FSE

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Chapter 19

Oh, the mystery of magical study. It boggled the mind with equal parts frustration and excitement. The thrill that your answer waited right around the corner, deduced by your skill at the craft. It now consumed the young princess in the wizard's tower as she ran her fingers across the surface of a golden bowl, polished to perfection.

Tired eyes stayed locked upon it; certain the properties of the metal were not to blame. Gold was pure, exceptionally built to channel arcane energies and be fuel for spells large and small. This had already proven to be up to the task of handling the amount required for this spell of anti-fear. However, it was the length that did her little well. It lasted not nearly enough time. She set the bowl down upon the desk, drifting to stare out the window the overcast sky of dusk.

Florimel had gotten her the bowl, forged out of thin air she suspected, but he didn't say. The fact teased the mind, drifted it away from her given task. The mage that never needed to make hand motions, repeat words of power, he never even graced the pages of a spell book or focusing crystal. His presence puzzled her, with every foolish notion that came driveling from his lips. They spoke of a dunce, a crazed old man who was messing with things he didn't understand, but his feats showed otherwise.

She groaned and twirled her raven hair, was he a story teller? Part of her scoffed at the notion, a children story, that's what they were. Ancient magicians that brought the gods here to craft the world, preposterous. Yet as she peered back and caught the old man telling a story of giant lizards to Axton, the thought was not so crazy.

But now was not a night for worrying about strange tales or childish stories, she couldn't afford a moment of reprieve from this study. Not while the fates of two kingdoms rested upon her shoulders. With a groan she reached for her goblet, half filled with her ninth helping of coffee for the day. Her cheeks flushed as she downed the bitter liquid, already her heart quickening it's pace. It would tide the tired mage over, for rest was being denied her.

Only a year prior she'd have loved for a mystery such as this, a powerful spell that she needed to counter? She'd have spent weeks searching for the right answer or concoction that would deliver her from its haunting image. Books off the library shelf she'd sift through, jotting down notes and experimenting to her hearts content. Yet with Dreadflame practically marching upon their doorstep? Time was not a luxury she could afford. Back to the bowl and her notes, it had proven something to beat back the fear already. It didn't last for long, but she imagined it was just missing some last ingredient. Something to make the enchantment last. The fact must have been staring at her in the face, her eyes went to her pages of notes, organized and structured.

“Just relax my dear." Voidwing padded in behind her, the handsome gryphon giving her a pleased trill. His talon caressed her side, tender and loving. It had the future queen leaning into it with a sigh.

He'd tried to tell her about his quest since his arrival, but she'd insisted that he wait till later. There were times for his charming tales of heroism and comedy, this was not one of those times. Maybe a stack of iron? The clerics used such things to bless others with their magics. She caressed her chin, only head to be tugged back. Voidwing had gotten her hair in his beak. Ice blue eyes flashed hot, “Must you gobble upon my hair? Is there something that I have done wrong to receive such a treatment?" One tug the gryphon released her, ears splaying.

“Preening is an intimate thing between other gryphons." His talon didn't release his grip on her waist. “You looked stressed, concerned-“ He gestured to her cup, “More jumpy than a rabbit. I was merely trying to get you to loosen up, relax." A worried chirp left his beak as drew closer, “Any tighter and you might snap."

“I'm fine." She replied, “I've done this before."

“How many?" He eyed her goblet, a knowing gaze about him.

“Six." She lied, already feeling his judgement upon her neck.

“Do you know what happened the last time you had more than that?"

Her cheeks blushed, “Which isn't relevant since I've only had six, below that number."

“Right." He replied ears flicking tall, “And that's why you're trembling, heart practically racing."

“That is…correct."

“You're lying."

“Oh, come now Voidwing." Her eyes rolled, “I can choose what and how much drink I ingest, you needn't coddle me like a child- hey!" He'd snatched at her hair again. This time she whirled around; “Come now, can you keep your beak to yourself? Some of us can't go off and play with a dragon all day, we've got the city on our shoulders!"

His chuckle radiating through his feathered throat, talons, undeterred by her outburst, squeezed gently at her waist. “Dear, of course you can. Which is why that I implore you to have a good preening. It's wonderful, relaxing. You can even preen me after I'm done!"

He was so thoughtful. Any flash of resentment she might have had, died within those apricot pools. His beak she did caress with the palm of her hand, gifting him a soft smile, “I'm not putting your feathers in my mouth."

They laughed together at that little exchange. Voidwing's wings wrapped her tight, pulling the jovial princess into the tightest of gryphon hugs. Lips met beak soon after, closing the bodyguard's eyes as he warbled and savored the moment of her affection.

“I'm only wanting the best for you my love. Don't go cracking apart at the seams."

“Come now…after six…" She tried to hold firm against his knowing gaze but huffed and groaned, “Alright it was nine."

“See?" Cooed the gryphon nuzzling at her cheek, earning him another passionate kiss. “You're more worked up than that time you helped deduce the Draan Flu. The one that had flowers growing on people's skin?"

“Ugh, I know." She settled into his comforting feathers, so warm and safe. Nuzzling against him teased thoughts of never wanting to leave. “But I feel though you don't remember it so well. They turned every shade of blue, vomiting everywhere!"

“Oh yes the vomit!" Voidwing pulled back with a chirp, “I never thought a human could hold so much, and the color!" His face wrinkled, “Why was it all rainbow colored?"

“The pixie's prank most likely." She shifted, resting a tender hand upon his fore talons. There she stroked the surface, firm but comforting. “But unlike that time, haste has been thrust upon us. Dreadflame will not simply wait for us to concoct a solution. He will fly with hell upon his wings." When she was certain she was lost and no answers would come, Voidwing was quick to nuzzle her face and bring such thoughts to an end.

“Yes, but last time you solved it. True you had Nigel to help, but you've grown so much more!" Crown feathers slowly rose as she caressed his chin, a smile crossing her lips. “You just need a break." He thumped as he gave the now giggling princess a beak parted smile.

“I hate you soft paws. You're really a bad influence."

“Of that, I know is a lie." He replied.

“Could you stop being so kind and comforting of all things?" She rolled her eyes, cupping his chin as he serenaded her with pleased chirps. “How am I supposed to get any research done with your…blasted cuteness around?"

The gryphon steeled his gaze, “Well my love, if you wish to get any peace from your gryphon, then I insist upon a break." A nod came next, pinning his wings. “No squirming your way out of this one."

“Only if I don't have to put your feathers in my mouth!"

His eyes rolled, “It can be with your hands!"

Forced to yield to his demands, she allowed the gryphon to lead her away from her studies and onto one of the many couches. He was first, allowing her to rest into him, finding a protecting talon wrapped across her waist. She laid back, allowing herself to grow still. Though she wouldn't admit it, she was glad that he came back, she needed someone to force a break.

“Any luck with the bowl?" He asked softly, as Florimel wandered by, dragon chess board in hand.

“I thought we were supposed to be on a break?" She offered a curious eye, smirking as the gryphon chirped back in reply.

“Yes, but think of it as a compromise. Relax, contemplation."

“Trapped within your grasp my handsome gryphon?"

His chest swelled below her, tail wiggling off the cough. “Is there somewhere else you'd rather be?"

He had her there. With a pleased sigh she rested a cheek against his feathery chest, the sound of his heart comforting her so. If only she could have used this comfort, this protective embrace to beat back the fear that had her so confounded. There would be no shield greater than the love of a gryphon.

“Shame my feathers didn't help the spell before." Came his voice, practically a whisper. As she wistfully sighed, he caressed her, “Do I please you that much? I'd have done this sooner if it would cured your anxiety."

She nodded softly, “You are the stars to me Voidy, make my legs all wobbly. There's not a place I'd rather be, than right here, with you."

Soft trills wafted through the air as they held one another. The human and gryphon whispering sweet nothings to one another as they basked in the glow. He preened her hair, working diligently as she sighed and relaxed into his grip. When it came to her turn, she had him relaxing back, massaging his chest and belly until the white hinded gryphon was practically purring at her soft ministrations. It ended with them flopped over one another, hair and fur mashed together as the black and white gryphon told her about his adventure.

“And Krotos he?" Her cheeks blushed, but not surprised to hear.

“All of them." Chirped Voidwing, before placing a claw to his chest at her suspicious eye. “Not a single prostitute touched my feathers. Even the wolven that-“ His ears splayed on either side, “Wanted to pound my bottom."

She nearly screeched in laughter, groping at her lover's haunches. “But you have a delightful bottom. You mean to say he lusted after it?"

“He looked, but certainly didn't touch." His talons drifted to Nivra's cheeks, giving a firm squeeze that made her giggle and collapse into his welcoming embrace.

“Later." She panted as the gryphon happily chirped and gave her butt another squeeze.

“Says the one who just complimented my bottom."

“It's a nice bottom!" Her finger poked his beak, only to be brought back to her studies by Florimel's string of curses.

The old mage was sat by their table, a dragon chessboard out and the pieces on display. A dozen or so of his pieces lay beside the board, having been claimed by his opponent. Where Nivra expected to find Axton, smiling away as the mage let him win, was instead a hunched over rug, moving a piece to claim yet another of Florimel's. The wizard's cheeks went red as he strung together another series of curses that would have caused even Merlia to blush.

“Florimel? How's your break going? Or is every waking moment a reprieve from the world to you?" She rose, Voidwing's talons on her hips, holding her steady.

“Fine, figured I need to stretch the mind as you two did whatever that was." He rubbed his brow, staring intently at his few remaining moves. “I can't believe it; I'm losing to a rug!"

She scoffed, “Why did you enchant the rug with such prowess if you're going to nothing but curse about it?"

The old mage groaned, “Because I wanted a challenge Nivra! Think!" His next move only ended with the rug taking their turn the split second later, draining away what remained of Florimel's smile. He cursed again. “I'd be angrier if this wasn't a reflection of ability!"

Unwinding herself from her gryphon, Nivra returned to the bowl. The time for relaxation, and the sinful touch of her gryphon lover was over. Down into her seat she plopped, Voidwing coming to rest at her side. Curse his nature. She began immediately testing potions, various concoctions of magical variety, even a few protective enchantments of her own. When Florimel had finished his match the mage was more than happy to take position opposite her, conjuring a powerful fear that he claimed resembled perfectly Dreadflame's.

How that was, she couldn't conceive, but the mage had not lead them wrong yet. Thoughts returned about the Storyteller, but she squashed them, clearly he'd seen whatever trick the dragon was using. Though her spells were quite potent to hold against his surge of fear, it was like she was a mere child with a shield, fighting against a giant. She'd last a few minutes under the old wizard's treatment, but she'd always be reduced to a panting mess, tormented by the sights of her worst fears. In this case they were haunting images of her father and Nigel, each convinced she wasn't good enough.

“We don't have to stay here." Voidwing had his beak at her side, as she'd collapsed after the fifteenth try. His tone was firm, but those apricot seas were filled with tender care. A wing was wrapped around her, she didn't have the strength to deny him. “Entis awaits."

“But I must, don't you see?" She struggled to stand, shaking off the ice of the fear that had her. “Such is my station. My subjects are counting on me."

“They are? We're in Struport last I checked."

“And best that we draw the line here, stop this madness from spreading further." She dusted off her black robes, fingers tracing the silver dragon shapes stitched into them, “Instead of fleeing back to the safety of our country, our tails tucked betwixt our legs. I must find the answer here."

Voidwing swished his tail, ears splaying. He knew what the logical answer might be. “Nivra, I know that you care about the people here. That Arcturus and the others you feel as though you need to make up to them. You can't go and do that if you're dead. We must face the facts of this situation, that if you can't find the answer, we need to get you out of here." His face fell, ears splayed, “I hate to say this, but even if Arcturus is cleared of the charges against him, it won't matter. This city will fall, with everyone within."

The grim fact weighed heavily upon her heart; it gave her the strength to hobble back to the bowl. “Then it's paramount that I make what work I can be significant. If we wait for Lumara soft paws, it might be another problem that is sent against us. I'm going to solve this if it kills me." She collapsed to the chair, hands holding firm against the back of it. Sweat collected on her brow, a hesitation lingering on using herself again. If only Krotos had stuck around. Closing her eyes, she shook away her discomfort, duty sinfully called to her. “How about the others, Arcturus, Feku, Asterion?"

For a moment he stayed silent, beak opening and closing. He relented with a groan, seeing there was no swaying his beloved from her task. Around her he padded. With a grumble he told her all that he'd learned from the trip to the wet bitch. How they were keeping their people in several locations.

“Guess they took what the red dragon did to heart." She grumbled, “Splitting them up so they might not all be rescued from his paws." Her face darkened, another obstacle to be piled upon their terrible plight. What was she going to do, would anyone even listen to her if she found the solution?

“You could always go out and party!" Florimel leaned back in his chair, a jovial smile about his lips. As the human and gryphon snapped to him, he laughed, “What? Laughter and good cheer have always beat back the darkness!"

“Yes, but this is a magical problem Florimel." Groaned Nivra, setting him with a piercing stare. “As entertaining as your suggestion might be, it won't solve the problem. I'll eat your hat if it did."

“Then you'd have to try it!" Winked the old man, resetting his dragon chessboard, “And I might suggest mustard for my hat."

She rolled her eyes at the suggestion. Clearly, he was going off on one of his tangents again. Her early thoughts were crushed. How could this be that of a storyteller?

“See, I had this cracker time with a pair of dragons. Several centuries back. Oh, come now Nivra you haven't even heard the story!" He said with a grin, “Sometimes you need a bit of chaos, the blood pumping, sure silliness that no one would think of it! Those dragons sure didn't!"

“You had a party with a pair of dragons?"

“Yes, good to have folks that remember the old days…Or was the party actually a cactus?" He stroked his beard as he stared off.

“Well, I think he's trying to help." Voidwing cocked his head, “Although, I'm not quite sure how that helps." At mention of a cactus again, the poor gryphon winced, no doubt thinking of his prior incident with the things. As he opened his beak for another suggestion, the door to the tower swung open. In walked Krotos in a drunken stupor.

Right behind him emerged Merlia with a smile, her cheeks rosy from clearly a night of drinking. In one hand she had a leather leash, attached to a collar around the gryphon's neck. There was a moment of silence as Nivra's cheeks flushed. Oh gods above, why must she have friends like these?

“Should we inquire about your current attire?" She coughed as the dwarf sauntered in as though she owned the place, smacking at the grey and blue gryphon's haunches.

“Hey this is Nivra's!" Krotos chirped with a slur, flopping face first to the floor. “Oh god, it's Nivra's! Why are we here?"

“You're free to be asking whatever you want lass." Merlia chuckled, “But I be suspecting you'll not be keen on the particulars of what big blue here has been up to. Let's just say he went and had a bit off more than his beak could chew."

She rolled her eyes as Voidwing padded to Krotos' side, offering an inquisitive beak and a chirp. “Why am I not surprised? Spend the day drowning in booze and prostitutes, why not finish the day like that as well?"

“To be fair, they don't like being called that." The dwarf flopped down into a chair, pulling a pipe from her pouch. Eyes flicked over the potions and bowl that were before the young mage, “Having fun up here?"

“When not being interrupted, yes."

“Any closer to figuring out the fear?"

“Slightly." She rolled her eyes to Florimel, “The old man insists that we have some fun to add to the spell."

She whistled in amusement, emerald eyes lighting up. “That be my kind of wizard! You're alright old man!"

Florimel, not looking up from his game, gave the dwarf a thumbs up.

“Voidwing! I met a minotaur!" Krotos struggled to stand, only managing to flop a few inches forward, “You should have seen the tits on her, all the way out there! Like mountains I could start a nest on!"

“Really? Fascinating." Replied the Onyx gryphon, ears pinning, very much aware that Nivra's eyes locked on the back of his head. “They can't have been that large."

“Merlia, as fun as a drunken visit would be by you and your associate, could you vacate the premises?" Nivra steeled her gaze and swept her hands, “I have no time for your tomfoolery here."

“You mistake the visit for a joking matter princess. Dirty bird there looks fine and drunk as normal, but something be strange about it."

Strange? Another mystery on her door? Nivra groaned and did her best to conceal her interest. “I'm sure whatever swill that he ingested will work its way through him. Why see me and not an apothecary is beyond me. Can you not as a ranger heal whatever poison that ails him?"

“Ya think of me as a wee pup, fresh out me mum's cunt?" Merlia rose a brow, lighting her pipe. “Course I thought of that ya royal ninny. The blasted thing won't be gotten rid of, like a case of the sneezing tits!"

“I doubt that what he has compares to that magical disease." The mage rolled her eyes, but curiosity still whispered at her ear. It tugged her chin, made her look, stronger than any spell upon this earth. Gears turned, but she looked away, biting her lip. “How…how did he go and get affected by this…plague?"

“Someone spiked it I imagine." She took a drag of her pipe, filling the room with the smoky smell of her weed, “When he wasn't looking o course."

“At the minotaur!" Krotos chirped, managing to get to all fours, supported by Voidwing's aid. “And I thought I was hard soft paws. She was a rock!" He thanked the gryphon when he offered a cool cloth. The blue gryphon placed it upon his sheath and balls, “She got me good, damn near crushed my pelvis."

With a sneer Nivra rounded on Krotos as he described in vivid detail how his flirting minotaur had taken him by the scruff and decided to feel how a gryphon preformed. “Do you think magic is at work? He appears to be just as drunk and sexually focused as normal."

“Thought that me self, but he's of a stronger belly than this."

When the princess crouched low to lay a hand on the gryphon's fur, his attentions focused all upon her. Instead of anger and resentment over the tests, his affections now went to her instead.

“My queen. Apologies for the outburst and insults earlier. I beg for your forgiveness."

“It's quite alright Krotos, you were affected by the spells, you lost your feathers, it's totally understandable."

“With that settled, I can't wait to get my talons upon you and mate that beautiful bottom of yours." As she gasped at his crudeness, the gryphon's ears pinned, “Oh gods did I say that aloud?"

“I'll say you said that aloud!" Voidwing squawked, his feathers all fluffed. “That's my future wife!"

“And my queen!" Krotos rolled his eyes. “And clearly what I said was a compliment."

Nivra just groaned and rubbed her brow, cheeks positively red. What could she expect? Merlia's chuckling behind her didn't help the matter. She knew demanding that the gryphon stop in his state would be a fruitless task. “Krotos, focus, do you remember what you were drinking?"

“Sure!" He replied with a beak parted smile, “There was frost wine, gryphon delight, fire hopper, dragon sword twister, giant slayer, oh and a wee bit of dwarven thunder punch-“ He listed off several more things until Nivra groaned and told him to be silent, “Well I had a lot!"

She grabbed at his beak, staring into those clay eyes of his. His breath smelled like a brewery; his eyes glossed over. It was the telltale signs of drunkenness. “So, I heard you went and got drunk and your nethers wet while Voidwing and Crimson Sky had an adventure?"

“To be fair my queen, the dragon got rid of my feathers, and your tests were dreadful. I needed a reprieve."

“Oh, how the songs will be sung of such bravery."

“Hey! It all worked out in the end, I even went for help when I realized it was real!" His ears pinned, eyes narrowing, “Let's not pretend like I don't care about them!"

“You tried to help them by humping the staff."

“That was before! Besides, seducing is a valid way of keeping one's enemies occupied Nivra! Just ask Lyndis sometime how she got past your gryphon security within the castle's vault."

The queen gasped, “She seduced our guards?"

“Yup!" The gryphon nodded confidently, “She used an illusion, but it still counts, ow!"

She'd managed to pluck a hair from his ear, gentling moving away as his half-hearted attempt to swat her failed.

“So, what could it be? A dreadful curse?" Merlia questioned as Nivra returned to her tables, sweeping a detect magic spell through the air.

The mage frowned, eyeing the gryphon whose fur shimmered with a glimmering aura. A curse. She eyed Krotos with a furrowed brow, this kind of spell wasn't common. Who was in that tavern? “Were did you stumble across a geas spell?"

“A what?" Squawked the gryphon in alarm, flopping back onto the ground. “I mean, I know vaguely some spells cast upon my feathers, but…Whats that?"

“Forced compulsion." Nivra squeezed the bridge of her nose, “You must agree to…some underlying instruction. Should you disobey." She mimed an explosion, “But of course happening between your ears. Until you'd comply it would drain you, press upon your skull...until, well."

The gravity of such a thing rested on the air for a moment as heads tilted to the slumped gryphon. His tail swished, “Wow I must really have been out of it. Who the hell would be casting something like that on me! At a tavern of all things!"

“I'll say!" Merlia smacked him upside the head as he sat up on his hinds. She continued to rant and rave over his stupid feathers as she batted his hide, “Why did you go agreeing to this stuff?"

“Well, I do remember getting married…" He fought off her assault with his talons, “Or was that a dream?"

As they reduced themselves to a bickering mess, Nivra placed down her hands. Such a spell was overly complicated, not every run of the mill magician could wave it. Flashes of Nigel troubled her, he would have been perfect to do such a thing. Was he truly gone? She shivered as she wheeled around, yes of course he was, there couldn't be another answer. She plopped back down into her seat before the bowl, “Your cure will have to wait for another day."

“You can't be serious!" Krotos and Merlia chimed in unison, taking a breather from their squabble.

“I definitely can." Replied the mage coldly, “This right here is far important than the drunken adventures of a gryphon and his dwarven friend. Especially when one's night involved leashes and collars."

“Oh don't give us dat, what if it's something serious?" Merlia growled, “Even you can't be that heartless."

She groaned, “Krotos, are you in pain?"

“No?" The gryphon replied.

“Are you in any discomfort?"

“I mean, I accidently told my queen I want to sleep with her, so a bit."

“I mean physical." Groaned the mage, cheeks warming.

“Oh." His ears splayed, “Then no."

“Ringing in your ears?"

“No."

“Thoughts of suicide? Doing harm to others? Willingness to be a creature's love slave?"

“No, no, and hot, but no." He chirped back, clicking his tongue.

To Merlia the wizard gave a smug smirk, “Then it would appear as though the matter isn't pressing. If it gets worse come back to me, then we can talk about it."

“Well, if not you, how about the old man?" The ranger crossed her arms, eyes narrowed, “He's got to be powerful enough."

“Busy!" Florimel shouted.

“Doing what? Playing games?"

“I'll have you know I concern myself with the cosmos! Laugh at creation with my-“ He stalled, drawn to the mewing of his cats. He sighed, plucking one up into his hands. “But I suppose it can wait. Harric, you're hungry aren't you?" The cat meowed in response.

Merlia scoffed as the old man wandered off back into the halls, off to fetch his cat dinner. “Can ya believe that wrinkled coot? How have ya not gone mad?"

She didn't answer, staring into her reflection of the golden bowl.

“Ah, I get it. Yer got a pole up your fanny." She gave Voidwing a wink, “Here, I got a potion for the both of you. Don't worry about it, you'll be thanking me."

“Hardly." Nivra gently smacked aside the dwarf's offered flask, “I need to study, not be locked into a night of passion with whatever aphrodisiac concoction you have there."

“Merlia, can I hold onto that?" Voidwing asked, padding over. His tail swished, ears splayed, trying to be ever so innocent, “For later of course."

“Course you can soft paws!" Roared the dwarf, opening up the gryphon's neck pouch and shoving the purple potion inside. “Let me know how it goes!"

“I…Only if Nivra is ok with that."

Oh, he was so cute. Nivra groaned, all these distractions were getting bothersome. “Look, I said this before. Merlia, if you can't help me with this, then you better-“

Merlia had grabbed the bowl, whistling at the craftsmanship as she caressed it with her callused hands.

“Careful with that!" She tried to snatch it, but Merlia pulled it away.

“Think these hands aren't careful?" The ranger clicked her tongue, “What ya got a fancy bowl here for anyway?"

“It's good for a spell reagent. Gold typically is. That has proven…adequate in keeping the fear spell at bay. It so far has allowed the test subjects to resist fear spells for about ten minutes, but obviously that would not be useful in a combat situation. We don't know when Dreadflame will come knocking with his paws. I'm just missing a final thing, something obvious. Another reagent that I've not considered."

“How about little bit dancing?" Voidwing chirped sweetly, curling around his love and offering an affectionate hair nibble. “Florimel did say to add some fun."

“Oh, come now, you can't be serious. He was joking!"

“He didn't sound like he was."

“But he must have been, can you hear yourself?" She ruffled the gryphon's fur between his ears, “Fun and such things don't exactly belong in the logical art of spellcraft my love."

“Tell that to Crimson Sky." Merlia said.

She sighed, “DRAGONS have an entirely different way of casting. You'd know that if you studied ANY book of-“ She rolled her eyes, why was she trying? Merlia was only chuckling, clearly trying to get a rise out of her.

“Hey, you're still eyeing her bottom!" Voidwing snapped at Krotos, who was sitting rather uncomfortably, eyes upon Nivra's backside.

“I wasn't." Lied the blue and grey gryphon, snapping aside his head. “Now you're just wishing I would join you in your-ACK!" He was tackled to the ground by the onyx bodyguard, forced to bat and defend himself from an assault of his silver lined beak and skillful talons.

Keeping to the edge of such a sight, Merlia sauntered around the mass of wrestling feathers and fur. She shook her head, as they both knew where this was going to end up. Like it always did one or both would be left coiled on themselves, clutching at their balls. The dwarf came to Nivra's side, caressing her chin.

“Missing ingredient huh?"

“Yes, that is what I said." Nivra growled, shifting ever slightly to allow the ball of wrestling feathers pass by unhindered.

“See? Sounds like times back home."

“His fear aura is powerful, far greater than could be seen. The possibility exists we can't combat it, but I cant just give up now…Cant."

“To bad we just can't beat it back with a stick! Ole dwarven tactic, cant have your head filling with fear if it's already filled with booze, songs and fighting. Honor too if you count that as a thing." She chuckled, taking a whiff of her pipe before gesturing to the wrestling gryphons. “Guess we can add stupidity to that as well."

She stopped dead, smacking her knees.

“Don't tell me ya want to make everyone so dense they be unaffected?"

Adrenaline? Hope? Love? She tapped her skull as she did the mutual plotting out of the magical craft. That would be crazy, wouldn't it? To weaponize the good cheer and other things so that the fear wouldn't be able to creep on in? She rose without a word, heading for her notes. She had to see what she'd observed.

“Something I said lass?"

“Perhaps. Those activities you mentioned, they all produce a chemical in our brains, blocking out other things. You experience a form of tunnel vision. False bravado, trying to entice people you shouldn't, unwilling to think ahead."

“I don't know about the first bit, but like how booze turns ya into an idiot?"

“Precisely, if we could take all those experiences and turn them into a shield? There would be nothing that the aura could do. It would batter away, but be deflected, defeated. Maybe even allow it to last far longer than I've experienced thus far."

She already started to weave her spell, eying the gryphons currently trying to pin one another. What else did that have to lose? Without a way to properly aim at one, she opted to hit them both with this enchantment. As Krotos stopped dead, Voidwing pinned below him, he noticed the lavender light on the mage's hands for the first time. His eyes opened wide; his ears dropped to his neck.

“Not again!" Said the gryphon as a wave of light washed over him.

** ** ** ** **

Oppressive was the night that wrapped the land of Drenedar, it's inky tendrils swallowed every branch and rock that adorned the snow swept landscape. Inhuman howls resounded through the pitch black sky, chilling the bone of any mortal who dared catch wind of such a sound. Moonlight of the twin sister moons were engaged in a sinful dance, their rays broken apart by the thick clouds that rolled across the sky. Far from the walls of the city of Struport, and passed its far western gate, hordes of undeath and those that followed them awaited to make their move.

The air was brutal and cold forcing those that still drew breath to cling together for warmth. Campfires could only so much to cease these icy claws. Mercenaries whispered of the days ahead, of plundering and looting from those that rested behind the great city's walls. Fat, decadent, weak by all accounts. Some feared that they'd surrender, the more warlike individuals groaning at being robbed the taste of blood upon their weapons or claws. Undead were kept far away, swaying silently within the breeze, unmoving, without emotions, at the will of their necromancer masters.

Across this sea of disorganized tents and hoards of flesh and steel, sat a far greater beast than all that beheld this earth. The dark form of Irvintar rose above them all as a wicked avatar of death, glowing eyes of a forge sweeping across all that he laid claim to. To the peoples out there he was called Dreadflame, a fitting name, for he was the son of a grand dragon called the Emperor. Far from the lights of his people's campfire, the shadows kissed upon his blood red scales, the only light he needed was the molten flickers of his underside, resembling that of cooling lava. Cruel was his gaze as it lingered upon the stone symbol of the city's strength, the wall he had not breached. Beyond it would be an easy task, then setting himself upon the city as a terrible shade. Even at this distance he could spy the diminutive shapes of the guardians who manned their posts, mere ants to a dragon such as he.

His eyes closed, taking in the crisp air, drifting to a tugging sensation beneath his scales. For inside that city was something he knew too well, an orb of dragonkind. The thought of another had intrigued him, there was only supposed to be four. Was it one of his fathers' secret plans? Its contents must be quite the prize if he didn't even whisper of its existence to his children. Perhaps it was another sibling, created after they were bound in the orbs? The great dragon rumbled to himself, tasting the victory that was at claw. He was certain he'd be rewarded when his father returned, placed above that of his sisters.

“You can feel it can't you Irvintar?" One of his dragons behind him asked, a male by the name of Urrag.

Hearing his name was still strange coming from the gold male that he'd bested not that long ago. Dreadflame huffed, lingering his gaze upon the scars he'd left with his own claws. He didn't object as the younger male sat beside him, joining him in his watch of the walls.

“You've done well to show respect from when we first met. I thought I'd have had to kill you." He gestured to the walls with a hoarse snort, “But yes, I can Urrag. Though they try to hide it, conceal it's whereabouts with magic, I can still feel its general location. Within that orb is something powerful, a tether to myself and my siblings. It permeates my very bones, calling to me, begging."

The gold dragon shifted, looking away as Irvintar offered his gaze. Such was the way of their arrangement; he was the dominant.

“But fear not little one, they won't be able to keep it from us. Even now they squabble at one another, snap jaws at each other's necks. How amusing they bicker on the honor of falling beneath my paws. If you listen, you can hear their fear. Taste its presence on the air." The red dragon sighed, reaching towards the sky with a paw, clenching it fast. “It's almost an intoxicating experience."

“Even with the death of Grutaan?" The younger male growled, whiskers flicking, “Arcturus strode right into our camp and-“

“That is of little concern." Snarled Irvintar, thumping his tail. “Grutaan was a fool, to underestimate the likes of Arcturus." As the younger male stewed and narrowed his gaze, the elder was quick to snap at him and force a retreat. “You mocked me when you said I lost to him two years prior but now have seen first paw what he's capable. That mortal is clever and tricky and happens to have a traitor at his side." His paw upon the ground was heavy, advancing on the gold as though he were a predator on the prowl. “Take note of his failure Urrag, learn from it. Don't repeat Grutaan's mistakes. Though you might think me harsh, I'd rather not have to train your replacement."

Nodding, the gold dragon froze, his breath starting to quicken as Dreadflame neared. As the red dragon brushed against him, rubbing scales against one another, he couldn't help but tremble at his touch. Nostrils flared, the beasts red snout came to rest against Urrag's throat. Teeth so close, it wouldn't be hard for Dreadflame to latch on and clamp down.

“Can you do that for me? Become the champion I know you to be?" Dreadflame's tongue traveled along Urrag's throat, causing the gold to tremble at the stronger drake. “Or do I need to teach you another lesson? All you have to do is ask."

Blood rushed to the gold dragon's cheeks as he stifled a whimper and composed himself. Nostrils flared as Dreadflame loomed overhead, chuckling to himself, hinds shifting uncomfortably. No doubt that something was about to emerge. “That won't be necessary-“

“Settle down you two, I have brought gifts." Laughed a dragoness as she swooped by on the sound of feathery wings.

Her gold scales winked in the limited light, great and powerful that covered her from snout to tail. White feathery wings adorned her back, bringing the sizable dragoness to the snow dotted ground. Blue eyes flashed with delight as the males chuckled, seeing what she held firm within her paws. It was the wiggling form of two mortals, clad in the chain mail attire of the onyx guardians, their black tabards fluttering in the wind. Grinning she tossed the men prone into the snow, landing her paws behind them with a wicked hiss.

“Good job on your hunt Erentis." Dreadflame rumbled in draconic, leaving the mortals below to tremble and have what little color in their faces drained.

“You're welcome my general." Erentis bowed her head, tail swishing at his praise. “Though with how they stumbled about? They were easier hunting than goats."

“Is that so?" Dreadflame advanced upon them, relishing how their eyes traveled in terror along his frame. Chest swelling at such a delicious sight, he moved in such a way that they got a look at every inch of him. He snapped at them, watched them squirm, swiftly cutting off any escape as he surrounded them. Then, when they were whimpering in terror he cleared his throat, “Congratulations gentlemen." Cooed the ancient dragon, “You have in your expert skills found myself, Dreadflame, the general of the army against you. I do believe you should be proud of yourselves." He gestured to his dragons with his wings, “A rousing round of applause."

Mockingly, Urrag and Erentis settled upon their hinds, on either side of them, clapping their wing talons together. They formed an impenetrable wall of scales and teeth, cutting any escape these guardians had left. They were but mice between three, imposing lions.

“Feel honored that you've beheld such a form as myself and my lieutenants. It will be the hallmark moment of your pitiful, miserable lives." He fluffed his wings, letting them soak in their predicament, “For not many live to tell the tale about it."

“Found them skulking about on their wolves." Erentis hissed, prodding one of the soldiers with her snout, causing him to shriek in terror. “Thinking they were so clever, unaware that I was on the hunt above."

Irvintar snarled at her, snapping and causing the dragoness to leave the diminutive humans alone. “You'll leave them so frightened they will piss themselves and be of no use."

“Though that would be amusing." She grinned, “But I submit to you."

Oh, she knew how to get right under his scales. The blood red dragon swelled his chest, turning his attention to the humans before him. His tail flicked, nostrils flared, “I take it by your attire that you find yourselves in the employ of those silly Onyx Guardians?"

At first they didn't reply, a pile of whimpering fear and sweat.

He revealed his teeth when they didn't settle down. “I don't have much patience for you little ones. Know that your silence will not be tolerated for much longer. Answer before I have my Lieutenants gobble you up so that you may experience a dragon from the inside."

“Yes sir." Stammered one of the soldiers, dropping to his knees. “Apologies lord dragon. You are just very frightful, beautiful! Might I inquire why you've spared us?"

“Oi!" The other soldier scowled, “Don't be asking that!"

“No, it is a poignant question human." He lowered his snout, glowing eyes piercing through the men's armor. “We are mighty, born to rule over your kind. Killing you would mean less than nothing, it is the information that you hold within that is of importance to us."

The braver of the two guardians stood tall, voicing his defiance even as his voice cracked. “You won't get anything out of me dragons. I'm a loyal servant of the Guardians, I have given my vows! I shall not betray them! You'd have to kill us."

Oh how cute. The dragon chuckled, admiring how he stuck his chest out. Did he think this would stop him? That this was bravery would not go unpunished? Either way it was a façade, the final thing to cling to. He let the man sit under his gaze, slowly deflating bit by bit. “Not the best of words little one. For I know many ways to keep you alive while you suffer. You'll only die when I decree that you do so." He flicked his tail, describing all the delicious ways that he could skewer them, burn them, even have them alive while he digested them slowly in his belly. “Only to be spewed up, healed, and placed back. Oh, the suffering you will endure, we can make it last foolish human. So ask yourself, is your precious little vows worth that?" He huffed and flicked his attention to the whimpering of the two, “And it would appear your friend here has not the same views as yourself."

“Then we die either way dragon. You make us suffer or you make us suffer after we tell you."

“Oh, how you're right, but note I did give you the chance to save yourself." Tail flicking in entertainment, he advanced upon the weaker of the two. Sure he could have used the brave man, but he wanted something better, he wanted to see that wall crack, his courage fade. Eyes began to flicker and crackle with magical might as the great dragon let mana surge through his veins. His target didn't even know what hit him, too focused on staring at the ground, praying for help from the gods that would not come.

The whimpering man rose as if a pair of strings had wrapped themselves around him. Out stretched his limbs, one after the other with a terrible snap. His eyes rolled into the back of his head as he began to twitch and tremble, leading to a horrible thrash. Dreadflame rose his paw, chanting words of power, filling the air with a powerful hum that whispered to the heavens. Blood soon came to dribble from the man's eyes forming crimson rivers to drip upon the ground.

Within the dragon's mind came flashes of this pitiful man's life, his childhood, teenager years, moments spent as a parent. All of them were like pages of a book, casually flipped by his desires. None of these were important to him, how could they be? This man was but an ant before the great storm that was he. He found more pressing matters to sniff through, troop deployments, layouts of the keeps, names and facts about those he'd served with. All of these were absorbed by the overpowering force that was the dragon, leaving the human drained, empty, nothing but a hallow shell. The corpse of the man collapsed with a dull thud, leaving the braver human trembling in abject horror.

Dreadflame shook, his body adjusting to the violation he'd inflicted. When his eyes opened he was composed, gleaming with cruel intent. His gaze fell upon the remaining human, nostrils flaring. “I have taken from him all he knew human. The question is will you be more forthcoming than you've suggested?"

Words failed the knight, his face the color of snow.

Dragons warbled their victory as Irvintar lowered his snout, letting each word act as a sword upon the man's soul. “His pain was horrific. For you it merely lasted a minute, gone with a blow of the wind. For him, it seemed as though it lasted for an eternity. One that was filled with unimaginable pain coursing through him. Now, will you tell me all I require? Or shall you be the next to join him?"

Bravery in the face of such power buckled, his defenses failed. The brave knight collapsed to his knees, totally dominated and controlled. From his lips came all the secrets that he knew, information that Irvintar has already gleaned, but it warmed his heart to hear such submission before him. With every word he was practically warbling, feasting upon what he'd brought this proud warrior to do. When it was over the human was shivering, pathetically so, uncertain what the dragon would do with him.

“Go on. Kill me then." He went prone, practically weeping. “You have no need of me anymore."

While true, the dragon rose over him, towering as though he were a king. “You speak truth human, but your acceptance of your position before us it most gratifying." He waggled a paw, “Feel free to go."

The man hesitated, unsure if the dragon was telling the truth. “You're joking aren't you?"

“Why would I be?" He mused with a grin, swishing his paw, “I told you what would happen if you refused, you submitted to me. I welcome you to join us in taking your city, or return to them. However, know that if I find you battling myself or my forces, your death will be terrible indeed."

Unsure what god had favored him, the soldier stood, gathering what courage was remaining within. He stumbled off to skirt the encampment of mercenaries. The dragon's watched him, eyes gleaming in the moonlight.

“You just let him go?" Erentis asked, eyes full of fire and desire. “After all that, you allow him to return to his people? Won't he tell them he revealed his secrets to us?"

Irvintar merely smirked, “I said what I would do, not of what you might." As her eyes figured out what he meant, a rumble passed through her lips. “Do whatever you feel is fitting."

“Delightful." She grinned, unfurling her wings. “I'll keep an eye on this whelp. Should he feel inclined to return home, I do believe he will have a date with my stomach. Alive."

“Do take your time if he does." He waved her off, not even glancing up as she loosed herself to the sky. He and Urrag watched her fade into the darkness, out to hunt her intended prey. To the male dragon he snorted and snarled, bidding him to be gone.

“Have a date with your servant?" Mused the male.

“Refer to it as that and prepare to find yourself squirming below me whelp." Warned the dragon, watching his lieutenant's eyes flick to his haunches. “I do remember how you enjoyed it last."

Blushing the gold dragon rose and sauntered off, pinning his wings tightly as he joined the mercenaries. It left Dreadflame to watch him as he left, licking his teeth. When the male was out of earshot he wheeled around, ensuring not a soul would witness what came next. He rose a paw and let magic flow through his flesh, welling up words of power in his throat. Lavender light crackled across his paws as he drew a pair of circular shapes upon the air. When he pulled away they remained, suspended before shifting down to resemble that of full-length mirrors.

“Merlia Gallogalar." He hissed the final words with a scowl, settling down upon his belly as her face appeared before him. One of experience and adventure, oh so amusing to be filled with distain as she caught sight of him. Clearing his throat, he addressed her with a brassy, commanding tone. “Report dwarf, you're late today."

“I've been busy lookin around dragon. The guardians have that ball of yours well hidden." She replied with a growl, “I responded the first chance I got, unless you'd like it I were caught with me tits hanging out." Her eyes narrowed as she flicked her red hair, oh she had spirit.

“Do you wish to be found out little dwarf?" He remained composed, it was expected to have a bit of resistance. “Experience the consequences of your choice to swear your life to me in exchange for my mercy?"

She grit her teeth, emerald pools trying to incinerate the air. “No, you don't have ta remind me, I remember ya no good-“

He cut her off with a growl, frills gently fluttering. “I'd watch what you say to me dwarf. I am not that red traitor that you surround yourself with. Next time you are to show respect when you answer unless you'd like to experience your pet of a gryphon suffering."

“I only agreed to that because you had the gryphon and me by the balls!"

“And yet you made the deal." He narrowed his gaze, “I'd expect a dwarf to live up to her end of the bargain." His tail thumped as he soaked in the positive loathing she was exuding right now. “Apologize to me dwarf for your rudeness. Tell your master why he shouldn't punish you."

She scowled in response, “You no good, son of a-“

He moved ever slightly his paw, picturing the blue and grey feathered gryphon. His charming chirp, the fluffy hind end that he'd dominated. It filled the dragon's blood with warmth as he readied the magic for what would come. He clenched his paw painfully slow, enough that Merlia could soak in her choice. From beyond the mirror's vision, a painful squawk cracked through the air. “By now your Gryphon's skull should feel as though it's getting crushed by my paws."

“Krotos!" Shrieked the dwarf, rising to help her wounded friend but he stopped her with a snarl.

“Touch him and I'll kill him." That stopped her, brought a red to her cheeks. Eyes widened as she stared into his own, nothing but fear within. “Apologize and call me your master. Until you do, your gryphon will suffer."

The dwarven ranger squirmed, held in place by this powerful beast. Turmoil was plain as day within her features, that rebellious spirit and the caring friend. Which would win?

“Go on." Grinned Dreadflame, relishing in her torment. “Say the words I know you don't want to. Know your place in this world. You were born to service me girl, now do as your told."

“Sorry master." She grimaced, looking ready to vomit as the words left her tongue. “Didn't know what I was thinking. You be the most…kindest…most generous master that a slave could be having."

“Good girl." He smiled, lowering his paw, yet not ceasing his grip upon the gryphon. “Now what transpires within the walls? Have you located the orb of dragon kind yet?"

“You said you'd free him!" She blurted, after snapping to make sure he was ok. “He still squirming and gasping for breath!"

Dreadflame grinned, “Then I suggest telling me what I want to hear."

“I said they be keeping it well hidden! What did ya expect? Been looking through the vaults, treasure room, not a lick of it! What did ya expect master, for em to point at it and go, sure lass there it is."

Disappointing, but not strange. Though these guardians were mere mortals, they had tricks up their sleeves. “Do your allies expect anything of this dwarf? Now don't lie to me." He grinned, counting the twitches of her eye, she was fighting it. Oh, this was a treat. In silence he waited with a twitching tail, watching as even though she despised him she sat transfixed, she began to tremble, buckle, a pained look crossing her brow. “Oh, come now." He mocked, “You're compelled to tell the truth dear. No sense in deliberately delaying it. I will win in the end."

“Nivra suspects there be a spell about Krotos…Nothing more." She finally burst with a wheeze; her cheeks as red as the dragon's scales.

“And how did she learn of such a thing?" He growled, kneading the ground.

“Ya think all of us be daft?" Panted Merlia. “Girly figured it out, sure, she be workin on a solution."

So, she'd decided to deceive him still. He rose a paw with a growl. “I warned you Merlia. I am a decent master if you obey but continue rebellious acts cannot be allowed. You found a way to signal her, didn't you?"

“Course not!" She blurted, eyes filled with desperation, terror, locked upon the dragon's claw. “Daft gryphon blundered about the inn, hit on the wrong ladies. How can I be blamed during a routine inspection it was found? You should have hidden it better!"

She was lying. He slowly squeezed his paw, as if it were the gryphon's neck. The only regret he had was that he was not there to relish the squirming cat bird at his paws. “Clever girl." He hissed, watching her bravado die, color drain from her face. How she shouted for the gryphon, all sense of strength departing her. She screamed Krotos' name, departing the mirror.

“Hang on Krotos! Merlia's here!"

There was a rifling of goods, clinking of bottles, but it would be for naught. Dreadflame casually picked at his claws, rumbling to himself. His power would beat back whatever healing potions she had to spare, it was only a matter of time. Give it a few minutes and the gryphons brains would be splattered against the floor.

Merlia returned, a make of bravado to hider her fear. “Let him go ya big baby. He hadn't don't nothin to ya. This is nothin but a temper tantrum, cause you be scared of Arcturus. It's kinda funny if ya think about it, mighty champion of the emperor, nothin but a baby. Face it lad, kill him and I'll have no reason to help ya."

“Then you'll die as well." He growled.

“Perhaps it be time, but you'll lose your help."

The dragon's eyes narrowed, his tail flicked, could she hold out so? “You mistake dear dwarf is the assumption that I need you. Go ahead, play this game. Your deaths will be a most excellent strike to Arcturus heart before I break him. More lives he's failed to save, when I have him prostrated beneath me, pressed down by my paws, it will be delicious."

“Real hate boner for the guy don't ya." She laughed nervously, “You be bluffing."

“I'm really not." He replied, eyes gleaming in excitement, “How long I wonder can you watch Krotos sputter for breath? Do you see the blood that's dribbling from his eyes? Give it a few more moments my dear and you'll find out what colors his brain is."

Eyes darted to Krotos, back to dreadflame. The ranger's defiance wavered, cracking under the weight of his power. It had lasted, a glimmer of strength, only to be snuffed out as he cracked his whip. She bowed her head, voice reserved. “Please, I beg of ya master, don't hurt him. I'll do anything."

He tapped his paw, with a cruel chuckle. “Again. With feeling my dear, really sell me on your remorse. Oh, and tell me how wonderous and generous I am. After all, letting you go after trying to slay me with insults? We can't have that sort of behavior in a pet." He leaned forward, letting his taunt stab at her. “Go on be my good girl, speak for your master."

How sweet it was to see her resistance crumble, that spirit within snuffed out. She did as he requested, begging for the gryphon's life, laying praise upon his scales. It made the dragon warble at her efforts, and how they pained her.

“Good my dwarf. Now…" He smiled with a cruel gleam; his domination was not complete. “Tell me who you belong to?"

“You…My master." She whimpered, “I belong to you."

“Well done my pet." He mocked, relinquishing his death grip upon the gryphon. “From this moment on, no passive resistance, no maybes, no trying to stop this. You and your feathery friend belong to me. You are my playthings, sex toys, pets_,_ you exist to obey my every whim_._ Resist me and find that I am a most cruel master, obey and you will be well taken for. Find that orb and you and others will be spared my wrath. Fail to do so and well…" He rose a paw with a wicked grin, “I do believe there will be one less gryphon to call this world home."

“How can I be certain your words be true? That you won't just kill us when we do what ya want?"

“You can't be certain Merlia." He grinned, showing off his cruel teeth, “Just as you can't be certain of the wrath of nature to your kind. You just know what happens if you don't, thousands of dead, city in flames, I only have to work harder for what I want."

“Guess I don't have a choice." She grit her teeth.

To that he grinned, catching the scream of the distant guardian as Erentis snatched him up in her maw. No doubt there would be a resounding gulp, sealing his grim fate. “No, my pet, you do not. Just pray to your gods that I will be merciful when I win."