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Bahamut’s Light: Epilogue

Skywing ruffled his ivory feathers in the afternoon sun, its golden rays touching upon his form with its comforting warmth. He found himself on one of the many hills upon the Isle of Draconis, basking in the radiant beauty that sprawled out before him. He was freshly preened and scrubbed, from his black markings around his eyes to his flicking striped tail, he was a pristine example of the gryphon form. Each breath he took of the salty air, sent tiny ripples of unease down his spine, spreading down to his black scaled fore talons. His icy blue eyes were twin seas of enjoyment, intermixed with excitement, for today was not like any other, it would be one to be remembered through the ages; for today was his best friend’s wedding day.

His ears perked up, taking in the warbles and trills of the multicolored birds dancing through the treetops of the isle. It was truly a place out of his dreams, of peace and serenity that nothing could hold a candle to. Trees as large as dragons reached up to touch the sky, their canopies sprinkled with vibrant greens, red hues, and gold, one big painting that the artist had taken a loving brush to. Far beyond that was the sea, lapping at the shore, a paradise all things considered. With his next breath he composed himself, adjusting the crimson bowtie around his neck, for none of these natural wonders mattered, only Arcturus.

The man was inside a simple brown tent, getting ready for the ceremony to his love. Skywing entered it with a joyous chirp, already tasting the tension that rested in the air. It was a fog of doubt, unease and shifting feet, as one expected on such a momentous occasion; more so if one’s husband was to be a dragon.

“Come now Arcturus, are you not ready? Your best man has already gone through the arduous task of preening his feathers, combing his fur, and having his paws cleaned.” He rolled his eyes playfully, “It’s a good thing your husband is immortal, else I’d jest he was going to die of old age.”

Arcturus was before a full-length mirror, one of polished mahogany and engraved with golden dragons in flight. He wore a crimson vest covering a black tunic, both sporting gold trimmings. The knight adjusted a red tie with a fire-orange gemstone at its center. He shifted in his leather, gold tipped boots that were polished to perfection. He seemed to be lost in himself, oblivious to the gryphons’ words as he ran a hand through his short brown hair, now sporting occasional hints of grey.

“And don’t get me started on the preeners.” Skywing chortled, padding his way across the grassy floor, past the crates and boxes of clothing, “You were always better at combing my fur, massaging my paws, and making sure I looked my most ravishing. How much longer do you think you’ll be?”

“They can wait for a tad longer, until things are perfect.” Arcturus stroked his beard, which now had matching stripes of grey traveling down either side of his chin. “Veledar wished it to be so, and gods knows if it isn’t, I won’t hear the end of it.”

Skywing sighed whimsically, “Such is the arduous nature of woman and dragons am I right?”

“Besides.” He stood tall, taking on a more regal appearance as he looked himself up and down, “A paladin is a reflection of his dragon, such is the reverse true. I must look my best, it’s only fitting.”

“Oh, now you’re starting to sound like him. Are you sure this bond doesn’t slowly corrupt you, his scaly tendrils latching on and changing you into a tiny version of himself.”

“You know that’s not how it works.”

“But fun to think about.” He teased, taking his place but an arm’s length away. The gryphon admired them both, man, and gryphon, like all those years ago. It made him sigh, his tail twitch, a beak parted smile coming to him soon after. The young man that he had met in the military those 11 years ago now seemed to have grown into his own, a polished, mature knight that went off to rescue the world. “Hard to think that it’s been four years since Struport hasn’t it? When the world seemed to be ready to end.”

“And we stood our ground and declared no.” Arcturus replied, “Sometimes everything seems like a blur, even after all the adventures, I often find myself thinking it’s been over so swiftly, like nothing has happened at all.” He ran a hand along the gryphon’s flank, fingers traveling through the fur to tease him at his weak spots.

The gryphon warbled at such a touch, one of affection that the man knew too well. “Nothing happened?” He teased, nibbling at Arcturus side, “I thought you were not supposed to tell lies my good paladin? You call the meteor that destroyed Zarcana, the capital of Rothdell nothing. That single act ending the hundred-year war we’ve had with that kingdom in a single stroke nothing?” He nibbled again at the man’s neck, this time getting a smack right upon his onyx beak. The catbird pulled back with a pleased warble, “You call strides that Nivra and Lyndis have been making to amend the wounds of our kingdoms nothing? How about the name change of the forest of despair to the Emerald Twilight? That’s not even mentioning our Queen’s continued research into finding another method of mana stones…”

Hands pressed the gryphon’s beak closed, a playful smirk upon the man’s lips. “Fine, you’ve caught me friend. I’ll admit, when you lay so many things upon me, it comes off a lot. You just don’t need to get smart with me, I already have one smart arse I must deal with; I don’t need a feathery one to add to it. It’s my wedding day for gods’ sakes.”

“Hey, don’t go blaming me for your red scaled problems.” He chuckled, running his body along Arcturus’ back with a flick of his tail, “You’re the one choosing to marry the proud beast.”

Arcturus smiled, “Couldn’t ask for a better mistake though.”

“I suppose.” Skywing sighed playfully, “But feathery ones are far better.”

“You’re biased.”

“Still though.” His crown feathers rose, as he took in Arcturus’ form, “A day of anticipation, anxiety and a whole bubbling pot of emotions. Reminds me of the last one you had. I’m glad that in all these years you couldn’t find a better man.”

“When I have you, who else could fill that role?” The man pats the gryphon’s neck, earning an affectionate nibble of his hair.

“Such talents, the tongue to please by dragons and gryphons.” The gryphon chuckled, “I have taught you well.”

“Do you think I look alright?” Arcturus approached the mirror, lowering his head to get a better look at the top, “I don’t look bad with a dusting of grey, do I? Can’t believe it happened to early, suppose I got my father side’s curse.”

Skywing followed to his friend’s side, caressing his beak with a talon. In his friend he could see the doubt, the vanity that might rival that of gryphons or dragons. The gryphon flicked his tail, offering the man a reassuring coo. “Come now, you think a bit of grey hair could ruin you?” He rested his head upon the man’s shoulder, “You’re that we would call mature, or distinguished, maybe even learned.” To the man’s ear he playfully nibbled, voice growling with lust, “Why, I think you look more dashing now.” It made him rumble as the man’s cheeks blushed, even now he could stroke that fire within him, “One who is always welcome to find himself pressed to my nest.”

“Oh, you can shush.” Arcturus swatted the gryphon’s shoulder, “I’m getting married to the dragon today, not you. Besides, visit your nest? If I remember correctly, you find yourself in ours frequently enough.”

“Like scratches behind the ear, it’s something I could always use more of.” Skywing sighed, “But alas the wandering life of an adventurer and an illustrious Captain of the Valiant don’t have many instances when our lives intersect.”

“But that just means we make up lost time, no?” He scratched behind the gryphon’s onyx ear, earning himself a pleased warble.

“That it does.” He circled the human, gesturing to the entrance flap, feeling the nervous shiver that ran through him. “The man who faces down dragons and demigods and monsters doesn’t turn away, but consecrating his love does?”

“Do I look it?” Arcturus wiped his brow.

Skywing chuckled to himself, “Don’t know why, it’s not like he’s going to refuse.” The gryphon nudged him playfully, nearly knocking him over. “If you want, I could take your place, marry the dragon in your stead. It certainly will subvert everyone’s expectations.”

Arcturus pushed back, the gryphon letting himself be moved, “Don’t give him ideas fuzzbutt. He already likes you around enough.”

“Glad I make an impression.” He ruffled his feathers with pride, “Perhaps my comment wasn’t totally unfounded.” As he caressed his beak, he got a half-hearted punch to his shoulder. “Nah, I’d be too pretty anyway.”

“Thought you were not supposed to outshine the groom.”

“That’s only if there is a bride.” Skywing chuckled, dusting off his talons on his chest, “Unless you’re suggesting that you- “He cackled as the man gave him another shove. “Alright fine, I’ll concede you look better than me…Consider that your wedding gift. Maybe when you return from your honeymoon, I’ll have something your Umraadi will let me give you. I can assure you it will be wonderful to unwrap, a bit girthy, but you’ll manage. Now granted, it’s sort of used, but no less capable of breaking you- “

“Ok you lewd bird, I’m trying to get married!”

“Are you? You seem to be beak smacking with me. Which, if you want to leave him standing at the altar and fly away with me, I understand, but I feel like we’ll need to leave now. Though I’m not certain I wish to forever have an angry dragon on our paws.”

Together the pair laughed their nervousness away, coming together in a wing hug and heads pressed together. The anxiety of the day traveled through one to the other, hands squeezing feathers.

“Thank you for being here my friend. I could ask for none better.” Arcturus spoke.

“I could say the same to you. Even though you’re getting yourself tethered to that uncouth beast. You shall always have my wings whenever you call. I’m just glad that you have found someone to light your heart once more.”

“Forever will that light be lit, if I have my trusted gryphon by my side.” He pulled the gryphon in for a tighter hug, only to get wings folded around him. “But you can’t go turning into a stranger, this changes nothing.”

That was a relief, that point always lurking in his mind, how jealous the dragon might be when they were truly wed. Silly he knew, but he always dreaded it at friends’ weddings, where they would swiftly drift away. “Course I know that!” He chirped, crowns extended, “Did it matter when you were with Selina? She loved my company!”

Arcturus took a deep breath and wheeled about, dusting his clothes off a final time. “I’m just hoping I don’t bungle the affair like you did when you made Captain. I don’t think I’ve seen your ears stitch themselves so tightly to your scalp.”

“I didn’t mess up that badly.” He sighed, ears splaying as he remembered the whole ordeal. No matter how much he wished people would forget, they always remembered.

“You tripped in front of everyone. How, I’m not even certain. One moment, you were the pride of Lumara, strolling down with such gravitas that I thought you a dragon, the next, a jumbled mess of limbs, feathers and fur upon the Queen’s ceremonial chambers.”

His friend’s honest laughter assured him that indeed, he would never live it down long as he lived. “Worry not, you’re sure to not make that sort of mistake.” The gryphon’s eyes glimmered with mischief as he drew close, “But rest assured my friend, should you do, I’ll make sure that your event is as fondly remembered as I.”

“I’d expect nothing less.” The man laughed, heading towards the exit. His boots caught the grass, sliding out from under him. With a yelp he flung forward, and if not for the gryphon’s lightning swift reflexes, he would have wound up face first upon the ground. Instead, he found comfort in the catbird’s feathers, pulled back against his chest.

“Like that.”

Arcturus blushed as he was reset, “What I would I ever do without you?”

“Look ever worse and most likely have at least one more trip upon the grass.”

“How is it out there?”

“Well, the weather is rather enjoyable. You never mentioned how beautiful the surroundings were. Why, I might just schedule some vacation time here when it arises. I found this rather fascinating tree that has papayas the size of my head! Can you imagine?”

The man rolled his eyes as Skywing’s teasing head pressed against his cheek, “I meant the guests fuzzbutt.”

“Don’t say such things with distain, I very well know you love my fuzzbutt.”

“Not when you’re being so mischievous.”

“Very well, then the guests are doing well. You never told me there would be so many dragons! I figured there would be a few sure, but there seems to be an entire flight of dragons out there! Think I last checked there were at least twenty silvers alone.” He gave the man a pleased croon, “I’m impressed, though not surprised you’ve won the hearts of so many dragons.”

“There all from a single clan, so don’t sing my praises yet. All I had to do was make a good impression.” He beamed, scratching behind the gryphon’s ear, “Though if our luck holds, who knows, maybe we’ll be throwing parties for hundreds of dragons.”

The gryphon whistled, “That’s a lot, gods can only be willing.”

“But what about the others?”

Skywing padded his way outside, the human right on his hinds. “Well, the Lumarians seem well enough fine with the larger guests, I believe I saw Krotos flirting with some of the dragons?”

“Any luck?”

“I don’t think any takers as of late.”

“Drenedarians seem well enough, of the handful that came, Lyndis brought an entourage, you’d think her husband Cordenth would be more than enough to protect her.”

“And Infinity?”

“She and Lyyreth made it, bringing along Axton as well.” He sighed, “Lets hope the boy keeps himself under control.”

“Has he been going through a rebellious spot?” Arcturus laughed, gazing out the flowing trees around them, “He is sixteen now.”

“I wish he was getting into those antics, but no. He and Lyyreth mess around with spells whenever it’s convenient. I was hoping Nivra would instill upon him some discipline, but it doesn’t seem to have taken.” He shuttered, eyes closed, recalling numerous instances where he’d been at the butt end of some of his magical experiments, the worst one involving turning his rear end into that of a horse. “Thankfully his mother is but a call away, and she’s more than glad to come and take him away.”

“And you’ve done so?”

The gryphon looked away to appear innocent, but still gifted the man a coy smile, “Perhaps. I do like watching her angry scowl.”

“And what of the dwarves?”

“Them?” Skywing belted out a laugh, “You should have seen their faces, realizing there would be dragons! Merlia must not have told them. Half of them prepared to defend themselves thinking it was a trap, leaving the last half to want to best them in drinking contests or opening their books to see if their family have any grudges against dragons.”

Arcturus shook his head, chortling at the idea of so many angry dwarves. “And did any of them?”

“Not yet. But I can’t think they’d start anything. You don’t exactly begin causing trouble under the eye of so many dragons.”

“True…But why did she bring so many?”

Skywing sighed, ears splayed, just having this conversation the previous morning with the red-haired ranger, “Evidently there was a mix-up with the invitation. So, she brought the entire clan, every hooting, mead drinking, axe swinging member of her family. There is so many, you’d swear there was a dwarven wedding happening today.”

“Do we have enough spirits? I’d hate to see hundreds of dwarves attend a party and find it dry.”

“We already thought of it. Jandar laughed and started cracking out the good stuff. Evidently, he was looking for quite the occasion. He, and I kid you not he said this, wants to see at least two dozen dwarves get laid on their ass by his aged bourbon.”

“That must be some bourbon.”

“He already warned everyone about it, put up signs. If you’re not a dragon, dwarf, or gryphon, best stay the hell away from it, the drink very well might kill you.”

“Noted.” Laughed Arcturus as he gestured to the gryphon’s wings, “Shall we fly?”

“And mess up your hair and clothes?” Skywing clacked his beak, “That bronze dragoness threatened to kill me if you didn’t appear perfect. No, we’re going to walk down there and take our time, if she has a problem with it, tough balls.”

“I suppose she can be…defensive.”

“When the dragon considers you her child, I can see why. Which, explain to me again how that happened?”

“When I was a child, I freed her from my father and others.” Arcturus sighed, hand on Skywing’s side as they began walking down a beaten path. “She always regretted not stealing me away. After Struport and everything, she made it official. Said I couldn’t object and growled when I questioned it. Course now that seems to have given her permission to baby me to no end. You should have seen her yesterday, barking away at how I looked.”

“Remind me to not bring you to mine. No matter how old I get, I’m still their little gryphet.”

Together they strode down the worn path, it bears the signs of the multitude of paws that belonged to the dragon family that lived here. The breeze that came carried with it the summer calm, ruffling feather, and hair alike. Arcturus and Skywing enjoyed one’s company, commenting on the plants and animals they saw, unwinding the ball of unease that dwelled within the human’s gut. It was Skywing however that kept getting heavier with each stride, a question building in the back of his mind, a doubt that he couldn’t quell. When Arcturus was good and married, would their situation remain the same? He knew the man had said it would never change, but seldom had it ever. When his other gryphons had returned to their flights and families, most drifted away. He had already experienced that with Arcturus once before, he didn’t want to do it again.

They passed a section of tall grass, where flowers bloomed high above their heads. They were purple flowers with sections of blue, dribbling down the pedals as if blood. They faced the sun, seeming to breathe in the wind. It was here that Skywing’s ears perked up, catching a rustling within the green mass, an animal moving around. Not just one, but seven of them, there could be no question just who they were. The gryphon got out a yelp to try and warn Arcturus of what was about to happen, but it was too late, seven blurs of scales loosed themselves upon them, serenaded by just as many pleased warbles of attack.

Arcturus was dragged to the ground by three sets of paws, belonging to the bronze wrymlings he’d known since his youth. They were larger now, about the size of ponies but still just as playful. Three wiggling tails were to be had as they stampeded over the fallen man sniffing and shouting his name in excitement.

The gryphon was not as lucky, for his assailants were smaller, but no less devious. Four wrymlings the size of cats had launched themselves upon his feathers and fur. Each had teeth like needles, their talons sharp enough to draw blood. Though they were playful and had no ill will, but often they were not careful enough to prevent themselves from causing accidents with their playthings. Three of them were of teal scales, one of them having the orange membranes of his mother; the last wrymling oddly enough was a blue dragon, eyes of shimmering silver.

“Hey! What are you doing!” Squawked the gryphon as he let himself be dragged to the ground. They proceeded to nibble and take hold of his feathers. “Unhand me!”

“Got you Uncle Skywing!” Boasted the orange membraned male, eyes of mango beaming with pride. This was Voltus, the second in command and far surer of himself of the two males. “I hunted you good.”

“You mean we hunted him good.” Hissed the blue dragon female, flaring her dark blue membrane wings with swirls of white contained within.

Usually, he was alright with entertaining this game of fun, after all, gryphons hunted each other for fun as well. He himself had partaken with Arcturus in this well honored past time, typically ending with the human pinned below him. This, however, was not a great time, he had to keep Arcturus going! No matter how he squawked, his scaled assailants dug at his feathers, when one of them sank their teeth into his rump, the game was over. After his yelp, eyes turned to steel, the gryphon snapping his beak to ward off the now shrieking wrymlings.

“You think it’s funny to bite a gryphon?” He thundered, plucking the blue wrymling off the ground, only for her siblings to scamper off for cover.

This shivering mass of blue scales in his talons was Ivirur, usually the ringleader of her siblings. Wherever she said, they were sure to follow, taking on the confident, sure of themselves attitude that belonged to her father Swirling Storm.

She had her eyes grow big, lowering her snout, adopting a most pathetic look. She whined softly, “Sometimes Uncle Skywing.”

Oh, she was good, she knew how much of a softie he was for them, especially when their eyes grew large. “Not today little one. It won’t work.”

“Rats.” She grunted, going limp.

“Let her go uncle Skywing, we did nothing wrong!” Demanded Tempest, a teal male with black membraned wings, he and Voltus were side by side, growling in unison.

“Yea, we hunted you good, that means you fall over and be good prey!” Aurora chimed in, the other female, fluffing her soft blue wings.

“Guess you better do what we say.” Ivirur smirked, “We got you surrounded.”

“Hardly my dear, you’ll find I’m more than capable of dealing with your gang.” He clacked his beak and flared his wings, giving the little ones a keen cry. What courage they had buckled and broke, leaping for cover in a multitude of shrieks.

“You’re on your own Ivi!” Aurora called, “I’ll tell mom you loved her!”

“Traitors!” Ivirur wiggled in Skywing’s grip, “You’re just going to leave me?”

“Nope.” Voltus was sitting in the grass, tail swishing, “We are going to watch though.”

“Ivi is in trouble.” Tempest giggled.

“You’re all going to be in trouble when I’m through with you.” Skywing rose to all fours, hefting the wrymling to his eyes, she winced as he sharpened his gaze, “Bite me again and you’ll find I’m more than capable of eating a few wrymlings.”

“You wouldn’t!” Ivirur shrieked, her ears pinning, “You couldn’t!”

“I could very well.” He chuckled, setting her down and warding her away with a clack of the beak. The troublemaker yelped in terror and ran to her siblings, the group devolving into hisses and snarls in the grass, no doubt over them abandoning her to the evil gryphon. The gryph fluffed his wings and warbled in amusement, he’d see them again, no doubt seeking to hunt him once more, after all, he was their beloved Uncle. Rounding on Arcturus, he dreaded to see what became of him, if he’d ruined his clothes with the wyrmling’s, Howling Tempest was going to kill him.

Thankfully the wrymlings that had accosted him were far more mature. They had backed off when the knight had requested, earning themselves all scratches and strokes along their neck. Sitting side by side with wiggling tails they proceeded to hurl questions the knight’s way one after the other.

“I’m not even their uncle.” He padded to Arcturus’ side, checking over his rump for any signs of serious damage, maybe blood to sully his feathers, thankfully there was enough of that.

“You didn’t seem to complain the last time.” Mused the knight, peering up from his excited audience.

Skywing hissed, “Not on days such as these. Their teeth are like pins for gods’ sakes.”

“Oh Ortis!” Emmess, the yellow frilled wrymling rolled a paw, adopting a regal stance, “We can visit Struport now!”

“Yeah!” Xervir red wyrmling nodded, “We can do human disguises!”

“Wanna see?” Briva, the blue frilled wrymling grinned, fluffing his wings. “I don’t even have to walk around on my hinds anymore!”

“That wouldn’t have fooled anyone.” Hissed Xervir.

“Yes, it would have, you never gave it a chance!”

Arcturus chuckled, putting an end to the fight before it began, “Disguises? What would you need those for?”

“So, we don’t start a panic.” Xervir grinned, “But I don’t see how three of us could do that.”

“Yes, who could imagine three pony sized dragons getting into trouble.” Skywing clicked his tongue, “Silly us.”

“I’ll have you know, I’m a delight!” Emmess puffed up her chest, eyes steeled, “Nothing like these two soft scales here.” To that she got twin snarls, her brother’s attention on her. “You’re the ones that broke Jandar’s special vase.”

“That was all Xervir’s fault.” Briva’s frills pinned.

Xervir waggled a paw, “I blame Shadowquacks, he’s gotten far more devious over the years. How was I supposed to know he was interested in getting Jandar’s special collection of seeds?”

“Anyway.” Emmess cleared her throat, sitting tall, the very image of a smaller, younger Veledar, “Dads been taking us for trips, meeting peoples and learning social skills. Which I tried to tell him I was fantastic at, but for some reason he still thinks I need work!”

“Plus, you know he’s teaching us new magics.” Briva wiggled his nose, eyes brimming with excitement, “And we can see all the big puppies, the two-legged puppies, and the humans and their silly dances!” At mention of that his frills pinned, “Sorry Ortis.”

“It’s alright.” Laughed Arcturus, “I find dragons trying to replicate it amusing myself. So why the visits all of a sudden?”

“Cause his momma convinced him to start coming back and doing his job.” Emmess planted a paw, “Which he better be careful, in a few years, all those humans will be looking to me for answers.”

Skywing chortled at the confidence within this one, he might say the red dragon he knew had some competition in who had the biggest head. “Mighty big shoes to fill for a kid.”

“Ortis is practically the same age as I am and look at him!” She flared her wings, “Getting married to big ugly dragons and everything!”

“You think Veledar is ugly?” The gryphon rose a brow.

She must have realized her mistake, her frills pinned as she fumbled through her first few words, “What I mean to say Ortis is, you could do better. But no, you’re getting yourself attached to that big idiot.”

“What can I say, some might say that I love that big goof.”

From her snout came a heavy snout, “I love you Ortis, but you have the worst taste in dragons.”

“It’s only because she wants you.” Xervir chuckled in his throat, getting a threatening growl from his sister in return.

Her frills were darkening, “That is…That is not the case Xervir!”

“Then why do you keep scrolls about him?” Briva wiggled his nose, putting on the best impression of his sister, “Oh Arcturus, you’ve grown so heroic and handsome, if only you would lose that red oaf and be mine.”

The dragoness in question lashed her tail, words failing at the horror of this fact coming to life. To Arcturus she glanced, taking a deep breath as the man laughed, “Well, I was his first dragon to meet, I called dibs on him!”

“Dibs?” Skywing whispered as the trio of dragons were now arguing over just who Arcturus belonged to.

“They were going through the mine phase all dragons go through. Everything they want to hoard and collect.”

“Evidently childish crushes.” He warbled as Xervir leaped upon his brother, assailing his scales with his paws.

“Take that back brother, take that back before I tickle the shit out of you!”

“Hah, I’m not- “Briva froze, his defiant words soon lost as the young dragon burst out laughing, rolling in the grass as his brother didn’t let up.

It left Emmess sitting tall, letting her brothers lose themselves to childish antics. One look to Arcturus and her frills pinned as she averted her gaze. “Really…I’m happy for you Ortis. I hope he makes you…” She groaned, “Happy!”

“Thank you.” Arcturus knelt, pulling the trying to be aloof dragoness in for a hug. At first, she hissed and questioned the gesture, but was unable to resist for long. No sooner had he held her tight did she return the gesture, neck slinging over his shoulder, “But I’ll fight you every time you mention he’s ugly.”

“You can’t keep hiding from the truth.” She whispered in his ear, eyes closed, “He’s hideous.”

“I’ll remember that when you find yourself a mate one day.”

“Impossible, unlike you Ortis, I have excellent taste.”

It was here that the lovely image of them embracing was shattered by the sound of leathery wings. One would have been wise to be worried anywhere else, but not here with so many dragons about. It was Jandar who now was landing with a bumpy trot, his aquatic body now starting to reach the size of Veledar about four years back. Blue scales were slick with water, his silver eyes all but fraught with a sternness only matched by storm.

“There they are, I’ve been looking forever for you.” The once human mage padded his way over, greeted by a trio of pleased warbles, none of them seemed concerned they’d slipped away. His gaze traveled about them all, his tail swishing back and forth, “Most of you, what happened to- “

“Brother, big brother, brother!” Voltus launched himself from the grass, his siblings right on his tail. “Uncle Skywing was being mean!”

“Terribly mean!” Aurora added, rearing up to rest a kind paw on the older brother’s forelimb.

“He said…He said.” Tempest seemed close to tears, lowering his snout with a dejected croon, “He was going to eat us.”

“Especially me!” Ivirur growled, flashing Skywing a grin.

He had to admire their deviousness.

“Get him Jandar!”

“Now wait just one moment here. You’re saying Skywing, threatened to eat you?” Jandar rolled his eyes as the gryphon in question padded over, warding the little ones away with his gaze.

“Uh-huh, and he flared his wings at us!” Tempest shouted.

“Like a witch!” Said Aurora, preforming the action, “Teasing us with them!”

“That’s not what a witch does.” Voltus hissed, “They do magic with their butts.”

Her eyes widened, “Is that true Jandar, witches do magic with their butts?”

The blue dragon sighed, “So what is this all about?”

“I believe they’re failing to mention the part where they were all being a pain in my haunches.” Skywing gestured with a wing, “Quite literally.”

“Oh, is that all?” He shifted and the little ones scampered to be behind his hinds, watching every Skywing made, huddling together for courage, “We have been trying to better reprimand them, the sooner they learn they can hurt things they don’t mean to with their claws and teeth, the better.”

“But it’s not our fault his butt is soft!” Tempest pleaded, tapping his brother.

“He should have had scales on it, then this wouldn’t have happened!” Ivirur said, “How can you blame us when it’s clearly his fault!”

But he was one not to be fooled by their words, Jandar rolled his eyes, “I do hope they have not been bothering you too much besides. I thought they’d stay closer to me than running off to hunt poor humans and gryphons.”

“It’s alright.” Arcturus said, “These three just wanted to wish me well on the big day.”

“Yes, to his big ugly goof.” Emmess groaned, tossing her head.

“And they wanted to hunt Uncle Skywing while he was here.” Briva gestured, getting four different gasps at the betrayal.

“And we were good at it too!” Voltus burst out, “He didn’t even hear us!”

“Yea, but he still threatened to eat us, clacked his beak thingy and everything!” Ivirur growled.

Skywing warbled, then lowered his beak to chase away the wrymlings with several clacks, “Yes, and I will clack it again!”

“See? He’s doing it again!” Aurora shivered, clinging to her brother’s hind with her siblings. “Get him brother!”

Jandar, however, did no such thing, instead he chuckled in his throat at their devious nature and lifted their protection away from them. “I don’t know siblings; it feels like you mess with the gryphon, and you get the talons…” He grinned, “And beak thingy.”

For good measure, Skywing clacked it several more times, making sure the little ones were shivering and pleading for forgiveness. With a final wave and goodbye, Jandar gathered up the dragons and led them back to the sky. His siblings, however, could not yet do so, leaving the elder brother to act as a mount so that they might cling to him. Tempest, however, he held in either paw, letting the tiny dragon spread his wings and pretend to fly.

“Proud of yourself.” Arcturus laughed as he watched them depart, starting to lead the gryphon back down the path, “Scaring children, quite the illustrious skill the Captain of the Valiant possesses.”

“Comes in handy.” He grinned, “It scares not only two leggers, but that of small dragons. Besides, I don’t have a shred of guilt, they are bity.” He waggled his haunches, still feeling the sting of the little one’s dagger like teeth. He supposed if they were training manners and taking on human visages, that meant Struport was finally starting to recover from the whole ordeal years back.

“Just strange to see him with so many wrymlings, perhaps he’s getting ready for a clutch of his own?”

“That poor dragon, though I suppose if your Howling Tempest insists, it’s going to happen.”

“Maybe then he won’t be acting as babysitter to his siblings.”

“I’m surprised that still happened.” Skywing continued, recalling how Arcturus told him of their father’s death, where the dragon had sacrificed himself to end a lich. “Guess when they say they were feeling nostalgic with Axton…”

“That they wanted more whelps?” Arcturus replied, “Which reminds me, where is the teal scaled mentor of mine?”

The dragoness that was equal parts an infuriating child and the other part a wise mentor. Skywing was never sure what to get when dealing with her. She’d always teased and rubbed alongside him, going on about her spiritual magic as if to entice him. “Currently babysitting your husband, playing the role of his mother if you can believe that.” He laughed, not failing to recognize the kind gesture that it was. Dragons gifted their children away to their mates, usually the mother was the one in charge of this. Given that both Arcturus and Veledar were both missing theirs, it had to be filled by other sources.

“I know that I meant where. I can see her hounding him the entire time, telling him to be calm.”

“Or having him do a pride draining exercise in an attempt to rile him up.”

“That…” Arcturus froze to shake his head, “Is always a possibility.”

Drawing their attention above the trees was a flash of bronze scales. It broke branches, scattered leaves and thundered across the ground as it landed. Before them was a dragoness of adequate size, one that Arcturus had known since his youth. She stood with a well-polished, clay colored belly, just a hand shy of Veledar’s height. Pride shimmered in her sky-blue eyes, gazing upon the tiny human that was hers. With pinned wings she advanced upon them, her cheery nature dying in but a breath as she gazed upon Skywing’s form. Then her brow hardened, tail lashed.

“Skywing!” Her voice carried like thunder, burrowing into his flesh, “What has been taking you so long?”

The gryphon was left laughing nervously as the dragoness stomped past the knight, looming overhead in a predatory fashion. He knew she’d never actually hurt him, but if it wasn’t Veledar leering above him, he couldn’t help but shiver in his hinds, he recovered himself with a breath, fluffing his wings, “The paladin here was getting cold feet your dragoness, had to give him a comforting warble and beak nipping. You should be thanking me. After all, he almost wanted to run away with me if you can believe.”

“Is that so?” She growled, starting to encircle the gryphon with long, drawn-out huffs, ruffling his feathers, “You know how special this day is to us. It is the day I can give away my son.”

He carried on, ignoring the display, after all, dragons always liked to intimidate, remain in control, “Funny, I don’t remember him being a dragon, though that does remind me, we were accosted by your mate and the little devils you’re calling children.”

That made her raise her head with a deep growl, anyone would be wise to watch themselves, “Those are my children.”

“Draconic devils then. I don’t see why you’re upset; we were on our way.”

She sighed, “The dwarves are getting restless, have already started blowing their infernal horns and banging their drums. I swear half of them think it is some form of sport, like that gryphon ball you go on about.”

“It can’t be that bad.” Skywing laughed, giving her a beak parted smile.

“There are at least four groups that striped themselves of their top coverings and painted their bellies to spell out Arcturus and Crimson Sky.”

Arcturus laughed, “Suppose we’re learning all about what dwarves do at weddings. Merlia did warn us that in intimate settings they are not as regal as one would think!”

“Goodie.” Howling Tempest groaned, carrying herself away from the gryphon, pausing before Arcturus with a growl, “Skywing.”

“What now.” The gryphon groaned, placing a talon on her snout as she snapped it mere inches from him.

“You…are letting him go to the ceremony…” She gestured with a growl, “Like that?”

The gryphon tilted his head, already feeling the gathering power of electricity in the air, “What’s wrong with him? It’s the suit you sent over.”

“Which, why the fanciness?” Arcturus adjusted his tunic, “Feels rather silly if I have to say so myself.”

“That my ignorant little one is the royal attire of the once king, Gunther Steelhand. Don’t mind where we got it from, but you look stunning in it darling.” Howling tempest huffed, “The why? It is customary that one garbs themselves in the treasures of their hoard.”

Arcturus bowed his head, “And since I have no treasures, you sent it over. Yes, I am grateful.”

She chuffed along his neck, “But it’s not the suit I have an issue with little one, it’s your mane.”

“My mane?” Arcturus shot up, running a hand through his hair, “What is wrong with it?”

“It is not slicked down and maintained as is tradition.”

The man ruffled it with a defiant glare, “I’m not doing that, it’s fine as it is.”

The larger ness lashed her tail with a growl, “Arcturus Lund, you agreed to get married the dragon custom. Now is not the time to partake of rebellious tendencies.”

“I agreed, but which part talks about manes?” He tapped her snout, right where the thicker scales ran the length of her snout, curling around her eye, “I didn’t read a bit of that.”

She wrinkled her snout, pulling back as Skywing chirped in amusement. “Oh, shut your beak gryphon.”

“Besides, unless you haven’t looked in the mirror, you’re not my mother.”

It was if the man had unleased a storm like the dragon’s name’s sake. Her eyes crackled with a fury possessed by none other than a mother. Her tail lashed and cracked the air as a deep growl shook through the air. “We both know that doesn’t matter Arcturus. I became it the day that you freed me, showed to me that you were not like your father. What you think of is ill consequence, for I have already decided.” She rose, chest swelling with pride only a dragon could relish in, “And what a youth you grew into, saving dragons, going on adventurers and standing tall even when I snarl. No, you are my child. Besides.” She chuffed, “Who else would give you away on your wedding day?”

“Well, when you put it that way…Apologies.” Cheeks flushed as she returned with not fire and lighting, but instead with tender, affectionate licks. He sputtered and groaned, trying to resist her but there was to be none of that. Her will was undeniable, insistence without mercy, the human’s head was slathered in her saliva all to the gentle hum of her throat. When she pulled back, he was as red as his mate, hair slicked down.

“There we are a well-maintained mane.” She grinned.

“Howling Tempest, I am thirty, not a child anymore that needs to be babied, I can dress myself.”

She laughed, tossing her head back, “You are still but a wrymling to me human! Granted a bit more agile with the sword and lack wings, but a wrymling none the less!” When he went to ruffle his hair again, she warded him away with a hiss, “I’ll baby you damn whenever I please, ever is the right of a mother.”

This time the knight didn’t dispute it, letting the dragon rumble and relish in the satisfaction for now. His hands fell to his side in surrender, as Skywing chirped and warbled, teasing at his friend’s side. “Laugh it up Sky, next thing you know she’s going to be after you.”

“And what makes you think she’ll be after me?” Skywing eyed the dragoness with interest, “She’s not filling in for my mother.”

Howling tempest lowered her snout at the mention, moving in a way to show off a dark green sash that had been tied around her horn. “Since your mother isn’t here Arcturus to do the duty of giving you away, the duty falls to me.” She gestured to the bit of cloth as the knight’s eyes widened, “I know it isn’t much, but we found this among your things. We think it belonged to her.” Her voice fell, “That way she could at least be here in spirit. I hope that it’s alright.”

“It’s more than alright.” Arcturus replied, resting a hand below her eye, “I could think of none better that could fill her shoes.”

“I love you, my child.” She leaned against him ever so softly, her purrs practically vibrating upon the air. “I just want the best for you, like I’ve always done. I would have taken you that day if I could have.”

“I know.” He rested his head against her, eyes closed.

“And I totally called it. Marrying a dragon.” She grinned, parting the human with a lick, “Now I think we have enough of the snout wagging, the guests grow restless, especially the gryphons.”

“Wait…Gryphons? Surely you mean just the two. Krotos and Merlia’s new boyfriend…”

“No…there are a great deal more, hadn’t Skywing told you?”

They both turned to him, his ears splaying. It had been intended to be a surprise, something the man could marvel at. It was his flight, a score of gryphons that spanned the entirety of Sethera. Arcturus may not have said it, nor had they ever made it official, but Arcturus was as close to him as any rider, the man was essentially considered part of it. “Well, you see, Arcturus…I don’t know if you’ve ever stopped to consider the back and forth that we have…My…Your flight wishes to see you off as well.”

Arcturus blinked, for a moment, gears turning to register what the gryphon had said. When it clicked, he could only smile, “You mean that they consider us apart of it?”

“Well.” Skywing averted his gaze playfully, “You are my human after all, and you know the custom of my kind.” He almost squawked as Arcturus wrapped his arms around his neck, trapping the gryphon in a tight hug. With a soft warble he coiled around the man, embracing him with both wings. Hands caressed feathers, his beak nibbled on the back of his vest until Howling tempest bid him stop with a snort and reminder that his clothing was priceless Artifacts.

“Thank you, my friend.”

“For what? You’ve saved my butt too many times to count, been there when I’ve been weak, uplifted me to be strong.” He rolled his eyes, “And you’re surprised.”

“I’m honored…but do we have to do a ceremony or something? I know technically riders must go through an entire process.”

He ruffled his feathers and let the man dust himself off, “Of course there is, if you want, we could, but that comes for another day.” He chirped, already feeling Howling Tempest insisting them to go.

“Sky- “

“I know.” He rose a talon to hold that hand, “But you’ve got a wedding to get to.”

They made their way to the wedding proper, down the beaten path that carried them over the rest of the island. Howling tempest had made her voice known in a growly manner that she preferred flight, but she wanted to keep Arcturus looking as pristine as possible. When she complained about having to stroll so far, she was reminded it was to keep the other groom from seeing his mate. The dragoness had huffed and shut her snout with a hiss.

When they arrived at the clearing, it was good that they did, the parties were at the edge of their limits. Seas of people had been divided into clans, flights, and dragons, with a select few mingling in between. Gryphons of all sizes and shapes were chirping away, singing their hearts out to the gentle island breeze; Dwarves seemed to be countering them with their boisterous verses, deep throated songs that spoke of glory, treasure, and the comforts of home. Among these stout folk, a good number of them were shirtless, letters to spell out the groom’s names in crimson paint upon their bellies. Others blew horns that lingered upon the air like a fog. All of this was in stark contrast to the dragons that sat upright, removed from them in a most dignified manner.

It was a sea of silver scales, with membranes of various colors among them. There were at least two dozen in total, most were adults that easily dwarfed Skywing in size, but a few were ancients, even making those dragons appear but children. As Arcturus and he entered, they found themselves at the center of such interest, dozens of snouts focusing upon them with pleased rumbles and warbles. Each of them nodded and fluffed their wings in approval, all a mirror of one dragon in particular.

At the end of this gathered hoard of gryphons, dwarves, humans, and dragons was another scaled beast of no equal. A silver dragon sat upon his haunches, looming over the others like a mountain of steel. His emerald eyes were bright and filled with warmth, containing the wisdom of a beast who knew at least a thousand years upon this plane. His underscales were like the northern lights themselves, shifting colors of turquoise and blue. It was he that bid them approach with a grand, dominating paw, bristling with golden rings topped with gems the size of human heads.

“And who is that?” Skywing whispered, seeing this dragon for the first time. He had not been one of the initial guests. His eyes lingered upon a grand amulet in the shape of a dragon bust around the great beast’s neck, carved out of what had to be pure sapphire, a symbol to Bahamut herself.

“That would be Whispering Mists.” Arcturus whispered as they padded through the grass, “A most wise and honorable dragon.”

“Whispering Mists? That’s an awful strange title for a female.”

“Oh, there is no doubt he’s a male. One that measures leaps and bounds above the rest.”

“You speak of him like he’s a good friend.”

“Well, he’s my current master.”

“What?” Squawked the bird, eyes shooting to the knight and then to the towering dragon, “Arcturus if you’re in trouble, just blink and I’ll get us out of here.”

“Not that kind of thing.” Laughed the knight, resting a hand on the gryphon’s neck, “Teacher, mentor, with his guidance, Veledar and I have been visiting, learning the ways of Bahamut, getting to know his clan, for instance, that’s where we got the idea.”

“Ah.” The gryphon’s nerves relaxed; his worst fears put to rest. “He must really like you calling him master.” He chuckled.

“You have no idea.”

“Noble and grand, but still a dragon.” Skywing nodded, adopting a most regal pose, “Can you show me where he lives?”

“Secret.” Arcturus replied, waving to the now cheering crowds, nodding ever occasionally. “He’d kill me if I told.”

“Oh well, perhaps in time. Are his lessons hard? Trying?”

“They certainly can be, leave us exhausted with how many trials there are. There are times we can be stuck for hours on certain arduous tasks.”

“But worth it?”

“In time, if you’re ever allowed to go…” Arcturus sighed, staring off as if he could see the place now, “Is a place of wonder, dozens of dragons, a gigantic library with tons of knowledge, an untouched paradise like this.”

That did sound interesting. “I’ll have to talk to him later. Who knows, maybe I can get special honors for knowing his student.” The gryphon warbled, noting that among the dragons, one silver among them was not focused on Arcturus but himself. Their gaze followed him like he was prey, their tail flicking back and forth with interest. To that he held his head high, laughing it off and fluffing his wings. No doubt they were checking him out, who knew dragons having a thing for gryphons was common. But if they wanted to look, let them. After all, he was the best gryphon.

With grace, Arcturus bowed before the great dragon as silence fell over them all with a gesture. Skywing did the same, earning an approved rumble and told to stand.

“There is no need for such formal things this day Arcturus.” He rumbled, his voice deep and lingering, to the gryphon’s surprise it was the dragon that bowed his head, frills along his vast, scaled tail pinned, “It is I that should be bowing to you. For you have restored a light in me I thought gone. I am honored to be the one you’ve chosen to bind you two together my champion.” Whispering Mists rose with a soft, amused snort, “Have problems finding the place?”

“One could say that.” Skywing chirped as they were brought to the dragon’s side with a gesture. The gryphon took his place by Arcturus, with Howling Tempest opposite him. Together they stood, smiles on their faces as Whispering Mists cleared his throat.

“Welcome friends, allies, family members that we hold dear. Today is a most joyous occasion not shared often among my kind. I am deeply touched that these two dragons have brought us here to celebrate their union.” He paused as a murmuring went about the crowd at his mistake, the dragon elder chuckled with a shake of his head, “Apologies, as I said, I don’t get to do this often. That I get to unite these two souls to one another and the world beyond.”

At that moment, the other groom proceeded to make himself known. A dragon of bright, polished crimson scales emerged over the tree line; red-orange membraned wings spread wide. He came with a brassy announcement that swept through everyone below, drawing every eye towards his radiance. The dragon raced upon his powerful wings, circling the reception, and battering them with the wind of his passing. Unlike the beast that had started this tale, Veledar was at least half a size bigger, almost as large as Fremra, who came after him with her own sing-song warble.

The red dragon’s forepaws and hinds were wrapped in golden anklets, runed with draconic symbols. His horns sat an assortment of rings, each studded with the finest gems, fit for kings and queens. When he landed the beast grinned, showing off his sharpened teeth for all to see. With his wings pinned, a swell of his chest, Veledar resembled more a dragon king than anything else. At his side landed Cordenth, the green dragon’s scales equally as polished as his friends. Upon his snout was a look of delight, pride shining brightly in his sunflower pools. He was equally as decorated as the red, even donning a blue and white scarf that hung around his neck.

Skywing’s eyes were drawn to Cordenth’s golden horn, the one that bore the crown of thorns from The Emerald Lady. Never had it healed over these years, nor had it gotten worse, it seemed that their trouble with the emperor had passed; although Skywing never believed that, but he was not in charge of Drenedar or its queen. He exchanged a nod to the scarred consort of the queen.

A hushed whisper traveled through the crowd as Fremra landed among the dragons, holding her head ever high. Though they might have reached higher than her now, the two males were dragged behind her as though an invisible leash had them bound. She rumbled and flicked her orange frills, pure delight radiating in every bounce of her paws.

Veledar’s eyes were not upon the people or the guests. No, his attention was focused on more important things. Tail swishing, the dragon followed upon Fremra’s hinds, his gaze focused upon the man that he loved. With a breath the red dragon’s chest swelled, his form filled with confidence and purpose, there was nothing to stop him now from making this human his.

Once within a wing’s touch, Veledar’s throat radiated an affectionate rumble, it sang the story of the days that would come. The noble beast, eyes glimmering in the sun, bid his future husband a nod, frills fluttering with excitement. To Atheron he then did the same, thanking the silver elder for performing the ritual.

“And the other groom has arrived!” Atheron bellowed, exchanging a nod, gesturing for Veledar and his group to take their place on his other flank. He rumbled as excitement spread through the crowd, anticipation building with every breath.

This was it. Skywing could feel the moment coming to its zenith, the air between the two grooms lost to each other. Eyes locked, nothing else mattered to them. It was like he was seeing Arcturus and Selina all over again, each the mirror of one another, an honest love that none could break. The gryphon shifted, the dark thought returning, would he be so welcome to be between this?

Atheron called for silence, clearing his massive throat. When he spoke next, his words reached upon the hills, filled with the kindness and warmth of a summer’s day. Eyes shimmered with softness, glimmering in the sun it was hard to not taste the delight this dragon had.

“Dearly beloved, I stand here to unite these two souls in the most divine of bonds. With all of you as witness, hear my words.” He bowed his head, taking a deep breath, eyes closed, “Bahamut spoke to us all about the importance of those we share this world with, that we were to be equal to them in spirit. Often that is lost upon our kind, left drifting upon the winds of time. She hoped that through our love and care, we would both grow to be more, and so in her grace and honor we consummate a sacred bond to tether us together for all time.” The silver looked to them both with pride dripping from his scales, “Though she may not be in this realm any longer, I believe with these acts, we carry on her work and in spirit she still exists.” From his side he procured a massive leather pack, pulling free a sapphire cloth stitched with platinum threads. He gave one end to Veledar, the other Arcturus, although to the man he was practically consumed, as it was made for dragons after all.

“It is my honor to unite them!” Atheron continued, “My champion Arcturus Lund and his beloved Veledar.” He tilted his head, peering back, “Are the mothers prepared to give away their children?”

It was Frema that spoke first, stepping up with a swish of her tail. Lavender eyes trembled with tears as she spoke, “His biological mother, Sheondranta might not be here with us, same with his adoptive one Seogheith, but I stand here in their stead.”

“And who speaks for her?”

“Fremra of the ocean tribes.” She replied with a warble, “I have known Veledar for just over five years now, I never have I seen one of the most pig-headed, narcissistic, ego driven dragons pass below my wings. There were days, oh I thought I might leap upon his back and tear through him, thankfully I did not.” She chuckled along with everyone else, giving Veledar an affectionate nuzzle, “He turned out to be an amusing, courageous, and determined student, that astounded me with his aptitude. I wish him only love and gladly give him to Arcturus. Besides, that way he’s his problem now.”

“And you?” Atheron chuckled at the good jest as Howling Tempest stepped forth with a trill.

“The same story is told here, which seems ever fitting.” The bronze dragoness began, “Arcturus lost his mother many moons ago, when he was but a whelp, just like his mate. I stand here in her stead, hoping she is glad where her son ended up.” She peered back with an honest smile on her snout, “Today I see the boy that rescued me grow, become the shining example of a man that I knew he could be. I gladly give him to Veledar and may he cherish him as his greatest treasure.”

Skywing warbled and smirked as his friend’s cheeks burned, smiling upon the very pleased with himself red dragon.

“Then we may begin!” Atheron said, instructing Arcturus and Veledar to grab firmly hold of the sapphire cloth between them, the rest of it flowing down like a river and running towards the guests. The knight laughed, realizing how ridiculous it looked, with him being so small. “Before I ask of them, I was told that they wished to exchange vows with one another, not quite a dragon custom, but a human one. Yet I can’t imagine a better moment to include another’s tradition with ours than now.”

At a gesture from the elder dragon, Veledar’s eyes shined like the sun as he focused upon the fair face of the man he loved. When he spoke, it was fraught with softness, surprising from a beast so large. “Arcturus, the knight of my life; the one who fills each of my days like the greatest of gems within my paws. Within my heart beats a love that I thought could not be achieved between a human and a dragon. When we first met, I thought I was going to hate you, but look at what was done. We’ve traveled, adventured, laughed and shared hardship, and through it all you were the wind below my wings, keeping me aloft. You helped me achieve my greatest dreams, become the hero that I always wished for, spread my name far and wide so that people now sing of me with fondness. I look to you and see a future that I wish to build with you, and to hold you ever so tight that I’ll never let go.” Veledar swelled his chest with a pleased rumble, “Arcturus Lund, once dragon hunter, your hunt is finally over, the dragon you’ve always been searching for is before you. The only thing he asks, will you be his?”

Such moving words brought tears to the paladin’s eye, unwilling to tear himself a moment away from the dragon’s snout, “Veledar, the dragon from my dreams. You’re the greatest gift a man could ask for, the light in my darkness, you found me broken, defeated and a shell of myself. You took that and relit a fire within me, allowing me to become a better man. I sometimes question why your heart burns for me, why I deserve your attention. When you look at me though, I can see the answer there and know. Veledar, I only want to make every day of your life one worth living. I know with you our future will be a grand story worth telling, there will be laughter, roaring fires, pleasing afternoons where we only have each other; there will be hard times, we’ll probably fight, you’ll make fun of my armor till your scales turn purple. Regardless, I want to spend all those days with you, till I turn grey and wither. So, I ask of you Veledar, shall you join me in the skies as we were always meant to?”

The air between them warmed, the urge for them to kiss palpable. All the guests in attendance were on the edge of their seats, even the dwarves keeping in their rowdy nature to allow the two love birds this moment.

“Very well!” Atheron broke the silence, gesturing to both with wings, “If anyone has an objection to why they should not be united, speak your words now!” He gave a toothy grin, voice shifting to a growl, “However I should warn you, both best dragons are ready.”

“And willing to tear out the eyes of any who dare.” Skywing announced loud and boisterous, just as he was supposed to. It was for show of course, no one had ever objected to these unions, or so Fremra had said. He flared his wings with a keen cry as Cordenth made a similar threat.

“Then Arcturus, do you take Veledar to be yours? To cherish him as your greatest treasure? Will you in return be his until the day you perish?” Atheron lowered his snout to inches from the man’s own, an air of steel about his gaze.

Without a hint of fear, doubt or unease, Arcturus replied, “With all my heart I swear it. I will protect him with talon and fang, and he will be my greatest treasure.” The knight bowed his head to the red dragon, “And I will gladly be his till the day I die.”

“And you Veledar?” The silver raised his snout to the red, asking him the same thing.

“Was there any doubt?” Veledar chuffed.

“You have to say the words.”

“Very well.” Veledar rolled a paw to his chest, “I do with all my heart. I will protect him with talon and fang, and he will be my greatest treasure.” The dragon lowered his head to Arcturus, washing the man in an affectionate chuff, “And I will gladly be his till the day I die.”

With a thump of his frilled tail, Atheron raised his head and let loose a most joyous warble, “Then by Bahamut’s grace, I unite these two lovers, and may their light shine as a beacon to the days beyond! Now nuzzle!”

The crowd went nuts when their cheeks met, exceptionally so when the pair went further and locked lips. The dragon of course was too large to kiss back, but it didn’t stop his eyes from closing and his tail swishing away in bliss. At its end the dragon gifted Arcturus with an affectionate lick and tender warble.

Gryphons trilled and sang, fluffing their wings in a chorus of good cheer. Dwarves banged their bellies, blew upon their horns, others cheered like the gods themselves had taken to the fields this day. The silver dragons that had been reserved until now tossed back their heads and released a symphony of warbles, each drowning out everyone else with their dominating presence.

The couple now looked to Atheron with anticipation as the silver gestured to the sky with a wing.

“Now, you may preform the dance of union!” The silver beast rumbled.

Skywing’s tail thumped in amusement as he knew what was coming. Dragon couples had to fly off, twirl around one another in an elaborate dance. He and Arcturus had practiced this for months now, perfecting the right movements and turns down to the last second. He let loose a trill as Arcturus shed his human form, all to the astonishment of the masses.

From Arcturus swelled the birth of a star, touching upon everyone with a piercing light. When it faded there was not a man, but a dragon, one that equaled Veledar in size. Instead of frills like the others, it appeared as though his scales were vast plates of armor. Black scales along his underside ran the length of him, all the way to his onyx horned snout. The emerald eyes of Arcturus had been given draconic form, gazing upon Veledar with a haze of delight. The once man fluffed red membraned wings. He chuckled in his long throat as word began to circle, confusion being tossed about by this trick.

“Ready Umraadi?” Veledar asked, running silver scales against red, nuzzling at his love’s snout.

Arcturus returned the gesture, his spaded tail flicking, “Like there was any doubt?” He pulled back, and pumped his wings, gesturing to the sky, “Race you.”

“That’s what I want to hear.” Veledar rumbled, trapping his mate’s snout in a parted kiss before readying himself for their flight.

With twin warbles the pair pounded their wings, leaping to the air, perfect mirrors of one another. Bit by bit they climbed through the air, spiraling across from one another. When a suitable elevation had been reached, they shot out in either direction, spinning through the air. A silence washed over the masses as the two dragons drew a line apart, the diameter of some great circle; once they reached their end they tilted their wings, gliding opposite of one another. Once they reached the other’s starting position, they whirled themselves around, raising higher and shooting back towards where they both had started.

In a matter of moments, they met one another, paws interlocking through the air. They were as one now, each supporting the other with powerful beats of their wings. Snouts risen they continued their climb, beating the air into submission, refusing to give into gravity’s command. When they climbed past the clouds, their snouts met in one passionate kiss. Off from one another they leaped, tumbling down towards the ground.

The crowd clapped and cheered, Skywing the loudest of them all as the two love dragons caught up with one another, setting their course for a more secluded part of the island.

“Now off to the party!” Atheron announced with a brassy voice, swaying his massive tail back and forth, “Lets leave the happy couple to consummate their union.” He grinned as he received a chorus of dwarven horns, gryphon songs of delight and the combined warbles of his clan.

** * * * * * * *

With the mates of the hour off to enjoy one another’s company, free from the restraints of their gathered guests, it left Skywing and the others to entertain themselves. Thankfully that had already been prepared for, the festivities continuing not far from the ceremony grounds, down the sandy slopes and out to the beach, where the sea gently caressed the shore. Here the various species were free to set up fires, cook food, roll out kegs brimming with spirits that would even fancy a dragon’s tongue.

Soon the salty breeze was consumed by the belly rumbling scent of cooking meat, slathered in sauces and dry rubs that would make any gryphon sing. Dwarves and gryphons sang as they worked, wielding skewers with meat of every kind. The cooks had to wave off those who drew too close, hungry eyes about gryphon and dragon alike. Some stayed to ask techniques, lend a paw, others with less patience, snagged cuts of their own before scampering off to a series of curses.

Songs came to fill the soul, long and beautiful that spoke of the wonderments of love. Tankards came next to bring toast to such memories, of gryphon, dwarf, and dragon alike. They reclined, a huddled mass of feathers, scales, and skin, swapping stories passed down through their families. It filled Skywing with pride as he drifted over, catching this same sight played out time and again. It amazed him that so many dragons could be gathered in such a spot; not to mention how well they were enjoying the company of the smaller races.

Games were bellowed out by thunderous horns and gryphon cries, for those unwilling to lay back and enjoy the comforts of the seacoast breeze. Balls of sheepskin were tossed back and forth, gryphons pouncing to secure these with a flurry of sand. There was tug of war, racing, wrestling, Skywing even thought he saw a game of gryphon ball getting set up, though he wasn’t sure the dwarves were so keen on riding the feathery catbirds.

He drifted between these as the hours ticked on, taking his turn singing with a multitude of gryphons. He knew he wasn’t the best at it when compared to others of his kind, but the minstrels and the others there didn’t seem to mind. As he shook his feathers and belted out his notes, he caught sight of the same silver dragon from before; or was it another? It was hard to tell. Either way, the gryphon tossed them a grin, delighted how their neck frills blushed a deep blue. Before he could follow them, however, he was dragged into sampling the cuisine.

To his surprise, the chefs had horse of all things, a delicacy that he could hardly get outside Lumara. The gryphon had sat upon his hinds with joyous warbles, tearing flesh right off the bone. The meat was succulent, juicy and oh there wasn’t enough. When he’d reached the end, he was already eying seconds; if not for the tankard thrust into his talons he might have. In no time he was dancing along with the dwarves, shaking his tail feathers as they hooped and hollered for he and the others that joined them. They banged bellies, so did he, although he knocked a few dozen or so dwarves right on their rears. When he plucked them up, each tried to hide their pride, but was more than willing to down another drink and give it another go. Soon he had four or five men at once, seeking to leap at him and knock him over.

After that, the gryphon trotted around the sandy shores, keeping his feathers off any who might pass by. The once quiet island was a glow of activity, those not caught in the games caught up in other tasks. Above him, gryphons and dragons soared together, dancing about the clouds as if one. He even noticed a few silvers on the very clouds themselves, laying and relaxing as if they were solid. Beaks clacked, snouts snapped in teasing gestures as the two creatures sought to out do one another. They rose and fell, diving till their wings spraying those trying to enjoy a gentle swim below. The gryphon rolled his eyes with a laugh as he spied three gryphons doing their best to instruct a dragon in the ways of a catbird bath, tossing water over their ruffled feathers.

Skywing sat and trilled to himself, heart warm at such comforts and bonds being formed. Lumaraians, dragons, dwarves and Drenedarians, all united under the banner of his friends. All these lives touched and changed, just like his was by coming back into their lives. The gryphon found himself looking for the couple, eyes drifting from group to group, it had been hours now, had they truly not returned? The question he wished to ask them burned in the back of his mind.

He questioned Feku first, the kobold was busy cooking away at one of the many bonfires. She had an apron on, her scales green as her patrons gathered, drooling with anticipation. The kobold had evidently done well for herself over the years, opening a tavern in Tetragon called the Bard’s Song, her skills evidently had improved so much that Lyndis wanted to keep the kobold as her personal cook. The kobold was ever excited, though often had to be demanded to accept payment for her services. Azzik was ever with her, filling drinks and chatting with guests. Nowadays he was far more confident, brimming with a honied glow that stood as a stark contrast to when they found him in the underbelly of Entis. He now was a full-fledged cleric of Fureen, his scales adorned in orange sashes and hints of gold. Around his neck he wore a hammer pendant, a symbol for Korde, no doubt in honor of Asterion’s name. Over him was the towering bulk of muscle that was Tenzin, dressed in little save a blue loincloth and a bowtie. The warrior was currently kissing a human he had pulled to his chest, a man with black braided hair, flushed cheeks, and just as muscular as himself. Evidently the cat had come across him in Drenedar’s arenas, facing off with this human in a test of strength. Who won, the gryphon didn’t know, but by the way they were sweet on each other, it might have been both. Sadly, none of them knew where Arcturus had gotten off to, perhaps he and the red beast were playing games?

Ivory feathers ruffled as he trotted his way through the afternoon sand, relishing the warmth below his talons and paws. His belly groaned as he shifted, avoiding the stampede of three gryphons fleeing from a rather cross dragon. The silver had green paint slathered across their scales, nipping at said gryphon’s tails as they squawked and warbled away. He fought the urge to intervene, telling himself they were playing. So caught up in that display he missed what was right in front of him, which turned out he crashed into a gryphon of blue and grey, feathers and fur.

“Hey buddy, watch where you’re going!” Squawked the gryphon in question, fluffing his teal tipped feathers. Eyes widened as the catbird realized it was his friend. “Skywing!” Krotos chirped.

“Krotos!” Skywing trilled, he and the other male running their flanks along one another in greeting. Wings fluffed, they exchanged pleased coos, ending with raised ears and clacking beaks.

“You know captain, there are more clever ways of knocking a male to the ground and getting on top of them.” Replied the lewd gryphon, chuckling as he dusted off his feathers, “I wouldn’t say no mind you, but I’d like a bit of warning.”

He’d worked with him plenty of times in the last few years, knowing far too well his taste in jokes. “I’ll remember that Lewdwing, but I don’t just spill my seed for any hen that lifts one’s tail.”

“You might if they lifted their tails around you often enough. Though suppose you don’t get enough, trapped on your ship.”

“Least we get some adventure, action, better than stuck within the city walls as captain of the guard.”

Krotos shook his head, pride filling his chest, “I don’t know, last I recalled, you rather liked the last captain of the guard.”

Skywing padded a few paces, not even denying that statement.

“And my nickname isn’t Lewdwing.”

“We don’t pick our nicknames Lewdwing, for instance, your dragon friend is called fastpaw.”

“Fast paw?” Krotos coiled with laughter, “I’ll have to remember that when I next see him. Poor Arcturus, I never knew when he insisted, he was fast he meant that.”

“Do so at your own peril Lewdwing.” The commander resumed his search over the shore, every hint of red igniting his excitement, only for it to be dashed soon after.

“So, what has your tail in such a twist, searching for the love birds?”

“Is it that obvious?” His ears splayed, “And yes.”

There was a flicker of understanding between the pair, of what the gryphon most likely wished to share. Krotos himself still tended for his old rider’s family, even helping take care of Gus’ child. “I don’t think he’s going to say no.”

“But what if he does?” The gryphon averted his gaze, heart stretching, he’d waited so long, never said, even when he was with Selina.

“Sounds like the illustrious Skywing needs to find his courage.” Krotos teased, gently thumping their rumps together, “Which if you want to share a bottle of Foggy Mountain Stout, I’m game, the stuff Merlia’s clan brought is the best.”

“I don’t think spirits will help.”

“All I’m saying, is don’t wait until it’s too late.” Krotos brushed against the other gryphon’s cheek, “Or else it will haunt you. I can tell you now, caring about Gus’ family? It has been the most rewarding thing I’ve done. Little one even wants to be a gryphon rider when she grows.” Krotos chuckled, drifting off as he clearly remembered the portly guard, “He was with me but a fleeting moment, I’d tell Arcturus…Today.”

He nodded, of course, he was being silly. He was a captain for gods sakes, he should have no problem making a request of the man! There he stood in silence, contemplating the exact words he’d say, how he’d share what he was sure they both knew deep down. It was a hearty laugh that drew him out of his contemplation.

“Skywing is that you?” Came the blusterous voice of Merlia, “And what ya doin smoochin up on big blue there?” She grinned, tossing her braided, red hair back, “We about to see something good? I’d recommend doing it elsewhere though, too many lookin eyes for me liking.”

“Is that all you two can ever think about?” Skywing rounded upon her, chuckling at her simple attire. Gone were her furs and thick armor, replaced instead by a simple tunic and shorts.

“Not all the time, but you’re one to talk.” She teased, slapping him on the haunches when he drew too close, “Prancin around, caring about a wee bit of sand on yer paws. Surprised ya get anything done!”

Her laugher pinned his ears as he adopted a most regal stance, one might say like Veledar himself, “It’s not prancing around caring about one’s appearance. I consider it a compliment if one considers themselves a treat for others to enjoy. You could try it some time.”

“Ooooooo, birdie has some bite to him. Surprised you haven’t swollen up like a balloon, lazin about on yer ship while all yer lackies do the real work!”

His feathers ruffled at the good ribbing, staring to round on the dwarf like she was his next prey. “Lazing about, me? How about yourself, Ex-adventurer? How is it to trade the life of excitement for one of tending to livestock and being a housewife? Cleaning floors and clothes the same as slaying big beasties? I’m surprised you’re not back there right now, your belly gravid with child, tending to a few whelps of your own.”

“You’d be surprised what I could do to a dainty wee gryphon like you, even if I was gravid with Leander’s eggs.” She smirked, tapping his beak like a drum, “So remember that; I’m on a different adventure now, one that’s going to give the world a needed a break from me, after all it can only handle so much dwarven fury at a time. So, stick that up your tiger bum and sit down hard.”

There was a pause between them, sparks flying from their steeled gaze. It was a dance they’d done far too many times over the years. He was the first to crack as he saw a waver in her lips, the gryphon belted out an honest laugh, coiling on himself. Merlia soon did the same, thumping his shoulder, ending with her hugging him around the neck.

“Good to see ya, glad to see yer edge hasn’t been dulled.”

“Nor yours.” He nibbled at her hair with a coo, “Speaking of eggs where is the lucky gryphon?”

“Getting us drinks.” She sighed sweetly, looking past the gryphon pairs to where the kegs rested on the beach. Her eyes were locked onto a brown and white gryphon with a fluffy tail that seemed to go on forever. A haze gathered over the ranger, eyes drooling with sweetness, “He’s my fluffy, feathery honey bunny. Oooo, I find meself nuzzling away, rubbin his fur like me life depended on it. Never has a gryphon ever been as handsome as he.”

He scoffed at the assertion, “Sounds rather unbelievable. He’s a trader?”

“Aye, of spice and sweet things. Think his talons have touched the earth as many places as I. Granted, his stories lack the adventure of mine, but he’s more than sweet enough to me.”

It was Krotos crooning in amusement as Merlia greeted him, tenderly stroking his cheek. The gryphon nibbled along her shoulder in kind. Though their lives had taken different paths, the affection and loyalty between them had never dulled. Their exchange of smiles was honest and true. “Long time no see.”

“Long time no see?” She rolled her eyes, “Boy you need your head checked if ya think three weeks is a long time. How did Gwen like the gift?”

“Loved it, little angel was practicing with it since you left. Now she’s begging Mary to be an archer on top of wishing to be a gryphon rider when she’s older.

Merlia grinned, “And like that we got another one. Maybe I’ll show her a thing or two next we visit; we’ll have an expert in no time!”

“Certainly, or we can go there.” Krotos rumbled to himself, “I do say I rather enjoyed you and the mister.”

“Ah yes, gryphon sandwiches. Always be the best kind.”

“So why the gryphon?” Skywing asked, watching Leander mumble a spell, lifting two foaming tankards into the air to follow him. “And not a dwarf? Surely that would have been…easier?”

“Easier?” Merlia laughed, “I got three months back into the hold, listening to a dozen or so men that wished to enjoy my company, before I realized I’d outgrown them. My future resided more in the feathery variety.”

“I ruined her.” Krotos held his head with pride, “Once you sleep with a gryphon, you’ll never move on.”

The dwarf punched him in his blue shoulder, “Wee bit of truth to that. Speakin of Sandwiches blue boy, how would you like to go make another one with the mister?”

Krotos gave a lustful rumble, nuzzling at the dwarf’s ear, “That sounds delightful.”

“Honey!” Merlia perked up, waving her gryphon over, “He said yes!”

Leander padded over, giving a beak parted smile, nibbling at Merlia’s hair most affectionately as she hugged him. “Lets just hope that Krotos can keep up with us my sweet granite.”

“Me, keep up?” Krotos squawked at this slight, “I’ll have you know, I’m more than capable!”

“Then I suggest you put your hips where your beak is.” Grinned Leander, “I do think we spied a hidden alcove heading over?”

“You’re on.”

With a warble, Merlia mounted her mate, and they took off for the sky. Krotos followed right after their hinds, swiftly catching up and overtaking them. In a series of chirps, they danced around one another before disappearing. Skywing could only roll his eyes with a bemused sigh, he guessed things never changed. It was a few paces down the beach that he cursed himself, he’d forgotten to ask if she’d seen Arcturus. The gryphon gave a labored sigh, there was no way he was going to ask them now, he’d probably stumble upon their carnal acts, most likely be asked to partake knowing the rambunctious dwarf.

To his luck, the next hour proved fruitful in his search, Arcturus and Veledar had indeed returned from their romantic tryst. The man was leaning against a patch of rocks, dressed down to nothing but a pair of onyx shorts. This was it, the moment he was going to lay his soul bare before the man. Skywing took a deep breath and trotted across the sands, but no sooner did he get a few paces before he found himself being wrenched off the ground by an invisible source.

Squawking and fluttering his feathers in alarm, the captain was no match for whatever trickery had his hinds. Without delay he was suspended above the sand, his talons not even able to reach the sand below. It was hard to not panic as he began to slowly rotate, what madness was this? Wiggling and moving his appendages did nothing, it would seem as though he was going to need help to get out of this predicament. He just hoped too many people didn’t see how exposed he was right now, he’d never live this down. The answer to whom was responsible came from a familiar voice.

“Skywing, my word, are you alright?” Came Axton’s cry of concern.

“Oh, of course it’s you.” Skywing groaned, rotating so that he could see the apprentice of his queen.

Axton stood more than a wing length away, his lithe frame adorned in a loose-fitting brown vest with gold stitching. It flowed down him with an open chest, connected to a pair of clay-colored shorts and was separated by a dark gold sash. The boy of sixteen still had his leather pack in one hand, filled to the brim with magical regents that left a musky aroma in the air. He was padding his way over as the breeze ruffled his wild, unkept raven hair. “Why did you go blundering through the area, didn’t you see I was working?”

“Working at a party? We’ve talked about this Axton; you shouldn’t be doing magical research around other people! My wings still shiver in the cold thanks to your last blunder.”

“That time was entirely different.” The boy winced, starting to pad around the gryphon, icy blue eyes soaking up his vulnerable form from talon to tail, “I did try, the better question is why is it always you fall into my spells, and I thought you liked the horse rear end you got?”

His black tipped ears pinned, “What were you doing Axton?”

“Trying to make a sandcastle?”

“You couldn’t do that the normal way?” He squawked, the latest kick of his hind sending him spinning as his blood boiled, “I’m stuck here, looking foolish because you couldn’t be bothered to get your hands dirty?”

“This was going to be more fun.”

“Does this look like a sandcastle?”

The boy kneeled, rummaging through his pack, “No, that’s what makes it so fascinating. It would seem that with your blundering, the intended effect of the spell was modified somehow.” He rose, a parchment and quill in his hands. With a flick of his wrist, they suspended on the air, starting to jot down his words, “Now Skywing, can you describe how you’re feeling right now? Do you have any tingling sensations, unease, nausea, loss of senses, don’t leave anything out, this is for magical research.”

Oh, how he hated magic in these moments, it always seemed that he was on the butt end of accident’s by this youth. “Anger and resentment if you don’t get me down this instant!”

“Is this because you’re worried you look foolish or because the spell did this to you?”

“Axton, I swear, if you weren’t the queen’s apprentice, I’d kill you!”

“Yup, definitely because he looks foolish.” He caressed his chin, more than used to this sort of threat.

“Or I’ll inform your mother.”

“Go ahead, she’d probably laugh at the entire affair.”

Ears splayed, of course she would. Even though Skywing was on talking terms with the black dragoness, he knew their friendship would do little to protect him from her teasing. With his luck she would spin him faster, nibble on his neck or even lick at his feathers, knowing he’d have to spend hours preening and ensuring they were pristine. He took a deep breath as he completed his latest rotation to the sound of Axton taking notes on the angle, height, and speed that the gryphon was traveling.

“Can you just get me down?” Sighed Skywing.

Axton sucked in a breath through his teeth, “I didn’t have the spells prepared for this…It might just be best to have the spell run it’s course…Which means anywhere from a few minutes to…a day?” He said the last part in a near whisper, but it wasn’t enough to hide it from the gryphon’ ears.

“A whole day?” The gryphon gave an indignant squawk, kicking his hinds and fluffing his wings in alarm, “Axton, I can’t be stuck up here for the whole day! Can’t you get anyone else? Where is Nivra, surely, she could get me down!”

He blushed, clearly the prospect of getting caught in this predicament from his master unappealing, “Now let’s not get too hasty, if I can get you down, can we not be telling her.”

“Deal.”

“And would you subject yourself to this again should we want to duplicate the scenario?”

“Axton.”

“Fine.” Sighed the young mage, “We’ll find another gryphon I suppose. I wonder if Voidwing would be willing to- “

“Axton!” He clacked his beak, putting an end to his pondering. Honestly, he was wondering how the lad got anything done with such an over analytical mind. He thought perhaps Nivra might have helped him over the years, but with her and the green dragon Lyyreth, it had only flourished.

“Just wait one moment.” Axton turned, waving down a group of dragons flying overhead, one of them stood out from the others like a sore wing, one of green scales with a black underside. It was of course Lyyreth.

“Axton! What seems to be going on?” Lyyreth warbled, landing with the fluttering of his wings, and kicking up sand. Instantly his snout went to Skywing, an interested rumble going down his throat, “Oh I see.”

“I’m stumped, he wandered into a spell to make a sandcastle and this happened.” Axton crossed his arms as the green dragon lay down around him.

“That is puzzling. I assume you’ve already started taking notes?” At a gesture to the parchment the dragon warbled, “That’s my boy! Is there any reaction to the spell in our subject?”

Skywing groaned as he rotated around, this was getting out of hand, now there were two of them. “Benevolent…” He paused, coming out of instinct, for he recently had received the dragon’s name. “Lyyreth.” The word felt strange, “Did I say that right?”

“No, that was horrible.” Lyyreth padded around him, “But good attempt. Here, let me help you. Say it with me. Lie, ear, Eth, now you.”

He did so, while performing a rotation, “Alright, Lyyreth can you try and not too much of a spectacle and get me down?”

The green dragon fluffed his black runed covered membranes, then brought himself in for a sniff. One gentle tap of his talon and the dragon retreated, “This is certainly a predicament you’re in.”

“I might have noticed.”

“Now are you feeling any discomfort, nausea, trembling in your belly- “

With a dull response he kept repeating no, only telling them that a throbbing in his head had begun as the blood rushed downwards. He was left to grumble as the pair began discussing a way to get him down, a jumble of magical jargon that the gryphon couldn’t make heads or tails of. He did however spy the silver dragon from before plucking Arcturus up in her paws, spreading her wings and bounding to the sky.

“Adalina!” Veledar roared, following upon her hinds, dusting those around in sand, “That’s my treasure, I stole him fair and square, go find your own human!”

Just like that, the whole purpose for this travesty was gone, taken away by a pair of silver wings. Skywing cursed under his breath as Lyyreth began mumbling back and forth to Axton, wondering if the gryphon had ever come into exceedingly rare and magical creatures. It was when they began to poke and prod at his feathers that his patience ever reached its limit.

“Lyyreth, you were supposed to focus on getting me down! Not turn me into another research project that you could bond over with your son!”

Snout frills darkened green as the dragon’s nose twitched; not used to the moniker, “Well, he doesn’t have to call me that. Apologies, I was just trying to indulge one of his interests as I share it the same.”

Axton gave the stammering dragon a pat on the side, drawing his curious snout, “It’s alright Dad, I don’t mind saying that. Besides, if mom looks at you the way I think she does, you’re going to be around for a while.”

The green dragon chuffed before nuzzling the young man’s cheeks. When he pulled back a brow was risen, “Wait a moment, what kind of look?”

“Can we focus on my predicament?” Skywing shouted, putting an end to the question. He was greeted by twin green paws on either of his sides, rotating him into view.

“You know, squawking and thrashing isn’t going to help.” Lyyreth said softly, “And if we mess up, this could get far worse.”

“Like you could be dead!” Axton blurted, blushing as Lyyreth hissed.

“You weren’t supposed to say that!”

“Sorry.”

Skywing sighed, “Magic can be wonderous at time, I just with its proctors were better at wielding it.”

“Now that’s unfair.” Scoffed Lyyreth, prodding at the gryphon’s belly with his sizable snout, “You seemed rather fond of it when you were asking me for potions for your antics with our happy couple of the hour. Also, when you were doing a tour down in the remnants of Rothdell, you know, the ruins of Zarcana?”

“I was putting down a rebellion then, and the other situation…” His ears pinned, “Was different. Just get me down, we can swap stories and catch up later. All I want to do is find Arcturus and talk to him.”

“Then you should really let us work, we don’t want a mistake after all.”

“Give me something to think about.” He sighed, kicking the air to rotate himself around, “Rather than my possible demise.”

“Oh, it wouldn’t be that for sure!” Lyyreth warbled, giving Axton a look, “Yes, most definitely not that. However, I’m sure whatever happens we can fix it.” The dragon sat upon his haunches, drifting off in thought as he caressed his snout, “So, Skywing, how have you been?”

He was thankful for anything to focus his mind on, even small talk such as this. He sighed and did another rotation, ignoring the multitude of stares from the gathering crowds, curious about what predicament he’d got caught in. His face burned, knowing this would yet be another story he would never escape. “Things have been going swimmingly since you two changed the name of your forest.”

Axton’s eyes lit up, “Oh right! I forgot we changed it to the Forest of Emerald Twilight.”

“Had to.” Lyyreth chortled, a hint of pride fluttering about him, “Your mother and I figured the Forest of Despair had long since been dated, my mother could really play up the drama.”

“That’s not exactly how I’d describe her.” Skywing grimaced, picturing that towering dragoness who had held his life in her paws ever so effortlessly, “Terrifying, menace, blight upon this world to name a few.”

“At least she returned your wing mates to you.”

“Yes, but I doubt out of the goodness of her heart. I can’t even be glad about her demise, knowing she’ll wind up just like Dreadflame before.”

“Trapped within his orb?” Axton shivered, clearly remembering his time captive by the dragon, “Thankfully he’s gone.”

“Speaking of which…” Skywing rose a brow, meeting Lyyreth’s gaze, “Any sign of her?”

The green dragon stared him down, an iron wall before the gryphon’s keen eye. If she was to reach out to anyone post her death, he was certain it would be her children. What mother wouldn’t? “There has been no word of her, the orb is still missing.”

“And your father?”

“Missing.” His frills pinned as her averted his gaze with a sigh, “It would appear as though he took her orb and fled.”

“Knowing we’d be after them.” Growled the gryphon, “She has a lot to answer for.”

“She helped save the world, defeat Tiamat’s plans.”

“Only after helping him.” Skywing clacked his beak, “Ruining the lives of so many others to achieve her perfect little end. No, she has a lot to answer for. You would tell me if she contacted you right?”

“Yes.” Lyyreth didn’t look.

“Lyyreth?” He pressed further, sensing the conflict within his sunflower eyes, it was of course natural; it was his mother after all.

“I said yes.” The dragon snarled, his eyes sharper than his teeth, “Is that not good enough for you?”

The gryphon accepted the answer but noted down he’d have to keep an eye on this one. He imagined Lyyreth knew more than he was letting on, and the Emerald Lady, might not be as gone as everyone might thought. Today, however, was not for that, that would be tomorrow’s duties. “Very well, but if you hear anything, let us know. We trust you Lyyreth, to get justice for all the lives she ruined.”

“She is my mother you know.”

“And everyone has one. It doesn’t excuse her of anything.” The gryphon sighed, tail flicking, “Does this mean that I won’t be getting down?”

Thankfully Lyyreth didn’t reply to that, finally swishing a paw and mumbling in draconic under his breath. Like that his thread was cut, whatever force over him vanished. Skywing squawked in alarm, falling headfirst to the ground, landing in an undignified pile of feathers and fur. When he rose, his limbs were shaky, the blood having to return to the rest of him. When he shook, he sent dirt flying every which way, feeling no hint of remorse as he coated the human and dragon pair.

“You have my thanks.” He big them a nod as they laughed and shook off their coating, “And you, young mage.” He narrowed his gaze to the now red-faced teen, “You may be the Queen’s apprentice, but she listens to me. Think before you hurl your untested spells into an area with foot traffic. She won’t hear a word of it this time, but don’t let it happen again.”

Arms crossed as Axton averted his gaze, mumbling under his breath, “You could have looked where you were going.”

“What was that young man?” He tossed his feathery chest into the lad, fluffing his feathers and staring him down.

“Right…Sorry.”

“Good.” Skywing huffed, whirling himself around. Before he said his farewells to them, he peered back, “For it would be terrible for her to lose such a good student.” It warmed his heart at least so much that it brought a smile to the young man’s lips. He just needed a firm hand at times, someone to help set him straight.

He was left upon the beach once more; head swiveling around to try and find the knight that had been captured by Veledar’s sister. Over gryphons wrestling dwarves, dragons getting drunk and dwarves starting to dance, Skywing saw not a hint of his trusted friend. His ears splayed as he gave an irritated chirp, of course he would lose them yet again; was everything trying to get in his way?”

“Skywing, oh Skywing! Have you a moment for your queen?”

It was Nivra, that much was certain. He snapped to attention as he whirled around, planting his haunches down on the beach. The queen padded her way over, glass of wine in hand, her raven hair tied up and secured with a golden sash. Gone were her typical robes or travelling attire, instead replaced with a lavender dress that flowed down, evidently unrestrictive and seemed to not be causing her any discomfort with the heat. In her wake came at least a dozen humans and gryphons, each armed and searching about the crowds with vigilant eyes.

Voidwing was of course with her, his feathers pampered and pristine. Fitting, as he now was the consort to the queen. It of course had caused an issue when it first had been done, Lyndis making the commoner gryphon a noble. Nobility in Lumara had caused an uproar, demanding that this travesty be ignored, the worst family of all had been the Mysticfeathers, citing that they had been personally slighted, as their line had been next to marry the fair maiden off. The black and white gryphon was swishing his tail, head held, a look of confidence about him far greater than years ago. Around his neck was a brown and gold sash, matching the loose-fitting attire that flowed around his body, marking him as the queen’s consort.

“I always have time you your majesty.” Skywing bowed his head in her presence. “Even on my days off.”

“Some say that duty never takes a day off.” Replied Nivra, “And I don’t think you’d forgive yourself if you ever did.”

“Same could be said to yourself, I’ve never known a human to work as hard as you.” He rose when she gestured, eying the slight bags below her eyes, “How much sleep did you get last night, a few hours I take it?”

“What sleep I do or don’t get Skywing is none of your concern.” She replied, before sighing as he clicked his beak in victory, “But I will manage.”

“So, what need have you of me? I was in the middle of searching for Arcturus and Veledar.” He bid Voidwing a nod as the gryphon approached. “Is it a matter of great importance? I can see no other reason why you’d need one of your Captains.”

“Most decorated captains.” Voidwing warbled, “One of the best that has ever flown in the ranks of the Order of the Feather, champion of Lumara, ally of Arcturus Lund, defender of- “

“We can skip to the end Voidy, I fear we don’t have the time.” Chuckled the queen, caressing the jaw of her ear splayed love. “But Skywing it is of great importance. One that only you could help me with.”

He chirped with pride, satisfied that it was him she thought of in her hours of need.

“I need you to regale us with a story. I was just trying to tell Lyndis about the ambassador to Corvania and his giant, pierced ears but she wouldn’t believe me! Insists that I am lying! I need your beak to cast a light of truth upon my words!”

His ears splayed, so it wasn’t that important. “Is that all mum? Just to verify a story?”

“Of course, for queen and country, there could be no more noble act!”

“See she’s still bossing around folks with the grace one would expect from a silver spoon fed brat.” Lyndis remarked with a grin, striding over with an entourage of her own.

Though she had the blood and pedigree of the royals, the queen of Drenedar certainly didn’t act like it, nor dress the part. She looked no better than a sailor, hair wild, a smile upon her face, dirt covering hands and feet, no doubt just finishing a game with the gathered guests. Her clothing was simple, dark blue sashes to cover herself, wrapped tight around her lithe frame, that was except her belly that had seemed to be swollen.

“Lyndis of Drenedar, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” Skywing bowed deeply to the queen, unprepared for the scoff he received. “Arcturus always spoke most fondly of you.”

“You don’t have to kiss my arse Skywing, we’re all friends here. Isn’t that right queenie?” Lyndis placed her hands on her hips, giving the other queen a grin, “Going to finally have some fun? Few of the gryphons want another go.”

“I’d be down to have a go.” Voidwing gave a merry chirp, “Unwind, smack a few balls around, have a day at it.”

Nivra grimaced, but did pet her consort on the head, “While not what I’d partake in such an uncouth display of merriment, I do know Voidwing likes to partake from time to time.” The mage grinned, eating up the form of her crown feather raised love, “And it would be nice watch my man strut around, showing the other gryphons a thing or two.” She chortled as the gryphon nuzzled into her touch. “And I do hope the ball smacking refers to the game rules and not to your fellow competitor’s eggs?”

“Bit of both?” Voidwing chuckled, waggling a wing, “It does tend to happen.”

Skywing recovered from Lyndis’ blunt demeanor, Arcturus had warned him that she lacked the proper aura that a royal possessed. He chuckled and brought his head high, “Perhaps I might join you and Voidwing after I find our mutual friends. You needed me to validate the queen’s story? I can do my best your highness.”

Lyndis groaned, shaking her head as the wolves and humans that sought her safety fanned out, keeping watch over not only the crowds by those within Nivra’s group. “Can you turn it off for a single moment? Just call me Lyndis.”

His ears splayed, paws shifting at the disregard for etiquette. He bowed his head and issued his apology.

“And don’t be sorry, you’re acting like we’re not friends.”

“I believe we only know each other through a mutual one.”

“Eh, it still counts.” She shrugged. “Though if you go on about diplomacy, paperwork or things of that nature, I might just toss myself from the tallest tower of my kingdom.”

“I’d refrain from that.” He chuckled, “Bad for your health.”

“Deadly in fact.” She motioned for a white and silver wolven to hand her a waterskin, gulping down the water inside. When she finished the queen grimaced, “Bloody hell, what I wouldn’t give for a drink.”

His brow rose, there was plenty scattered around the beach. “Did someone deny you?”

“Skywing.” Nivra gestured to the rogue’s swollen belly.

“That’s right, went and got preggers.” Sighed Lyndis, patting the gravid orb, “It would appear as though my Umraadi is quite virile.”

Legs nearly gave out as he released a surprised squawk. Of course, she was pregnant, how could he have been foolish! His cheeks burned as he tried to issue forth his apology for missing something so blatantly obvious. “Well congratulations! Though if what I’ve read in literature and what Arcturus has told me, dragons can’t impregnate mortals?”

“That’s what we thought too. But talk a bit too much around a Parunga cleric about something missing and you find out they can be quite creative.” She made a motion for a potion and pretended to drink it, “Daft thing slipped us a fertility potion, one crafted with special seeds and magic. Turns out, it allows anyone to crossbreed. One dose and a good fling in Cordy’s anthro form and bam.” She patted her belly, “Surprise baby.”

“And the cleric?” He winced, “I take it she was mortified?”

“We didn’t let her go if that’s what you’re worried about. Though she received a warning before she…acted upon her own concerns again. Though it’s not something we planned for, I hate to admit that I’m quite looking forward to it.” She gazed up, catching the sight of her green mate, soaring high among the clouds. A smile came to her face, honest and true, “Though I’m just glad it’s not going to be a whelp, and instead take after me.”

“Thank gods for that, can you imagine?” Nivra chuckled, pretending to be a wrymling in an egg, “Put a whole new meaning to ready to pop.”

“Oh, don’t you let Cordenth hear you say that!” Lyndis laughed, “Or he’ll start having nightmares again, it already took me weeks to calm him down, insist that he’d not signed my death sentence with a thrust of his hips!”

“Thankfully we don’t have too many of those in our castle, huh?” Voidwing nudged at Nivra’s side.

“And those that do, would know clearly to not ever do such a thing.” Nivra said, cheeks blushing, “Not until we’re ready anyway.”

Lyndis a mother? Skywing chortled at the thought, would the rambunctious scamp be more rebellious than her mother; or perhaps go in the opposite direction? “So, have you picked out any names yet? I’m sure everyone is wanting to know.”

She rolled her eyes, “Tradition here is to do it when they’re born. But don’t worry, I’ll make sure to inform the lot of you what we decide.”

“Which, how has everyone been handling that you and the dragon are an item?” Voidwing cocked his head, “I know you were not being as open before, but that recently changed?”

“Figured at first to not upset them too much. Not like what happened with you and the noble bit. Which, if they ever give you trouble send them my way, I’ll give them a right ass kicking.”

“In your condition?”

“Hey, just because I get big, doesn’t mean I’m some dainty flower.”

“You should take it easy.” Nivra mentioned.

Lyndis sighed, “Tell me when your pregnant than we can talk ok? But for the rest of my people?” She smiled, hands on her hips, “Has been going better than I thought. Half of them you know are simply amazed he’s a dragon, more so that he’s my consort. No matter where we go though, everyone wants to touch him!” Shaking her head she laughed, “Queen’s consort and they want to pet him like some royal steed. Granted, he lets them most of the time if they request politely.”

“And no word of the red hand?” Nivra question came, “I’ve read about the incident with them years ago in East cliff.”

“Not a peep. Even with Fremra and her son starting to get more involved with the day in and out around Struport. Should have seen Threllfall and them last time, think I saw the ole grouch laughing with her. Had to bloody well pinch myself.”

“Has to be better than the colonies.” Nivra gestured to Skywing, swelling his chest with pride, “Skywing here can’t keep up with all the gangs, warlords and monsters that are roaming free in Rothdell since it’s destruction. Though I’m still proud of him of course, I could ask for no finer of a captain.”

“I have put an end to four of the nefarious ne’er-do-wells. Each one more devious than the last, it astounds me how many mana stones are still out there, seized by those that would not follow you mum.”

“I had not heard of this.” Lyndis perked up, exchanging a steeled look with the other queen, “How many bandits and warlords possess your powerful items?”

Nivra grimaced, looking troubled, “Far too many for my liking. Worry not though, they will all be rounded up, dealt with, and if luck holds, drawn and quartered for their traitorous actions.”

“And you stopped producing them?”

“Years ago, which brings me to the Corvanians. They have similar contraptions in their kingdom, though getting them to part with the information has been a trying task. I am, however, hopeful it might bear some fruit, who knows, maybe in ten years’ time we’ll be on the right course again. Until then, there will never be an end to those within my walls that yearn for the progress made under those before me.”

As the pair fell into the trap of discussing politics at was supposed to be an affair of relaxation and comfort, Skywing sighed and waited for when they would circle back and address the original reason why he’d been summoned. However, his answer to the gods seemed to have been heard, as Veledar landed close to them with a brassy trill, Arcturus right upon his back. Proud and victorious, the dragon padded to their side, drawing all the attention that was due him. Along with him came Cordenth, the green dragon’s scales glistening as if he’d just taken a swim.

“Finally escape that dragon’s clutches?” Chirped Voidwing as the red dragon lowered himself to his belly, letting Arcturus slip off to the sand.

“That dragoness was my sister.” Growled the red, staring off towards where that particular silver dragon did sit, her tail flicking, “And fair warning to anyone, watch your treasures around your siblings, they will always seek to steal them.”

“Steal Arcturus?”

“What can I say? He is my greatest treasure.” Rumbled the dragon, nuzzling along the man’s side and getting a kiss upon his scales, “She has always wanted what’s been mine since we were whelps, nothing has changed in these many years. I’ll relish in my victory for now and savor her disappointment.”

“I take it she’ll try again?” Laughed Arcturus.

“The day is still young, and her tenacity knows no bounds.” Veledar rose, growling as the silver dragoness playfully waved to him with a wing, “As well as her devious nature. You’re not fooling anyone Adalina! I know what sort of beast you are!”

“Get mounted brother, I was just saying hi!” Shouted Adalina at her place by the shore.

“Like hell you were!”

Skywing ruffled his feathers as the man padded to his side, oblivious of what needed to be said. They exchanged a momentary look, concern flashed across that familiar, emerald sea. Perhaps he did? The gryphon cleared his throat, chuckling as he nudged the man with a wing, “Worse things I suppose than having a dragoness after you.”

“Perhaps.” Arcturus bowed to Nivra, pausing mid-way through to Lyndis and instead exchanging a hug. His face lit up as he took notice of her belly, congratulating her. Veledar, however, was less than tactful.

The red dragon was within her space in but a heartbeat, sniffing at the rogue. He rumbled, tail swishing, eyes going wide. “What are they feeding you Lyndis, you’re the size of Sethera itself!”

Her cheeks flushed, eyes steeled, “I am bloody well not dragon! I’m pregnant!”

“Are you sure you’re not smuggling an egg in there?”

“I’m ruddy sure.” She slapped his nose, causing the beast to retreat, she and him exchanging a knowing glance. In short order he was caught up, the red dragon commenting on just how virile Cordenth was, “So how you boys been, haven’t seen you in four months’ time. Staying out of trouble?”

Arcturus grinned, “Had an encounter with a werewolf that had two heads, can you imagine? Creature couldn’t stop bickering with itself on what to do with us.”

“And I despised the one time we had to outrun that frost hydra.” Stated Veledar with a growl, “Thing damn near froze my tail off.”

“Although my favorite was probably over on the dragon’s crown, the people there now sing songs of us for putting an end to a group summoning a ghost dragon to terrorize them.”

Veledar rolled paw to his chest, “And I even got a gem studded mirror out of the whole thing.”

Of course, he was still a dragon. Skywing laughed, “What possible use could you use a mirror for, you must have a few dozen!”

“I could always use plenty more of things, treasure, books, sex, gems and of course mirrors.” Rumbled the dragon with pride, “Who knows, perhaps I will be adding another treasure to my hoard today!”

Talk soon drifted back to Lyndis and her kid, the question swiftly coming if Nivra herself would be bearing eggs one day. The queen’s cheeks had flushed the brightest of reds as she sputtered and tried to insist, they would get to it when they were ready. Voidwing joined her, stating they would enjoy many more carnal rutting without that surprise. This of course only had the group laughing more as the queen groaned at his bluntness.

Though it all, Skywing kept his beak ever shut on what he wished to ask, the moment never occurring. He wanted to be alone, not have everyone else bearing down their necks. Each time he wished to speak, Arcturus and Veledar were pulled away to entertain yet another guest. The pair spend the hours singing, dancing, enjoying drink and sharing in the merriment all around them. They even tricked Krotos into flirting with the Whispering Mists upon his return, hinting that the beast was in fact a female. The reaction upon his beak was priceless, being only more surprised upon seeing a toothy grin from the ancient silver followed by him asking the blue gryphon how well he might be a hen tonight making the gryphon’s crown feathers rise from the question.

Eventually as the sun began to set, painting the sky in rivers of lavender, black and grey, Skywing padded his way from the crowds and out towards a secluded spot so that he could be alone with his thoughts. The gryphon flopped to the sands with a defeated croon, chastising himself for his cowardice. Every battle that he’d been through, each injury that he’d survived, all the nights that he’d faced down death and laughed somehow seemed easier than this task. His tail flicked as he stared out to the horizon, counting the moments until it was too late.

A chill traveled down his spine as he thought to the numerous days he’d spent with that handsome knight and that arrogant dragon, sharing song, adventure, and each other’s company. He thought to those, the best of his life, feeling more content than he’d ever, overwhelmed with a sense of belonging. He had to overcome this hurtle or he’d never forgive himself, just like he’d been with Selina.

It made him sick to his stomach as he watched the waves lap the shore, he was Skywing, Captain of Lumara, he was better than this! He had met Arcturus years ago, found himself swept up with the courageous knight that lit a passionate fire in him. They had fought monsters, demons, undead and dragons together, this should have been easy! He knew what would happen should he not do it, he and the knight would drift away, just like they’d done with Selina’s passing. His tail lashed against the sand, casting all those doubts to the wind, he was going to do it. Should they deny him, so be it, but it was better than not knowing. The gryphon took a deep breath, ruffling his wings before standing on all fours, this was it, he was going to get an answer.

“Skywing are you alright? Why are you all the way out here? You’re not avoiding everyone are you?” It was Arcturus, striding across the beach, making his way over with Veledar at his side.

“Perhaps he is partied out.” The dragon mused, easily dwarfing the man. He clicked his tongue, “I suppose even gryphons have their social limit.”

The gryphon shook his head, stunned, he must have been so lost they snuck up on him. “No, I was…I just had to be alone, gather my thoughts, think about what I want.” Eyes traveled from the dragon to Arcturus, his heart stretching. He’d spent so many nights with this pair, grown to care about them both. His ears splayed as Arcturus touched his feathers, caressed his head, and scratched just behind his ear, stealing a soft coo, damn he knew how to touch him.

“I seldom know when you’ve been so in need of thinking.” Arcturus said, “But if we’re alike, I have an idea of what twists between your ears.”

“Do you now? You can read me so well?”

“Look who you’re talking to.” Replied the knight with a sweet smile, locking eyes, “We’ve watched each other’s back for many years, in various ways. You watched my child grow, fought by my side, are closer to me than most of my friends. You shared my bed for gods’ sakes, know things I don’t tell most, if anyone in this world I can read it would be you.”

“Of course.” His ears splayed, this was it, “I did have something to ask of you.”

“As did I.”

He did? His heart skipped a beat, “Well, go on, lay it on my wings.” He pulled back with a weak chuckle, pretending to not be a nervous wreck.

Arcturus’ hand drifted to the gryphon’s neck, stroking the feathers, “Veledar and I were talking about certain traditions.”

“Gryphon traditions.” Veledar rumbled, lowering his snout to be on their level. “Ones that Arcturus mentioned were common…for those in our…situation.”

“And…Did this require…lots of discussion?” He averted his gaze, this was it, the moment of truth.

“Not as much as you’d think.” Chuckled the dragon. “Though I admit, I could be very stubborn…”

Shifting in the sand, Arcturus paused, locked upon the gryphon’s eyes. He almost looked as nervous as Skywing himself. “I made the mistake with Selina, not asking you the first time. You drifted away, neither of us wanted that. So…” He took a deep breath, the anticipation palpable, “Would you consider living with us? I know I wasn’t officially your rider, but you said it yourself…I was part of your flight…One custom is that gryphons live with the humans in their flight.”

His heart nearly stopped, the words he wanted to hear being said. Part of him even suspected he was hearing things. His ears shot up; crown feathers raised on their own accord. It was going to happen, just like Selina, things were not going to be different.

“I understand if you don’t want to.”

“Don’t want to?” He cried with a resounding chirp, plucking the human up in his fore talons. “Arcturus, don’t you fucking dare think that.” He held him close, keeping balance as he tried to stitch the human to his feathers. His head folded around him as arms wrapped around his neck. “I would want nothing more.”

“And you were worried.” Veledar rolled his eyes before pressing forward, bumping the pair with his snout. “He seems to be ecstatic about it.”

The gryphon trilled, warbled, no more words forming as he unleashed his unbridled joy. He nibbled the man’s hair, swished his tail, holding him for probably far longer than was necessary. It was a dream; one he didn’t expect. It ended with closed eyes, soft trills as he enjoyed the closeness of the two.

“You seem to be happy about it.”

“That would be obvious.” He chuckled, “Ever the expect Arcturus.”

“Don’t think we’d get rid of you that easily.” Veledar said, only for the gryphon to next leap upon his snout and hug him as well. Resistance flickered across his brow as the catbird pressed his head to his, but the dragon closed his eyes and rumbled, accepting. “Especially when you’re this affectionate.”

“You’re the best dragon.” He shivered as Arcturus hugged at his side, hands caressing his fur, “I consider you among my flight as well.”

“I’d hope so.” Veledar chuckled, “Everything could be made better by having a dragon.”

“In this case, I can’t disagree.”

The dragon rumbled, nuzzling against his feathers, washing him with his breath, “Guess I did add another treasure to my hoard today. What luck, not only do I love gryphons, but it’s also my favorite colors on them.” With a growl he gave an affectionate lick.

“Welcome to the family Skywing.” Arcturus said, stroking the gryphon’s neck. “Officially now.”

What warmth in his heard he could not hide, “You realize that I’m stuck with you now.”

“Should we be concerned?” Veledar chuckled.

“That should I get a mate, they will share your home as well.” He chuckled, “perhaps a whole family of gryphons running about.”

That made the dragon pull back with a hiss, “You didn’t say they’d multiply Arcturus!”

“That is what happens.” Chuckled the man, “Just think about them as more eyes to watch your treasure.”

The dragon grumbled with a snort, “Very well, but no more than him and any future partner they might have.”

“Hey!” Laughed Skywing nibbling at the man’s hair, “Don’t go making servants of my future children!”

“Speaking of protection.” Veledar padded around the laughing pair, predatory eyes locked upon them, “Our honey moon I think could use some extra protection, a bodyguard for us if you would.”

Skywing laughed, “A bodyguard for a dragon and knight that can turn into one.” He eyed the mischief in the beasts’ eye, knowing exactly why he was asked to. “I think some other motive is behind this.”

“Look, if I’m spending my honeymoon with my love, I’d like it to be the best it could be.” He dusted off his claws against his scales, “I could think of nothing better than having our gryphon there.”

He shook his head, “I’ll let you know Veledar, that tonight is your wedding night. Tradition dictates that this is your night to share with him.” He gave the man a nod, “No if ands or buts.”

“Alright.” Growled the dragon like a spoiled child, before sweeping Arcturus and the gryphon together with a tender wing, “But for the rest of the time you’re ours.”

He laughed in good cheer with Arcturus, “I suppose I have no choice?”

“Not really.” Rumbled the dragon affectionately, nibbling at Skywing’s neck, “Such is being the treasure of a dragon.”

“So…where are we going?”

“Somewhere tropical.”

“Knowing us it will drag us into another adventure.” Laughed Arcturus.

“Goddess, I hope not.” Groaned Veledar, “I just want to relax, sunbath, and enjoy the company of my favorite human and gryphon.”

Skywing sauntered off with them to enjoy their company, his fears and doubts left behind. The future for him looked ever bright, filled with a bounce in his paws. He chirped and sang, danced the night away, bumping up against his friends. He nuzzled the dragon, nibbled the human, lost in a wave of contentedness. Come tomorrow he’d be off with them on another adventure, and hopefully, many more for the years ahead.

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

Thank you all for sticking it out this long. I love that you have shared messages and kind words how the story has impacted your life. I didn't ever think that anyone would care about this story, and it's thanks to you that I continued it to it's end. For the days ahead, I do have a small bit with Fremra at the end, talking to Florimel about the story. (She slinks off during the party)

Days ahead are going to be filled with editing book 3 for publication or typing up some gilded cage for you to enjoy. If you wish to keep in contact with us, we have a telegram that you might join here: https://t.me/+bFP5zAI4UIWBIGX2

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Again, thank you all, I'm moved by you all. <3