FSE

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Chapter 12

What had ended on a disappointing note, led to little else. Leon spent the next few days endlessly pouring over books, tomes, scrolls and even the occasional preserved love letter. With every passing minute his belief in himself did falter and threaten to die. It would seem that Krantor and Olas' dismissal had been justified. Either by stubbornness or inability to admit he was wrong; the half-elf practically sank into his researching chair.

Back and forth he traversed the multitude of floors, hands growing tired, eyes aching, he had to be reminded to eat, drink or even sleep. How could it be for nothing? Was this all a figment of his imagination? On the third day he'd collapsed, a volume of famous beer makers on his lap, his energy all but spent.

Krantor had slunk over this time with a coo, dropping off a set of keys into the half-elf's lap. “You needn't thank me." Said the gryphon with a prideful fluff of his feathers.

“And what could these possibly be for?" He groaned, pulling up the ring of keys.

“You know, to find what we need in the secret archives." He strut a bit past, gesturing to the hall with his wings, “Libraries such as this always have secret shite, like hidden backrooms were they keep the really dark juicy stuff." He chuckled with a trill, “Maybe some salacious books on gryphon and two leg mating practices? I mean if you and Olas haven't already-“He squawked in alarm as Leon hurled the keys back at him.

“Take these back to wherever you got them from."

“You're not at least impressed the slightest of how I got those off the librarian? I thought you'd like my sleight of hand."

“Not in this case." He flopped back his lead, “we already have access to everything, all you're doing is ensure that we'll be banned. I know you'd rather be anywhere else, so please, return those."

The gryph snatched the keys with an indignant squawk before grumbling about returning them without being seen.

“Do a magic trick!" Hekate called from Leon's side as her mate took flight to the air, “Pull it out of her ear, they always love that!"

“You only encourage him you know." Said dryly, taking a sip of his water skin, “Wish he'd just leave well enough alone."

To that Hekate sat down on her haunches, following her love in flight, “Come on, you're being too harsh on him." Her eyes glowed like gems in the light, “He means well you know, in his, silly way, he's trying to help. Why else do you think he's even here?"

“To bug the shit out of me? To hold it over my head and hit me in the balls." He shifted uncomfortably, the gryph had repeated his game at least three times over the last few days. He too had gotten in a few shots, but all it managed to do was get Hekate involved, the gryphoness hitting them both.

“That's not exactly correct." She sighed, “You're part of our flight, so we take care of our own."

As the gryphoness nuzzled up alongside him, his brow could only furrow, “He has a funny way of showing it."

She settled down next to him, wings stretching in and out before setting her head down on her hands. Her brown eyes flashed up, right so that Leon could see them, haunting him, taunting him with their sweetness.

“What do you want?" He growled.

“Just taking in how cute that it is, watching you do this."

“Cute how? I'm literally doing my job I was paid to do." He turned the page of a scroll, “Even if the arrogant bastard thinks otherwise, I'm a professional Hekate."

“That so half-elf?" Her brow rose, tail thumping as if to tease. “Would you go to such lengths for us?"

What was with that question? It was ridiculous, “Of course." He scoffed, “Don't be daft, both of you are part of my team, even if your husband can be an absolute pain in my ass."

“I wasn't aware that he had mount-Oh, that's what you mean."

“Of course, I meant that way."

“Well, he's a pain in your balls now too." She laughed, ears pinning when Leon shot her an icy glare. “Still, Olas must be really moved to see you doing this for him. No matter what you say it's rather romantic." She sighed, eyes closing as she lost herself to this fantasy, “I bet he's positively brimming with joy, bounding on his paws. I bet he's singing, ready to spoil you with affections for such care."

He scoffed at the notion, Olas care? “I think you mean call me when he wants to fuck. I'm just a bit of meat to the blue blood Hekate, fulfilling an itch he can't get with his wife." He pulled up the scroll, cutting her off, “That's the way it is, no sense in wishing that it wasn't. It never ends particularly well."

There was silence for a bit, only broken by Hekate shifting with a weakened whine. “It's alright to hope Leon, to reach for the stars. You needn't think you've fallen in the depths of Goratesh." She rose to poke her head around his scroll, moving every time he shifted to block her empathetic gaze. One meant to batter down his defenses and let her inside. “Leon!" She grabbed the scroll and dragged it down, staring into his narrow eyes.

“I'm trying to get work done."

She sighed, “Back home in my town, before you came along. I had no idea what life had in store, what path it would lead. I was trapped in the shadow of my parents; you helped me strike out on my own. You were there when I most needed you."

“So were you." He replied flatly, “When the mummy tore out my throat-“The memory of that moment stung ever cold, where darkness had been ready to take him. “But you managed to heal me."

“And then you offered me to go with you."

“Figured could use the healing." He shrugged, trying to raise the scroll and finding her determination to keep it down superior.

“What I'm meaning is I took a chance on this dashing half-elf. One that seemed a bit coarse around the edges. My days were filled with adventure, one right after the other, we had highs and lows, of which I've never regretted. We've shared a nest together, our bodies, you know I only want the best for you."

“I have been paying attention."

“Leon…you and the fates delivered me to my future mate."

“And I couldn't get rid of him since. I told you back then he was too silly for us. But no, you thought he was cute, and I quote, adorable."

She gave a tired sigh, “Please, go talk with Olas, see what he feels. I hate to watch you go through this, the torment, the doubt, it will drive you mad." Hekate wheeled about, eyes closing as she drifted off to some all too pleasing place existing only in her memories, “My parents didn't think they were right for each other either. They argued like mad beaks back in the day, but they grew and came to adore one another." She extended a wing to caress his chin, “You might not tell Krantor, and he might not see it, but I can see you're happy when you see Olas."

“Lies." He grunted, trying to pull away, but she wouldn't let him.

“Only to yourself. There is a way you walk, almost cheerful. When you talk about him, in your myriad of snarls and scowls, there is a softness. So please, take the first step, open up to him-“

He slapped away her wing, scowling, “I'm glad your parents found each other Hekate, truly I am. I'm thrilled that fate graced you with your one true love, but you are a rarity in this world. I've done what you're asking of me now, not to Olas, but others like him." His eyes became like that of daggers as he poured his soul out to her, peeling away to expose the hurt and trauma, “You end up abused, addicted, used, never seeing things clearly. You become a shell of yourself, just a worm in which to curl around the hook that is them. It always ends up with your heart aching unbearably, like you want to die. No one is who they say they are. But how would you know that?" He pulled back with a cruel laugh, “You literally had your love fall into your lap, what do you know of suffering and pain? You've not seen the bitter crust that people are, the bastard flavored bastards, all doing their part to get ahead and screw you over." He thrust a finger into her chest, fire pumping through his veins, “They backstab you, leave you for dead, toss you crawling to the ground with nothing left."

“But- “

“That includes that fucking gryphon Olas. You think he'd actually care for me? Think Hekate, he's a lord of a realm, a position of privilege. Me? I'm fucking nothing to him, like a drug to satisfy a hole in his life." By this point he was panting, gnashing his teeth as he continued, “He's just a job Hekate, the best one we've ever had, so that's why I do it alright? We enjoy the ride until it's over."

Hekate opened and closed her beak, her usual bright demeanor was now marred by the shadow of his words. Amber eyes flashed with fire as her tail lashed, feathers fluffing as she gave an indignant squawk.

“You didn't have to be an ass about it." She growled, wheeling about as she rose her head in disgust, “And go and get mounted Leon. I know you're miserable, but you needn't drag the rest of us down to your level."

“Whatever."

She flared her wings and took off, no doubt to collect her husband and leave Leon to his work.

“Better anyway." He grumbled; it wasn't like they were any help anyway.

Then a quiet set around him, that stilled his soul, brought pause to his thoughts. He watched her depart, a nagging sensation within to follow. He of course buried it down with a growl, why were they even with him?

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

Olas traversed through his study, beak wandering through the many tomes that caught his attention through the years. Light streamed in through the oval windows, casting a golden glow across the various metal trinkets that adorned his shelves. His tail gentle brushed along potions, bits of silver, various clay pots of reagents that he stored for his spells. He sighed as he caught sight of the piles of scrolls and requests scattered about his desk, his duty for the rest of the day.

He stretched with an exasperated groan, making sure to get each limb all the way to his tail. His hinds scattered a plate, empty save the crumbs of his lunch. The sense of duty called him back to his desk, but every stride was exaggerated, stalled, ears pinned when he finally thrust himself back to work.

Who would have imagined that keeping track of affairs, land and businesses across his realm would be so arduous? Letters of requests, favors, and demands fell under his purview, seeking a stamp of approval or dismissal. He entertained such times with little magical feats, brief glimmers of reprieve from the boredom of the day. To his dismay, his crystal ball across the room began to vibrate and chirp a most obnoxious tune, like talons across chalkboard. Ears pinned, eyes narrowed, there was only one person that he'd instructed it to react in such a manner. His father.

With an exaggerated groan, the lord rose, knowing better than to ignore such a missive. Though he carried on with the everyday routine of his land, it was his father that held full control over the mysticfeathers. His word was law, carried with it a power Olas' could only match, their bloodline was said to be next in line to the king and queen of Lumara themselves. Even still, as Olas beheld the quivering sphere he held, letting his father wait.

“Hello father." He said in a dry manner, activating the sphere in his hand.

Within it's crystalline surface came the ash like beak he'd known all too well. Almond eyes of many years gazed upon him, held within a stern face that told of no questions. His rust feathers were tipped with grey, pristine, his clothing he wore of brown and golds, intermixed with beads and strands of jewelry. When he spoke, it carried a phantom weight that seemed to press down Olas' ears.

“Olas. You've been avoiding my messages."

“Have I been?" He deflected, “That was not my intention. You know that your calling is ever important to me."

The elder gryphon hissed, eyes narrowed, seeing through his son's deceit. “You've not replied to the assignments of the wings."

“I had been…occupied."

“Yes, I heard about the circus. Where you released a murderer?"

“He was innocent father." Olas rolled his eyes, “Fighting off an assassin if you were to believe it."

“That is what I'd heard of. What do you think of the man's claim?"

He fidgeted, “Nothing I couldn't have handled of course. The man thinks he's on a crusade to save my life of all things."

“As to be expected, he is a servant of yours. Your success is his success. Where would he be without his lord? Off on the road, having to fill his time with the odd jobs here and there. You provide an air of authority to his little gang."

“What did you wish to talk to me about father, besides my champion and his companions." Olas groaned, wheeling to his desk, leaving the crystal ball to levitate upon the air, as if held by an invisible hand. “I assume the assignments of where I am supposed to fly? Grace the commoners with my time? Dance and perform so that all might be in awe of the mystic feathers?"

His father's ears pinned, “How you conduct yourself reflects upon us all Olas, any embarrassment is one to us all. The other gryphon wings look to us for strength, others looking for opportunities to take advantage of us. Any weakness would be…unfortunate for our family."

“What is that supposed to mean?" He growled.

“You know what I mean. I've heard…things of your current affairs."

“And what do you think you know?"

“That Isadora and you are at each other's throats? That you prance around your holdings like a thirsty youth, drawn into antic after antic by the brain between your hinds?" The elder gryphon growled, “And that you've been getting fucked by a commoner of all things."

“And here I thought you'd call me to care about me."

“I do care about you! Enough to remind you of your station. I wish to not see the life we've constructed for you is ripped away because you couldn't control your libido."

He rolled a hand, how many times had he heard this before? “Father, what you've heard is nothing but filthy rumors meant to slander my name. Frankly what goes on between Isadora and myself is just that."

Sparks flew by as the pair dueled with their words, making jabs and suggestions back and forth. It didn't go anywhere as it typically did, ending with both panting, ears pinned.

“Are we done here?" Asked Olas, flicking his tail. “I've got mounds of scrolls to tend to, instead of having a beak wag with you."

“Your presence is requested at the harvest festival in the town of Chiron to the north. You've been there before."

“Yes, the one with the flying salmon. I do believe they're also the ones with the wyvern problem? The dastardly flying reptiles having to be hunted down every few years?"

“The very same." Grumbled the elder gryphon. “But since you were busy with your circus, that is the assignment of which you were given. You are to walk around, fly, talk, bless the festival for the goddess Fureen. The commoners there will eat that up, it helps them to know the nobility have their best interests at heart. Now, I don't care what has happened between you and Isadora, I wish for you to- “

“Isadora is not attending with me." He countered with a squawk, slamming his hand upon the desk. “She has taken Luna with her for the week and won't be back in time for this festival."

“Should I request it…It will happen." His father growled, “And throwing a tantrum won't help you."

“Tantrum?" He scoffed, “Unless you want us snapping our beaks at one another, you'd best not shove us together. I'm better off going alone."

There was a sense to his words, slinking around the elder gryphon's ears. Silence held it's sway for but a moment before his father groaned and relented.

“Very well. The story will be that she is off attending to other matters. Such…conflict cannot be known, else it breeds weakness in you, and by extension us."

He nodded, counting that victory at least. Pulling up the scroll his father mentioned, a brief gleam through the walls of text revealed a most wonderous fact. He trilled, crown feathers raising for but a moment.

“Something interesting to you son?"

“It says here that the attending nobles are to bring a champion of their choice." His ears perked, “To attend in the festival games that they are holding. I can only think of one that comes to mind."

“Olas." His father said sternly, “Rumors or no, I forbid you to bring that two legger. Find another."

As strands of delight had danced about his mind, they were dashed with his father's demand. The lord pinned his ears, clacked his beak, forcing himself to compose himself with a lash of his tail. “Would that not be disingenuous?"

“Perhaps. But again, there are whispers that you fuck that commoner and you let him mount you. You are aware that it shows weakness son. Being the head of your house, that position reflects badly upon you."

“So, you'd prefer that I was the one to top him all the time?" He rose a brow with a playful chirp, relishing in the smoldering fire that was his father's gaze.

“If he was of noble birth, there would be no issue. Our family does not consort with those of lower station. Promise me Olas- “

To go and have no one at his side? To be surrounded by those begging at his talons for favors and gifts. There was only a brief shimmer of light that could be had in the shadow of this task, and that was Leon Silverblade. “I promise Father, you needn't worry of me." He lashed his tail. “Are we done?"

“I believe so. I expect to hear your report come the following Moonday." The elder gryphon nodded, wishing Olas well before disappearing from the crystal ball with a pop.

Olas stared blankly off, stewing in the storm below the surface of his feathers. He trembled, talons digging lines across his desk. How many times was he supposed to have his life controlled by that gryphon? Told what was expected of him, what was to make him happy? Why should he, was not the point of mastering magics to gain power above his peers? The lord sunk within his chair, no more in control than a summoned creature he employed.

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

Hours passed in his work, till bags formed under his eyes. What had come of his outburst to his good friend? What had he risked his friendship over? Nothing. All his hard work and Leon was no closer than when he started. He stood, groaning at the empty spots in which the gryphons had been.

“Why did you insult them?" He groaned, “They're just going to leave you, like everyone else." Though would they be so wrong to? “All because you're an asshole." He returned the books to a table one by one so the servants could ferry them back to their proper places. All the while his mind was haunted with the hurt look in her eyes, the betrayal. They were the closest thing he had to loved ones in this world, yet he regarded them as an annoyance.

They deserved better. He winced as he knew they would leave, one day pushed away as the others had been. With a labored sigh he returned to the librarian, returning the harness. She dismissed him with a wave, she didn't even ask what he'd found, it had been a forgone conclusion.

He returned to town in a foggy haze, cursing all he'd said and acted the last few days. Already he could picture Olas' smug face as the gryphon's assumptions were proven correct. Perhaps the minotaur had found the pin to wear, simply taken a job. Without him to talk it out and interrogate, he was just grasping at the wind.

Through the quiet buildings he did walk, standing up to the many levels of the town. He spied the shadows of gryphs flying against the star covered sky, when the large moon shined down at him.

“Finally come home?" Hekate called from the roof of the inn they'd been staying at, reclining and very much glancing to the stars as she typically did. “Or are you still full of bitterness?"

The mercenary swallowed down his pride, spreading wide his arms. He bound across the street like a dancer, giving off best imitations of chirps and trills that his mouth could make. To onlookers he looked like a madman trying to fly. Hekate tilted her head to this with an amused chirp, before changing swiftly to shaking laughter.

“You're aware that without another set of limbs you look like a drunken idiot."

He blushed, but persisted, ending the display panting, holding his arms outstretched.

She leaped from her perch to the street below, hardly making a sound. “Its not everyday that a two legger attempts the dance of sorry. Take it you didn't find anything of the assassins?"

“No." He sighed as she approached, sliding up behind him to run her flank alongside him. “It would appear as though everything was for nothing. I'm chasing ghosts."

With a soft trill her beak nibbled at his hair, finding no hands to push her away, “I still think it's sweet of you to go through all the trouble. Not many hold the attention of Leon Silverblade so."

“Hah hah, I've told you." He went to groan but she cut him off with a chirp.

“Just a job you're about to say, but I'd think long and hard on that. You're hardly sleeping, eating is a chore, you never took breaks, you're like a man possessed." She extended a wing and pulled him close, guiding his sight to the stars, “Maybe you're not being truthful to yourself."

He groaned as he leaned against her feathers, hugging her tight. She was right of course, that fact built within, gnawed at his insides till they ached. “Gods damned I hope not."

“That's not the reaction I would have imagined."

“It's just a path that's been walked before. Just proves I'm a fool."

“Not a fool." She cooed, dragging him towards the taverns steps, “And how will you know if you've never asked the question. Think its better to find out and know for certain instead of existing in your ignorance?"

“That would mean you're alright with losing what you have."

“Best things always have a bit of risk." Her playful nudge had him roll his eyes away.

“That doesn't make me feel better."

“True, but I think you need to relax before you call rust and beautiful." She gestured to the tavern door, from which the sounds of rowdy gryphons did swell. Nothing but a cacophony of chirps and trills.

He chuckled, “Just tell me there are no more games of tail tag in there."

“I promise. If anyone tries, I'll be playing said game with them."

“Poor Krantor, and you're his wife."

As he began to climb the steps, lips seeking a taste of gryphon fancy to enjoy it's fruity flavor, his bracer began to vibrate upon his arm. Of course he'd call right now.

“Ugh, not now." Groaned the mercenary as Hekate snapped to him with a playful look.

“Go on, this is your chance!"

“I'm not asking him tonight." He hissed, “And what was that about relaxing before?"

“It's more a guideline!"

He tapped the bracer as she whined, “Greetings Olas, quite the fine time of night for you to call. Can't have so little going on as to talk to me."

The gryphon's face appeared as a translucent ghost upon his arm, his feathers fluffed in clear amusement. A bowtie was wrapped around his neck, brown eyes glinting in the moonlight. “Oh, I always have time for you my darling Leo, the bravest hero of the realm. I was wondering how your little research was going, you hadn't kept me up to date. You had me oh so worried."

He spoke like it was still a game, like it didn't matter. Leon grit his teeth and carried on to inform the lord that he'd found nothing. “And I'm sorry for failing you Olas, I'd do the dance of forgiveness but I've already made enough of a fool of myself for the evening."

The gryphon to his dismay didn't shout, “Aww, did my Leo fail to find the assassins? What did I tell you dear?" Olas sighed as he noted Leon's grumble, “But I'm so moved that you put all this work to make sure that dastardly assassins were brought to justice. But that level of dedication had me thinking of a wonderful idea today, while the lords were talking about coming events. There was one that I take turns with blessing each year, a harvest festival for Fureen in the quaint little town of Chios."

“Olas…We just saw each other again…we agreed- “

“I know dearest, but you've been working to the bone to help me. How could I not repay such dutiful attentions?" A ghostly wing reached out to caress Leon's face, “I just want to make sure my brave little adventurer is well taken care of."

“Let me guess, you want us to accompany you to the festival?"

“Oh, I wasn't aware reading of the minds was one of your powers! Of course, I'd love for you to come to the festival. There are plenty of other nobles there showing off their champions, I think it's time to present how wonderful my Leo is!"

“To be your little trophy for the evening?"

“Heavens no, a guest of honor! I offer to you a weekend of relaxation and fun. Trust me, it's wonderful every year that I go. Having you there would make it ever so better."

He hated to admit it, but the lord's offer sounded great. Having to tag along and be pampered by the gryphon's staff? It was almost worth being dragged around like a plaything. He shook his head, “Olas, this better not be one of your fuck fests."

The gryphon laughed, “Oh I'm sure that can come later if find a moment alone."

“Look, Olas, I had a rough few days, I have some things to work- “

Hekate slid in, eyes twinkling, “He'll do it!"

“Hekate!"

“That festival is where I'm from! It's ever delightful Leon, I think you and the lord will be perfect!"

“Delightful." Olas chirped, clapping his hands together. “Leon, I can't tell you how relieved I am to hear that you're coming. I'll see you soon Leo, just ask your little friends of the proper date." The lord blew the mercenary a kiss before shutting off the communication.

Like that, another meeting with the gryphon was planned. Leon's heart was racing, what exactly had he been signed up for? He ran his hand through his hair as everything seemed to be slipping through his fingers. Hekate however was there, sitting on her haunches, ears splayed.

“Now I know you might be mad-“She began.

“Don't you think I want time to think about this? I just spoke about being an idiot!"

“But you're not though." The gryphoness cocked her head, “And talk about fate, he called just as we were discussing him. I can see why you like him, perfect timing."

“Instead, you tossed me right into the arms of that thirsty gryphon."

“To be fair, he's got quite the nice bum. Plus, you like him, he clearly likes you. Take a deep breath and realize this is a good thing. Trust me, I have quite the eye for this. He's in love with you."

How he wanted to yell at her, but he held his tongue. He didn't want another repeat of the library so soon, nor wished to dance. “He's just going to parade me around to those other nobles, like some sort of painting." He pictured it now, the gryphon adorning him with fancy attire, shoving him to diplomats and dignitaries. They'd laugh, talk with words that he'd not understand. “Then when the bastard is feeling horny, he'll sneak me off so that I can swallow down one of his numerous loads, or I'll be blowing one of mine up his tail. Then to finish the night, he'll have me on all fours, fucking my brains out as he coos and has me beg for it."

Hekate blinked, “That sounds like a good evening. I thought you liked what he did to you."

“I do!" He roared, in her face, “It's hot, he's sexy, and drives me wild to the ends of the world." Leon pulled away, shaking, starting to pace, “But we have just a contract Hekate, nothing more. You see the lust he has and mistake that for caring. This is a game." He was caught by a caring wing, dragged into her chest.

“I've seen you struggle and squirm. Trust me, on this. You talk of doubt? Set a boundary, push back, see how he reacts. Leon, don't just let it slip through your hands on maybes."

Oh, that sweet naive girl. He bit his tongue, deciding to let her believe that's what would happen. “Why do you keep insisting?"

Lavender feathers massaged against his face as she cooed to him like a lover, “I just wish to see you happy." The reply was honest, “I know I don't know all of it, but you've had a hard life. So…since you brought me such happiness, it's only fair I do everything to make sure you find it as well." She turned away, ears splayed, “And I know you think it's stupid."

That hit him. The mercenary caught her chin with a sigh, “You're not stupid Hekate, it's me that is."

“Yes, you are. Cause I have seen you smile with him."

“Never." He grunted,

“Once I swear."

“You must be seeing things."

“Leon."

“Yea?"

“You want to keep Olas safe right? To protect our…business provider?" She added quotations with her wings.

He saw where this was going, turning away with a groan, but had his arms held by her hands.

“And the best way to do that would be to keep an eye on him. That way in case these assassins try to do away with him, you can have his cute bum covered!" Her feathers fluffed as she smirked in victory, “And as I said, he's got a rather nice one."

He pulled away without a word, returning to the confines of the busy tavern. Though the gryphons were singing, he could tell that she'd followed. He planted himself down at the bar, right at Krantor's side, about to be pulled into a song with the other gryphons filling out the establishment. “Barkeep!" He called out, tapping the bar, “Make mine a gryphon's delight, but make it a double."

“That's the way!" Krantor cheered, pulling the man in with a wing, pinning him against onyx feathers. “What's the occasion, did you find the people we're looking for?"

“Worse." He grunted, “It would appear as though we're accompanying Olas to Chios."

Chapter 13

The gryphon noble proceeded to fly the last bit of the way to Chios. Though he could have opened a portal and emerged into the town squad, he was at least aware that everyone would leap back, squawk, collapse on themselves; just like they'd done last time.

He got close enough that Chios would be but a quick flight away, giving him time to stretch his wings. Up on the morning breeze he did sour, enveloped in the delight of it all. Through the fluffy clouds he sprung, racing through the moisture rich confines.

He'd burst free like a shark, chipping his joyous song to the world. Yes, the festival was a quaint affair, where he'd mingle and enchant these people's lives out of the dull monotony they were sure to live. Instead, his thoughts were filled with Leon. The mercenary's words still wet upon his mind, waggling his chest.

The wizard ducked and weaved through the currents, gazing out to the tapestry of greens, reds, golds, and browns below, kissing upon the ocean's blue expanse. Though from here the blues were mixed with teals, blending into the most beautiful display. Fields of wildflowers caressed from here the flowing hills, creating a patchwork quilt of color that had him wanting to swoop down and roll about.

Along the coast he spied the town of Chios. From the slopes of the mountain the gryphon buildings came, slowing intermixing with the human's own. Strong, sturdy, adorned with a multitude of perches to watch the ground below; It was a testament to their friendship and bond, one that could never be broken.

He spied people going about their day, bringing carts of foods and offers for the festival from their large expanse of farmland. It made him chuckle to see several of the humans forced to ward away some noisy gryphons, who eyed their horses with hungry eyes. Beyond that were the ports, where white sails were unfurled to catch the salt tasting air. These ships were large, filled with bounty. The crews dragging their cargo to shore. Above it all were several airships, propellers running to keep the magnificent machines aloft. They drifted ever slow, their finely constructed hulls adorned with fine plants and golden symbols of Lumara's rampart gryphon.

Olas drifted down towards the streets, greeted by several chirps of good morning. Around him was a multitude of color, like dozens of leaves cast to the autumn wind. Young and old there were singing among shouts of hunts and local gossip. Humans and gryphons traveled about, trading stories with one another. He landed on one of the many perches, talons digging into the hardened bit of wood. There he stilled, taking in the lively town. People pulled carts, others sold their wears, the delightful smell of cooking fish and baking bread wafted through the air. There was a simplicity of it, no one had noticed his presence, called out to him as the lord, made demands upon his station, it allowed him to take deep, calming breaths and simply bask in the morning light. He was just another face.

Among the various crowds below he spied couples of numerous types. Humans, gryphons, sometimes the pair together, each was as tugging at his heart as the last. They exchanged flowers, morning kisses, eyes bright as they flirted with one another. In each one he could not help but see the image of himself, singing away to the one that held him in such this delighted sway. His attentions lingered on a half-elf and a gryphon woven around each other like a cloak, exchanging trills as the gryphon placed a single feather into the woman's hair.

“It's Olas, it's Olas!" Several people called out from below, pulling the perching lord from his thoughts. He shook his head and chirped to them in a pleased way, seeing the excitement dripping off every face and beak. They gathered in the street below him, becoming a flock and he the speaking priest. When he flared his wings and swelled his chest they silenced, waiting for his next breath.

“Now, Now, commoners of Chios, It is good to see you all this fine Tower day!" He glanced around at their handiwork, of booths and banners being woven for the coming festival. “It appears to be coming along quite swimmingly, don't fear, I know I've arrived a tad early. I'd wished to converse with your mayor, just pretend as though I'm not here!"

People returned to their tasks, some grumbling to not have received any gifts or magical tricks. He was thankful to have them not pulling at his feathers, begging him for magical things, he got enough of that back home. He was free to watch them from above as they pulled together booths to show off their crafts. Banners were starting to be strung together to be hung, colorful things of the numerous wings that lived around the mountains. Warning signs were ready to go along with there as well, no doubt to prevent an occasion of one getting tangled in their web. He past the time, continuing his silent observation until a keen crow pulled his ear.

“Olas, you're early! I just had enough time to be preened, brushed and head out!" It was a blue and white gryphon adorned in the fine silks over his withers and haunches. Anklets were upon his forepaws, clearly having more owl gryphon as he lacked hands with talons and instead had paws like that of a giant cat. Olas flew down to greet him with nary a sound.

Fluffing his feathers, the lord greeted the other male with raised ears and a chirp of welcome. In kind the mayor returned the gesture, complete with a bow and spread of his black and white wings. They were pristine, devoid of grime, the male's preeners had done their work.

“Must I say, you're just as handsome as your last visit." The mayor chuckled, searching the rust gryphon from haunch to beak, “And your aura has a lovely glow about it."

“You can tell much about me from my aura now Deri?" Scoffed the mage as he and the gryphon strut off together through the streets. “One might think you're trying to butter me up, make a request of my family for your quaint village."

Deri warbled, “You caught me sir Olas. I did wish to ask you about our ports and hunting wyvern rights again."

“Did they not get renewed?" He rolled his eyes to the distant mountains, where the scaled, flying, scorpion tailed reptiles dwelled.

“That they did my lord, it's just the loathsome beats have turned into pests. Their hunting grounds encroach upon our lands, we ask to be allowed to slay more. Even now, a particularly large nest is hindering our fish migration."

“Such loathsome beasts, vermin with wings." Olas replied with an indignant squawk, “But their parts are useful for reagents and spells." He waved off the gryphon's request with a wing, “I shouldn't like to do work upon this trip, but I'll add it to my ever-growing list of things to do."

Deri bowed, “That's all I could have asked for my friend. But now back to the matter of your cheeriness before I brought up work."

“Hmm?" He had glanced back as a trio of gryphon preeners called to him, each offering a special massage for the gryphon noble. It wasn't hard to see that each who offered was male, they knew him too well.

“That look about you, bounce on your paws, Olas you're practically glowing."

“Am I?" He chirped, thoughts going to Leon.

“Is Isadora with you, I can't help but notice her absence."

His ears splayed at even the mention of her name, a dark cloud overtaking his spirits. It was all he could do to not curse her. “Isadora-“He said the name with distain, “Will not be joining us. I do believe she's out visiting other towns and villages with her brother and some other noble Gryphons.

“Of course, of course." Deri nodded, “That doesn't sound like great news, a lord such as yourself should not go empty winged to our dinner and the coming events."

“Don't fret too much of my lack of company. I do have my champion's arrival to look forward to. Have you not heard of his exploits?"

“I don't get too much of the rumors and stories from the southern towns, but I had heard of a certain half-elf that had caught your attention. Is it true that he crossed blades with a darkened specter?"

“That and more." Mused the gryphon with a warble, “Which reminds me. I shall have need of a room in your estate for him. I do ever love his stories."

“I can see to that it's arranged."

“Wonderful."

“Must be quite the champion to get such a request." Deri chuckled, “I suppose you won't be needing a visit to our nest during your stay?"

The intent was clear in how Deri chirped, “Deri if you want me to fuck you and your mate you needn't be coy about it." Laughed Olas to hide he and Leon's involvement, “Leon is just a favored friend, nothing more. I'd rather see him pampered than have him forced to resort to your more…common lodgings."

They flew towards the cliffs nearby, where a river broke apart the land. The valley between was large enough for several gryphons to fly wing tips touching. Far below told of a perilous fall, towards the running waters that splished and splashed against the horse sized rocks. Olas landed amidst the grassy field overlooking the chasm, it was delightfully soft against his hinds. He took deep breaths as Deri went on about something to do with the flying salmon patterns.

“You see, we're to coax them to town into the valley." He began, eyes closed as he walked through the particulars of the human's catching the fish.

Olas spied the humans and gryphons hard at work, preparing nets to spring up taught at a moment's notice at the pull of a lever. He pretended to listen as he trotted across the field, butterflies settling in his wake.

Such a quiet place, free of the town's activity; Olas sighed and enjoyed the smell of grass. In the distance, right before the perilous cliff was a gryphon family strewn about. A father and mother sat chirping away, explaining some detail to a quartet of gryphets that seemed far more interested in wrestling and nipping at one another with beak and talon. A squawk brought them in line as their father held out his almond-colored wings, proceeding to flap them up and down to simulate flight.

Flight training. Olas thought to himself, watching with a glow beneath his feathers as the father and mother pranced across the grass, flapping their wings to get their children to follow suit. In their wake came the gryphets, chirping and mimicking their parent's actions.

“Olas, Olas? Did you hear me?"

He was pulled back to Deri, “apologies, was a tad distracted."

“By-oh the family!" Deri cooed, “Getting a bit nostalgic my lord? Reminds me of my first day flying, leaped right off the cliff without regard for my safety. You can say my parents were quite alarmed at the prospect. How about you, how was your first flight? With your mother or father?"

“Neither." He said flatly, drifting off to his youth, where it was spent studying the ways of magic, practically locked away. “Father was always off running the flight, mother had stuff to do in her own way. It was the servants that taught me to fly."

“Everyone has their own way I suppose." Chortled Deri, “I imagine nothing so dangerous as a plummet off a cliff?"

“Not quite. But I did nearly take out our butler's eyes with my beak. Accident of course, and they learned to keep any working equipment away from my talons after I tripped about."

“Quite, quite, now, the next one I'm adamant you'll appreciate."

Olas took one last look to the happy, singing family on display, cold touched upon his feathers. With a heavy sigh he spread is wings and followed upon the mayor's tail, sweeping across the valley. They rose along the currents, wheeling about until they set their sights back to the town. With a pump of their wings, they were drifting high over the port and ships.

They sailed over the town, out the southern pass, following the road below. It broke into a gigantic field of grass, where hands were clearly hard at work constructing fences and booths. Hammers battered away to merry songs, gryphons chirped along, dragging wood, and helping their humanoid counterparts. Seats were already dragged out to form different layers so that humans could also observe the events.

“You can see the gryphon ball field being made!" Deri called out with a chirp, “Always loved that game, got a bunch here that wanted to pick it up, so we decided to have our first game, lucky you! Nothing more exciting than celebrating the union between our kind and the humans, you ever fancy a go?"

“To be flying around, chasing a few balls?" Lord Olas scoffed, picturing the two leggers that would ride each team's gryphon members.

“Only the humans are allowed to touch the balls." Deri mused, “The gryphons are there to fly them about, see it's a delicate balance, needing both to succeed-“

“I'm aware of the history of the sport." He waggled a wing.

The mayor's ears splayed at the clacking of his beak, swiftly changing the subject to other events. He spoke lovingly of cooking events, dancing contests, feats of strength and other contests of skill that would be found in any other festival across the kingdom.

The entire time he found his mind drifting to his younger days, where he'd stumbled across a wide-eyed half-elf. How they'd laughed in their youth, chasing one another through the grassy fields and forests, so hopeful, where nothing had ever troubled them. On occasion they'd collapse with their backs to the ground, watching as clouds drifted by, counting the gryphons that danced above. Back then the mercenary had been so hopeful, filled to the brim with spirit, swearing he'd be an adventurer to explore and experience such wonderous lands and magical creatures.

“I'd even bring you along." Leon, then a teenager had proclaimed, hand on his waist. The other had held a sword, brandished to the sky, “You know, if you were good enough."

“And you'd be the leader of this?" Olas had replied with a chirp of sarcasm, aware that as a noble, he would rightfully be holding a position of power.

“Of course, I'd be the best one." The half-elf had tagged the gryphon with his wooden sword, prompting another game of hunt the human.

“And here be the wrestling ring." Deri snapped Olas from his memories, the blue and white gryph's feathers fluffing in pride, as two humans were practicing for the coming day. They grunted and growled, locked in a sweaty embrace. A show of raw strength, the ability to dominate, both unwilling to yield.

Olas' eyes widened, stuck upon their burly frames. He ate up their features with a delightful coo, his thoughts shifting to Leon and things most salacious. His hinds shifted as his blood began to warm with lust. “Most excellent Deri, but shall we move on? Somewhere less…drenched in masculine stench?"

“Of course, long as you're pleased. They do want to put on a show for you."

“I'm sure they'll do quite fine." He hurried away before he was flagging, while no one would bat an eye at a gryphon's length on display, it might raise some questions on the reason for its presence. He didn't need more rumors of his relationship with the dashing half-elf mercenary. Thankfully by the time they'd traversed the way to the temple of Fureen, his lewd thoughts had been quashed.

The clerics of the temple were quite pleased, blessing his attentions to their quaint halls. It tightened his haunches, teased his chirps, which was most delightful to the clergy. They would be in charge of gathering all the offerings for the harvest, to honor their goddess Fureen. As Olas fancied them with praise and thanks, the priests offered themselves as tribute with salacious bumps of their haunches against his own; one even suggested raising her tail.

“Some other time perhaps." He had warbled, the hens and one male giggling. “Though I'd love to take you up on your most gracious offer, I have much to do!" Plus he'd rather focus all his attentions onto a certain two legger of his.

“Guess we had our fun." Mayor Deri gestured with a wing, “All that's left is to do is go over positions and prepare for dinner. I do believe we're having a smattering of nobles along with yourself?" He sprung into the air with a resounding chirp, Olas right on his tail feathers.

“Long as you have your staff contact Leon upon his arrival! I can't stress how important that is. Be on the lookout for two adorable gryphons he travels with, their names escape me, but one is dove colored with lavender feathers and the other is various shades of black with navy blue wing tips."

Deri smirked with a pleased chirp at mention of Leon again, “Seems quite the scandal if I should say so Olas. Lucky commoner though if that be the case, mate has been asking for myself to get a horse cock like yourself." He rolled his hand to his chest, eyes closed, “I can keep a secret after all, you saved our butts that one time a wizard accidently created a honey elemental. I don't think I've ever seen something leave such a sticky mess…well except, you know."

The mayors eyes gleamed with opportunity, the ability to hold this scandal over Olas' head. The gryphon could see it, by the way he'd cooed. So, he cut off that idea right there, “You can drop whatever ridiculous idea rests between your ears Leon is my oldest friend, my first friend, he deserves the very best."

“First?"

“I'd love to fill you in on the particulars over dinner, does Matilda still do the cooking?"

“That she does, still love Baked snapper curry?"

“Of course, what gryphon doesn't curry?" He chirped as the mayor chuckled nervously.

“Good thing that's what's being prepared, I assume that this champion of yours will be dining with us as well? We'll make sure his plate is of the mild variety. Last thing we need is him collapsing, eyes watering as his palette is overwhelmed."

“Yes, yes. We wouldn't want that." Olas chuckled, amused by a time Leon had collapsed, red faced, evidently the butt of one of his ally's jokes. Tricking the two legger into eating exceptionally spicy food was apparently a treasured past time of the onyx feathered gryph.

“That he is Deri and get that salacious glint out of your eye. If you do it again, I won't hesitate to turn your feathered backside into an alley cat. The man deserves the finest things in this town. How do I say this nicely? Instead of being forced to dine at one of your shitier establishments."

Grumbling, Deri pinned his feathers, blackmail yet again pulled from his beak.

Before they entered Deri's home, they caught the captain of the guard, a larger gryphon adorned in gold, ceremonial armor. She could hardly move as she came to greet Olas with a brassy chirp, nearly falling over as she saluted the pair with a wing.

“Greetings Olas, love to have you." Said the captain.

“Charmed, I'm sure." Smiled Olas, trying to keep straight face as the gryphon pulled back, her helmet slipping over her eyes. “Problems with the armor?"

“Nonsense, cherished heirloom, don't mind me. Wanted to look my best for your arrival sir."

“Of course, it's what's your name?"

“Clotho your lordship."

“Of course, could you do me a favor Clotho?"

The gryphon's eyes lit up as she adjusted her helmet, “Anything for you sir!"

“There will be a half-elf coming along, Leon Silverblade-“He gave a brief description of his darling Leon, “And do gather him for dinner, bring him something nice to wear, I'd imagine frilly and red. It will be an exceptional affair, much more elegant than those riff raff places that he frequents." He giggled as the guard gryphon sighed.

“We can have one of the servants loan him one of our extra suits." Deri fluttered his eyes, seeing an opportunity. “If I may be so bold."

Olas groaned, but gave into the gryphon's opportunistic nature, after all, seeing Leon all dressed up would be a reward of itself. “Very well." He waggled a wing, “See to it that he looks fabulous. We wouldn't want him to be an embarrassment to himself or to me."

“Anything else Olas sir?" Clotho asked, having sat up, pulled out a piece of parchment and began jotting down notes.

“None that I can think of Clotho." Hummed the lord, following upon the mayor's hinds. He had a bounce in his paws, tonight was going to be something special indeed. “Could I see which room will be Leon's? I must see if it possesses…adequate arrangements for him."

As Deri nodded, the lord closed his eyes, already leaping ahead to late in the eve. There would be music, wonderful food, a pleasing atmosphere that would tickle his soul. True the other nobles and lords that would visit would dull his ear, but he'd have one saving grace. Already he could picture Leon's shimmering pools, how they'd captivate him as he spun one of his jovial, adventurous tales. Oh, how he could listen to him for hours at a time, wishing to experience the quaint little joys that he reveled in. He followed along Deri's hinds, lost in his daydream, hardly hearing a thing the gryphon was going on about.

* * * * * * * * * *

For a holiday treat, I managed to get out both this and scales and honor this week. Happy holidays to those that celebrate them, I wish you well! I do hope you enjoy this story as much as I liked writing it. Do feel free to share your thoughts, I do appreciate reading them.

If you'd like to read ahead on Gilded Cage, (even if it's highly rough and unedited) my patreon where you can, (and see WIP of art can be found here) : https://www.patreon.com/user?u=371744

If you enjoyed this, I do write mainly a fantasy adventure series about a red dragon, a paladin and a group of adventures. It has action, comedy, romance, and adventure. It can be found here:

https://www.sofurry.com/browse/folder/stories?by=345690&folder=81756