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Chapter 22

The day was a blur of being dragged from one event to the next, admiring all the strong and capable two leggers and gryphons competing for the top spots. Honestly, though it was rather plain and simple it had a quaint thrill that had the base of his tail shivering. Especially as he got to soak in Leon’s every movement, watch the look of determination fuel his actions. Oh, it was intoxicating, with each passing event his anticipation of later had only grown, when he’d grace the man of his dreams his feather.

His patience was ever tested, forced to keep a happy beak in the fact of so many adoring commoners. He played the role that was given to him, the shining center of attention that everyone adored. He waved, chirped his greetings, playfully trotted along to inspire numerous gryphets and human children to mimic the same. When finally the end of the events came, just as he knew would be the case, Leon had placed first!

Sure there was the ceullus man Titus that had tied with him, but how could that matter? He was tie breaker in such matters, and Leon had ever so delightful secured this gryphon’s heart. It perhaps was a bit biased and some might insist that was unfair, but what did he care? His darling Leon was the best around. To his delight, when he instructed the half-elf to see him later, the man looked genuinely happy. With a trill, the lord had almost head bumped, nuzzled, and kissed him right there for all to see.

After he’d blessed the festival and pulled away, he lost sight of the enchanting man of his dreams. There had been some commotion at the tavern, some sort of brawl, but he didn’t concern himself with it. He instead was swept away by the other nobles, asked questions about the war, Drenedar, and matters of magical legend or folklore; he hardly got a moment to himself. By the time that he did he was drained, placing himself on one of the perches that adorned the roofs of the town. There he could count the moments, take deep breaths, and focus on when Leon was going to come find him. He made sure that where he waited was in plain view of his friend’s family’s tavern, that way the handsome two legger would have no issue in gazing upon his magnificent form.

Above, stars filled the night sky with their brilliance, on full display as they painted a grand tapestry of wonderment for all to see. The moon joined them, casting it’s pale, enchanting light onto each blade of grass, rooftop, and lovesick gryphon in its gaze. Olas sighed, gazing upon them, wondering how many times he’d done this since he was a young gryphet, basking in the sense of their being so much more, that for all his power and magical might, he was ever so small in the grand scope of the world. Some might have been humbled by this, but not he, it reminded him that there was ever so much to learn, to explore, new pages to turn over in his life.

Sighing, he procured the thin box of wood, cracking it open to gaze affectionately upon the lone feather of rust within it’s confines. Dusted with black, it was one of his better feathers, practically pristine, anticipation bubbling for when it could be placed in the half-elf’s hair. His heart swooned as he pictured it, closing the box and holding it lovingly to his chest. It was like a dream come true, he almost thanked the gods for letting him dwell within this moment, to be loved and wanted like he’d never thought possible.

“Ah, there you are. Thought the crowds had spooked you my friend.” Viren landed across from him on another perch, giving a nod of greeting with a soft trill. “I think you did a fine job as always with the riffraff.”

“Viren, if you’re hear for more gossip and drama, I am thoroughly drained of the mood.” He focused upon the inn, “We can do this tomorrow if you wish, but I have more important things to do.”

“Of that I have no doubt.” The gryphon lord’s fleshy part of his beak curled into a grin, he knew something, it rested upon his tongue, “I must say though, it was good to see you in good spirits today. What could have put you in such a way?”

Olas gave a lovesick chirp, recalling how Leon’s fingers caressed through his feathers, made his soul escape the ethereal bonds of the plane. He couldn’t help give a gentle warble, holding his box ever closer against his chest, “Oh Viren, last night was illuminating, magical, I’ve never felt this way before…It was marvelous, like the sun had cast it’s radiance upon me for the first time.” He gazed off whimsically, picturing the handsome two legger holding his cheek, lost within his eyes, “I know it might be cliché, but it was pure magic.”

“They say clichés are cliches for a reason my friend.” Viren brushed a scaley hand across his black and white vest, lingering on the blood red sash that adorned his neck, “But I’m confused, last night, I could have sworn that you marched out in a huff. Poor help, terrified when you screeched at them. Don’t worry, I explained the entire thing, too much to drink.”

Right, he’d forgotten that chestnut. His ears pinned as he couldn’t hide his nervous chirp, “Ah, so you noticed my departure then, how observant of you. Here I thought you were more enthralled with your husband than I.”

“Oh that there is no doubt.” Viren bounced with laughter, “My sweet holds my attention greater than anything else, but I am keen eyed. I suppose you must be talking about not seeing Isadora hanging off your wing.”

He gave an indignant chirp, eyes narrowed as he visibly shook, “Viren, I’ve been having a most enchanting day, albeit a tad boring, I would ask of you my friend to not remind me of that shadow.” He eyed the box at his hinds, “Especially during this hour.”

“Of course, apologies, who would want to reminded of that shrew.”

A moment passed as his friend’s tail flicked, his hinds shifting as he smirked, “I thought you should know; I have received word about Drenedar. They say that their time in this ongoing conflict will be at an end. That their land will be ripe for the taking. Whole swaths of areas that will need new masters.”

“That’s good. The back and forth of this conflict has grown wearisome. I much prefer when we’re all trying to get along.” He sighed, waving off his friend with a hand, “I’ve read the reports, spoke at wits ends. If that’s what you wish to speak of, tomorrow I will entertain you.”

“Except that’s the problem isn’t it.” Viren said, his eyes gleaming with some hidden intent, “I wish to speak of it now my friend. I propose this question, is your family satisfied with it’s current holdings?”

He splayed his ears, eyes hooded, it would appear as though he was going to have to be exceptionally rude to avoid this. “You know my father, more like a dragon than a gryphon. His need for more goes unmatched, he’s even worked his beak into becoming the reagent should something happen to our king and his precious princess.”

“Funny thing that, our kingdom on the verge of change.”

Did he know something? The gryphon’s chuckle told tales that he did, he hid his astonishment in a dull sigh, “I do hope you’re not wishing for the deaths of our human royalty. I’ve had a dinner with Cornelius and Nivra before, the daughter may be hiding it, but she’s got an eye for the gryphon form.” He chortled, “You should have seen her and her gryphon bodyguard, such salacious looks back and forth. I imagine they’ll make a cute couple.”

“It brings me back to my first comment of land.” Viren fluffed his wings, “I wish to acquire more of it when your family plucks from Drenedar’s carcass.”

He rose a brow, “And what makes you think you deserve first pickings?”

To that the other lord held his head high with pride, the glee in his voice palpable “I have found something most interesting that will guarantee it. I came across a most peculiar sight last night, can you guess?”

“Fine, one last thing.” Olas rolled his eyes, “Then I will humor this talk no longer. Continue the politics and I’ll change you into a horse or something.”

The reply was sharp, his voice low enough so the mage could hear, “I know that you insisted that your little champion had not caught your eye, but I know better. Your squawks of passion as he rutted your backside were most invigorating.” He clicked his tongue as Olas tried to stay aloof, “Most scandalous if you ask me, definitely unbefitting of a lord of your station.”

Dread coiled within his gut, clenching tight his heart. Stars above, how could he have been so foolish? He should have not been swept away by the romance of last eve, mating with Leon out in the open. His gaze hardened at the confident lord, “Quite brave of you to come to me with this rumor. One with more sense might worry that I, with my deadly magical abilities could end you right here and now.” He lashed his tail for added effect, letting the threat linger.

“You wouldn’t get rid of me in such a public fashion.” Laughed the lord nervously, wiggling his fingers, “Besides, many mouths and beaks will speak of this even if I perish. This rumor will circulate among our circles, chipping away at the flight’s credibility.”

“With no evidence?” He scoffed, “Leon is a dearest friend that I cherish, clearly greater than you ever were. Do you think people will believe such things from you or your kin?”

“Olas, my family is the gryphon wing of the west. We assisted the MysticFeathers against the Steelbeaks, our prestige is only second to yours. We fought against the Swirling Storm and helped slay him, we are respected. You on the other hand?” He scoffed as Olas lashed his tail, “Your house is in disorder, your wife publicly distains you, this rumor will not paint you in the strongest of light.” He brushed his hand against his chest with a smirk, “I feel this compromise is a small price to pay to save yourself and your family the embarrassment. Some might not think…not me of course…but others that the Mysticfeather flight is weak, cannot control it’s baser instincts, willing to raise one’s tail for any common filth that-“

“Don’t you dare finish that sentence if you wish to remain in one piece.” Olas snapped, sparks flying from his eyes as he tried to pull himself back. He was panting, pure hate within his gaze, only for Viren to smirk in return, unphased, thinking he’d won.

“And you betray yourself.”

“If you wish for me to forget myself, continue, you’ll be reduced to thousands of thousands of ice shards if you so much utter another word.”

The lord trilled, eating up such a passionate reaction, “Then you understand our desire is to protect such an embarrassing revelation from coming to light” He rolled a hand to his chest, “I don’t care you’re getting it on with the man, I’m glad you found someone to care for. However, if you don’t think we wouldn’t benefit from this, you’re sadly mistaken my friend.”

“How can you call yourself that and black mail me?” He clacked his beak.

Viren clicked his tongue with a sigh, “So naive. You’re far too trusting Olas. The world around you doesn’t work like a fairy tale, it benefits those that are ruthless.” He chuckled, eyes gleaming with victory, “And those willing to act.”

He shook, unable to speak as the other gryphon rose to pad around him like a cat playing with its meal.

“I empathize, truly, you deserve to be happy. Now…on the matter of land holdings?”

He had him by the balls and he knew it. It would take a serious amount of time to even track down all of this to ensure it was true. He stared out to the countryside, feeling his very spirit being pulled beyond his grasp and loosed to the heavens, all he wanted was for this to stop. “I can’t just…can’...my father makes those decisions.”

“He listens to you.” Cooed Viren, grabbing Olas’ beak with a grin, “That much is certain. Is this too much to swallow? This is a win for us both-“

“Still your tongue you snake.” He slapped away the gryphon’s hand, ruffling his breast feathers, “Do so for the rest of your days.” When he rose, the air seemed to tremble, threaten to be set ablaze, “It’s ever apparent you and I were never friends, you merely were waiting to exploit me.”

“Fair.” Viren nodded, composing himself, “I have you permission to visit later to finalize the arrangement? Oh, don’t feel like you have to hide your sweet slick skin, I think you’re rather adorable together.”

Olas shook, his head spinning, what was he going to tell his father? He wasn’t even supposed to have Leon here and yet now had caused great embarrassment for not only himself but his flight. He couldn’t stop the rapid breaths that were now passing through him, despite all his magical power he felt no more in control than a stump. What was he going to do? Ears pinned to his head as his skull throbbed, the only thing that would bring this to an end would be holding Leon tight, nuzzling against him until nothing else mattered. He could see it now, despite the turmoil, against the stress, his kind hands would caress through his feathers and tell him everything was going to be alright. He was the gryphons knight in shining armor and would care for him at his darkest times.

“Olas?”

“What?” He snapped, “Have you not done enough? You’ll have your land, rid yourself from my sight.” There was pain in his voice, as a life of friendship was tossed in the bin, “You got what you wanted. At least allow me to have the decency of another night with someone who cares for me.”

“That is what I wish to do.” Cooed the victorious lord, slinking to Olas’ side, “Although, he would not be here.”

“And how would you know that?” He growled.

“It would seem, in your champion’s adventure for the day, he’s gone and gotten himself arrested for murder of all things.”

** * * * * * * * * *

“Explain the meaning of this, this instant!” Olas squawked, sparks from his eyes.

He was within the guardhouse, feathers fluffed, his talons digging thick lines into the wooden floor. What lights the gryphons and humans had here flickered as the air trembled with unspeakable power. All the gathered faces were pale, wide eyed, worried of what this whirlwind of emotion that was Olas, might do.

It was the guard captain Clotho that was pressed forward with a wing, “Why must I be the one to face him down?” The gryphon clacked his beak, “He’s going to kill me!”

“Because it’s your job sir.” A gryphon added, looking relieved that this was the case. “Don’t worry, you got him!”

Olas was panting, his wings half extended, thoughts disjointed, blood boiling, Leon wanted for murder, again? He placed his beak, inches from the guard captains own, making the poor gryphon gulp and tremble, struggling to find words.

“Well, you see Lord Olas, your champion and his associates were arrested for the suspicion of murder over one…Titus fellow? It would appear they really did a number on his face, nearly tore it clean off!”

Good lord, what had gone through their heads? Where they trying to make things difficult for him? “I’m sure there was a good reason for it. Take me to them at once, I won’t let them sit in your cell for a moment longer.”

“See, I can’t exactly do that for you Olas.” He yelped as Olas snapped to him with eyes that could kill, “I know there hasn’t been an official investigation yet, but our local cleric did try to speak with the mangled bit of flesh that was the ceullus guy, but we couldn’t.” His ears splayed, “Which means they already did that, mighty suspicious but the perfect way to hide your tracks.”

“That spell isn’t reliable anyway.” Growled the lord, “The soul can lie if so they wish. Now I know my power Clotho, release Leon and his friends at once.” He grabbed the gryphon’s face, letting his talons sink ever gently into his skin, “Before I get exceptionally cross and ensure you never work in this town again.”

That turned the key in this particular lock, Clotho was singing his apology the moment he was released. He did bow his head, ears splayed on either side, “I will have to request you sign some parchment though my lord, just to make it official. I don’t want anyone squawking that I simply released the man to just anyone.”

“How long will this take?”

Clotho’s eyes darted to a stack of parchment about the size of a small tome, his ears pinned, “If I say quite a bit am I going to be killed?”

He groaned, even if he adored making contracts, now was not the time. “You have my word you’ll be unharmed Clotho, but know I am in no mood.”

“There will still be an investigation-“

“Of which they will find my Leon innocent, now let’s get this over with. I don’t wish to spend my entire evening here.”

He sat down before the gryphon’s desk, working away at all the documentation. It was rather boring affair, requiring numerous applications of his flight’s wax seal. The entire while he couldn’t help but picture Viren’s smug face, laughing away as he held such power over him. With the final bit of parchment his eyes narrowed, nearly throwing his seal stamp into his pouches, “Now take me to them at once.”

The cells were standard, thick metal beams and hard stone to prevent anyone from escaping. The lighting was not impressive, leaving thick shadows to encase the area. The air was thick with tension as Olas padded his way over, eyes hard as their surroundings. Of the three adventurers, the lavender gryphon Hekate was the most relaxed, she was currently laying upon her belly, sleeping away.

Krantor, the black and blue gryphon was sitting upon his haunches, eyes upon Leon as the man paced back and forth. Ears were splayed as his tail flicked back and forth, “I’m just saying, maybe you should sit down, instead of wearing a line into the floor?”

“What do you expect me to do?” Growled the half-elf, “Best you in another staring contest? Or maybe wrestle you onto the floor?”

“At least wrestling is fun.” Sighed the gryphon, “Pinning you beneath me never gets old.”

“I can imagine.”

Olas cleared his throat, fluffing his feathers for effect, drawing each of their attentions. How could these three look so calm, especially after an event so serious? Perhaps it was the added bit of Viren’s betrayal, but he couldn’t restrain his voice, “Leon Silverblade, murder? What in the ever loving fuck have you gotten up to today?” He stomped his way to the cell, noting how the pair seemed to shrink before his fury, “We just parted at the festival and what, you kill someone right after? Can I not leave you alone?”

“Uh-oh.” Krantor’s ears pinned, “Daddy’s angry.” He got a cross glare and smack for his trouble.

Leon sighed, composure wavering before the whirlwind that was Olas, “Look, I know this looks bad, I’m not stupid.”

“You could have fooled me!” Squawked Olas as Clotho muttered something, slinking to find the proper key. “Do you have any idea how this looks?”

“That we murdered someone out of cold blood and we’re using our connection to get us out?” Krantor tilted his head, this time avoiding Leon’s backhand. “What, he asked.”

“He wasn’t expecting an answer you idiot.” Leon groaned before meeting the mage’s eye, “Olas, we found another assassin.” He shifted uncomfortably, “We managed to get rid of him before he killed you.”

“That is the story they gave as well.” Clotho chirped, currently sifting through a ring of keys. His brow furrowed, “Why on the earth do we have so many? We only have the three cells…”

The noble’s heart skipped a beat. There it was, the explanation for the entire affair. Leon, in his protective nature had slain a would be assassin, all for him, to protect him, he almost swooned and sung the man’s praises right there and then.

“Granted, Krantor got a tad carried away.” Leon winced.

“That’s an understatement, he turned his face into shredded cheese.” Hekate said softly, not opening her eyes, “Thankfully I got the blood out.”

Thanking the guards for releasing them, Olas promised that he would see to it personally that these three would be brought to trial for the entire affair. With a chirp he was allowed to collect their things, escorting the three adventurers out into the streets, away from the prying eyes and ears of all the collected guards. As he strut upon the cobblestone he could feel the palpable awkwardness on the air, the three clearly distraught in his fury.

“I’m flattered you think you protected me.” He finally growled, turning around to face them, “But I told you that I can take care of myself.”

Leon grimaced, “Olas you don’t understand, they’re all connected, there is this pin-“

“I don’t give a flying fuck right now.” He thrust his beak inches from Leon’s nose, glaring into his gaze, “Do you know how much of a shit show this is for me presently? The lot of you might have gone and created a great embarrassment not only for me, but for my very family. It looks as though I’m assisting you in murdering citizens!”

Hekate chimed in, “Lord Olas, we were trying to-“

He cut her off with a clack of her beak, his eyes piercing through each of them, “I know that you believe you’re helping, but all you’re doing in this instance is making things worse. Leon, I am a great and powerful mage with wonderous abilities, I can handle all the tiny assassins that come after me.”

“You’re not understanding.” Growled Leon, “He had a weapon to kill you.”

“A weapon?” He scoffed, rolling a hand to his attire, “I have a protective ward against arrows on me, any arrow or bolt that would be loosed upon me is deflected without me even being aware of it!”

“What?” His eyes widened, clearly not having thought of it.

“Precisely.” He cooed, laying a wing upon the mercenary’s shoulder, realizing that despite what had happened, it had been in good faith. “I’m flattered, nay moved my sweet knight in shining armor, but for fucks sake, let me do what I’m good at. Your gryphon is not some dainty thing in need of protecting all the time.”

“I won’t apologize for saving your life.” He said with a scowl, “Even if you have a ward, he seemed confident.”

“Nor would I want you to.” He chuckled, cupping the man’s jaw, “But you can’t be using this excuse all the time to dispatch whoever you wish. I cannot be used to get you and your friends out of situations brought on by your dubious actions.”

“Dubious, dubious?” Leon smacked the Lord’s hand away, “I had to tussle with that prick for you, he nearly killed us! I’m sorry that it looks bad on you, but I would rather that asshole dead than you. I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”

“Would you?” He couldn’t help but be moved by such conviction, there was enough truth in those icy blues to make the bird sing. Perhaps he was being too harsh. He sighed, never able to remain exceptionally angry with this one for long. He nuzzled along the good man’s cheek with a soft chirp, “My dear, I believe that you believe my life is in continued danger. I blame myself for encouraging this behavior by calling you my knight in shining armor. Just…in the future, could you try and not kill these assassins.”

“Sorry about that.” Krantor pinned his ears, “To be fair, we tried to interrogate him with speak with dead.”

Hekate sighed, “Yea, but we messed that one up. Then the last question the bastard lied to us.”

Olas gave an empathetic chirp, “Run along you two, I have no more use for your services this evening.”

“And what about me?” Leon replied with a hint of fear, catching the twinkle of mischief in the gryphon’s eye.

“I have had an arduous day my half-elf, one that is in need of being relieved of all it’s stress. Last time I checked, you were quite good at handling me in that regard.” He lowered his voice, putting his beak at the man’s ear with a hungry growl, “And you’re going to be paying me back for this trouble.”

The half-elf gulped, his face draining of color as the lord’s crown feathers twitched, “Run along you two, I have to have a chat with Olas tonight.”

“In my quarters.” Olas replied in a sultry tone, “It will take all night.”

“Are you alright with this?” Hekate asked, eyes traveling between the pair, twin seas of concern.

Leon nodded, “You heard him, run along.”

With a nuzzle and tender warble, the pair said their good byes before flying off into the sky. Olas pulled the mercenary close, groping at his bum. “Quite the day you had my champion.” He chuckled, “Teasing me with your feats ll, “Leon here has a night ahead of him to pay me back.”

“Leon.” Hekate hesitated, “Are you okay with this?”

The merc gulped, catching the lord’s salacious grin, “You heard him…run along. Have fun.” Though unconvincing, Hekate and Krantor flew off, leaving him in the lord’s clutches.

I’ve had quite the day Leon.” He squawked, letting out his frustrations from Viren, “One fraught with woeful news, backstabbing friends and arduous matters to test my spirit. “

“Again…I didn’t mean to…Olas…I didn’t mean-” He was silenced with a wing.

“You teased me today, showed off your feats and set a fire within my veins like you’ve never known. You were practically begging for me to toss you down and mount you. You’re going to pay for being a bad boy today.” Lust burned within his veins as he grabbed the man’s chin forcing it to look into his hungry gaze, “Leon, by the nights end you’re going to be dripping my seed from every orifice. You will be caged, chained, and humped until you’re begging for release. You’ll feel empty without my throbbing cock inside you, when you breathe, you’ll taste my cum.” As Leon blushed, the gryphon continued, groping his backside. He described in full detail how he was going to drain his balls, drink potions to refill them and spill his seed again, “And only then will I finally release your orgasms so you can milk another from me. Do I make myself clear?”

Leon gulped, looking more like a bunny about to be devoured by a lion. “I…understand.”

“Don’t give me that look.” The lord cooed, caressing his jaw, “Only good adventurers get to hump my fluffy behind. Worry not, I know you’re going to enjoy each and every one of my thrusts.” He pushed the man along with a wing, the coming whimper telling him all he needed to know. The lord smiled to himself, tonight, while not what he’d wanted or expected, was at least going to be fun.

** ** ** **

Chapter 23

The next morning, Leon stepped forth out of one of Olas’ portals back to Feathersburg, walking rather funny as a soreness born of last night’s escapades lingered about him. It had been a long, hard night of impassionate fornication, wielded by a gryphon with all the magic power to have the man feeling powerless. He grimaced, recalling every waking moment, nothing more than a toy, seemingly, to satisfy the lord’s lustful kinks.

He groaned, taking in the morning air, ignoring the convenience of stepping from one town to another hundreds or more miles apart. Sunlight cast it’s radiance upon him, squinting the eye but not burning away the shadow over his heart. He shook his head, tugging at Draigo’s reins, pulling the horse through the magical portal.

“Now wasn’t that nice of Olas to hasten the trip!” Happily chirped Hekate, her crest feathers fluffed as she sauntered through. Her flanks were positively adorned with rope, pots, pans, cooking utensils, comically to the point Leon wondered how she’d even do so fighting.

“I don’t know why your family insists on loading us with food and supplies each time we visit.” Krantor groaned, his own flanks just as heavily cluttered, if not more. “We always end up selling half of it.”

“I’m convinced they’re just getting rid of stuff.” She nuzzled along his cheek, the portal behind them closing with a gentle pop. “Suppose you can thank them for the extra coin each time.”

“I suppose.” He pulled himself over to the stretching half-elf, “So, Leon, do we have jobs? Or was Olas finally mad enough to fire us for good?”

“Don’t say that!” Hekate squawked, “No way we ended up doing that.” She blinked, ears splaying, “Did we?”

“No.” Leon muttered without looking back, he was too busy with the silver pin within his grasp.

Though Olas had said to leave it be, that he could handle it, the man doubted in the very core of his being to be so. He couldn’t drop it, not after this attack, not after how close that idiot had been to dying without even acknowledging it. There had to be something about this pin, something he was missing.

“So…if we’re not fired.” Krantor cantered to his side, a bounce in his paws, “Tell us all the details, I want to hear him. I heard what he said when he thought we’d left.” A smile formed on his beak, “So how kinky does he get?”

“Hun!” Hekate nipped him on the flank, her mate clacking his beak in return after an indignant squawk. “If Leon wants to share he will! Until then, whatever massively kinky shit they got up to, is their own kinky business.”

“Hmmpf.” He averted his gaze, “Then is the kinky lord still employing us?”

Marching over to Draigo’s saddlebags, Leon procured twin bags of coin. He shoved them both practically into the pair’s beaks. “There, your payment from daddy for us saving his life both times.”

Krantor’s eyes lit up as he shook the bag, the coins clinking together within, “He must be not that mad if he’s thanking us!”

“I’ll say, look at it all. There must be over two hundred platinum coins in here!” Hekate was beaming, only to stash the bag and rub up alongside her mate with a pleased, overpowering trill. “He’s so generous!”

“But he says to stop trying to save his life.” Growled Leon as the gryphons danced around each other, fluffing their wings and filling the air with another song, “While appreciated he says, it’s unnecessary.”

“Who cares now?” Krantor beamed, playfully batting at Hekate’s side, “With all that coin, I bet we have enough for the tavern! Isn’t that great?”

Hekate’s eyes gleamed with excitement, this was their dream after all. She opened her beak, ears perked, ready to shriek and dance for joy, that was until she met Leon’s furrowed brow. Words failed, her ears pinned, her tail tucked between her legs as she gave a nervous laugh, “I mean, sweety, we’ll have to check, lets not be too hasty.”

Pulling Draigo along, Leon groaned and heard the pair follow on his heels. This was the day that he’d been dreading for awhile, the time when they would no longer need him, or their adventurers. Just like all the others that had been chased away, killed or simply abandoned him, soon, these two would be gone just like the rest. He’d once more be alone in this world, roaming without purpose. He hated to admit it, but they’d probably be better off without him.

“Say…do we have another job to pass the time?” Krantor padded to his side, eyes traveling to the outskirt of Feathersburg down the road, “Or are we searching around for something to do before Olas calls us again?”

“We still are not done with the first quest.” Leon said bluntly, fixated on the pin of the grinning silver dragon. Why should he even bother, just as he suspected, the rich asshole didn’t care about him. If what was done to him was any indication, the power between them was vast, with a flick of the wrist Olas had him bound, begging for pleasure greater than whatever Quintus had done. He grit his teeth, still finding himself tethered, he was weak, weak like before, “Prick might not think his life is in danger, but it’s twice now we’ve pulled his ass out of the fire.”

Both gryphons squawked in alarm.

“Don’t you think it’s done?” Krantor scoffed, “Even if it’s not, he said for us to drop it. Frankly, I’d do as he says, rich gryphon wants to think he’s all fine and good, let him I say. Let’s all gather our things and head west, I know you wanted to check out a few places before-”

“We can’t do that. Besides that, can wait for now, Olas is still in danger!” Hekate bit her mate’s ear.

“Is it though? He seemed fairly convinced it wasn’t.”

She gave a frustrated chirp, “Since when does he know what’s good for him? Leon thinks he’s in trouble and that’s good enough for me.” She levied a hardened stare at her love, “Would you do anything for me?”

“Of course, that’s a silly question.”

“And that’s why he won’t drop it now. Look at him, you think Leon’s just going to let his boyfriend die of his own stupidity?”

He waggled a wing, “Maybe a little?”

“He’s not my boyfriend alright!” Leon wheeled about, seeing red as he jabbed a finger to each of their beaks, “Get it through your thick skulls, both of you, he doesn’t care about me besides a quick and easy fuck.” He shivered, drawing parallels to a life he swore he’d never experience again, “So shut your beaks, this is to save his sorry ass, nothing more. I know you assholes don’t need the coin anymore, but I will still need easy jobs alright?”

There was a moment of silence as his words hung in the air. Krantor of course didn’t offer a word of rebuttal, but it was Hekate who took a deep breath, unphased by his flash of anger, “I think whatever happened last night could be perceived a multitude of ways. Leon, talk to him of all things before assuming-“

“Listen Hekate, I’m trying to save that pricks life alright? Last night he proved that I was nothing more than a thing to sate his desires alright? He had me caged up, bound, I couldn’t even see as he pounded my ass hard. He had me whimper for him, beg, cry out for his cock to complete me. Time and again he painted my insides with his seed, I swallowed so much my belly seemed to swell. He drank potions that would restore his stamina, allowing him to keep on going.” He was right in her face, nose to beak, “He taunted me, teased me, I was unable to do anything but take every powerful thrust, I wasn’t even allowed to come until he allowed. So, spare me the boyfriend talk alright? I saw him for the kinky fuck that he was, not even caring for how I felt. So, fuck off, let me hold onto the one easy job in my life.”

“Leon.” She seemed to wilt as he whirled around, fighting back the hurt clearly upon her beak, still she thought of him first, “You’re hurt, clearly, but please, don’t be an idiot, listen to me. Go fucking talk to him before you let him slip through your-“

“I have no time for that shit.” He snapped, “Stop trying to hitch us together, you and your husband keep pushing and teasing and I’m sick of it.” He jabbed a finger to her chest, “Fact is, those assassins are still out there, plotting, planning to get rid of that rich jerk and it’s up to us to save his sorry, oblivious ass.” He turned to Krantor who opened his beak, “and if you suggest this because I care about him, shut the fuck up. Right now, it doesn’t matter, who’s dick gets wet or where it goes. Olas’ life is in danger and by the gods I’m going to die trying to save it. Cause fuck me, it might be fake, but it’s the only thing I have.” He was panting, senses numb as he held the two gryphon’s attentions. They didn’t speak at first, hardly moving.

Good, maybe he had finally hammered it home into their skulls, they’d stop pestering him, always playing as if it were a big game. “Now, I’m going to go back to rescuing him. So, if the two of you are keeping your sorry asses around to help before galivanting off to fuck knows where, you’re going to help.”

“Leon-“ Hekate’s voice was shaky and weak.

“Listen you asshole, she was only trying to help.” Krantor thrust himself before Leon, threatening him with a hiss.

“I never asked for it! She’s always butting in, trying to set me up, being optimistic as shit, even though things never work that way. Maybe she should stop for one fucking moment and consider no wants to hear about it? Both of you get out of my way, fly off, or stick around and help.” They didn’t move, their ears splaying as they shared knowing looks. Leon scoffed, “Oh calm the fuck down, did I hurt your feelings? See, doesn’t feel good when someone doesn’t consider what you want to hear.” He mounted Draigo as they still didn’t reply, maybe this would be it, when they finally left? His gaze lingered upon them for a few moments more, tension hung thick between them, each uncertain what exactly to say. The gryphons obviously could see the ache within his heart, the brave face that he was putting on, but neither was wishing to press him on it. He watched their reactions, wondering if this was the moment they’d leave him, they had enough for their inn after all.

“Well? I got a half dozen people to check out to see if they know about this god forsaken pin.” He tapped his pouches, “You coming with, or this the part where you fuck off?” He scoffed at the notion, letting them think it didn’t bother him at all.

Hekate padded her way over with a sniff, clearly fighting back tears, “Leon, I know you’re hurting cause you felt something real, and you’re taking this incredibly badly, but you don’t have to be a massive dick to us. Just do me one thing, talk to him, by the gods talk.”

For a moment his heart ached, seeing the pain behind her eyes. He watched her fly away, catching a mournful sob before her powerful wings carried her out of earshot, towards the town beyond.

Krantor levied upon him a venomous look, lashing his tail. “Guess that’s it huh? All that time and it didn’t mean anything?”

“Guess so.” He replied flatly.

“Asshole.” He flared his wings and leaped to the air, following upon his mate’s wake, “Hekate, wait up!”

Just like that, what had happened so many times before was done. There was grim satisfaction that he’d controlled when they’d left, but he didn’t voice it. He merely guided Draigo onward, he had Olas to save, even if his team was just him now.

** * * * * * *

It was nightfall by the time he’d returned to the tavern they were staying at, a wing over the roof. The day’s failure left a bitter taste in his mouth as he slipped through the doorway. The rowdy gryphons had instead been replaced with a more reserved atmosphere, as the night had drawn on for far too long. He sniffed and shuffled across the alcohol-stained floor, head spinning from defeat yet again. Despite meeting with all the people he’d wanted to, shady individuals, other adventurers, it didn’t matter, no one had heard of this pin. He was hallow, now without a lead and without the gryphons he’d known these many years. There was no sign of the mated pair, they must have turned in early, or flown away to places unknown. Bitterly he grabbed a bottle from the bar, tossing the gryphon barkeep a platinum coin. It was far over the price, but he winked and told him to keep the change.

He heard their voices coming from their room, they were still here. His heart skipped a beat, the nagging sense to march on over, knock on their door and apologize occurring to him. All he had to do was say the word, swallow his pride and they might still be in his life. He grit his teeth, made his way over, about to knock upon the door when he caught mention of his name and their tavern.

“Why should we have him around?” Krantor said sternly “He’s nothing but bad attitude and drags us down. You heard how he sounded, what he said.”

“He’s…not like that all the time.” Hekate replied, “Otherwise why would you’ve you joined us?”

There was a soft warble, as Krantor nuzzled against his mate, hand no doubt over her chest, “His company was rather cute, and he wasn’t as much as an ass as he is now.”

“It would imply that you made him more an ass?”

“Well…not exactly.” There was an indignant squawk, “But him? I like him, but don’t we deserve better?”

“I’ve seen you two have fun together, wrestle, drink and play games.”

“I do that with half the tavern, doesn’t mean I want them stuck to me.”

“You could fool me, were you not always thrusting your balls into his face.”

Another squawk, “Look…it’s just, he’s stubborn, never going to change. Hun, I know you want to fix and help people, but you got to let him go.”

So, this is what they thought about him after all this time. Leon sighed; he hadn’t exactly given them anything to latch onto. Years of adventures, stress and bonds had been pushed to their limit, that was the way it always was. It was better to control when others left, that way you couldn’t be hurt. He didn’t want to hear another word. Scowling, he set his sights on his room and didn’t look back, oblivious to whatever was said next.

His room here was a quaint one, so that he might watch over the stables in which he left Draigo. He’d been too tired and weary to sleep with him, but warned the gryphon there he’d skin him alive should his horse be dead come morning. Flashing Olas’ symbol had spooked the man, ensuring they’d be on their best behavior.

Now, the mercenary sat at his room’s desk, cradling a pipe as he smoked away what herb he had, a tankard of wine within his reach. The taste soothed his bones, cleared his troubled mind, at least it dulled the sorrow of not only failing, but losing his two closest friends. As he caressed the pin with a furrowed brow, he couldn’t get that level of helplessness out of his mind.

As Olas had him, bound and at his whims, it was a frightful thing. It reminded him back when he was with Quintus, nothing more to that Ceullus than a pleasurable hole. He trembled, recalling those cruel equine eyes, the only reprieve to him was that he’d smashed them apart. Maybe Hekate had been right, how else would the lord have known? This was all just a misunderstanding that could be rectified instead of staying behind his cloak. It couldn’t just be easy as talking though, would it? As he spun the pin his heart longed for that to be so. Maybe it was just his weary mind wanting some comfort from the impending loneliness that was to come, or it was merely the halfling herb.

Why had the assassins had this simple item? It had no magical property, no hidden contraption, was it just a way to identify one another? The day rested it’s weight on his brow as he groaned. This could not be how it ended, another failed end after two assassins?

He collapsed to his chair, perhaps Krantor was right. Why was he even doing this? He claimed to not give a fuck about the lord, and yet he was grasping at straws, working himself to the bone so that he could see another day. Staring up to the ceiling it transformed before his eyes, brown boards forming into rust, black dusted feathers. There came the beak he adored, closing in fast to nuzzle at his cheek, Olas pleased with him and he swooned.

“Cause you’re a good person.” He said softly, choking out the words as he began to rummage through his pack, procuring the map Titus had had. Perhaps this would prove more fruitful than the pin had been.

It was a pleasing fantasy to say the least, to prove Olas wrong, that these assassins were to be feared, that he could stop them. There he would be, rewarded, praised, perhaps given an honor three. He set the map out across the table, using various equipment to weigh down the sides. It was just a normal map.

No, it couldn’t be that, not after all this! Leon crouched down till his eye was level with the parchment, tapping at the surface. He sniffed, tasted it, nothing was out of the ordinary. He yanked it off the table, held it up to the light for a hidden message, nothing. It was just another, plain, ordinary map of Lumara. He fell back against the chair, letting the pin fall from his grasp and tumble onto the map.

A dead end, nothing he could do. Here it was, his lowest point. No friends to speak of, no leads on this quest, just a lord who treated him like nothing. He knew it was because of the herb but he didn’t care, shaking and quivering as tears came. He poured out his soul as he sobbed, not just for the life he’d left behind in the dust, but the emptiness that was to come. Olas might show him kindness, but he’d ever know it was just fake, a treat that would never satisfy his soul. He collapsed, wiping his eyes, trying to compose himself as best he could. That’s when he noticed the map was on fire.

“Fuck!” He shouted, how the hell had the map caught on fire? Not just any fire either, but deep lavender flames that snuffed out the mana lantern lights around. He grabbed his clothes and went to smother the fire out, desperate to save the map from being destroyed by water.

Like a snake it slipped from his grasp, coiling and twisting through the air as if on an invisible string. It floated to the ground, consumed by the hungry flames, flaring ever higher until it threatened to overtake the ceiling. The once-pleasant warmth of the room now felt oppressive, squeezing his chest to force every breath through his lungs. Dread coiled in his gut as the magical flames swirled around him, only to be magnified when, in the blink of an eye it was over, leaving an onyx stone doorway in the center of the room.

It lingered there in silence, mist gently curling up from the floor like boney hands. It’s foreboding presence stalled him, held him enthralled. Across it’s surface were arcane symbols, more warnings than enchanting patterns and their sinister dance sent a shiver down his spine.

Leon's hands trembled, as his mind raced, pondering what could lie beyond that ominous portal. Was it real, a hallucination, or had he passed out from the weed and wine? He found the courage to slip to his things, securing the staff of Quo and his energy crossbow. Bringing the weapon to bear he activated the rune, filling the room with the comforting sound of it’s deadly hum. He wouldn’t be defenseless, whatever this strange thing was.

“Definitely dreaming.” He said bitterly with a laugh, as if to belay the ice building in the back of his mind.

To his horror, it was not to remain in this dormant state. Instead, the doorway opened with a spine-tingling crack. He snapped to it with his muscles tight, knuckles white with fear. As the door inched open, a chilling mist, dense and ghostly, had seeped out, like tendrils of creeping fog. The mist had carried an otherworldly scent, a mixture of ancient earth and decay, and it had beckoned him forward with an eerie, ethereal allure.

Despite his better judgement he neared the gateway, weapon held at the ready. Peering within did little to quell his concerns this was a dream, instead it only fueled them further.

The air was perfumed with the scent of exotic spices and the faintest trace of arcane energy. It had polished oak shelves with numerous glass display cases to reveal a dazzling display of treasures contained within. There were gleaming suits of armor, adorned with intricate designs of arcane runes, their surfaces gleaming in the light of the candlelit chandeliers. Beside there were weapons of both beauty and function, beckoning the mercenary with their ornate craftsmanship. There were racks of finely stitched clothing, robes, priestly garments, aside trinkets and baubles.

Behind a desk of whimsical bits and bobs, each a tiny wonder in its own right, sat a well-dressed elven man with dark, fiery red hair that cascaded gracefully down his shoulders. His attire, a fusion of elegance and mystique, was adorned with intricate embroidery that seemed to shift and dance with the ambient magic of the shop. Fine, leather gloves encased his delicate hands, which were currently engaged in an intricate dance with a mesmerizing contraption—a small, spherical marvel composed of interlocking gears, crystal facets, and tiny, pulsating runes. As the elven man's nimble fingers worked their magic, the contraption emitted a soft, otherworldly glow that bathed the desk in an ethereal light.

The blue eyes of the humanoid twinkled with both wisdom and a mischievous spark as he continued his work, a melodious hum escaping his lips like a secret incantation. His presence seemed woven into the very fabric of this hidden domain, a guardian of its mysteries and a keeper of its lore. With each turn of a gear and every whispered note of his hum, the area around him seemed to pulse with life as if responding to his every gesture. The elven shopkeeper's gaze lifted, locking onto his with a warm and knowing smile, as if he had been waiting for him to step into this realm of enchantment all along.

"Would you kindly close the door behind you, my dear friend? We simply can't allow the delightful warmth to slip away, now can we?" His voice was charming, whimsically, a hint of malevolence lurking within this cheery demeanor.

Behind Leon, the chair suddenly lifted as if guided by an invisible hand, sweeping through the air before making an abrupt landing behind him. With a jolt of surprise, he found himself unceremoniously forced into the seat. Yelps of astonishment escaped him as the enchanted chair carried him through the door, sliding him effortlessly up to the elf's meticulously adorned desk. “There we are, much better.” The elf stood up, clad in a suit, dusting himself off as he pulled himself from around the desk.

"Who the fuck are you, and what the shit was that?" Leon shot up in alarm, his hair standing on end. The unexpected display of magic had caught him completely off guard. With his weapon brandished, he growled low in his throat, demanding answers. Yet, the elf before him simply chuckled, as though it were all just a bloody lighthearted jest.

"Curiosity, my dear boy, it's what lured you in. That craving, concealed beneath that delightfully prickly and suspicious veneer of yours."

He didn't lower the weapon; instead, he wielded it to halt the elf's advance. His hair stood on end as he remained as still as a statue, his nerves on edge, uncertain of the enigmatic figure before him. Out of the corner of his eye, he was almost certain he saw a shadow slink and shift, adding to the unsettling atmosphere that surrounded them.

"Name's Silent Smile, my dear fellow," the elf introduced himself with a graceful bow, “And you can put that weapon at ease. If I wanted you dead that is what you’d be.”

"That's not a fuckin' reassuring statement, guy. If anything, I trust you less now."

"Fair enough, my dear, but I'd rather not limit our interactions to 'good fellow,' 'chum,' or 'friend. What can I refer to you as?'"

“Not in the fucking mood.”

Silent smile gave a reserved laugh, “That’s not your name.”

“Neither is yours Silent Smile.”

“It suits me.” He grinned, “I don’t reveal my name to…random strangers.”

“Leon.” He scoffed.

Silent Smile's grin stretched from ear to ear, a malevolence dancing in his eyes as he wheeled about to pat the side of his desk with a theatrical flourish.

"So, what brings such a strapping individual to my humble establishment?" he inquired with a playful lilt, his tone dripping with enigmatic allure. "Power, wealth, beauty, desire?" His hand gestured to several objects of curiosity, each one surrounded by a brief, enchanting glimmer of light, as if tempting Leon with untold secrets.

To him, he sounded like those halfling salesman back east, "And what the fuck is this place? You can't seriously expect me to buy into your spiel when your door just pops out of thin air."

"I found it much easier," Silent Smile scoffed, "No tracking across the world to find my abode; just a map and a pin to find me, yes siree. Look around you, Leon. You find yourself in the presence of the final shop in all the realms! To satisfy any quirk, taste, or fetish that you've got!" The elf moved to pat Leon's side, but his gesture was halted by the menacing energy crossbow, their encounter now a playful dance of power.

"Really? You're still keeping that weapon raised?" Silent Smile quipped, a hint of amusement in his voice as he regarded Leon's cautious stance.

“You might have the silvery tongue of a dragon, but you’ve swept me off my feet and trapped me in this place.”

The elf recoiled as if playfully bitten, emitting an amused chuckle. "Trapped, you say? You're not trapped here, my boy," he continued with a mischievous twinkle in his eye, gesturing theatrically to the door. "Go on and leave if you please; nothing's stopping you!" His voice turned slightly conspiratorial as he leaned closer. "But then again, you'd be missing out on the thrilling tales of those dastardly assassins that have been plaguing you, wouldn't you?"

He shot up, thrusting the weapon in the elf’s face, un-nerved how calm he was as if this was all a game, “That’s a dangerous thing to say, I’ve been looking for the asshole in charge.”

"Oh, I'm not the one in charge here," Silent Smile responded with a sinister delight. "I'm merely a contractor, my dear Leon. Paid out for certain jobs, much like yourself! Lost souls come to me with their little desires, and I'm here to, shall we say, rectify them."

“So, you are trying to get Olas killed.” Growled Leon.

Without a second's hesitation, he squeezed the crossbow's trigger, sending a searing bolt of red energy streaking across the establishment. However, rather than striking the elf before him, the crackling projectile careened off course, slamming into the wall with a resounding explosion that sent dust billowing into the air.

"Quite the jumpy one, aren't you?" Silent Smile hummed; his voice playful. He effortlessly brushed aside the follow-up shots, as if engaged in a salacious dance with danger. His laughter and cackles filled the air with an eerie glee. "Though I suppose that's what makes you so intriguing, doesn't it?" He nonchalantly shifted back to his desk when Leon ceased his firing, his demeanor clear that the display of firepower had no effect on him. He began to drum his fingers against the wood, maintaining his air of devilish charm.

“If you’re the one trying to get-“

“Not me.” Silent Smile waggled a finger, “No hard feelings.”

“Then who is paying you.” He growled.

“That I can’t tell you!” He rolled a hand to his chest, “What would become of my reputation if I did so?”

“Then if you’re being paid to kill Olas, why waste your time with the assassins?”

"Entertainment," grinned Silent Smile, his lips parting to reveal a sinister flash of teeth. "Which, I must say, your struggles have been nothing short of magnificent—a test of loyalty versus the wickedness of the world. My, it's been a splendid source of amusement!"

He fired again, only for a casual flick of the wrist to redirect the shots to the ceiling.

“Are we done?”

“Just making sure.” He shouldered the crossbow, seeing as its use was at an end, whatever spells this Silent Smile had, they were more than a match. A pit gnawed at him as he caught sight of those jubilant eyes, “Why not just kill me? I’m working against you.”

The elf slid around him like liquid, arm falling on his shoulder, he wanted to jump away but found the grip far stronger than a being of his should have.

"I do know when opportunity is ripe for the taking, Leon," Silent Smile mused, his tone taking on a more serious note. "I've been watching your performance closely, and I must say, I'd like to offer my assistance, my boy. The world is on the cusp of change, and having someone looking out for your interests could prove quite beneficial."

Within those eyes was an abyss that he could lose himself, clearly wickedness dressed up in fine clothing. He went to pull Silent Smile’s hand off him, it came loose, the elf had let him do it.

“You’re not asking for my services, yet hire those to kill my-“He paused, grimacing as Silent Smile smiled.

“Ah, you’re a special boy and you’re not-“ The elf glided away, “You’re not interested in weapons, armor, power. All you want is what you can’t have…love.” He turned with a wicked laugh, his shadow changing ever briefly to the shape of a gryphon, or was that the light?

So, he was just another crime boss, adding assets to their pockets. He searched for his rod, found it missing.

"Please, my boy," Silent Smile implored, his voice carrying a note of sincerity. "I have absolutely no intention of causing you harm. My only desire is to make an investment in you, one that could prove quite advantageous for both parties."

“Then call off your assassins, cancel your contract.” Leon snapped, making the elf only sigh.

“I’m afraid I can’t. I won’t be known to break a contract, only the person making that can do that.”

“Then we have nothing to talk about.” Leon growled, “Unless you can help with that, I don’t care for your-“ He went to leave but found himself frozen, ice seemingly sprung up through his veins. Terror pounded in his chest as he slowly turned around.

Silent Smile was leaning back, tapping his lips in deep thought. What did he have in store? Leon tried to struggle but it was fruitless, his entire body was at this stage, at the elf’s will.

"Oh, I know!" Silent Smile chuckled to himself, his tone light and teasing. "You're a highly suspicious fellow, Leon, built walls around yourself to keep all those outsiders at bay." As he spoke, he began rummaging through drawers, his fingers searching for something specific. "What you need is proof, my dear boy! Genuine proof, the real article that'll put your mind at ease."

To be so ensnared, utterly helpless and at the mercy of his captor, it was like a dagger twisting in Leon's soul. Each passing second felt excruciating, heavy with dread, and his frantic attempts to break free proved futile. It was in this desperate moment that Silent Smile rose, his smile sweet and enigmatic. He held in his grasp a tightly rolled map, upon which bore a stamped seal—a silver, grinning dragon, identical to the pin Leon had used to find this peculiar place. He placed it against Leon’s fist, the man unable to open his hand to secure it. “Oh of course, silly me!”

Like a puppet whose strings had been abruptly severed, Leon collapsed to the ground with a weary groan. Every nerve in his body felt utterly exhausted and abused, as though he had been running for miles through a relentless storm. As he gazed up at that enigmatic smile, he couldn't help but shiver, the expression seeming to pierce right through him, leaving an indelible mark of both fascination and apprehension.

As he stood, the elf scrolled to his hand as though he were a charming friend. A comforting hand came to his back, aiding him in standing.

"There we are," Silent Smile remarked with a hint of satisfaction. "A small morsel of information for you, Leon. Consider it a taste of what I can do for you."

“What have you given to me?” He struggled to say.

"Why, my dear Leon," Silent Smile replied with a sly smile, "the location of your associated base, of course! Consider it a gift, a token of my goodwill."

“Is this how you treat your associates? Setting them up for failure?”

Silent Smile chuckled softly, his steps carrying him away with a confident click of his tongue. "Well, my good man," he mused, "if they're so easily dispatched, perhaps they don't deserve the privilege of being my associates after all."

Was this true? It couldn’t could it? He stared at the parchment as though it had the answers, yet he knew that devilish gleam he could not trust. “What if I refuse?”

"Refuse the information that could save your gryphon? The very entity that employs you and that you long for?" Silent Smile tapped his chin thoughtfully. "Are you truly willing to turn your back on that opportunity?"

“Why would you give me the location of their base? It has to be a trap.”

"Perhaps, but let's consider it a game," Silent Smile declared with an air of amusement. "A thrilling contest, my boy. Who will emerge victorious? The valiant individual determined to save his love interest, or the cunning assassins intent on ending him?" He spread his arms wide, wheeling around to emphasize the dramatic tension. "The answer, my dear Leon, lies in whether you can truly afford not to inspect that map." The elf padded back to his seat on the other side of the desk, his fingers clicking to open the door back to the tavern. "So, the question now, Leon, is what will you do?"

*** ** ** ** **

Leon paced restlessly within his room, the first light of dawn gently filtering through the windows. Outside, the crows heralded the arrival of a new day, their calls echoing the turmoil within the troubled half-elf. He absentmindedly caressed his chin, trying to banish the thoughts that swirled in his mind. His gaze drifted to the sealed scroll on his desk, a constant source of unease. Despite having managed to get some sleep, the words of Silent Smile continued to haunt him, returning unbidden to torment his thoughts no matter how hard he tried to distract himself.

Every instinct within him screamed to dismiss the scroll, to cast it aside and pretend it never existed. It had to be a trap, plain and simple. All his years of adventuring had taught him to be wary of such temptations, or was it the people he'd encountered along the way? With a growl of frustration, he snatched up the rolled parchment. For something so seemingly innocuous, its weight felt far heavier than he had anticipated, giving him pause. It sent a shiver down his spine, as if it were a living thing, peering into his soul, probing his deepest fears.

His trembling hands held the scroll as he contemplated the implications. "I won't be harmed, that much is certain," he muttered to himself. But then, like a dagger to his heart, the thought of Olas crossed his mind. Could he truly abandon the noble to his fate? Rely solely on his own abilities to stay safe? The weight of his decision bore down on him, and he felt the burden of responsibility pressing heavily on his shoulders.

"I know!" Leon exclaimed, snapping his fingers with a surge of determination, his chest swelling with resolve. "I'll run to Olas and tell him about this Silent Smile character. We'll ride out to—" But his words faltered, and he deflated in an instant, a bitter realization washing over him. Hadn't he tried that before, only to be dismissed?

Leon scowled, berating himself. "No," he muttered, "he'd dismiss you again, you foolish prat." His grip on the scroll tightened as he grappled with the weight of his decision. Was it truly the only way to ensure the gryphon's safety? He shivered, despising the sensations that crept up his spine. The memory of Olas, his touch, his earthy scent, all invaded his senses, and despite the turmoil, he found himself yearning for that embrace once more. "Damn him," Leon growled, his voice laced with frustration and desire. "Damn him three times over."

Leon slammed the map down on the table, frustration etched across his features. With a swift, precise cut, he severed the seal with a knife and then flopped down on his own accord, lying flat on his stomach. The map stretched out before him, depicting the northeastern part of Sethera, with every noteworthy town in Lumara meticulously detailed. Curiosity tugged at him, urging him to explore the surface of the parchment, his eyes drawn to various notes and symbols vying for his attention.

"This... is a map?" he mumbled, his groan of exasperation giving way to intrigue. He continued to scan the page, meandering through the notations and pictographs until he found what he was searching for—a smaller area near Featherton, not even a day's ride away. Next to it was Silent Smile's symbol, a grinning dragon. Leon tapped the page with a quizzical expression, and to his astonishment, the ink on the parchment seemed to come alive.

Before his very eyes, the ink swirled, shifted, and transformed. What emerged on the page was not just another map, but a more detailed layout of precisely what he sought. It even included an intricate depiction of a cavern entrance concealed behind a curtain of vines.

"Tap here three times," the words materialized before Leon's eyes in response to his questioning thoughts. The map revealed the location in the mountains, detailing a cavern system with both front and rear entrances. With another touch, it brought up a detailed layout of the interior, showing the placement of doors and passages, all seemingly perfect for launching an assault.

Studying the intricate imagery with a mixture of fascination and skepticism, he growled, "Too perfect," His gaze narrowed. "Yeah, it's definitely a trap."

He glared at his own reflection in the mirror, the image of himself seemingly pleading for a chance to save the infuriating gryphon. Wasn't Olas worth it? Couldn't he simply talk to the stubborn bird and explain about the events of the other night? He hung his head, knowing deep down that the decision had already been made for him. He would go.

"But by myself," he said softly when he thought about his associates. Even though they might be willing to go with him if he presented this mission to them, Leon couldn't shake the feeling that they deserved a better life, one free of his dangerous undertakings. If this was indeed a trap, and he led them into it, it was possible they might not survive. The thought of endangering them weighed heavily on his conscience.

"And they deserve better than that," Leon said softly, his voice carrying a note of resignation. If this was indeed a trap and someone had to pay the price, he couldn't bear the thought of it being all three of them. "Besides," he continued, rolling up the map with a cold determination settling into his words, "they would be better off without me."

********

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