one of their dragon garments."

“How could they even get you over there?" He curled one hand around the dragon's jaw to rub along the armored scales. “You hate getting things tangled in your horns. That garment was nothing but having things tangled within them! Besides, having all those little wires about your horns? That doesn't seem like you to be honest."

The dragon rolled his eyes as they passed through the now parting crowd like water. “How is it different than any of those clothes you press onto your body? How are those you?"

“I need these for warmth or protection. We've discussed this." He laughed as Veledar gave him a growly chuckle.

“You could always use my warmth if you're cold. “

“How did they get you over there?"

“Oh Arc, ignoring your dragon. That won't end well for you." The red beast pulled back his horned head with a snort, gracing the human's fingers with a mischievous lick that left his digits slathered in dragon drool.

“Hey!" Arcturus laughed, flicking away the thick strands of saliva. “Unfair!"

“But, if you must know human. The woman's husband may have offered me a few select strips of beef that he had been marinating in a garlic sauce and mixed in with vegetables." The dragon groaned, fluffing his wings out, quickly retracting them as they brushed against a building's overhang. “At least someone was trying to vanquish the hole being made within my belly."

“Hey. You should have stuck around for breakfast instead of going to hunt with your blue companion. Maybe then you could have had a bite to eat of the porridge and apples that they fed us."

“Oh, you're cruel. How you tease your dragon when you know he is in agony." Veledar looked away with a feigned aura upon his snout. “You're the worst dragon paladin that anyone could have asked for. Perhaps I will have to punish said behavior later. You know, for good measure of course. Can't have you getting ideas." The dragon glanced back with a peaking eye, a sly grin spreading across his muzzle that made Arcturus blush.

“Maybe later." He laughed, tapping the red's shoulder as the group came into view. “When we're all done with the library. Then we can take care of that desire of yours."

“Oh shush Umraadi. We both know that desire lurks within us both." Veledar rumbled, nuzzling at the man's hair. “I suppose we should get back to those minions of mine. How lost they are without me."

“And the dragon that leaves them about knowing they will be lost. What a silly thinking lord you've turned out to be."

“What did I tell you about that teasing?" Veledar growled playfully with a swish of his tail, nosing at the man's back and almost toppling him over. “It will get you into trouble."

“Oh how terrified I am of that." Arcturus countered, resting his arm around that scaled neck when it snaked down beside him with a snort.

“You're not scare of anything. Least of all your dragon."

"True, but of the two of us. I was not the one who got bribed by simple offerings of meat did I? Perhaps if I'd have brought along a rack of ribs you would have hopped into my airship." He ribbed the dragon's side, avoiding a playful rebuttal of wing.

“What did I say about teasing?" The dragon growled deep in his throat, his snout once more trying to nose his back but Arcturus was ready to avoid it."And I'd like you try to avoid your hunger when it strikes. It's so easy for you. Your stomach is so small!" Veledar's snout wrinkled, unleashing a snort as his head wandered and followed a rack with various kinds of fish hanging from thin wires. “You got to eat this morning!"

“And whose fault is that?" He absentmindedly slid a hand around that curved horn, gently tugging the dragon away. “Someone just had to go flying with Krotos. You didn't want to wait for a meal like everyone else."

“He insisted that I didn't know how to hunt! What was I supposed to do? Let that bird-brained gryphon get away with his challenge?"

“Yes!"

“I'll remember this." Veledar's head pulled away as the dragon glanced to the right, letting out a huff. “Next time I have to protect you. I'll remind you that you didn't side with me. Oh, then will you be sorry."

“Is that right?" He stopped and pulled the dragon's head to face him, staring him right in those cerulean eyes of his that captivated him so. “You'd betray me?"

“Well." The dragon's eyes rolled with a chuckle. “Maybe for a second or two. Let you get tossed on your ass."

“Unbelievable"

“Yes, but I'm adorable. Thus have wiggled my way ever so carefully under your skin." Veledar licked the man's face with a long swipe of his tongue. “And you'll let me get away with almost anything."

“Untrue!" He wiped his face clean with a laugh, only for that snout to return but push against his lips and offer the man a kiss. “You're horrible."

“See?" Veledar retreated his head with a chest warming rumble. “Adorable."

Arcturus waved it off with a laugh as they returned to the others. With a quick round of light ribbing they were all set to continue their romp towards the library unabated. It was no time at all until they were before the barred metal gate of the library.

“I still can't believe you were waiting on me." Veledar grinned s the others settled into place. “Even I am impressed with how much you need me." He rumbled in the back of his throat as his tail swished behind him, almost tripping Feku who meeped in surprise. “Although I might protest. I don't need all of you as my thralls." Veledar curled hic head to Arcturus with a sly grin that brought warmth to the man's cheeks. “Just you umraadi."

“Behave dragon." He sighed, “before I fasten a belt around that lewd snout of yours and teach you a lesson or ten in manners."

“What if I like the belt around my snout? Perhaps there are even more perversions that I enjoy? What then dearest human? Would you then whip out paddles and smack my haunches because I bid so? What if I enjoyed that sexually? You'lll only be encouraging me to misbehave!

“Sure. Then I'll get Merlia to do the paddling. I'm certain that she would like a round or two to teach you a few lessons. That right?"

“Aye lad! He's askin fer it!" Merlia smacked her hands together with a coy smile. “ I'll be sure ta leave a mark or five!"

“Is that the best you could do?" Veledar pulled his head back with a rumble, a claw going to his chest as his wings rippled slightly in the air. “And with that I do declare myself the winner in this little bout. Good talk."

“It wasn't a contest!" Arcturus pressed forward to poke at his mate's chest.

“Are you certain? I could have sworn it was. And naturally." Veledar curled his head up, showing off his teeth that gleamed in the sun. “I am the victor."

“Wow. Dragon sure is full of bleedin hot air this morning." Lyndis laughed, nodding up as the dragon fluffed up his wings. “Ya could try and not do that so early in the morning ya know. You might well on float away!"

“Never to early to grace you with my benevolence or beauty Lyndis. You should learn a thing or two about it. I see it as using my brightness to enrich all of your lives for the better."

“Oh that so?" The rogue's brow rose. “Cause I have a certain green dragon that would disagree with you on that account!"

“Is that why you call him brightness? Because of his self-proclamation about it?" Nivra rubbed her chin.

“Nah lass." Merlia nudged the woman's side with an elbow. “Its more cause he's full of hot air we swear he's the sun!"

“Oh laugh it up you harpies." Veledar pouted as the others broke into a cackle. “Besides, what does it matter anyway? Arcturus over there likes it."

When everyone turned to look at him Arcturus felt all the blood rush to his cheeks. He rubbed the back of his neck to try and break the tension with a laugh. “You got to stop using that as an excuse dragon. I can't pick up the pieces every time you break things!"

“But that's where all the fun is!"

“Um..Excuse us?" The guards leading them coughed, opening the gate with a loud creak. “As we would love to stand around and listen to you bicker with that red dragon of yours. We are kind of on the job here, and we must bring you to the curator. So, if you could hurry on up we can all get along with our day."

“Wow." Merlia laughed. “If I'll be. You boys have some of da biggest stones around! Love it!"

Arcturus apologized for their antics and carried on after the now waving guards, as everyone else filed in behind them and passed through the gate. It led to a path of brown and crème stones that alternated patterns to form a path lined with shoulder high hedges cut into the shapes of flying dragons. Within the green shapes there were many different flowers of the brightest whites and yellows that the man had set his eyes upon. Several times he felt the need to reach out and touch the leaf shaped petals, but he stopped himself and reminded himself to follow the guards. They followed the winding path of mismatched stones, admiring the small stone shapes of animals that lined the base of the hedge. He found among their number was a doe, dolphin, bear, and even a gryphon spreading its wings. Veledar pointed out a dragon shaped one with its tail raised high and maw opened as if to ward them away with it's diminutive stone teeth.

“Well isn't this place delightfully enthralling." Nivra whistled, gazing up to the towering building that seemed to reach for the sky with its rounded overhangs. “And this garden!" She spread out her hands, gesturing to the many flowers and plants. “It's positively lovely. What'd I give to just relax within this for a few days!" As she smiled, Voidwing's head followed her, ears perking straight up.

“Not my cup o tea lass." Merlia grumbled, crossing her arms. “Wait till ya see the mines I be from. Now there's some fancy craftsmanship. Carved right into da stone! By hand! Let's see dose limp wristed elves do dat eh?" She flashed the group a smile earning herself a quick lecture by Shandalar about how the elven people had numerous examples of finer craftsmanship than this. The two soon broke into a one up contest about the achievements of their respective kin as the adventurers were brought to a series of stone steps that ascended towards a towering door more befitting a giant than that of a human. Even Veledar was dwarfed by the creations design, looking more like a wyrmling than a proper dragon. Just like every library in recent memory that came to mind this one boasted an elaborate design on its door as if it were trying to put others to shame. Something that would dazzle travelers and have them come from miles around to take a gander at what was engraved onto the fine wood. Images of the rolling waves were spready about it's base, painted in various shades of blue intermixed with light traces of white that crested above the waves. There was a cloud filled sky above it, dotted with a multitude of birds that flew in unison below the grand and radiant sun above. Intermixed with the birds was a family of four dragons that were blue and seafoam in color, dancing away with their wings outstretched as if enjoying a lovely flight. Within their snouts the human could practically feel the joy that was radiating off them, as if the artist here had poured their very soul into making such craft. As he stared at the beautiful strokes of the paint and lines of the carving, he felt the urge within him to paint. He leaned back, admiring how the others also seemed to have been stricken dumb by the very door. Perhaps he would get a chance to paint Veledar when they were relaxing?

“So..I not be an expert o door by the elven kind o course. But where be the door? Don't tell me ya forgot da door in makin it look all pretty!" Merlia crossed arms, giving the door a hearty laugh. “Leave it ta an elf ta brag about dere craft and forget dat glaring issue."

Was that right? Arcturus quickly scanned the base, not finding a single spec associated with a door. Nothing among the swirling waters or dragons above. He shook his head as murmurs traveled through the others about what exactly this entailed.

“Well why not try talking to door?" Feku asked as Veledar had slid over to rap the door with his paw. “Maybe that will work?"

“Oh right." Veledar rolled his eyes. “Like talking to a door ever has happened." Though the dragon scoffed at the idea the kobold held her gaze firm, giving the red beast big eyes that by Arcturus' observation he could not resist. “Graawwr." The dragon rumbled with a flick of his tail before tossing the door a narrowed eyed look. “Door. We summon you." Only a second passed between his words before the dragon curled his neck around with a sigh. “See little one, there is hardly any reason ever to talk to-“

Suddenly from the blue, white speckled paint came an oval protrusion a tad larger than Veledar's head held high. It pressed outwards with tiny clicks as recesses within the paint formed and shaped until a visage of a featureless face took shape within the wood.

“Greetings guests to the library of Struport. How may I go about assisting you?" A deep booming voice came from the wood, as if supported by a series of thunders in the distance. “I see that you have a dragon among the lot of you."

“Well..Yes.." Arcturus recovered first, stepping passed his dragon who was wide eyed in shock. Probably flabbergasted at the pure moment of being proven wrong yet again. “I am Arcturus Lund, we're here to meet the curator of this place." He rubbed the back of his neck, trying to fight off the sure absurdity of himself talking to a piece of wood. “We had an appointment."

“Welcome then Arcturus Lund. Do try to behave within these walls or the curator will get very cross. Not a woman to cross when it's that time of the month."

“Wait.." He crossed his arms as snickers traveled to his ears via gryphon beak. “You mean-“

“The time of the month to toss rough housers out of course." The door continued, cutting him off with a rumbling cough. “Now my sight isn't what it used to be when I was made. How many of there of you? It's sort of hard to tell how closely you stand together."

The group followed the door's instructions and counted off their number and whom each of them were. It seemed unphased as they went about it, repeating back it's welcome to each one of them in turn with a little tidbit to add to them. Shandalar it bid good day in elven tongue, while the princesses it regarded with the politeness that one expected from such a thing. The gryphons on the other hand were told to watch their talons and not pluck any shiny objects that they might find within these halls, and that went double for the dragon. The adventurers laughed and chuckled as the feral members of their group ruffled up feathers or pushed out their scales at the gaul that was on display. With that completed the door thanked them.

“Well..thanks for that..um door." Arcturus laughed as the oval shape started to widen and the featureless face started to recede back into the paint.

“Don't have to thank it arc." Veledar rumbled, placing his head next to the man's arm. “it's just a door. Save all your thanks for more important things…Like me for instance."

“Or me!" Krotos chimed in with a chirp as the oval started to head deeper into the wall, forming a tunnel large enough for Veledar to hold his head high.

“Course. My question is be can all da doors can do that." Merlia chuckled warily as they began to pad their way through the dimly lit cylinder.

“And why would that be?" Arcturus peaked back, seeing the dwarf cross her arms. “Should I be concerned?"

“Bout peepin toms?" The dwarf waved him off with a laugh. “Never had a door do dat mind ya. Course there was this one time back in ole pebble-“

The human nodded but found his attention drifting towards the tunnel that seemed to be shifting around them. The scent of old books suddenly wafted along the air, intertwined with the sweet smell of cherry blossoms that lingered around his nose and brought forth memories of pleasing afternoons lost with a grand countryside lit ever so brightly by the shining sun. They came to the end of the tunnel, breaking free into a vast room filled to the wall with book cases packed with tomes of every size and shape. Dead center of these wooden shelves was a clearing three times Veledar's size with his wings outstretched out with a towering cherry blossom tree in full bloom atop a section of grass surrounded by a small ring of running water. The branches encased in pink flowers reached out to graze the balconies of the many floors, where people dressed in simple green silk garbs pushed trays with wheels with numerous books piled high.

“Wow." He said softly as the others filed in behind him with equal looks of wonderment on their faces. Even Shandalar and Nivra, who had spent a great deal of their lives in libraries seemed amazed at the soft blue lanterns that hung from the distant ceiling and lit the area with a cerulean haze. He hadn't ever seen this many book before, not even back in the libraries back in Enti. There must have been tens of thousands within this place, probably covering numerous subjects that he could only guess at.

“Reminds me of home actually." Lyndis sighed, the first to break out of the silence that had fell between them all. “Course this one actually might be bigger than the one we had. I would have to go home and compare the two. But the tree dead center?" The rogue whistled with a smirk. “Very nice touch."

“And a harp!" Feku jumped happily, pointing out an ivory colored harp that was nestled near the base of the tree. The base seemed to have grown from the very grass that was folded over neatly and leaving a large indent. Like a creature had been reclining her for quite some time, and by the size of the indentation was most likely even larger than Veledar!

Arcturus advanced with the others slowly, hand going to stroke his chin. If he was not mistaken that must mean the dragons that they had heard about probably frequented this place. He nodded to himself to keep a watchful eye. Though he didn't expect a trap out of this, best to not be caught unawares with his pants down. Nivra seemed to be thinking the same thing as her eyes drifted to his, the princess giving him a knowing nod.

“So..I must not be the only one thinking this." Veledar grumbled. “But this is all nice and stuff, but where is the curator that was supposed to meet us. If they were going to go through all the trouble of dragging us here and making me fly through the hoops for them, they should have at least been prompt in meeting us!' The dragon's chest flared outward, a series of clinks drifting on the air as he fluffed up his wings. “Just another rude thing that was splattered against my scales."

“Would you rather be tossed out on your rump?" A woman swung around the thick barked tree with a singsong voice. Her dull purple eyes locked onto Veledar with an amusing smirk crossing her lips. The one thing that drew the paladin's attention away from her unkept red hair was that this olive-skinned woman was completely naked. She brushed her hair away from her pointed her ears, sauntering over and quickly rearranged her breasts.

“Oh, hello madame." Arcturus cheeks burned his eyes tracing along her supple breasts where perky nipples rested. The man quickly averted his gaze, shielding his eyes with a hand. “We seem to have come at the wrong time."

“Oh this?" She mused, pointing to her chest. “Oh right. How sensitive you are about a simple thing like nudity." She smacked her forehead with her palm." I swear, would forget my own paws if they weren't attached. The now smiling woman called over humans, holding out her arms as they quickly dressed her in dark blue silken robes and tied a simple belt around her waist. She thanked them and spun around to face the group with a cheery smile. “You must be the adventurers!"

“Yea. That would be us. We had an appointment from the lord." Arcturus chuckled softly as murmurs from his friends chatted behind him. “

“Uh.." Veledar pulled back his head, slightly tilting it to the side."I can't be the only one who finds this a tad suspect." He gestured to the purple smoke still lingering on the air. “That looks like the after effect of a polymorph."

“Wrong dragon." The woman laughed, “Damn halfling root will do that do you. Clings to you something awful." She waved him off, brushing a hand casually against her cheek. “Does a wonder for the skin though. Makes it so soft that I could cuddle myself!" The woman strode over with the upmost grace, wiping one of her slender hands off on her chest before holding out one of her fists as if to shake. Arcturus admired this for a moment with a raised brow, looking into her cheerful purple spheres. It was rather odd to say the least, but he didn't get any malice anywhere on her features. He shrugged, extending a hand and wrapping his fingers around and shaking.

“Names Kioko." The lady said with a little flare, rolling her other hand till it was placed upon her chest. “I know it sounds rather posh, but that's what you get when your parents are trying to be adorable." Amusement flickered across her purple pools as Arcturus returned her good cheer, laughing as she was still shaking his hand.

“Another quirk I take it?"

“Oh this?" She laughed pulling her hand away to wiggle all her fingers in the air. “Who's to say that greeting is wrong? I know someone who licked the other's neck in an exchange of greeting." The woman turned to the others, listening intently as they introduced themselves in turn. She nodded and greeted each one with tender care and slight nod. The only one she found herself giggling at was when Veledar proudly pronounced his title. The red dragon's pompous attitude had suddenly burst into one laced with narrowed eyes as he questioned her outburst. Kioko had to stifle her laugh with a hand, telling them she found dragon titles to be rather a silly concept. In the end it only separates dragons from the mortals that he seemed to want to coexist with.

“But that's how its always been done!" The red dragon's snort lingered through the air. “How else will it be a special thing?"

“It will just be." She waved him off, rolling her eyes before running her hand to brush back her hair. “Now moving onto more serious matters. What is the purpose why you want to peruse through my…I mean, our library?" She pranced backward, landing on one foot with her arms extended to keep her balance.

“Well." Arcturus chuckled, being the first to recover from the girl's odd display. He watched as her form pranced again as if she were practicing for some dance.

“Girl's lost her marbles." Merlia said under her breath, arms crossing firmly against her chest as her eyes followed each of Kioko's movements as if she were on the hunt.

Arcturus had to admit that yes it was rather strange, but no further stranger than Florimel had been. He shrugged it off with a sigh. In the end what did it matter if they played along with this little game of hers? He explained rather quickly the nature of their quest and that this place could hold the location to an ancient dragon temple. Shandalar had pulled out her notes, gesturing to the symbols so that Kioko could stare at them.

“Dragon temple you say?" The elf pranced away with a laugh, like this revelation was no big deal. She came to a stop, eyes traveling from the group to down a hall wall laden with royal purple flowers dangling down from many vines that clung to the walls. “What sort of temple are you looking for? There could be many dragon temples around here. They did construct them long ago you know." She curled her neck over her shoulder, giving them a smile. When she glanced upon their weapons there was a slight hesitation painted on her face before it shifted into a frown.

“We don't really know." He gestured to the manila papers that Shandalar was holding out, his fingers tracing along the dragon symbol on the page. “Though the symbol we're looking for looks like this." Shandalar tapped it as well for added effect, Kioko pulled back as her hand went to caress her slender chin.

“Hmmm…" She hummed, spinning around to face down the other wing as a look of contemplation passed about her eyes. “That's going to be really tricky when I think about it. Do you know how many books we have on that subject?"

“No..thats wh-“Shandalar went to speak but the woman cut her off.

“Thousands!" Kioko spun around, spreading her arms wide. “Or hundreds of thousands! I stopped counting after a while." She bound over to the wizard, poking her nose slightly. “Literally ones we keep separate from the rest."

“That would certainly be the place to-“ The wizard wasn't allowed to finish as Kioko suddenly grabbed her firmly by the wrist, and practically began to sprint down the flower filled wing.“Well come on then! If you gotta search through them all you got quite the task ahead of you! We can even brew some tea to help you stay focused!"

“Are..we supposed to follow them?" Veledar rumbled, his tail swishing behind him and rubbing up against a book case. “

Kioko answered that for him before the jubilant woman pulled Shandalar out of sight. She turned her head around, pure joy apparent on her face. “Come on slow pokes! Are you just going to stand there as if enduring a harsh wind? Last one there is a stinky crab!"

Her good-natured laugh was infectious to say the least, slipping right under Arcturus' skin and drawing out a laugh. “Well I think we got our answer!" He bound forward, leaving the still curious dragon in the dust. He heard the others suddenly scramble after him with a series of chirps and well-placed calls after him. Though this didn't last as the dragon surged passed him in a matter of heartbeats, practically knocking over a bookcase.

Rows upon rows of book cases flashed by them as they followed in the curator's wake. Some were larger, others small, some in the shape of triangles with overlarge booked looking close to dangling off the edge. Bluish lanterns lined every section they could, filled with what Arcturus gleamed were hundreds of fireflies fluttering in the glass containers. Excitement surged in his chest like a strong wave as he chased after the curator who always just seemed out of reach. The woman wasn't trying to get away by any means, she'd often slow down to keep an eye on all their progress but enough speed to leave Veledar behind. The others thankfully were doing better than the resident dragon, not bumping into any loose carts or people the entire time they carried on. The same couldn't be said for Veledar, who stumbled over a cart, nearly knocked out an elf carrying a pile of books and had to squeeze his wings so tightly that the dragon nearly got caught within the two bookcases.

Shandalar herself wasn't trying to escape Kioko's grip either, instead moving along with the woman as if they were two leaves caught within a graceful wind. There even was a moment where he saw a smile spread across the elf's face as if she were but a kid lost within some wonderland that delighted the senses. The other's pressed on after them, leaving Arcturus near the back of the pack to their faster feet. Each time they passed him there was a little quip or joke at his expense, except for Voidwing who only offered him a nod. It left him at the back with Asterion, Merlia, and Feku to keep him company. Although even this changed when a sound carried softly in the air and drew his attention.

It sounded like a joyous shout, one that reminded him of his own from ages passed. He glanced to his right to get a glimmer of what looked like the bronze scales of a tiny dragon no larger than a medium sized dog. It was followed by a green vested child that looked astonishlky like him with a large smile plastered on his face. He was getting chased by two other dragons roughly the same size, rumbles and cute warbles passing through their little pebbly snouts.

What? What is that? The base of his skull started to tingle as if it had fallen asleep. The smell of a coast was brought to his senses, the crashing of the waves faintly on the air. There was something about this that was familiar, something that tugged at his mind, begging for him to remember. Though despite this he could not. He blinked and they were gone, instead shaking his head as Asterion passed him, Feku who was riding on his back giving the bull a resounding cheer.

“You beat human! You much faster!" The kobold's tail wiggled behind her, turning to give Arcturus a tooth filled smile. “You good too Arc. No feel bad!"

He just laughed off the Kobold's remark, giving her a smile to let her know it was ok. They carried on, heading deeper and deeper into the library, even starting to seem as though they were heading into the basement of the building. He and the laggers rounded a final corner adorned with shimmering walls covered in paintings of various fruit and the same blue lanterns. The others were all standing there, panting to keep their breath but all of them giving them smug looks of satisfaction. Even Kioko was doing this, but she seemed rather composed with herself.

“Well you finally caught up." The girl laughed, gesturing to his reddening cheeks and soothing breaths. “Clearly the red dragon doesn't fancy you for your speed."

How…did she know that? Granted he had never thought of it as a secret among them now, but still. He hadn't told her about it. Was it really something spread around that quickly?

She must have read his face cause turned to Veledar, whom had snaked his nose downward with narrowed eyes and flaring frills. “Oh don't be surprised you." She cupped Veledar's snout. “Or you be cross. It's rather hard to not know of the thing between you. The knight there practically smells exactly like you." She tilted her head down to Arcturus, a lewd smirk spreading across her lips as she gave him a knowing wink.

Well that goes even further than I'd like. He blushed, crossing his arms as he still took long breaths to calm his rapidly beating heart. How did he even smell like Veledar? He had bathed since their last carnal romp. One that had found him getting slathered in white treasure. Damn…Guess the soap wasn't as good as I thought. He sighed as the others started to stifle their laugher. All except Krotos who had burst out in a happy squawk, his wing's fluffing outward. That only made the situation worse as the paladin's cheeks burned. Veledar padded over, curling his neck down to offering some reassuring words that helped belay the embarrassment.

“Anyway." Kioko spoke up, drawing the conversation about Veledar's cum to a close and pulling it instead to her. “I am glad that you've come to search through the mysteries within the library." She sighed, tapping a large wooden door behind her. It seemed to have been made from a fine oak, with numerous swirls and squares carved into the reddish-brown wood. “It's been awhile since anyone has come searching through these particular tomes."

“Wasn't the library open to everyone?" Nivra interjected before he could get the chance to speak. “How come this one is closed to the others?" She turned back to the others, who all nodded in agreement. “What makes these so special?"

“Oh these?" Kioko traced her hand along the hardened wood, guiding her fingers around a golden knocker the size of Arcturus' palm. “This is practically a dragon's hoard in here. All the oldest books from all over gathered into one place. Gifts to traded off and such. Some have stories or tales that have long since passed. Some that could inspire some to the greatest of heights or bring them to tears." Kioko pulled back her hand, snapping her fingers several times as her brow wrinkled. “It would be foolish to let these books get into the wrong claws."

“You…make no sense woman." Veledar grumbled with a growl. “I think we have found Florimel's friend, cause you make as much sense as he!" The dragon tossed his head back, his frills flaring outward as narrowed eyes trained on the amused looking woman. “Can you speak plainly? How would stories falling into claws be a horrible thing?"

“Oh Crimson." The woman spun around, poking his nose with a finger. “You'd be surprised what a simple story can do to the right audience." Her eyes rolled from the dragon to Arcturus with a grin. “Or the people they can bring together. Am I right?" She slung an arm around one of Veledar's forepaws and in one smooth motion swung around it as if it were a metal pole. “There's also magical books in there. Too many for one to read in just one sitting. Hell the dragoness who spends time in here hasn't even read them all!"

“Then how are we supposed to find anything in there?" The dragon's snout wrinkled as he retraced a paw. “ Without any directions we're going to fumbling through thousands of tomes. This could take weeks of dedicated effort to accomplish. We could even come up short!"

“We'll manage the stress." Shandalar said smoothly, cutting off any murmurs of concern that had spread through the adventurers. “I'll have it narrowed down for us to search books based on history, geography, and eventually the authors." The wizard beemed, hugging the scrolls close to her chest. “Will be quite the challenge I'm certain." The elf turned to Nivra, a smile being exchanged between the two.

“Indeed!" The girl nodded, “Havn't had a good all nighter in ages."

While the two mages seemed practically ecstatic of the prospect of all the reading, the others were less than thrilled. Especially Merlia and Krotos who were the most vocal in their displeasure over the whole affair. The ranger had rolled her eyes, muttering about how wonderful it was. The gryphon was paying little attention as it were, instead talking to Voidwing about something in hushed voices. Probably the whole courting thing if the human had to guess.

“Well. Feel free to come back here if you don't find it today." Kioko held up her hands as various clicks and dull thuds spread through the entirety of the wooden door. “Open!" She shouted as the door shuttered and opened with a resounding crack that radiated down the halls.

“Drenedarians." Merlia grumbled, holding her nose as the rushing smell of the beach burst forth from the door. “Always makin a big deal outta a door openin of all tings! Back home least it twas important stuff!"

“Like carving rocks?" Veledar grinned with a playful swish of his tail.

“Exactly I-“ The dwarf's mood suddenly soured as she realized the dragon was poking fun. “Oh you smart scaled thing!" The dwarf's fist shook as her cheeks started to red. “When I get me hands on ya!"

The two exploded into squabbling as Kioko regarded them with a sigh. The woman slid next to Arcturus, pulling him in by sliding her arm around his shoulder. For such a lithe looking thing she was strong, feeling more like though she was a man twice her size. The amused woman tugged him easily through the doors and by extension the others that followed in their wake.

Before the paladin looked to be a grove that was more fitting for a druid than that of a library in all the castles he'd seen. The bookshelves here seemed to have been grown from the very ground and shaped into the many limbed trees. They were spread around the vast room like a forest, each one having dangling blue lanterns to fill the darkness with a soft azure light. The room smelled like a forest by the ocean, even the saltiness of those waters lingered in the air and carried his thoughts blissfully to his times spend in summer by the coasts. There was a slight hum on the air that was quickly squashed out by the sounds of boots, paws, and excited chatter that his friends were blurting out in surprise.

“And how do we find anything?" Veledar's snout darted from tree to tree, tracing over every book that rested within their shelves.

“The runes of course." Kioko laughed, pointing forth to a carving in one of the closer trees. It was in the shape of several lines slashed against one another. “These are how we organize the books within this place. We have some for fantasy, fiction, some adventure. Magic. Learning, love." She giggled at the last one, “And the techniques of such tasks."

“Can you translate them for us? So, we don't have to use a spell?" Nivra dug out a vial of ink and quill and offering them with a sweet smile. It faded into an odd look when Kioko nodded her head, dipping a finger into the open vial. The princess recovered quickly, pulling out a piece or parchment and letting the woman draw out the translation with the ink.

“You know I can translate them right?" Veledar rumbled with a swish of his tail. The dragon eyed the runes, a look of irritation flickering across his cerulean pools.

“Yes, but we would like to not rely on you for the entire endeavor. In case you grow bored or want to hold it above us." Shandalar ended with a satisfied looking nod. To which Veledar only snorted, looking away with a harsh snort.

“Well suit yourself. Wondering why I even keep you around then."

“Cause despite your childish behavior, you know deep down that would be the wrong move dragon. Besides, you would never admit you made a wrong selection in your team anyway." The elf's smile only drew out another snort and frustrated tap of the dragon's paw. He knew that she had him and simply wouldn't admit it.

“That's your opinion."

Arcturus padded the dragon on the shoulder, assuring him that it was fine. He got a single snort and brief nuzzling of his hair for the trouble. The dragon rumbling his thanks as the man paid attention to his nose. While this was going on the two wizards acted like a military commander and quickly set up a base of operations so that they could gather the books on which they were destined to gleam over. It so happened to be a space had been cleared way save several desks that Kioko had to shrink down from their height to better suit their needs. Veledar had inquired about the original size, but the woman had to only gesture with a flick of her wrist to a rather large series of cushions and blankets found in one corner of all varying colors. They were arranged next to a stack of books gargantuan in size to the human's hands, and more likely made for dragon claws. It was the perfect bed in fact for a dragon to say lay down and lounge about while flicking through the many tomes that surrounded it.

“That's mine!" Veledar exclaimed quick as a flash, hoping into the soft folds and rubbing his scales over every surface with a well-deserved rumble. Arcturus had shaken his head in amusement as both gryphons had realized a tad too late and now looked on in envy as the dragon wiggled about over the cushions. “So soft."

Kioko curled her hands around into shapes as she pranced around the space as if dancing for a play. The paladin's eyes widened as little trees sprouted from the floor in little tendrils, wrapping around themselves until chairs had come into shape. Everyone was interested in the whole affair, keen eyes watching every movement the winding brown tendrils had made. Only Nivra seemed to the concerned one, the color draining from her face as bright red cushions with radiant yellow stitching poofed into existence. The princess shook her head away, a shiver crossing her body as she strode away from the summoned furniture. He would have gone over to inquire about the problem but Voidwing was already there to offer a caring wing. The bodyguard had slid around her, offering the girl a quick nuzzle that seemed to melt any of the fear that had been lingering on her fair face. The girl grabbed his chin, pulling his forehead against hers and whispering her thanks as his crowns extended one by one above his head.

With their packs soon empty and the scroll of draconic knowledge rolled out on the table before them, Shandalar divided the task of collecting the books among his friends. No protests had been made thus far about the work, but the human could see the feral's legs twitching and shifting wings that revealed their true thoughts on the matter. He shifted to Veledar's flank, patting along the scales as the dragon watched on in amusement from his well cushioned head. When Shandalar had finished with her task, Kioko had gestured to carts on wheels that they could use to put their collections high. The woman had laughed about one time involving a woman that had gathered them far over her head only to trip and scatter age old books every which way.

“Can you imagine the face I made?" The strange woman laughed as they separated with a series of murmers.

“Rather crazy that had been. Though." Kioko shot up a finger. “I should like to instruct you to be careful here. There are many books in here that are precious to me..Er.Everyone here." She stopped, eyes suddenly widening before she regained her poise with a well-placed chuckle. “What I mean to say is that they're important to everyone. So, mind your hands, talons, and claws." She snapped to Veledar with a sudden hint of fire behind her eyes. “Or clumsy tails what have you…in my library. Or I will simply have to drag your misbehaving behinds out of here! Dunk you in a lake!"

Coughs went around his companions as the usual cheerful maiden's face took on a more serious look about it. Like one step over a line and she would simply put an end to them. This went back to normal as quickly as it came. “Now that has been settled." The woman peaked over at the parchment, her vibrant eyes quickly scanning the pages. When asked if she knew anything abut it Kioko shook her head and gave a disarming smile. “Old draconic, and remember to behave." She wagged a finger. “Or lake dunking timy." She waved them a good bye and slunk away back into the forest of book cases.

“Anyone else feel like dis be a trap?" Merlia broke the silence with a laugh, only for the others to release their concerns with harsh voices. It was settled that despite the girl's oddity they were guests here and they had been shown only the best of hospitalities thus far. So, with little complaints from the resident dragon they all grabbed a cart and separated through the library. Arcturus had taken the symbol meant for history, finding the squiggly looking lines around twenty or so rows down to the left of a large spire that reached towards the ceiling like a great scaled claw. Faint blue and turquoise lights sprung around the top, drawing in several fluttering moths with bright orange wings.

The paladin thumbed along the many tomes that lined the shelves of all different shapes and sizes. There was a leather bound one as large as his palm, another that looked to be made from fur, and one that even boasted these large growths on it that reminded him of chicken pocks! He stayed clear of that one, just in case it contained some unruly plague. He only stopped as he heard Nivra's voice curse a few rows down. Instinct kicked in as the woman continued to curse yet not at the same time. He ran down only to find her propped up against a shelf and rubbing her eyes with a soft groan.

“Damned things…Stupid." She mumbled as Arcturus glanced around to see no sign of anyone else, just the walls of books and the blue glow from overhead.

“Everything okay? He padded up next to her, stepping around her cart filled with three thick tomes the size of the knight's wrist.

“Arcturus is that you?"

“Yes, princess it is."

“Ah well…blast.." She lowered her hands, blinking her widened eyes. “I still can't see." She waved a hand in front of her face, lips curling into a frown. “Damn."

“You can't see?" Alarms sounded in his head as he glanced around. What kind of dangers lurked within this place if one could be blinded by them? “What happened? Do you need Asterion or I. Maybe we can heal it."

“No, no, no." She stumbled backwards into a shelf, waving off his concern with a laugh. “I had the bright idea for looking for magical books. I thought a quick detect magic spell would be a good idea. Turns out most of the things are magical here.."

“And.."

She gestured to her blood shot eyes. “There was so much magic." She pointed up above her head, where several books had taken up from the shelves, using their covers as wings as they flew from tree to tree. “Nearly blinded myself…..Did blind myself…" She blinked her eyes more rapidly, pushing off the paladin when he moved in to help. “No, no. I got it, its coming back. Don't give me that look. I can take care of my darn self."

“Well fine then." He leaned back, crossing his arms as the girl had a satisfied sigh. One that almost seemed like she wasn't aware it would go away. “Be more careful then. Can't have you going blind in a routine search for books. Wouldn't that be embarrassing for the future queen of Lumara!"

“Oh the talk the peasantry would have at that scandal! Probably wondering how I meander on without stumbling onto things! Can you imagine?"

The air radiated with good cheer as they lightly joked back and forth about the scenario. She made mention that they would be more understanding of her adoration for Voidwing, seeing as she would have been blinded. This continued as they plucked a plethora of books from the shelves, including one with a thick leather strap belted across to bind it shut. They agreed that perhaps she and Shandalar should gander at that one more closely before freeing it from it's binding

With their books gathered and neatly stacked onto the carts the two swiftly returned to the main area where the others had gathered their own bounty of books. The paladin plopped down into one of the numerous chairs with a rose covered book, inquiring what exactly they were looking for as he cracked it open. Shandalar droned on about anything that could be gleamed about the temple of Draconis. History, people that went to it, any mention at all that could be of use to them to form a hypothesis where it was.

Of course, that's how it's going to be. Why would anything simply be easy? He had sighed at the prospect of tons of bookwork, but he'd give it the best try he could muster. Krotos complained about a book that shouted curses as the elven wizard held her arms wide. Shandalar's eyes glowed for a brief moment like the dwindling light of a summer's days sun as she spoke a spell. The moment she had finished Arcturus felt a slight fuzziness about his eyes. He at first tried to blink it away but it didn't budge. He glanced around to see what had happened, finding he could make out several book spines from a great deal away. When asked the wizard casually explained it was to help everyone search so she helped boost their perception. Veledar made a crack about humans needing all the help they could get, thus earning him a well-placed pillow to the snout from his dear paladin. The dragon scampered away to his bed, tongue falling out of his maw as he plopped onto the cloth, wiggling all his scales over it. With a low rumble the scaled beast cracked open a dragon sized book, casually thumbing over the thick pages as his eyes danced around the page.

The afternoon dragged on in a crawl as Arcturus and the others thumbed through book after thick book. Often, he found himself skimming passages about unrelated tales or facts about the merits of dragon fruit of all things. He'd occasionally peer up from the pages an aura of had spread to the room. Irritation was etched onto every face save Nivra and Shandalar, who looked positively radiant as they flipped away through the stacks of books around them. He spied Krotos and Voidwing settled down next to the other, discussing something with their talons. He noticed that as their beaks clacked away at their topic not a single book of theirs had been cracked open. Clearly if something was going to be found it wasn't going to be from those two. The same went with Feku as the kobold cursed for the seventeenth time about not understanding a certain word. She eventually tossed down the book with red dominating her scales. With a huff she grabbed her violin and decided to fill the air with soft and pleasing sounds that helped stave off the growing boredom flickering beneath the skin.

The knight tried to fight off a yawn, but it slipped under his defenses and seemed to rip his jaw open of its own volition. With tears rippling around the edge of his vision he grabbed his seventh book for the day, a worn thing with gold lettering stitched into the dark almond colored leather. Enviously he looked up to Veledar, a phantom warmth whispering that a different seat was needed. He padded over to the much more appealing plan, sliding up beside the dragon and cracking open the book the moment his back touched those crimson scales. “Got an open spot?" He smiled, wiggling against the dragon as warmth spread through his vest.

Veledar's attention diverted away from the book, eye ridge raising as his frills fluttered against the air. Warmth radiated from his throat in the form of a rumble that rippled through his scales and tickled the human's heart. It was not even a second before a wing was extended upward, a claw reached out for his favorite human and Arcturus was dragged against his scaled chest so they could continue to read yet still be cuddled against one another. “I may have."

This new comforting of his was like a warm summer's breeze to a village plagued by winter months. The next few books came much swifter. Veledar himself had been quite the reader, going through at least four books as he proceeded to fill the occasional silence with soft rumbles or occasionally playing with Arcturus' hair. He blushed at such a display, running a hand along his lover's scaled limb and trying to not chuckle or break away from his task to smooch that playful snout. As he neared the last page of his stack, he grumbled at not finding anything that could be considered useful information. So much for all the effort.

“Waste of damned time." He slipped himself free of his lovely captor, settling his stack of books back onto the cart with a low grumble. When he asked his other companions it seemed only Lyndis had found anything of worth that they could use. She described some old elf's journal about a grand temple under the sea. If that turned out to be true, then they'd have a much harder time getting to it. Not to mention swimming down gods know how far to reach the accursed thing. His mind brimmed with all the animal life they might have to avoid. Would they swim there? Or walk along the bottom with some sort of air bubble.

“Guess I'll have ta git me sea legs." Merlia laughed sarcastically as she picked up her own offering of books. When she noticed Krotos had not touched his own the ranger tossed the blue bird a dirty look as sharp as her arrows. “Oh is dat how it is?"

“Well you do enjoy being wet." The gryphon flashed her a smile, perking his head up from his still ongoing conversation with Voidwing. This time the two gryphons were instead standing while Krotos had been judging how he was holding himself. His talons feeling along the black gryph's flank and making sure his legwork was spot on. Like he was some sort of judge for a beauty pageant.

“Ya didn even do any work!" The dwarf stomped her way over, making up a huge fuss as her cheeks flushed red. “Jus going ta play away wit yer new friend eh? While da rest of us break out backs reading?"

“You can't break your back reading you know." Krotos' ears splayed as a plethora of chastising remarks flowed from the angry stout woman like water. It was hard to believe that she could make him shy away from her like he did.

“Dats not da point!"

“Well, back to work." Arcturus sighed, quickly writing down the titles so that he would not pick them again. He kissed Veledar on the snout, the dragon pushing into it with a muffled warble that made the human's head all fuzzy.

“Hurry back. We have to get back to reading." The dragon purred as his tail swished playfully across the pillows. “Can't be doing that without my favorite cuddling toy."

“Not your toy." He began to stroll away as the dragon simply chuckled to himself in a growly sort of way.

“Keep telling yourself that! That's what I like in you!"

He leaned back to give the dragon his two copper pieces when Nivra opened a new book that had started screaming the moment it's cover touched her lap. It sounded like the shrieks of a thousand birds amplified to a near deafening degree. The paladin clutched at his ears as the others around him jumped up in surprise. The others quickly tried to silence the thing by closing it, but that did little but muffle the sound to a tiny degree. It still slipped through the pages and stabbed at the ears like millions of tiny daggers repeatedly to his ear drums. Even a silence spell only saved them the trouble of the pesky thing for several minutes as they tried to write out their solution. Thankfully though Kioko had returned to save them from any of the book's antics. She had glided in as if swimming gracefully in the water. The elf snatched up the book with a smile, running a slender hand down the still shrieking book's spine. Then just as it had the started the book drooped and all the sound vanished.

“Just got to know how to touch them." She thrust the book back into Nivra's hands as murmurs radiated through the knights companions at what other annoying books rested within these halls.

Thus Arcturus strolled through the numerous trees with his cart, eyes scanning the rows upon rows of gathered knowledge. Tiredness licked at his senses as he fought off another yawn, his mind begging to ask the question when they would be finished for the day. He wasn't a wizard after all, how much of this was he expected to uphold? He might have reached his limit for the day, he could even see that some other of his fellows were already passed that as well. Especially the ferals who didn't seem to care to read or Veledar who while reading had thumped his tail and devolved into him wiggling his limbs every so often to keep himself engaged. He sighed, only stopping when he thought for fractions of a time that the woods around him were breathing. Some old story about heros adventuring into a giant beast played at his mind, making him quickly laugh off that idea as he continued his search. He just went about plucking a book off the shelves with a golden dragon printed square on the black as midnight cover. It was then that Nivra proceeded to startle him with a well-placed,

“So found anything of worthwhile Arc?"

His head shot up, dropping the book in surprise. When he noticed it was just the princess he blushed, picking up the book and setting it back onto the cart with a nervous laugh. “Know how to startle a man princess. Hopefully tis not one of the traits required to be queen."

“Put the fright in you that bad?" She glanced him up and down with a quick laugh. “I didn't know a brave knight had such thin skin!"

“Snuck up on me tis all. Nothing much really scares me now." He shrugged off her questioning look. “To answer your other question, no. I haven't found anything of value. What I would not give to take a break, stretch the legs. I can see it in the others as well. Not everyone shares the same interest for the books as you do."

“Yea. Krotos called it a learning boner." Nivra shied away, plucking a red colored book with black dots across the surface and plopping it onto Arcturus' cart. “Comes naturally with being a mage. Loved them as a child and love this now. I could lose myself for days at a time picking through all the information here. Just give me a cup of coffee and this would be perfect!"

“Good for you I suppose. Meanwhile my joints are getting stiffer than a metal beam. Course the one thing I did learn was that a dragon can read and play with your hair at the same time!"

There was a moment of hesitation that flickered across Nivra's face as she turned her head back to the direction they had left behind. She looked lost for a moment as if she were gazing out into oblivion. “Least the dragon is helping. I couldn't notice that Voidwing hadn't touched any of his material. Seems occupied with whatever he and Krotos are prattling on about." She cocked her head towards the knight as he set down three other books onto the cart with a dull thud. “Can you at least give me a hint about what they are plotting?"

“Not that I can say without upsetting someone." He sighed, gleaming over a book titled, “Thousand and one uses for dragon cum."

Are you kidding me? That must be a joke. He scoffed aloud as he passed over the book, eagerly looking to the next one.

“You think this is funny?" Her eyes narrowed. “I pour my soul out to you an-“

“No, no, no. I was simply laughing at this book here." He pointed to the spine and drew her eyes. Realization painted across her face before the princess burst out laughing.

“That guy must have been mad! Or lady!"

“I know." He rolled his eyes, “A thousand and one uses? Better not let Crimson see that eh?"

“Why? Already found enough uses for it? Like taking baths in it?" She giggled as he followed along the shelves, passing underneath a long hanging chandelier of numerous hanging lanterns.

Averting his away from her amused filled ones, the paladin's cheeks burned as thoughts of pleasing nights wafted along his mind. Musky smells, tender strokes, and the heartfelt moans that warmed his heart. “Might have found a few uses for it. Just like any couple I suppose. He's rather enamored with me. Practically always wants a go."

“Honey moon phase."

“What?" He set down a book, glancing over his shoulder.

“It's been less than a few months, right? Everything is all perfect right now. He's so beautiful, wonderful, he's the pinnacle of sexual prowess. Just give it a few months' time. What do you think you'll be like in a few years? Bickering away like a married couple?" Nivra put her hands on her wasit, wagging her finger at the air.

“That mirror doesn't go there Arc. Where is my scale polish? Have you sung songs about me this morning?"

He laughed at the idea as he pictured the dragon scampering about his cave, snout darting back and forth as he dug through treasure for some lost trinket. “More like. How does my frill look? Did the peoples talk about me? How many stories have been told in my name?" While they laughed in unison he pictured a more warming thought. The two pressed up tightly against one another on some grass covered hill. The dragon's paw around his waist, his arm massaging that armored neck as his purr tickled his fingers. Both of them said pleasing words, watching as the sun had began to set over the distant, mountain filled horizon. “We'll manage."

“Remind me to check in a few months' time then. See if mister red and handsome still measures up to captivate our dear knight's heart.

“How much will you bet on that?" He gave her a smirk, knowing he would win this game. “

“Fine fine." She waved him off, returning back to her searching through a stack of mismatched books. “You keep your dragon. I'll keep the gryphon. Deal?"

“Deal."

They carried on in near silence as he picked several more tomes into his cart. Nivra stayed within the same area the entire time, adding to the pile several times over. She'd occasionally lift titles to laugh at their bluntness or make an awkward joke about another's expense. Arcturus chuckled at such things as amusement flickered to life within her eyes. He'd never figure her for this laid back. When he next called her princess, she insisted that he call her Nivra. It was more fitting she had said with a look of remorse.

It was when he strolled stroll around a shelf and returned moments later did he see something surprising. Voidwing had strolled over with a confident swagger, his eyes locked onto Nivra. His haunches were swaying back and forth with swishes of his tail, a low clicking noise coming from his beak. Within those apricot spheres was a longing and warmth that Arcturus often saw reflected in his dragon's own.

The composed princess was blushing profusely as the black and white gryphon pranced a few steps, smacking her side with his tail tuff. When she giggled and playfully smacked his flank that gryphon's beak sought her hair. She released a playful shriek as if she were being tickled as the gryphon nibbled away on her hair like a hearty meal. When she pulled back the air was filled with pleasing notes that wafted along to caress anyone's ears who heard it. The chirps seemed to convey the gryphon's admiration for her without words, hitting the right moments that lit up the wizard's face. They had the intended effect on his chosen target as Nivra glanced up dreamily into his eyes, arms curling around his furred neck. With no other words spoken the princess poked his beak before planting a big kiss. One by one Voidwing's crown feathers extended as his eyes closed in silent bliss. He pulled back with a chirp, landing on his hinds and flaring out his wings.

The bodyguard proceeded to bounce around the area on all fours with his tail feathers wiggling. During his little dance his beak was open, serenading Nivra with pleased trills. He shook his haunches, wagged his tail, and fluffed his wings as Nivra practically melted in amusement.

So, this is the mating dance huh? He watched as Voidwing leaped like a spring, any time he got close to Nivra he smacked her with his tail. Next the gryphon stretched out in suggesting poses, giving the princess a good wink before making a thrusting motion with his hips. Arcturus found himself blushing as the gryphon raised a leg, and the princess turned a bright red, eyes practically glued between his legs. Part of the knight wanted to crawl to the other side and leave the two love birds to whatever they were going to do, but he didn't want to disrupt the planning that had gone into this. Internally he mused about how Krotos had been a positive effect to say the least. And isn't that surprising of all things.

From the leaping and practically purring gryphon the human spied a blue feathered being watching on with interest, all his teal tipped crown feathers risen in amusement.

This really started to get out of hand when Voidwing surged forward to his princess and rubbed up against her with a resounding chirp. It was then that Arcturus got a good look of the pink cresting its way out of his white furred area of his underside. It was definitely time to get out of here. No way he was going to stick around watching them mate. He gathered a few of his books and went to stroll out of there, leave the damn cart if he had to. Though as he tip-toed his way out it didn't go unnoticed. As if summoned, Voidwing's ears perked up with his steps, his beak snapping in his direction. The bodyguard squawked in surprise, stumbling backwards to quickly shield his engorged maleness with a wing. “What are you doing here?" His voice cracked as Nivra simply laughed loudly at the awkwardness.

“Just leaving! You two go about whatever it is you're going to do. Don't mind me!" He shuffled out of there, never once looking at the two. He waved off a quick apology from the gryphon, telling him there was no need for such words. He made a quick mental note to rub up against Veledar when they got done for the day. When lewd images flashed in his head, he had to take a few soothing breaths, whispering to himself that there was a time and place. Course not like that was seemingly stopping the princess and Gryphon back there from doing some heavy flirting.

“You had to go ruin their lovely moment didn't you?" Krotos strolled over with fluffed feathers as Arcturus grabbed his cart and began his way back through the forest of books. “Couldn't just stay hidden and watch could you?"

“And be a peeping tom like you?" He eyed the gryphon with a raised brow. “I'd never barge into your expertise. I will leave all those things to you."

“What if you had permission. Would you then watch two others go at it? Like say a certain gryphon…" Krotos leaned his head forward, a knowing smirk spreading across his beak as his ears twitched back and forth.

“Not going to happen."

Squawks filled the air as Krotos laughed, eventually his head curling around back where they came. “Course, poor gryph. He was trying to court her. Might not happen now thanks to you. Human woman can be so sensitive about that sort of thing."

“Most of us don't like being watched."

“That's not what I've seen." The gryphon returned his attention with a resounding chuckle.

“Besides." He pushed away the gryphon's beak when it got too close. “He will do fine. Have you not seen the way they look at one another? Plus, they're both young. Give it a bit and they will be going at each other like there is no tomorrow to be had."

“Hmmpf. I suppose." Krotos fluffed up his feathers, casting a glance back the way they came. “So proud of him. He pulled off that little dance with little trouble. Course he shook his feathers the wrong way, and he didn't flash her his balls. Nor did he make any lewd suggestions." The gryphon's beak snapped a few times as if in irritation. “Rookie mistakes. We'll have this worked out in no time."

“Till the end of course." Arcturus laughed, telling the gryphon swiftly about the pinkness cresting out of the gryphon's fur.

“I didn't' see that!" He happily chirped, flicking his tail. “What a student. Mark my beak in a manner of days they will be rutting like there is no tomorrow! Oh hey! Are you going to watch then? I bet there will be a good view of gryphon sheaths for you! Oh of course you will. We both know you've helped tend to a male gryphon before." Krotos beak surged forward with a laugh to tease at his neck. Arcturus pushed it away with a laugh, ignoring the warmth in his cheeks.

“Can't you mind your lewd tongue for a single moment?"

“The men and ladies rather like my lewd tongue." The gryphon rose a brow, fluffing up his feathers. “Its my charm as it were."

Rolling his eyes he half listened to the words now spewing from the gryphon's beak as the blue feathered being went on and on about gryphon humping and other lewd things. Then there was mention about how he was a great teacher. Arcturus paid little attention as he filled his cart to the brim with books.

“Why not just join your father if you're so good at it?" He teased as an off-white moth fluttered on around Krotos' head.

“Not that good Arc. More to life than simply fucking it away right?" Krotos pulled back with a roll of his eyes. “I'm not that one dimensional."

“Really?" He burst out laughing as the gryphon tried to look away as if hiding the humor in that. “Krotos. Our gryphon that always has a lewd thought on the brain is trying to tell me that he's just an innocent half cat bird."

“Well, not totally innocent." Krotos wiggled his haunches, plucking a book off the shelf and placing it onto the cart. “Besides, Dad's not that exciting. Happy to heal the soul while mother heals the body. No wonder they made a perfect couple."

This went on back and forth as the two discussed more about their life before meeting one another and their parents. Time seemed to not have any meaning as they casually strolled among the ever-reddening tree like bookshelves above. It was not until they heard Melia's voice suddenly spring up out of no where did they take notice.

“Aha! Take dat ya twisted bit o readen! Tink ya can just bite a girl on da-“ There was a sudden thud that sounded like a forester's ax on the prowl. “HA! How ya like it now?!" Another dull smack sounded out as Arcturus and Krotos dropped the cart to go running and see what was going on. The dwarf sounded frustrated, like she was being attacked. There was a brief glimmer of fear coursing through the paladin's mind, as he had been the one to tell her things were going to be alright. He and Krotos rounded one of many corners, heart pounding in his chest as the thuds sounded out ever quicker. That's when they came to an odd sight just below a low hanging tree with leaves that filled the air with a soft orange glow.

Merlia was red faced, her hair tossed around her side and her axes in either hand. She was swinging them about like a wildman as multiple books flew around her, snapping at her flailing limbs. Broken and slashed books formed a neat little graveyard at her feet, no doubt falling prey to her sharpened weapons. She lashed out with an ax, cleaving one book and two and giving the paladin a good look of numerous crimson marks up her arm where the books had no doubt latched onto her.

“What ya just doin dere? Getting a good look at me?" Merlia sliced another book in two as three others snapped at her rear. “Can't ya see when a lass needs help?" She snapped around, the books flowing away from her strike like water. “Stay still ya bitin bastards!"

“What are you waiting for?" Krotos surged forward with a keening cry that sounded a tad more heroic. His talons lashed out at the books that were circling like flies, ripping two right out of the air. His beak clamped onto another as he landed, holding firm as the little thing tried to wiggle out of his vice like grip.

“That's the spirit! AAAAHHH!" Merlia tried to smack a large yellow book away that latched onto her arm with what looked like teeth made of paper. “Blasted books want a piece o me! Never taught I was dat attractive!"

“Very attractive hen!" Krotos tossed a book at another, crashing the two together and sending them spiraling to the floor. “I kinda want them to rip more clothes off you!"

“Oh ya sweet ting. Perhaps we can get to flirtin after we fight off da killer books!"

“Agreed!"

Arcturus stood in a spellbound state as his friends battled the snapping books. Despite their fluttering bindings and paper teeth the books were losing the battle against the red-haired dwarf and her stalwart gryphon companion. He knew she had asked them to help but they were only books. Surely, they could do no more than be a minor annoyance? He shook off his stupor and proceeded to simply tear the books off his friends as they latched onto them. Even Krotos had a few now snapping at his feathers. The gryphon squawked as one tried to latch onto his balls. “Come on!" He shouted hurling a book towards the ground to avoid it snapping at his fingers. “Leave them go and let's go!"

“Right on it lad!" Merlia smacked a few aside. “Imagine dis part o da story? I bet it sounds ridiculous to anyone who hears it!" The dwarf smashed her ax into several others, sending the books collapsing to join the others. “When I get my hands on dat Curator. I'm going to throttle her so bad her ancestors are going to feel it!"

“Is that so little dwarf?" Kioko leaped down from one of the many book trees, landing gracefully as if the fifteen foot drop was no big deal. Her eyes hardened, falling onto Merlia and casually speaking. “Pretty book." The books all one by one froze in the air. Then as if pulled by an invisible wire all the once snapping books collapsed to the ground with a series of thuds.

“Finally. Lass, ya know how annoyin-“

What are you doing in my library?" Kioko snapped to all of them, spreading her arm at the shredded and discarded book pieces scattered all over the floor. “I ask you to respect my library and this is how you repay me?"

“Well dis one book jus tried to start eaten me! What was I supposed ta do? Let it?"

Arcturus took a step back as the curator surged past him, thrusting a finger angrily into Merlia's chest. “This could only happen if you'd insulted one of these books!"

“Aye!" Merlia thumbed to one of the broken books. One that had a mangled looking cover that seemed to have green and teal moss growing over it. “Dere was one uglier than an ettin's backside!"

“And that is how you react to a book trying to snap at you? Don't you fight things for a living? And what about you gryphon? Why did you rip up my books_?"_

The gryphon turned his head away, ears splaying as the woman's fiery eyes narrowed onto him. “Was just trying to save her." Krotos mumbled as the woman's glare only intensified on him. He shied away when she took a step towards him. “And you just didn't pull her away? At least this knight here had more sense then to start destroying my collection!"

“To be fair lass. Perhaps snappin books ain't that great ta have around. We did ya a favor in da long run." Merlia crossed her arms with a grin, giving the steaming curator a wide smile. “Free a charge o course."

“Unbelievable." Kioko rolled her eyes, shifting them to Arcturus with a groan. “And you are friends with these people?"

“Yes." He sighed as Merlia only solidified her ground, looking even more proud of herself.

“I know lass. Yer da ones with killer books and you're mad? I should be rippin dis whole place down!"

Kioko's fury only grew, practically setting the air alight with flames as the woman's demeanor hardened. “Then get out of library." She hissed, “You can go get dunked in a lake. Both of you."

“I didn see a lake round dese parts. Krotos an I'll leave though. Never liked all dis readen stuff. Dwarves are better at the doin stuff."

“Fine…Let me help you." Kioko slashed out her arm, a shimmering field of light springing up behind the dwarf and gryphon on one of the trees. The curator flowed her other arm up like a snake and pushing out her palm. From the skin came a large gust of wind that caught the two unawares. With a loud yell and squawk of surprise both of Arcturus' friends were tossed into the shimmering field, it closing behind them with a pop. “There. Now my library can be in peace." Kioko sighed, crouching low to pick up her tattered books as Arcturus' nerves froze.

“Where did they go?" The knight snapped into action, casting away the cold as his arm leapt to his sword hilt. He eyed the woman carefully, watching those hands of hers. “And be slow about your response. No sudden movements."

“They went to a lake. DIdn't you hear me?" Kioko glanced over her shoulder, eyeing his sword. “There is really nothing you have to worry about. They were a problem, I took care of it. I get my library rid of them, they get to go play in a lake. Everyone wins in the grand scheme of things."

“How can I trust you?" He stared into her eyes, not finding one hint of malice contained within them. Not even a trace of the anger that she had for the two was present. It was captivating, and for a moment he wondered if she might be placing a spell on him.

“Why would you not trust me?" The girl turned around slowly with a sigh, raising a hand slowly to curl around her pointed ear. “I told you all to respect the library or I'd dunk you in a lake. Did you think I was being silly?"

He grit his teeth, letting out a sigh as the woman tilted her head to the side. “Actually, yes."

“Oh. Well that is on you lot isn't it? I was being serious on that matter. For one who likes rules and sticks to them, you seem rather upset that your friends got punished for breaking the rules."

“For one who doesn't seem to like rules you certainly have them." He countered, making the elf roll her eyes with an amused smile.

“That does seem to be the case doesn't it. Though that would only apply to my books and things. I hate it when people disrespect or try to steal them." Kioko sighed, glancing around to all the gathered books around them. There was a moment where a dark shroud seemed to pass over her face, and Arcturus got the impression she was remembering something terrible. Her eye twitched, losing her the composed look she was trying to maintain. She glanced down to all the broken pieces and ripped pages and letting out a heavy sigh. “Besides, can you imagine if I left them in here? The destruction that they could do to my library? I shutter to think about it. This will be for the best, just you watch."

“And where would that be?" He stashed his sword, already feeling the tension that he had starting to melt away. Rather embarrassing if he had to admit it, being all jumpy like that. She had a point, this was a punishment for something they had done. He chastised himself with his next breath, trying to rid his bones of any lingering doubt.

“A lake."Kioko said flatly, gathering the books into a pile.

“And..where exactly is this lake?"

“Oh, just northwest of the city. Should be an hour flight or so actually. That gryphon will have no problem finding his way back. Maybe then they can think about what they did."

“And you sent them there with a portal?" He gestured to the tree.

“Yes!" Kioko sprung up, clasping her hands together. “It is a marvelous thing that was suggested to me. That we spread trees that I had helped plant over the countryside. I mark them with a symbol here." The elf snapped her finger to the hardened back, tapping the symbol of an X. All I must do is have visited a tree. Then with a spell I can open a brief portal between the two plants that only lasts for a few seconds at a time. You can imagine how useful that is! I can travel all the way cross the country in the blink of an eye!"

“That.." Arcturus' hands dropped to his side as he contemplated just how useful that was. If you had an army of people this skilled with magic, they could strike anywhere they had been with plants they had touched. Hit and run attacks could be done and gone before the defender even knew what hit them. “Is amazing..Is it anything like traveling the fairy realm?" He then told her about the Emerald lady's stones that teleported them.

“Oh, that old hag?" Kioko laughed. “Such a bitch that one ended up being. Though not before I got to hit her a few times on that scaled snout. She wishes she could duplicate my spell. She might be a master of the arcane arts, but when it comes to the spiritual and nature, she's hardly more than a novice."

“Never heard her called that." He smirked, rather liking the idea of the green scaled dragon taken down a few pegs. “Good to hear actually. Had a rather rough time with her myself, ended up cursing me."

“She tried to rip my soul out!" Kioko burst out laughing, “Got all better now though."

“I can see that. Do you need help?" He crouched down to assist in helping with the books.

“Of course!" She smiled, swiftly working with him to bring the ripped-up reading material to a nearby cart. “Hate it. I'll have to get a wizard or three to help fix the pages..IF they can be fixed."

“Sorry about them, they get overly zealous about stuff."

“Yea. Not the first time I've had books taken or destroyed from me. I suppose it won't be the last." Her head drooped as she plucked up a dark orange cover, running a hand along the talon ripped surface and shivering. She closed her eyes, letting out a soft sigh before suddenly ruining the mood and bursting out laughing.

“Um.." He stepped closer, tilting his head. “What's going on?"

“Your friends!" She cried. “Can you imagine how angry that dwarf is going to be now? Plunked in the water, all red and shouting! That'll teach them a lesson or three about messing up my library."

He watched the woman stride around, listing off all the lessons and quirky things that his dwarf companion could be getting up. When she leaned against the tree bookcases with a sigh, he decided to push further into this strange woman. “Well can you show me?"

“Show you the library?" She regarded him with an amused smirk, eye brow raising as she did so. Her arms went wide, palms up as she twirled on her tippy toes. “This is the library silly. You've been in here for hours! Or perhaps are you blind?" She stopped mid stride to glance over her shoulder with a laugh. “Now that'd be a tad of a handicap for swordsmanship wouldn't it?"

“Quite. But no." He shook his head at the woman's silly antics. Florimel would be a perfect match for this crazy elf. What was with the scholarly and going mad? Was there some correlation? He made a mental note to not loose himself within a library for years without at least some interaction with people. “I meant the friends of mine that you spirited away with a flick and push of the wrist."

“Oh, well why didn't you say so?" She turned around, smile spreading from ear to ear. “Always the noble knight it seems. No wonder that the red dragon adores you. Such a handsome quality to have. You know a long while ago I dreamed of some handsome knight falling for my charms?" She surged forward to caress his chin with a finger. “Mind you this was way before your time."

“Is that so?" He pulled away, suspicions returning to his gut like a stale wind.

“How worry etches onto your face like an artist." She sighed, leaning back and crossing her arms. “Would my reveal that I pay homage to Bahamut put your mind at rest paladin of the dragon goddesss? Then would you not look at me as though you expect me to do away with you next?'

Wait…what? He had to almost do a double take as the world sounded a bit fuzzy. His words stumbled as he was unsure of exactly how to respond to that. He hadn't heard of any followers until now. Just stories from Veledar on the subject.

“You shouldn't act that surprised. I mean She has to have followers through the world, right?"

True. That was something he hadn't thought about too deeply. That led to numerous possibilities didn't it? Were there clerics of Bahamut out there? What about other paladins?" He crossed his arms as Kioko pulled away from him and set her eyes past his shoulder and toward a loud chirp. Voidwing no doubt by the pleased sound of it. The elven lady looked as if lost within a pleasing memory.

“Right." She shook her head, holding out her hand. “Take my hand. I can show you where they ended up. It's a small lake to the north west of here. Has a good series of hunting ground for elk and the fish can be mighty tasty. Not to mention the few dozen area's that make good scenery for mating areas."

“Seriously?" He gasped, face starting to shift a tad red. He mentally scolded himself when she gave him a smirk and a wink. He had to stop being so ruffled from these things. Especially since he had the two biggest lewd things in his adventuring party. “Right." Hesitation found him, stalling as he extended his hand for hers. He couldn't shake the feeling she wasn't telling him something, the purple smoke upon their arrival coming to mind. “What about that smoke? What are you polymorphed from?" He pointed a finger accusingly at her, loving that she seemed surprised. “I saw that smoke, certain friend of mine has done that before, changed into a human."

Kioko regained her composure with a palm over her mouth, a giggle finding the air. “Is that all? Such a simple thing to rattle your trust paladin." She stepped back with the grace of a dancer, spreading her silken arms wide and wiggling her fingers. “But if you want a demonstration." She clicked her fingers, a thick purple smoke swarming around her features and enveloping her form. When it started to swirl away in thick curls what remained was an orange tabby cat with long whiskers looking up at him with purple eyes. It meowed at him, flicking its tail across it's back. Then, just as he was admiring the white stripes of the feline, the purple smoke returned the woman to her normal form. “See? Tabby cat."

“Oh." Well that certainly explained that away. He felt whatever distrust he had brewing start to melt away. Wait. He thought back to the night before, and a certain cat chasing his dragon around. “Was that you chasing Crimson around?" He chuckled at the image of his mighty dragon keeping his frilled tail away from the playful paws of that cat.

“Puuuurhaps." She winked.

“But why? We were setting up a meeting to meet you! Surely it would have been best to meet us in your true form."

“Well. I like to meet people in my other forms at first. No one ever suspects a cat or anything else to be listening. People act a different way."

She had him there, and the longer he held her gaze the sooner whatever reservations he had crumbled away. He took her hand with a sigh, preparing himself for whatever spell felt like that. When she voiced his approval and started the spell he clenched tightly on her hand as memories of the Emerald Lady's fairy stone came to mind. Hairs on the back of his neck sprung to attention as his skin shivered. Hopefully it wasn't like that, and thankfully it wasn't.

When Kioko dragged him through the portal it felt like thousands of crinkly leaves were all dragged across his shin and sound took on no meaning as the woman let out a jubilant cry. One that sounded more like a child than a full-grown adult. Lights encompassed his vision grew ever the brighter than most he'd ever seen yet not hurtful to the eye. Then just as he was trying to figure out what was happening it all came to a stop. Kioko pulled him onto solid ground, grass folding beneath his boots as they emerged from a gnarled white barked tree with an X carved into the bark. It stood alone atop a hill that was dulled from the winter's coming grasp. It overlooked a mis-shaped lake that was ringed by a series of yellow and red trees. The sun shone just over them as it gave them a red-orange top, looking more like some crown of fire.

“See?" Kioko laughed, letting go of his hand and spreading her arms wide. She pointed out to the middle of the waters being rippled by the wind. “There they are."

Arcturus squinted, and to his relief managed to make out the forms of Merlia and Krotos splashing around in the water. He blinked as the pair seemed to be bickering and he wondered what dozen or so curses must be leaking from his ranger's gob.

“Told you. I did what I promised! Mess up my library, get tossed in a lake!" The elf beamed, all her teeth shining in the sun's light. “So, no reason to be distrustful eh paladin of Bahamut? Let's ignore that little detail, as it's rather suspicious yourself. Even if you have the dragon following you around."

“Wait." Curiosity pulled his head toward her. “How is me being a paladin of her suspicious? Is it that hard to believe that I have her as a patron? Surely, you've met other clerics of the dragon goddess in your time. Just look at yourself!" He waved his hand as if mimicking her actions. “Such magic at your disposal."

“True, but I never said I was a cleric of her. I wield magic from nature, guided to me from the lands and the spirits. Divinity has never found its way into my bones. I have never met a cleric of her, and I don't think you will ever either."

“Because I am a human and won't live as long?"

“No." She searched him from boots to hair, her playful attitude starting to crumble into a more serious one the longer she stared at him. It was if she were trying to peer into the very depths of his soul. She leaned forward, cupping his chin with a hand. “Most interesting…And how did you say you got your powers again?"

He told her everything that happened. His tale with Veledar, all the good and the bad. How the dragon had been laying at his feet near death. How in his plight he had pleaded forth to the gods and she had answered his prayers. When he reached there Kioko gasped, then scoffing his answer with a wave of her hand.

“And why is that farfetched? I was near a carving of her! I was begging for help! Surely things like this god love to do!"

“You're not a cleric, so I won't expect you to know how they go about getting their powers. But the reason its interesting human." The elf pulled back with a tilted head. “Is that Bahamut hasn't existed like the other gods for thousands of years."

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