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Scales and Honor: 23

Arcturus had never been more tense than he was now. On the field of battle, shield in one hand, sword in the other, energy crossbow on his back, the fear of death hanging on his shoulders? That he had learned to deal with, steeling his nerves for every movement, facing down dragons as easily as one might a puppy. Yet within this courtroom the knight shivered, ever slightly, uncertain how things were going to unfold.

His heart twisted with pangs of despair, he’d sold out those he cared for, betrayed their trust within him. For what? The future diplomacy of a kingdom that had done nothing but lie in it’s words, twist his oaths and rest heaps of shame upon his brow? He stewed within his seat as phantom images terrorized his waking moments, of what could have happened to Skywing and that of his adventuring companions. Hands went to his head, no word from Veledar to belay the turmoil within. Had it been all for nothing? Scanning the hall found the council members had yet to return, for they had locked themselves in deliberation after his reveal that Sir Steven was setting this all up for political gain.

Would they even believe him? The thought was but a shadow, after all, he had no evidence to support his claim. He realized that as he stared at the floor, desperate for a whisper of his dragon’s words. Something sweet, comfortable with just the hint of that growly tone that would whisk away such thoughts. Perhaps his comforting breath upon his neck, tender paw on his side, it would make what had happened be easier to swallow. Anything to help drag him out of the bleak pit in which he’d now found himself, the uncertainty if his allies were alive and well, or bloodied and dead upon the ground. He scoffed, to think it would be a hall of justice that brought the same feeling as war. It was Nivra that rested a hand upon his shoulder, a look of strength about her befitting a future queen.

“I’ve seen that look before, darkness taking it’s hold of you Arcturus. It clouds the mind, whispers false truths, leaves you hollow. I hope that it doesn’t make you doubt your dragon?” She smiled sweetly, “Did he not swoop through the Deep fae to rescue that green dragon of yours?”

“Yes.”

“And at the castle of Entis, I believe I read that he careened as if guided by lightning itself. The knights spoke of a terrible beast, of fire, claw and teeth, that allowed your escape to be possible.”

“That is also true. But then-“

“Here we sit in a similar situation, and yet you doubt him? This dragon who had a plan, allies at his side, fighting for his love.” She chuckled, folding her hands in her lap, “That sounds like a rather romantic story if you think about it.”

His brow furrowed, “Blind faith is not something granted to me Nivra. While you conjure this lofty image, I’ve bore witness to the swath of emotions he’s experienced. Though they’re not as sharp as if he were close, they tell of unease, worry and frustration. Pray tell, do these speak of victory? He’s contacted me before when I was within my cell, if there were good news, do you think he would keep it to himself? Or perhaps, what is more likely…” He swallowed a lump in his throat, struggling to say the words, “That he can’t find the words, or seeks to spare me the pain.”

It was her turn to look away, folding her hands in her lap as she searched through the crowd. “I cannot say for certain, though your points are valid.” She shifted uncomfortably in her seat, starting to curl one of her raven locks, “Apologies, Voidy is ever so better at this thing than I. He’s ever chipper, ears perked, believing that the good will always triumph in the end.”

“I know, he said as much within the vault.” The paladin shook his head, “I’ve seen too many humans and gryphons die who believed as such. I fear that my accusation now falls upon deaf ears, for I have no proof to base my claim. Have I tossed one of my oldest friends and those that came to help him to the wolves? When they return the case could still be made, everything will be as it was.”

Her eyes twinkled as she gestured to a reclining Fremra, who was yawning away as though the decision had already been made. “It would appear your mentor disagrees with you.”

“I don’t think she counted as my mentor. She was Veledar’s.”

“A little birdie informed me that you trained as much as he, even played a paramount role in his recovery. I’d say that counts does it not?”

His cheeks blushed, “Is that relevant?”

“Look, I’m not saying leap ever blindly into the fray. I’m just asking you to have a bit of faith, I know it sounds bizarre to hear it from me…but…” She rested a hand on his knee, her icy blues pleading. “At least for me. Those people are here for me, Feku and Asterion they too share this fate unfairly because of my actions.” She trembled, but composing herself with a shaky breath, “I…Don’t want anything terrible to happen to them because of this.”

How foolish of him. This entire time focusing on himself, when it must have been eating Nivra from the inside out. It was not anyone that could live with others paying for your choices, “Nivra, I had forgotten.” He hung his head, “Spirits, forgive me, I was too focused on-“

“Skywing?”

He nodded, “But that’s not to say that my care for the others is lost.”

She sighed, “Here’s hoping that your word, and the praise of Storm’s mate is strong enough to beat back this false evidence that they laid at our feet.”

“It, was fake was it not?” His brow rose, drawing her narrowed eyes.

“Of course, it was.” She hissed through her teeth, “You doubt me?”

“Your father was up to a vast amount of shady dealings. From the Emerald Lady to the Uniter, constructions of mana crystals. I would not put it past him to not have devised this entire plot.”

The princess sighed, “I suppose that’s a fair enough assessment, but I still ask of you to trust me in this, I did not do this. Those documents are fake.” Her eyes flicked with annoyance, “I just assumed they were magically conjured, it didn’t even occur to me that they’d use something so crude as having someone forge the things.” She held her brow. “I’ve been a fool. I should have never left on the damned quest to retrieve the orb, it has opened the door for this entire charade to be played against me.”

“True that was a mistake.” It was his turn to rest a hand on the princess’ back. “But that’s how we grow is it not? One day after the other, slowly changing. Look at Veledar.” The paladin smiled weakly, imagining his handsome snout. “Spouting prideful messages, side quests, referring to us as his minions. Not to mention insisting that dragons were superior.”

Nivra laughed, “Isn’t he still doing that? And I heard him the other day, he referred to the others as his minions! Save you of course.”

“Well, he’s thinking himself as better, not because he’s a dragon.” He chuckled, “It’s a start, didn’t say it was a big one.”

“Though I did hear he shared credit for the plan to rescue you.”

“Did he now?” The knight leaned back with an honest smile, “See? What did I tell you?”

“Still doesn’t help us right now.”

It was then that the council chambers re-opened, silencing the murmur of the knight’s voices around the hall. In strode the four members, each wearing weary, red faces. It looked as though some of them had even been shouting. Halmick, the dwarven council member was the first to speak when they retook their seats, slamming down the damning documents with a hearty growl.

“The blasted things are fakes!”

“What?” Arcturus said, eyes wide. Almost convinced they’d have yet another thing stacked against them.

“Clever stroke of the hand actually.” He leaned back, stroking the beads in his beard. “Upon closer look, I’ve seen the likes of that ink used before. It’s crafted from the hell stones back from the foggy mountains, leave a bit of mark and smell that is practically invisible to anyone but a dwarf.” Halmick grinned, clearing loving that he was getting the attention.

Akita the wolven council member added, “Then with him dating the ink, we found that it’s creation would have been swift, not correctly when these orders were given. Our enemy beyond the city has far reach indeed, to craft such a devious plot.” She side eyed Steven, who chuckled but maintained his calm.

“Which leads me back to you Arcturus.” Steven said with the coolness of a snake, “All things considered, anyone could have made the connections that were not there. It’s a most embarrassing situation that this made it past our initial examinations. Our lady Karen must be starting to slip in her professionalism.”

“Which means that all charges against you Nivra will be dropped. We find you innocent.” Numbra the sunelf said with a stoic nod, “And would welcome your assistance against the undead of which we all face, including that of your soldiers that have arrived to lend their aid.”

As Nivra smiled and counted her victory, Arcturus was left bewildered, staring daggers at the councilman that had held him under his thumb. It drove his legs up, his voice to rise as blood boiled within his flesh. “And what of Sir Steven? Is he to go free after holding myself and my kinsmen captive, threatening their lives?”

“Arcturus, all we have is your word on the matter. Sir Steven has served with us for many of years, what you suggest is corruption of the greatest order.”

“You trusted my word when it would work against Nivra here, yet doubt me when I lay it against one of your own?” His brow narrowed, sharp like a dragon’s talons. “I do suggest that his corruption runs that deep.”

Fremra rose her hand from the stands, clearing her throat. When she spoke, her voice filled the hall, “I second that suggestion. My apprentice is on his way at this very moment to rescue said captives from their confinement. I imagine when they return, he and Alonso the Ruby guardian will have quite the story to tell about Sir Steven’s actions.”

The councilmen laughed nervously as the gaze of justice fell upon him. He tried to wave the dragoness off as just doing one of her funny quirks yet again. “Can we take the word of the jokester Fremra? Who had little interest in our organization till these last few days? Come now, don’t let them turn you against me.”

But Akita was the one who stood, her arms crossed. “It might be nothing Steven, but those are two voices of trust within this hall making such an accusation. Guardians, I’d like you take the councilman into custody, while an investigation is opened into his involvement in these recent affairs.”

The hall gasped as guardians rose at the wolven’s command, advancing upon the council member like an oiled machine. They seized his arms despite his vocal protests, holding firm when he struggled in their grip.

“You can’t do this to me!” Steven shouted, “I’ve been a loyal part of this council since it’s inception! How can you take their word? This is ridiculous.”

“As ridiculous as having us try to exile a gaggle of gryphons, their princess and a knight.” The dwarf councilman chuckled, swishing the wine in his goblet. “Do be careful with his dainty head!”

Before Steven was dragged out from the hall for all to see, she laid upon him one last statement. “You Steven are not beyond the reach of justice. Nor would we allow you to make a mockery of these halls. Until you are proven innocent, you will be detained. For your sake, I hope what Arcturus and Fremra said about you is false.” Her eyes narrowed, “Now take him away.”

Stunned, Arcturus couldn’t move as Steven’s shouts continued until doors shut with a slam, leaving the hall in a state of silence. He could practically hear his heart thumping in his chest, they’d won. Somehow, despite everything, victory had been achieved. As everyone around broke into a cacophony of chatter and cheers, the knight remained ever silent. Inside his thoughts still rested within the fates of his friends.

“Nivra, Arcturus of Lumara.” Akita bowed her head, along with the council. “We apologize for the stress and actions taken against you in the days prior. Though some of your recent choices have been questionable to say the least, your offer to aid our city has been genuine. I beseech you to continue doing so in the days ahead.”

Nivra nodded, “Just give me access to a hundred golden bowls and we’ll call it even. I have just the spell to drive back whatever fear that Dreadflame wishes to sow in our ranks.”

“Done. I’ll see to it that you get whatever else you require.”

Peering back, Arcturus caught sight of Fremra, her face one of strength and comfort. She smiled with a wink, as if to let him know everything was alright. It brought a glimmer of comfort that massaged his muscles, only to be undone by the sudden wave of anxiety pounding in his chest. To the entrance he wheeled, knowing by the sound of stomping paws just what was on its way. “Oh no.” He groaned before the doors came slamming open with a crimson paw.

Veledar stood before them proud and resplendent, his victory apparent on his snout. Frills flared as he eyed the council with the gaze of a commander, barking his demand. “I object! This ruling is based on lies!”

The hall sat stunned, uncertain what this dragon might do. Akita blinked as he stood resolute, unwavering in his convictions. “You object to them being found innocent and allowed to aid in our defense?”

The dragon closed tight his jaws, flaring his nostrils as he gave a tentative flick of his tail. “Well… that changes things.” He rolled a paw, red spreading to his membranes, “Continue with this just and fair ruling.”

He couldn’t keep it in any longer, Arcturus shoved his way across the courtyard to reunite with his scaled love. No knight could stand in his way, most actually parted so that his travel would be unhindered. “How did you do?” The question came reserved.

“I do believe we did fantastic.” Veledar rolled a paw to his chest, “Rescued the lot of the-“ He warbled deep in his throat as Arcturus leaped upon him, giving the dragon the largest, tightest of hugs. “Arcturus…Umraadi.”

“I’m sorry for doubting you.” Cheek rubbed against red-orange scales as Veledar’s paw found his back, holding him tight. He cared not that all in attendance bore witness to this show of affection. To his relief neither did Veledar himself, offering a tender lick across his head.

“That’s what you get for doubting me.” Replied the dragon with a gentle purr, “Honestly, by now you shouldn’t.” With a cough he rose his head, “Perhaps we should continue this reunion away from so many prying eyes?”

He’d forgotten the dragon’s unease around so many new faces. Arcturus laughed as Nivra strode passed them, Fremra right behind her. They were discussing something about her magical research, and how to spread the spell she’d discovered to the masses. He supposed it was just another day for her, right back to work. Though he wanted to dwell upon it longer, he had a crimson snout shoved into his shoulder, demanding that they depart.

“I wish to get you alone all to myself Umraadi. I’ve missed you.”

How could he refuse an offer like that? He turned, massaging the dragon’s cheeks and graced him with a passionate kiss. “Where would you like to go?” He asked when they parted, eyes never straying from one another.

“Anywhere, long as you’re by myside. Though I do believe we’re in need of a flight.” Veledar bumped him forward towards the exit, “Trapped in a cell with a gryphon, nowhere to go? You’ll need to stretch your limbs.”

** ** ** ** * **

The pair hardly touched the cobblestone street, Arcturus practically mounting Veledar the moment they hit the crisp air. Wrapped tight in a thick leather cloak, the knight held fast the crimson dragon below him. In a matter of wingbeats they’d climbed past the blue-grey rooftops, rushed passed fluttering banners, taking their place within the domain that only dragons and gryphons might tread. How could he not smile? His heart fluttering within his chest, a smile creasing his lips. Days of shadow and despair had been swept away, all thanks to the dragon he adored.

Around the network of streets they did fly, gracing those below with a flash of crimson scales. Veledar seemed rather eager to land upon Fremra’s keep, insisting that he had a surprise. Not one to ruin it, Arcturus waited patiently, until the dragon returned, his mother’s harness in tow, dragged by his maw.

“Can’t do it without the proper equipment.” Veledar rumbled, plopping it down before Arcturus, then gracing him with a gentle nuzzle.

“That was the surprise?” Arcturus chuckled, planting a kiss upon the dragon’s nose. Sapphire eyes gleamed with a secret.

“Oh, that can wait for later. For now, lets get me into this so you and I might ride properly.”

With a flick of Veledar’s tail, they worked in tandem to secure the leather straps across the dragon’s body. What should have been an easy task accomplished in moments, was overturned at each opportunity by an insistence to lick the man across the face. After the seventh time, Arcturus finally caught the mischievous snout.

“Are we going to get into the air or not? I’ve got about one last strap.”

“You can’t blame me Umraadi.” The dragon rumbled, snatching his head away, eyes gleaming in the sunlight. He took a deep breath, chest swelling, radiant as he’d ever been. “I’ve been without you these last few days, your safety, questionable. I’d rather not experience that again.”

The knight clasped the final strap, patting the dragon on the chest. “That is the line of work that we get ourselves in.”

“I suppose that it is. Given how determined you are in risking your life for these people.”

“We’ve had this talk.” His hands caressed the underside of Veledar’s neck, beating back the grumble that wove its way through his flesh.

“And my thoughts have not changed. If I’d been there with you then, you’d not have been taken from me.”

“Will your solution be to follow me like a dog? All the way to the plains of the sword and beyond to Deet?” He laughed nervously but saw no hint of amusement within those sapphire seas. It tugged at his heart, drawing a heavy sigh from his lips. Perhaps the dragon was right in this regard. “Veledar…look, I may have been less vigilant than I should have been.”

“I’ll say you were! A Tadorian crab would have been more vigilant, and they don’t have any eyes!”

As the dragon’s frills flared, tail lashed, Arcturus caught that head. He stroked those cheeks, calming the blood boiling beneath the dragon’s scales. His eyes closed, trembling, ever so glad to smell the summer campfire smell that was his dragon. “I know, you have the right to be cross. All I can say is I hope to do better, I didn’t intend to make you worry. Can you find it in your heart to forgive me my radiant love?”

“Hmmpf. You think a swift apology and tender caress would be enough to sway me?”

He pulled away, honestly unsure as the dragon held his back with a firm paw. “Veledar…Whatever I need to do to make it-“ He was silenced with a most passionate kiss. Eyes fluttered closed as he whimpered, soon finding himself jousting tongues with the tender beast. The winds died to his ears, worry collapsed, all that mattered was the sound of a dragon breathing, and the beating of his heart. When they parted, thin strands of saliva connected them, Arcturus was left panting as Veledar gave him a confident smirk. His cheeks were flushed, the dragon knew how to press all the right places.

“I’m not mad at you Arcturus. My ire is for those knights that nabbed you.” He searched away to the walls, eyeing the sapphire guardians. “Not the ones at this keep, they seem honorable, but the others. You are frail, easily broken if not careful.” His nostrils flared as he took a composed breath, the worry twisting within his chest. “I don’t wish to lose you.”

“With how brave and swift you are, I don’t think I’ll have to worry about that.” He replied softly, resting a hand on the dragon’s shoulder. “Do I need to mention how marvelous you were this day? Swooping in, saving us yet again from certain death? Veledar, you know how I feel. Each day you make it more special that you stumbled into my life. Honestly, it’s getting harder and harder to imagine it without you there.”

The dragon rumbled, a paw folding to hold Arcturus close to his chest. “Of that I do believe we are in agreement.” With a final nod and gesture, Veledar positioned himself more easily to be clambered up upon. Once Arcturus was seated on his back, tethering leash secure, the dragon flared his wings. “Ready my love?” He asked with a growly purr, showing off his teeth.

When he nodded the dragon loosed himself to the sky like an arrow. Powerful muscles guided by delight brought them swiftly to the heavens above. Twisting and turning, they were as one, letting the cold winds caress flesh and scale alike. Rumbling and shouting out delight, they tossed and turned through the crosswinds. Clouds they burst through like paper thin walls, a resounding roar announcing their deed.

For untold minutes they raced around the scattered clouds, up and down as if they were playful dolphins of the sea. Eventually this could not satisfy the eager rider and dragon, the word given to climb ever higher. So that with their panting breaths, the gods themselves might envy the height they’d achieved. Veledar tilted his wings and pounded ever harder, climbing so that Arcturus had to lean ever forward, practically vertical with the ground.

“Hold on tight Umraadi!” Warbled Veledar with a grin.

“Always!” Replied Arcturus.

Tilting his wings, Veledar flipped over upon himself, his crimson tail chasing him like a snake. Down he pointed his snout, letting gravity have its way. Wind battered against them, cold caressed them, yet still their insides were filled with nothing butter pure bliss. Not a thought could sway them, deter them, both unleashing days of darkness to the ethereal bonds of the sky. Pressing close his wings, Veledar began to spin, laughing as he could feel Arcturus hold fast, wrapping arms around his neck for his life.

“Something that matter Umraadi?”

“NOTHING!” Arcturus shouted over the wings.

“Enjoying yourself?”

“When I’m with you? Always.”

Veledar warbled his delight, eventually bringing his wings out to put an end to their divebomb. Membranes ached at the effort, but he eventually slowed them to a gentle glide. There they could drift, far above the city, like some ruler on high. Down below Struport was nothing more than a tiny gem, lost in a sea of white and blue.

“I never tire of this sight.”

“Nor do I.” Veledar beamed, peering back to the man upon his back.

He blushed, “To think you thought the idea of this was insulting.”

“I was wrong about you.”

“You my love, wrong? Does anyone else know?”

The dragon snorted, tilting his wing, “Hush that handsome face of yours, before I drop you.”

“You’re free to tr-“ Arcturus was forced to stitch himself to the dragon’s neck as he performed a swift spin. The knight’s brow furrowed as the dragon gave a growly laugh, “Hah, very funny.”

“The look on your face was priceless Umraadi.”

“Are we only up here to scare paladins at your mercy? Or was there some other plan in that scaled head of yours.”

“While teasing you to no end upon my back is amusing, I have better ideas for us both. Perhaps you’d rather be carried like a package again?”

“If it’s all the same to you, I’d rather ride up here with you.” He laid a tender hand upon the dragon’s scales. “Not like some package hardly cared for.”

“Grah, it’s hard to tease you when your words are so sweet.”

“I am learning.”

“Just don’t go adding to this dragon taming rumor that was started.”

“I’d never insist that I tamed you.”

“For if anything was true it’s more accurate to say I tamed you.”

“You tamed me now?” Arcturus rolled his eyes as the dragon chuckled, lending a mischievous eye. “Do tell.”

The dragon cleared his throat, descending towards a rocky section of the shore. One safe from Struport’s shadow, away from the busy goings and comings of the many ships that called it home. “Well, lets count the ways, shall we? A handsome dragon hunter came into my home, captured me. I with my silver tongue got him to free me, which I went about snatching him away.”

“Yes, I was there. I do believe they call it kidnapping.”

“But thanks to my master plan, his distain for me dulled, shifting more into adoration. Eventually that too was not for me, I changed it to an overpowering need. By the adventure’s end, he was pressed down into his very bed, mounted by the beast he was supposed to slay. I celebrated my victory by knotting him and roaring to the heavens.””

“What an interesting view of how things played out.” Chuckled Arcturus, “I think you’re leaving out the parts where you were vulnerable, offering an olive branch that our attraction to one another would grow.”

“All part of the act!” Veledar rumbled with glee, circling an out crop of rocks, large enough to support a dragon three times his size. He landed with a bumpy trot, talons clacking mere inches from rock covered in a layer of barnacles. As Arcturus dismounted with an amused look upon his face, the dragon could not help but grace him another tender lick. “Don’t fret Umraadi, for if anyone deserved my heart, it is you.”

“And what a fine treasure that it is.” He sighed, brushing the dragon’s cheek, and sharing another deep, passionate kiss.

Once parted they were left, standing before the gentle waves of the ocean beyond. It stretched out for miles to the horizon, kissing the sky. The rock resided just before a diminutive beach, where bubbles spread with every break of the sea upon the shore. Wings pinned, tail curled around the knight, Arcturus leaned against his scaled love.

“So why here?” He asked softly, comforted as Veledar wrapped a paw around his chest. His hands caressed the scaled digits. “Some secret spot? Or are you taking a page out of Krotos’ book?”

“The gryphon?” Veledar snorted, flicking his tail, “If I wanted to lewd you Arcturus, I’d have taken you somewhere less freezing. Can you imagine the weather upon my spire?”

“See? Krotos would have mentioned that it’s possible that your spire never touched the open air.”

“Oh, naughty knight you are.” He rumbled, ruffling Arcturus’ hair with his snout. “But no. While enjoying as that might be. I brought you here for an entirely different reason. Come.” With a warble they parted, Veledar leaping from the rock to the sandy beach below. There he sat, digging through the pouches of his harness while Arcturus took a slower path, forced to crawl down bit by bit.

“Couldn’t have landed on the beach?”

“It allowed me to search for your gift unhindered.” Replied the dragon, still digging through his pouches. “Where did it go?” His tail thumped against the sand.

“Did you not just put it in there?”

“Yes. But it’s gone and lost itself.”

Arcturus chuckled, striding over, “You speak as though it has a mind of it’s own.”

“It very well might! Oh, if Fremra didn’t tell me of that little detail, I’ll bite her tail ever so hard.”

“I’d be careful, I do believe she bites back. Remember the time at the isle of draconis?”

Veledar huffed, brow furrowed, “Don’t remind me. All you did was laugh when she tackled me back.”

“It was refreshing to see someone pin you for a change.”

“Shush or I’ll be pinning you in a minute.”

He slung an arm around the dragon’s neck, staring off to the ocean beyond. “What about the cold you said?”

“Arcturus, if you’re asking me to mate you hard, that will come later.” Groaned Veledar, “But there was a reason for this honest!” The dragon pulled back with a resounding warble, plucking a golden bracer from his pouches, “Finally!”

“Your gift?”

The dragon nodded swiftly but rose a brow. “Just don’t tell the others how long it took. They’d never let me live this down. I have a reputation to maintain.”

“My lips are sealed.” He mimed a lock and key, earning himself a tender lick across the face. Into his hands was pressed the golden bracer, it’s metal surface adorned in engravings of lightning bolts. Around it’s raised edges were dwarven runes, practically rumbling with power at the man’s touch. He turned it over in his hands, even without the sense of magic, feeling it tingle across his fingers. All the while Veledar watched in amusement, rubbing up against him as though he were an affectionate cat.

“What do you think?”

“It’s a bracer.” He tapped it, “I do believe my armor has one.”

“But not like this one.” Veledar rolled his eyes, planting himself down onto his haunches, tail curling around Arcturus. “It’s easier to explain, put it on.”

Arcturus hesitated. “You mentioned Fremra? Did you steal this?”

“Not at first.”

“Veledar!”

“She gave it to me after!” The dragon prodded the man with his snout, “And it’s a gift now, honest.”

“Alright.” He rested a hand on his nose, “But I best not find you snatched this after.”

“What would you do about it?” Veledar rumbled with mischief, showing his teeth.

“I’d get Fremra to pounce upon you for sure. Maybe make you squeal like a dragoness?” He got batted with a wing, even as he laughed. “But it was funny!”

“I get you a gift and you imagine myself getting wrestled to the ground by that feisty female?”

“Fine, fine, I’m putting it on. Will that put you at ease?” His words calmed the dragon’s snarl, especially when he added his thanks, throwing in a scratch of the jaw to aid him. Serenaded with purrs, Arcturus slipped his arm through the pristine leather straps on the bracer’s underside. There it rested, dormant, did he need a password? Just as he was about to mention this problem, it tightened itself perfectly to his arm.

“See? Perfect fit!”

“But how do I get it off?” Arcturus instinctually tugged at the armor, “Sure this isn’t some blasted curse!” He groaned and grunted, but it was no use, the bracer would not budge. He was left with Veledar grinning, telling him the password. “Could have started with that.” He groaned.

“But this was more entertaining.”

“Sometimes I hate you.”

“O shush, you don’t.” Veledar licked his neck, sending shivers down Arcturus’ spine. “You love every moment of this.”

Not able to disagree with the dragon, Arcturus let him win. Outward he held his arm, watching the sunlight dance across the bracer’s surface. “What does it do? I could feel the power, but that’s about it.”

Veledar reared up, thrusting a forepaw out. “Fremra said that a great warrior of Thor named Katrina Coldbane could hurl lightning bolts with that bracer. All he needed to do was project them in his mind, grasp them with his hands. Once done, he could hurl them like a javelin. Once loosed and its damage done, a thought would return the bolt to your hand.” He returned to all fours with a flare of his wings, gracing the paladin with a bow of his head.

“Great acting.”

“I thought so.”

He closed his eyes, only for the familiar sensation of warm dragon tongue to slather across his face. “Hey! I’m trying to focus!” He sputtered and wiped away the spittle. “Could we keep your tongue off me for a minute.”

“Fair.” The dragon seated, gesturing to the ocean with a paw, “Then show me.”

Again, he returned to focus, picturing a lightning bolt crackling within his hand. Twisting, powerful, its fury contained within his very being. He felt it spark to life on his palm, warm and pulsating its demand. When his eyes opened, the dragon was already warbling, he had a spear of lightning within his hand.

“You did it!”

“I did!” He cheered, afraid to lose his grip upon it. “Now how do I let it go?”

“How would I know, have you ever seen me hurl a spear?” The dragon snorted, “I assume like any other spear!”

With a grunt he did like he would with any other, loosing it upon the waves. There it slammed into the water, crackled and sparked, exploding in a surge of power. He was left with a smile upon his face, “Veledar…This is a most thoughtful gift.”

The dragon beamed, rumbling with pride. “Oh, I know. Figured you’d like another spear to grasp when not holding mine. I’d say that is more powerful than those energy blasts of yours and will make up for when you lost my mother’s halberd in Entis.”

“Right.” He blushed, remembering how Garroth had taken it. As he held the gift beneath his hands, a thought hounded at him, his night with Skywing. Here Veledar was, being thoughtful and now swelling his chest and going on about how he’d procured it from a list of other items. The pleasured memory of gentle moans and chirps was now tainted, icy cold in it’s existence.

“And this I knew would be the perfect addition to your arsenal.”

Arcturus gritted his teeth, knowing that such an act between gryphon and human was a normal occurrence within Entis and beyond, but to the dragon? How would he perceive such a thing? His heart stretched as he let his hand fall, he would not lie to him. He had to know. Even if it cost him the very thing he desired, Veledar.

“Umraadi, does your gift displease you?” Veledar tilted his head, “I can sense the turmoil within you now. Have I done something w-“

“No.” He caught the dragon’s snout, “You…have been utterly perfect, delightful. It is I that has failed you…I’m not sure how to tell you.”

“It must be serious to instill this level of unease.” He shifted, curling around Arcturus. “What has happened?”

He took a deep breath, his nerves standing on edge. “When in the jail cell. Skywing and I…We got rather intimate. I won’t go into details, and I’m sorry. Back home, that sort of thing is common, especially when a gryphon grows so close.” He hung his head, hating the silence Veledar offered him. “I didn’t think, just acted.”

Veledar didn’t look back for a moment, letting the knight stew in his troubles. He took a deep breath, wheeled around, and stared him down, eyes narrowed and sharp. “Is that all Arcturus? You’d do such a thing to me? After I’ve given you so much, graced you with my heart?”

Staring down that gaze, Arcturus would rather have faced a hoard of undead, been torn to shreds right there and then. The snout that moments ago had been filled with such delight, was now one of scorn. “Veledar…I have not the words.” He followed as Veledar pressed past him, “It will never happen again, it was a moment of weakness… Please-” His heart was breaking as the dragon turned back gifting him a withering glance, “I’ll spend each day of my life making this up to you.”

“HOW DARE YOU SAY THAT.” Veledar was upon him like a rampaging beast, snapping his jaws and forcing Arcturus to retreat.

Heart pounding, he avoided the dragon’s jaws, “Veledar, what do you mean?”

“NEVER DO THIS AGAIN? WHY WOULD YOU SAY THAT?”

“Wait, what?” Arcturus froze in shock, getting swatted to the sandy beach by his dragon. He was pinned by a powerful claw, firm but not injuring him. He found himself subjected to a long lick across the face, accompanied by a throaty chuckle. “I don’t understand.”

“You think that would bother me Umraadi? Because you share my lust for gryphons? Most dragons share many partners, pleasure is not love.” He scoffed, “To think you call yourself learned on dragons.”

“Wait…You’re not mad?” It seemed a dream, yet here he was, hands upon his love’s playful snout.

“No.” Grumbled Veledar, lashing his tail “And you go about threatening to never lewd that gryphon again? Why would you wound me so?”

He shook his head, relief massaging his being, “You want me to get intimate with Skywing?”

The dragon nodded, “To think I had you in my senses and you two didn’t go about giving me a show. The thought of you moaning under one of those kittybirds is most arousing.”

Blushing, he tried to maintain his composure, even as a storm of sudden lust surged through him. “You should have asked.”

“Now that I know you find that kittybird arousing, we can enjoy him…together.” Veledar rumbled, “Long as I get to mount that furry behind of his. After all, he owes me a favor, and he played with my mate without asking. I think that’s fair.”

Trapped, Arcturus laughed, getting assaulted by a few more licks across his face. “You just wanted an excuse to hump him this entire time!”

“Gryphons do have humpable bums.” Veledar shrugged. “I can’t help it. Clearly neither can you.”

“Should I be worried?”

“Oh, don’t worry. There is no fear of that.” Rumbled the dragon, “Your bum has no equal, it’s like a treasured song. It welcomes me, caresses me, you were born to give me it.” With a swish of his tail, his snout subjected Arcturus to another round of tongue jousting. Hands grasped at his cheeks, followed by tender moans, only fueling the human’s desire to be rutted by him right there in the sand. “You risked losing me so that you might keep what we have untainted with lies. That only proves your love for me is true.” His tail thumped with pride, “You are a grand treasure indeed.”

“How did I get so lucky to have a dragon such as you?” Arcturus’ words came sweetly as they parted, Veledar’s paw long having moved to the side of head. Never had he seen such a swath of adoration, pride and love that he did in this moment.

“Was not luck.” Mused the dragon as he rose, swelling his chest in pride. “I do believe you had the skills the talent and the determination to win this dragon’s heart.”

He chuckled, resting a hand on his mate’s crimson forepaw, enjoying his silly display, wings pumping, an added grin, it brought a sweet smile to his lips. “Veledar…I’ve been thinking.”

“Oh?”

“The orb, the shard.” Arcturus sighed as Veledar’s snout cocked, “You mentioned leaving not that long ago.”

Nostrils flared, frills pinned, “And you said that we were to stay and defend them.”

“I know what I said. But the recent days, your willingness to throw everything away…I’ll stay until the very last moment, when hope’s light has been snuffed out. Only then will I ask of you to ferry us away.”

He was not one to warble or trill, announce in his smugness that he’d been correct. Veledar merely gave a solitary nod of understanding, gracing Arcturus with a tender lick. “I know that took a lot of courage to change on. I will cherish that you did.”

Hands caressed the crimson snout, holding him close as his eyes closed. “I was not thinking of you, the fault is mine. Consider this a compromise of my wants and yours.” The dull rumble the dragon gave was comforting, Arcturus just hoped that the moment he swore would never come.

“Umraadi, do you trust me?”

Arcturus nodded, letting Veledar press him down into the sand. Curiosity went through him as the dragon kissed him, then pulled back his jaws. “What are you-“ He groaned, eyes fluttering as Veledar snapped forward, trapping the knight’s neck in his jaws. It was tender, passionate, cheeks flushed as the dragon’s growl radiated through his being. Teeth pressed to his flesh, able to end him at any moment, what should have been terrifying instead was overpowered with affection. Hands gripped tight that red head, whimpering as Veledar held him firm.

“Oh gods, I love you dearest.” He managed to utter.

Veledar smirked, relinquishing his grip for but a moment before returning it with a growl, “I’ll leave a mark so that all know I do as well.”

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

I hope that you have enjoyed this section of the arc of which we've been on. I hope it was not too arduous to have them seperated and overcome the actions of a select few Ruby Guardians. Now they can focus on Dreadflame, and whatever HE might have instore for our characters. But first, time to relax! The next few chapters I believe will be fun.

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