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Scales and Honor: Darkened Skies

Chapter 18: Good Company

Up they climbed the treacherous slopes of slickened stones and dirt. The rain never ceased its relentless assault as it drenched Arcturus and the others as they pressed stubbornly on. Thunder boomed in the distance that sounded like the march of thousands of soldiers ready for war. The knight breathed in the cold air, his lungs tingling as his bones ached from the previous battle. He leaned up against his love as they neared the top of the mountain, everyone else in silence as Merlia led them along. She had found a trail from the trolls that she had claimed was easier to follow then an ork through a ceramic shop drunk off his arse. He had chuckled at the imagery alone but was ever thankful when they rose above the last incline and she had turned around, cupper her hands around her mouth and shouted.

“And we're here I tink!" The ranger pointed out towards a gap in the peaks made of jagged rocks that looked like a mouth rather than a natural formation, but to Arcturus the promise of rest was too good to think ill of it now. Besides, he looked up to the proud dragon walking with him, the red scaled beauty glancing down to offer him a tender nuzzle across his face as he took off his helmet. He returned the gesture by a raising a hand to stroke his mate's beloved scales, the intimate warmth spreading through his heart making him lose sense of himself as Veledar's purrs wrapped sweetly around his ears and snatched his mind away in a sea of bliss. For a glorious sliver of a moment nothing else mattered. The rain faded, sound dulled, and all the sensations ceased except for the dragon held within his hands.

“You two comin or ye two going ta stay in da rain kissin all night?" Merlia shouted with a chuckle. “I can watch o course, so don't mind me! I can get snacks and enjoy the entertainment!" The dwarves loud laugh pulled the paladin from his realm of bliss to see that the others had already surged forward in an attempt to free themselves from the sky's tears.

Blushing he placed a hand to the dragon's shoulder and carried on with well placed strides over the rocky ground covered in small pools of water. The red chuckled warmly in his throat as his serpentine neck lowered and offered the human a brief kiss on the cheek.

“I felt that you know." The red's lips curled into a smirk.

“Oh, did you now?" Arcturus laughed, folding his arms across his chest and giving his smug love a smirk of his own. “I for one could tell that you were thinking the same thing so don't even try to wiggle your-“

Veledar silenced him with a passionate kiss. Oh. In one instant all the feelings from before came rushing back like an unstoppable tide. The red drake's purr on the air was just music to Arcturus' ears and medicine for the soul.

“I would never my love." The red pulled back his head into the shape of an S. “Now let's go see our minions before they get jealous about how in love we are."

“Is that how you see it?" He chuckled, the absurdity of it not even coming as a shock as they passed through the dripping mouth of the cave. “You're in some sort of contest with your love for me?"

“One that I am naturally better than anyone else at. That doesn't even consider my dearest knight that I'm a dragon at all. Destined to love for all time with a passion that none other could duplicate. For dragons are superior didn't you know?"

“And what of me?" He poked the red's snout when it snuck to close, electing a chuckle from the scaled beast.

“Oh, you my full attention. In this dragon's opinion consider yourself an honorary dragon. Highly above the rest of your kin. I'd even say better than that raven haired whelp you call a princess."

“Thank you o glorious overlord!" He laughed with a smile. He sighed in relief when the scent of damp stone lingered in the air. Though as he took another breath he was bombarded with what could only be described as if someone had left an outhouse to linger for days on end. “Gods." He held his nose as the girls shot him cross looks. “What in the nine hells is that?"

“We're already on it." Lyndis waved at him with a laugh. “If ya weren't bloody busy sucking face you'd have known that by now." She thumbed back to their friends who had were busy casting prestigitation over and over on various rock formations within the cavern. “Got Shandalar, Feku and Nivra on prestigitaion duty. Thank the gods for that spell of a thousand uses. Today's order seems to cleaning."

“And…why not you?" He coughed, trying to maintain his compose are Krotos began to preen his feathers behind the rogue with a series of chirps.

“Because of this you dolt." She slid over, pressing a finger to his chest and instantly drying his clothes with a flash of purple light and quick utterance of the spell phrase. “Can't have our knight all damp and wet, can we?"

“What about your glorious dragon overlord?" Veledar's head moved in on the rogue, showing off all his gleaming teeth in the torch light that his friends had lit around the cave to bathe it in a warm cheerful glow.

“What about him?" Lyndis tossed the dragon an amused smile as she crossed her arms firmly across her chest. “Can't you cast the bleedin spell on yerself?"

“That doesn't mean I don't enjoy other beings doing it for me."

“Because you're a focken lazy lizard!"

“Lazy dragon Lyndis. Honestly." The red chuckled, holding a paw to his chest. “We've been together this long, and you still don't know what I am? You must be utterly blind girl." The dragon quickly pulled his head back before the rogue could swat him on the nose with an open palm. “And your reflexes seem to be lacking. Perhaps I should find a better thief on our little venture?"

“I'm not a bloody thief!"

“I'd say, you have done a very poor job at stealing anything!" He smacked his paw on the stone, adding a snort for good measure…" Well on second thought.." He held his head up, mischief lingering in his cerulean pools. “You have stolen my attention from time to time."

“By the gods dragon." Lyndis held the bridge of her nose with a chuckling sigh. “You are one of the best things from time to time."

“So, you admit that I'm the best!" He bounced his head happily as his frills fluttered uncontrollably. He curled his head around, his eyes turned into pleased slits. “Did you hear that Arcturus? Our rogue claimed that I was the best!"

“That's not what she said." The human laughed, leaning up against the dragon as they settled down next to an area of the cave that Merlia had set up a makeshift campfire. Asterion had pulled some logs he had found scattered round the cave and the ranger was busy trying to get them to light. When Veledar curled around the human and turned into a comfy scaled couch she offered him a glare, one that told the dragon to mind his own business and let her light the damn wood. In a series of minutes a spark finally sprung into being, leaving Merlia looking rather pleased with herself. When that was done it was Krotos who plopped down onto the stone with a sigh. Merlis thrust a stick into the gryphon's yellow beak, instructing him how to stoke the fire.

“Now don't let dat be going out any time soon." She held her palms at the fire. “We're going to go little exploring ta see what dey had lurkin." The dwarf gestured to Lyndis, Feku, and Nivra whom all we're holding packs with smiles on their faces.

Krotos nodded, poking the fire with his length of wood and rolling his eyes. Arcturus would have gone with the group as they started to walk deeper into the cave, but he was too comfy laying here on his dragon. Even Voidwing that normally would have gone with her was instead convinced by the princess to stay behind and lay around the fire as he relaxed on the stone.

Nothing much was said as they all enjoyed the warmth radiating from the fire dancing in front of them. Asterion leaned against the stone walls, his eyes on the mouth of the cave were the storm still raged, Krotos tending to the fire with occasional flicks of his tail, and Voidwing who was shifting his weight as he tended to his feathers. In these moments Veledar offered the human numerous nuzzles. Ones that made him sigh and press into such actions as the dragon's love spread through him like a fire. Nuzzles lead to soft purrs of delight as the two enjoyed each other's ministrations. Arcturus' stroked his mate's snout tenderly, laughing when he got a long lick across his face in return. It was only when the group came back did his mind get snapped back to reality.

“Well dey had treasure!" Merlia laughed, waddling over with Lyndis and setting Nivra's unconscious body down near the black gryphon.

“What happened?" Voidwing squawked with a voice close to breaking as his beak traced every inch of the princess. He repeated the question as he lingered on the steady rise of her chest.

“We found some of these dream moths." Merlia set her pack on the ground, pulling out several off-white moth's the size of three human hands. Each one had a puncture mark where an arrow had flown through it that was crusted with a purple substance. “Now. She thought they were cute..I get it. Some folks tink dat da dragon over dere be cute."

“Hey!" Veledar snorted, smacking his tail against the stone.

“But she got a wee bit too close to em. And dese moths give off a sleeping powder if ya startle dem." She chuckled, gesturing to the princess. “Lass got a load to da face and went down faster than a youngin with their first ale."

“Oh." Voidwing sighed in relief, the tension lingering on his beak fading away with a claw placed to his furred chest. “Thank the gods then."

“So, what did you find other than the sleep inducing moths?" Veledar mused, shifting his spade head from the unconscious girl to the dwarf who was busy shifting the contents of her bag with small metallic clinks. “Nothing too much in dere, got a wee bit o coin dat dey be havin in da grime. Some goblets and cups we could sell at a market."

“Hmmph." Veledar held him closer and made Arcturus sighed. Who needed more treasure when he had the greatest gem with him right now? He closed his eyes and settled back against the dragon's chest as the red's tail soon started to tremble in time with the beating of his heart. He stayed silent as Merlia described for a series of minutes of the bags of coins that they found within the clutter and human remains that they found deeper in the cavern. The knight felt bad for all the poor souls that had lost their lives and felt relieved that they had killed the five trolls before they could propagate even more misery into the world. He hugged Veledar's snout when it was offered, the red's soothing rumbles bringing a warmth to his heart that would fend off any cold that threatened to steal them away.

“Course dere be one bit o interest dat we found in dere. Found by da kobold of all tings."

“Lucky little blighter." Lyndis laughed as Feku proudly pulled out a shortsword contained within a jet-black scabbard covered in gold dwarven runes. The cross guard of the weapon was gold, glinting in the firelight and coated in the same runes of the scabbard.

“Look I found!" The bard unsheathed the blade, instantly making everyone's eyes widen in surprise, and Veledar's in jealousy. For where a metal blade should have been was a red mass that looked like it had come right out of the forge. It exuded a faint glow, almost hissing in the air as the kobold swished it around slowly. “Dwarven heat sword!"

“It be a dwarven molten blade lass." Merlia chuckled, settling down next to the fire. “Enchanted with runes ta stay as hot as da day it twas forged, and special ones on da scabbard so ya don't burn yerself. It be even rarer den ya tink. Add dat to da fact no one makes em no more."

“That would make a fine collection to my hoard." The dragon whispered as the Kobold continued to swoosh the sword against the air, the after-image lingering in the air. “What makes it rarer Merlia?"

“Well if ya know a ting about dwarves. We tend ta like axes or hammers. Not waste time on swords. So havin one with that enchantment? That be a rare ting indeed."

“What would you even do with that?' Arcturus laughed as Feku sliced it through the air. “You can't even wield it!"

“So?" The dragon pulled him tighter against his chest with a chuckle. “It would look splendid among my treasures…Just like you." His snout descended to the human's face, nuzzling him with a low rumble.

“What happened to embarrassing yourself around the others?"

“I can put up with a little embarrassment for now. We had a tiring day before hand and I wish for nothing more than to have you wrapped up within my paws."

“That does sound like a delightful time." His hands stroked the dragon's spade head as the other's chat devolved into qualities of the blade Feku had before them. How it weighed less than normal, how balanced it was, and how it could slice through metal like butter. “Course..My mate what if I protest? I can't spend all day trapped by your affectionate grasp."

“Alas Arcturus." The dragon's playful growl radiated on the air as his limbs trembled and held Arcturus tight. “You don't really have a choice in the matter, and you don't seem to mind.

“Caught me!" He admitted, leaning into the dragon's caress as the others soon discussing food and drink. Veledar grumbled that all they had to eat was nothing but some bland summoned bread but was silenced by Arcturus handing over several strips of dried meat that he had gotten from Roselake. The dragon purred, quickly devouring them before instantly regretting it and saying it was at least a tiny glimmer of tasty food. From that point they broke off into groups as the outside world had begun to darken and the storm continued to rage on. Merlia and Feku had started to string up the captured moths and prepare them for roasting over the open fire. The dwarf had bragged about how they just needed some spices and she could make a fine meal for them. Shandalar had come over to the test the paladin's mental protections as he and the dragon slunk over to the edge of the cave.

The wizard had smirked when he pushed her from his mental fortress, congratulating him on mastering the technique. Krotos had been chatting with Lyndis, his eyes going to Voidwing every few minutes who had been laying down next to the fire, his eyes staring into the flames as if searching for some unknown answer. Asterion was entertaining them with a story about honorable battle against orcs that outnumbered his brethren and how they stood their ground and kept fighting. Arcturus didn't know if they were humoring him, but it was good to see that once tired faces were now laughing and full of life. The biggest surprise that he got was none other than Veledar sprawled out by Nivra with a flicking tail. She was sitting on a rock, holding her staff as she stared into the dragon's eyes. Between the two both looked to be pleased. The girl had a smile on her face, and Veledar was giving her an amused look with a tapping tail and holding his head into the shape of an S.

“Getting along you two? I don't have to worry about war breaking out do I?" He asked warmly, glancing to the mage and dragon in turn before staring out to the darkened skies and clouds. The longer he lingered on the things he felt a swirling sense of unease in his gut. It made him shiver as it flowed through his bones and wrapping around him like a cloak.

“Enough so that we we're able to share a conversation about magic." The dragon snorted, “I was going on about that little maneuver that the elf and dwarf came up with. We we're trying to come up with other spells that might work in tandem with one another. And war Arc?" The dragon snorted. “Please, we both know we don't have to worry about that."

“Is that so?" Arcturus leaned against the cold stone as thunder crashed outside, sounding as though it was banging at the human's ears. He frowned as he watched more lightning arc across the sky, splintering into many fragments as if trying to cut the sky into pieces. He had never seen a storm so violent, or one that had lasted this long. “Crimson.." He sat down when Nivra patted the rock beside her. “Do you get an odd feeling staring out to that storm?"

“So, you can sense it too." The dragon shifted his weight, eyes narrowing as thunder came in the lightning's wake. “Nivra and I had discussed that as well while you were doing your little mental training so that you would not be charmed by your dragon any time soon."

“Oh you." He laughed, “I'd never use that on you. Feel free to charm me any time you wish."

“Hmmph." The dragon's lips curled into a smirk. “I will have to remember that, but back to the matter at claw. I know you're not too familiar with the matters of magic, but looking out to this lighting sends an itch through my bones. Both of us think it's magical in origin. Someone or something is controlling that storm."

What? “But who would be doing that then?" He placed his palm to his chin, watching the dark clouds billow and flow across the vast sky. “Are they trying to stop us?" He frowned, “And who would even be after us?"

“Maybe it's the queen of eternal flame? Nivra's head perked up.

He glanced back to the wizard, giving her a questioning look. It was odd how that name came cropping up. First with Lyndis and now with Nivra. “Why…did you meet her?" His nerves tingled when Nivra nodded and replied with a meek voice.

“She was an elf with piercing blue eyes, could cast magic without a word or gesture. Probably one of the most frightening beings we've come across. If I had been informed she could control the weather I'd believe it."

“Fear not Nivra." Veledar growled, “We have yet to encounter a foe we could not best." He grinned proudly, placing a claw to his chest. 'if this so-called queen arrives I'm sure we could give her ample opportunities to taste my flames and that magical might of my companions.

“Wish I had that optimism lingering around my head." She crossed her arms and glanced back to Voidwing as her eyes glimmered with worry in the firelight. “She had Voidwing and I right under her thumb. I don't think there was anything we could have done…We were powerless before her." Her face wrinkled as she continued to stare, as if she were remembering the events unfolding before her.

“That was before you had us little human." Veledar snapped his maw at the air, proudly holding his head high with a tap of his tail. “And more importantly me." The dragon's frills trembled ever so slightly as he rumbled through his throat. “Just stay with us my little minion and I will keep you and your precious kitty bird safe and protected. Imagine the story if someone did make an attempt on your life." The dragon grinned. “Crimson Sky…The savior of future queens!"

Nivra laughed, the dragon's words casting away the worry that had been painted on her face. Her hands went to her mouth as her cheeks blushed and the dragon blew smoke rings at her. “You're a good dragon."

“The best." His tone filled the room, his ego hardly being contained by his scales.

“Arcturus!" Feku scampered over, clutching the scabbard of the lava blade tightly within her green scaled claws.

“Yes?" He rose a brow as the lizard came to a skidding stop, taking deep breaths and holding out the blade. “Will you teach laters to use this? Asterion offered." She rose a hand as if gripping the phantom blade, swishing it in the air at some invisible enemy with a smile on her snout. “So, I can be a proper pirate!"

“Adventurer?" Veledar grumbled, making Feku give him a cold stare. One that threatened to freeze the very air around her gaze.

“Whatevers." She snapped back to Arcturus, her frown changing back to a smile. “Will you, will you?" She bounced on her claws, excitement flowing off of her like the rain on a smooth slope.

“Sure." He laughed, patting the narrowed eyed dragon that slunk his head into his grasp. He patted the red's smooth scales on his horned head. “Just don't lose sight of the blade." He caressed the base of Veledar's horns with his palms. “Certain people will want such a valuable blade as that. Isn't that right my mate?" He glanced down to the dragon, giving him a knowing glance as the regal drake pulled his head away with a single snort, and trembling frills.

“You can count on that it shall not be me….Although…Little Feku." The dragon scooched closer towards her, curling his serpentine neck around her with a grin. “How about we trade that sword for being able to touch my snout when you please? I have seen the wonder that you watch my scales. How you wish to grace your claws with their majesty. Surely this would be a small price to pay to earn that?"

The kobold's tail wiggled slightly as her weight shifted and she shied away from the dragon's gaze. She clutched the scabbard closer to her chest as Veledar moved in slowly, giving her a playful growl. “I knows what you doing. Lyndis warn me." She turned away with a stomp, and her snout raised high like Veledar did when he was pretending to be hurt. She marched away with a snort and a rapidly swaying tail.

“Damn." Veledar paused, claw going to the tip of his snout as he curled it into an S. “I will get that sword one day little one. Mark my words it shall adorn my horde for the rest of time!"

Feku turned to him as Lyndis yelled at her to do something. The little kobold extended a digit and gave Veledar the bird with her tongue stuck out of her snout.

“Great, now you're teaching her crude hand gestures Lyndis, way to be a role model!" Veledar grumbled as he snorted, curling around Arcturus with another round of rumbling.

“You can't fight your instinct, can you?" He laughed, earning himself a hardened stare from those wonderful cerulean eyes. They shifted before his eyes, to that of amused slits.

“No, my little paladin. I see things that I must have. It wiggles within my heart something fierce until I act upon it." His eyes suddenly filled with need as the dragon moved his snout a tad closer, the air around the paladin feeling a tad warmer as the dragon's forepaw snuck out to pull him closer over the stone.

“Like Arcturus?" Nivra giggled as his hand cupped the dragon's chin in a tender way.

“Yes." Veledar rolled his eyes with a chuckle emanating from his throat. “Like my Arcturus." The dragon shook his neck, his scales clinking together. “Honestly girl you can really ruin a moment did you know that? Did they teach you such a skill in those human magic colleges you talked about?"

“I didn't mean to!" She blushed, placing a hand to her lips. Her mouth fell open as if she were mortified, and her cheeks burned red as Voidwing's beak glanced over to them. “Although to be fair…If you want to keep acting so cute you can't be surprised when people can't help themselves but comment on it."

“I can help interrupt them!" Krotos chuckled at them.

“Hmmph." Veledar pulled Arcturus closer as Krotos offered the pair a mischievous wink. This time it was Arcturus to roll his eyes as he no doubt knew what the lewd bird had in mind for interrupting a moment."

“Truly..I am sorry Crimson Sky. I just wanted to express how adorable and cute that you act around Arcturus here. If only my people had known this side of dragons instead of being fed the lies and propaganda over the years, perhaps things could have been different…Its.." Her eyes went to Arcturus as she rolled one of her locks of hair around her finger. She looked away to Voidwing who seemed to be egging her on with a roll of his claw. When Arcturus looked to the bird he snapped away and tapped his tail against the stone, pretending to be inspecting some wall or something. “it's rather beautiful actually. I see how you look at him…and it's like you're practically made for one another." She folded her hands across her hap, warming gazing up into the dragon's snout who had begun to rumble and practically purr at the compliments.

Embarrassment passed through the bond as Arcturus felt his own cheeks redden. “Why thank you princess. Your words are most correct and kind." Veledar rumbled, nuzzling Arcturus with a gentle tap of his tail. “It's only natural when you are faced with such raw passion and love from me that you are left in awe."

“He's actually embarrassed at your words." Arcturus chuckled, running a hand slowly up the middle of Veledar's snout. “He loves them words anyway."

“Arcturus!" Veledar hissed, pulling back to nose at the human's chest and tickle him with snorts of his breath. “How am I supposed to stay regal if you keep revealing my emotions!"

“Then don't purr you scaled beast!"

“That's unfair! I can't help it when I purr!" The dragon pulled him in, snorting into his chest with an amused chuckle. “Perhaps if I embarrassed you in front of the princess you'd think twice!"

“See? This is what I am talking about." Nivra extended her arms with a smile. “Simply..Adorable."

“Well…surely you will be this way with Voidwing when the time comes." Arcturus' eyes narrowed on the gryphon, who upon hearing his name and seeing the wanting face of his princess came padding over with a slow gate.

“Anything wrong?" The gryphon asked, his eyes filled with concern as he glanced to Arcturus, to Veledar, and lastly to Nivra with a warm glow. His lion ears twitched kind of cutely before he strolled around the group and curled right up against his princess and offered his wing to her. “I heard my name called."

“Nothing too drastic Softpaws." She said sweetly, scratching one of the loyal gryphon's ears when his beak brushed up against her.

“Soft paws?" Veledar gasped, tapping his tail on the floor while laughter bubbled in his throat.

“Yes." The gryphon's ears splayed as Nivra continued her diligent work.

“It's because he has them and I adore him to bunches!" She cupped the gryphon's chin and rubbed his jaw with a coo. She giggled when the proud gryphon's eyes closed in delight and pressed into her touch.

“Should I start calling you names as well?" Arcturus shot Veledar a sly grin, one that the dragon stopped by licking him across the face with a playful growl.

“You start calling me pet names like that and I'll bite you to no end."

“Too late!" He poked the dragon's nose. “You already nip me!"

“To show you I adore you!" Veledar pulled his head back with a snort. “Besides, I'm most careful! I have to be careful when I'm with such a fragile thing such as yourself!" The red snaked his snout in, gently nibbling Arcturus on the neck. Enough to make him wince.

“Hey!"

“See?"

“Hmmph.." Arcturus rubbed the area with a groan before the dragon returned to offer him some reassuring licks. They at least fought off the small ache that now permeated the area.

“My concern though is my own people accepting Voidwing though. It's always been on my mind." She sighed, her hand going to brush against the black gryphon's cheek with upmost care.

“Because he's a gryphon?" Arcturus' head tilted to the side. That usually wasn't a thing of concern in Lumara. They didn't care what kind of relationship you had with any intelligent race. It was one of the good things about the nation. He blamed it on the close relationship they had with gryphons over the centuries. “If I do recall there was king Reginald and his wife, who herself was a half-elf. There was also queen Victoria and her husband Aesop, who was a bluejay colored gryphon. If I recall they could adopt to have children. It has hardly been an issue."

“Normally." Nivra sighed once more, her face darkening despite the flickering flames. “But Voidwing here isn't of noble birth. That's one of the prerequisites unfortunately." She pressed into Voidwing when he offered her a small chirp and nuzzle with his face. “I don't know what we're going to do yet about that."

“You could make him a noble surely?" Veledar chuckled. “You will be queen…Seems an easy thing to do." The dragon rose a wing talon, bouncing it on the air as he was touching Voidwing's head. “I dub thee gryphon a noble."

“And look at my family if you have any doubt." Arcturus smiled as the dragon wiggled around him. “We were considered a noble house."

“Wait.." Veledar rumbled, tilting his head down as curiosity lingered in his eyes. “You mean to tell me that I have acquired a lord to my treasure?" The dragon beamed playfully with his teeth on full display and his tail tapping away in excitement. “Who knew you were even more valuable than I had known!" His head swayed back and forth as he happily rumbled at the air. “I mated a knight lord."

Arcturus scratched the dragon's chin as Nivra contemplated their words with a frown and stare to her boots. The only sound that passed around them were the chatting of their friends and the rumbles of the pleased dragon he was tending to. He nestled up to the red's strong chest when his forepaw curled around the human and dragged him closer for more intimate nuzzling. Comfort swallowed him up within it's warm embrace and left him closing his eyes and sinking into Veledar's care. “You spoil me dragon…What could I ever do without you now?"

“Nothing." The dragon smiled, nosing him with his snout.

Arcturus' hands caressed his love's jaw, sighing as he hugged the dragon's snout. “Love you Veledar."

“As do I my precious mate." The dragon replied softly. When Arcturus' fingers graced his frills Veledar's eyes closed and he pressed more steadily into the human's chest.

“I think you might be right." Nivra said finally, warmth in her voice and her face starting to brighten. She wiggled her way closer to Voidwing, cuddling up against that bundle of black and white feathers and fur. She took a long drag of the air as the tender aroma of the cooking moths flowed all around them and teased at their senses. “Who knew that cooking bugs of all things would smell good?" With another breath they could fight it no longer. The group moved as one to be closer to the red-orange flames of the dancing fire with all their companions gathered around to watch as the dwarf rolled the moth's over the flame supported by a stick.

“So ya finally had enough of each odder. I can't blame ya. Da dragon has dat wee effect on people. Ain't that right dragon?" Merlia chuckled, raising a brow as she continued her work.

“Go get mounted dwarf. At least I don't smell like a disterelly wherever I go."

“Or catch aflame when hit by a fire attack….On account of all the booze soaked into her…Never mind." Arcturus laughed, blushing as everyone looked to him.

“Hah!" Merlia's sudden laugh broke the silence, a dull smack sounding through the cave as she smacked her knee. “I liked dat one! Course human ya shouldn't be one ta talk. Ya smell like dragon cum all da time it's hard ta tell which one of ya be comin!"

“I have bathed!" He felt his cheeks burn as small chuckles went through his friends. “And what of you smells like a gryphon? Right Crimson?" To his relief the dragon nodded and rumbled his approval.

“Course unlike you, I dun mind admitting it!" She nudged the blue gryphon, “Ain't dat right blue birdy?"

“None at all dwarven hen." He smiled, his voice dripping with lust. “We both know you rather like gryphons."

“Course I do, notin but big bundles of sexy feathers!" She grinned, “Now Arc, be a lad and toss me some spices from me pack dere before ya cheeks start ta make another fire for me ta roast."

“Spices?" He tilted his chin, picking up the worn leather pack.

“Aye, I picked a wee bit up in Roselake. Ya know, ta bring life ta dat bland food da elf can summon up with a wave of her pampered hands."

“They're not pampered dwarf. You would see that they are simply well taken care of." Shandalar held up her hands. True to her word there was not a single speck of dust, not a callus, nor any cut or smudge of dirt. That only made Merlia laugh harder.

“Yer only provin me point mage. Not a single callus on dem! And you had all da gaal to call da dragon lazy!"

Arcturus unfastened the pack as the mage and ranger got into a sparring match with word and chuckles as they went back and forth tossing insults to one another. Pompous finger twiddler she hissed in dwarven tones, followed by stout simpleton. He would have been concerned if not for the laughter everyone was sharing, including Merlia on the subject. Even Shandalar seemed to be getting in a chuckle.

When he popped open the pack he was greeted to the lingering scent of grapes, berries, and even some butterscotch mixed in for good measure. Inside he saw a myriad of different bottles all glinting in the dim light. They were made of dull metal and had soft brown corks in their ends. Scratches and dents lined the surface of the containers, and each one was labeled with dwarven runes. He shifted the many bottles until he found a dull white container simply with a dwarven rune scratched onto the surface. “Merlia…Why do you have nothing but booze in here?"

“What?" Lyndis snorted, “Ya got to be pulling my leg. Surely there's more in there?"

“None!" Arcturus laughed, holding out the pack. “The only thing in here is booze!" He pulled out the can. “I only assume this is the spice?"

“Aye. Be glad I made it easy for ya." Merlia snatched the container away with a wink. “Anna course I have spirits in dere lad. What kind of dwarf would I be without dem?"

“A sober one?" Veledar tilted his head to the side.

“Aye, but where be the fun it dat?"

“Surely you could have packed food…Supplies…" Arcturus checked to make sure she had her bedroll, rope, and waterskin still secured to the pouch. Thankfully they were indeed there and not replaced with larger bottles of wine. Though with the current contents of her pack that didn't seem like a far stretch for the chuckling ranger.

“How much booze does she have in there?" Krotos slunk over, dashing his head into the pack and pulling out a gleaming bottle with his beak. “Oooooo..what do we have here?" The gryphon coo'd taking the metal container into his claws and settling onto his hinds. “Perhaps some gryphon's delight perchance? Or maybe some dragon's milk."

“Oi!" Merlia thrust a finger to Arcturus, then to the gryphon busy eyeing the bottle with curiosity. “Good ting I was lookin ta share it . No better way ta celebrate over a story for da ages anyway!"

“But all you brought was booze!" Arcturus gestured to the bag for all to see as laughter traveled through them and filled the cave with warmth.

“So what Arc? What was I supposed ta bring eh?" She gave him a coy smile, gesturing to the others with her hand. “I got a wee bit o help from da rest of ya fer food. The bland bread from da elf, I got a place ta sleep. If I really complain I got me good berries ta fill me stomach. So, what if deres enough booze ta get da dragon dere drunk? It helps pass da nights!" She grinned, waving her hand. “Now hand out da bottles lad before I change me mind and start tossin ya da stink eye!"

Arcturus sighed with a roll of his eyes, holding out the pack and offering everyone a bottle from the dwarf's stash. Despite everyone getting a bottle there were still a good number left within the pouch. Veledar managed to sneak two out of the leather pack without anyone noticing before the human set it back down and uncorked his bottle with a sigh. Almond scents wafted up from the container, mixed with a hint of strawberries. He shrugged as Merlia held her own bottle up.

“Here's ta all of ya bastards. Who knew a quest fer a wee book be leading me ta bring down an evil empire, fight against a metal dragon from da nine hells, and encounter not one, but five of some of the rarest monsters me people ever hear about! Me grand-dad would be so proud!" She cheered, only to be echoed by everyone else as they took a long sip from each of their bottles.

Almond sweetness flooded Arcturus' taste buds and reminded him of well-prepared tavern drinks. It ended with a lingering taste of berries that made him click his tongue several times. It was not the best he had had but it wasn't the worst either. He shrugged and took another swig as the drink burned his throat and one by one they all gasped. Laughter radiated through the air as his companions swapped drinks with reddening cheeks trying to find the perfect taste for them to enjoy.

The flames danced lovingly within the cave as Arcturus let the fuzziness of the drinks fill his senses. He leaned back into the chest of his dragon with a pleased sigh, content filing him like a glass as Veledar wrapped a paw tenderly around him with a pleased rumble. Dinner was soon served afterword with anticipation practically forcing their mouths to drool. To the dismay of the gryphons and dragon there was not enough for their ravenous hunger and Shandalar was forced to summon some of her bread for them in addition to their share of the moth.

They protested and squawked indignity before accepting their position with narrowed eyes and irritated chirps. Chat soon rumbled around the human and licked at his ears as stories of delight and bravery were shared around the campfire. They spoke of dragons, gryphons, and evil monsters that were felled by heroic figures of old. Merlia even spoke of their own tale but embellished it in a way to make them sound even more heroic. In her words “Da trolls be 15 feet tall, breathed fire, and had da nastiest stench dis side of Sethera. Ya could choke a horse wit dere fists and when ya struck dem down, two grew in dere place! Course despite dere size dey had pretty small nethers!" She had taken a long drag, laughing away as the others chuckled at her tall tale. When Arcturus protested that this was not the truth she laughed, smacked him on the knee and told him if that's the way he wanted to tell the story be her guest but this was the way she would be telling it. “More excitin dat way!" She roared, offering more drink to those that wanted it.

After that came stories of terror. Each one from many different sections of where Merlia had explored in her youth. They spoke of werewolves, vampires, undead, and even some with giant spiders with big beady eyes. Arcturus listened on with a protected heart and crossed arms, the dragon snuggling him like a treasured gem the entire while. Voidwing though was having none of it. With each sentence to add to the tales the gryphon trembled and shook with a no doubt racing heart. He had lowered his head and covered his eyes with his wings, like large feathery shields to protect him from whatever horrors were being summoned forth with the stories. The black gryphon gasped in relief as his princess stroked his neck to sooth him. When the stories had began to die and the drinks were almost gone, several of the others passed out, if from drink or tiredness Arcturus didn't know.

Veledar had fallen asleep in his lap, the dragon's warm breath coming out every few moments to enchant his wandering hands with the gift of pleasing heat. Shandalar was trancing with her arms folded on her lap and Merlia was leaning back against the ever snoozing Krotos who had her wrapped up in his wings like a blanket. Only Lyndis and Nivra seemed to be awake save Asterion of course who was near the entrance of the cave keeping watch with stern eyes. Arcturus yawned as sleep tried to take him away, slip under his weary mind and drag him to the sweet realm of dreams.

“So, you're the princess of Drenedar?" Nivra asked softly, eyes wandering to the bottom of her bottle and swishing it around. “Small world is it not?"

“Yea. Funny thing bout that. Don't let the big red fool you. Despite his reluctance to bloody say so, he loves the idea of having not one but two princesses with this group of his. Call it the old dragon instincts if you would. They just seem to love royalty. You should meet my dragon." She thumbed her chest, chuckling before taking a long slurp from her bottle and a pleased gasp. “Scales of the finest green, handsome, and can be the kindest gentle dragon you've ever met."

“And you just went up and left when you were of age?" Nivra rose her brow, abruptly changing the subject.

Lyndis' brow stitched together, and she folded her arms against her chest. “Yea that be the gist of it. Couldn't bleedin stand it, wanted a more adventurous life than that of a spoiled girl in a castle."

“How come you didn't stay around to render assistance to your parents? Surely, they could have used you in some fashion. It's not like they were whispering how weak or helpless you were all your life." The wizard's words grew taught as she stared into the dwindling flames, stoking the embers with Krotos' discarded poker.

“Like I'd want to put up with all that bleedin princess nonsense. Telling me where to go, who to marry, what to be. Too many rules to step on, never being on adventures. How could I reside myself to a boring life like that?" Another drink found its way to Lyndis' lips as she gave Nivra a searching look from boots to head. “Why didn't you ever do the same as me?"

“Lyndis has a point." Arcturus mumbled softly, patting the sleeping dragon even more so. “Beats being a guard any day…and I never would have met this sweet guy."

“Mmmmm…Love you too." Veledar replied groggily, his tail lightly raising and falling against the stone.

Nivra's eyes twitched as it seemed like she couldn't understand the rogue's words. “Because it was my birthright?" Her voice suddenly started to grow sharp as a blade. “It was yours as well. You might not like that fact, but it was our destiny and responsibility to be watching out for our people."

“I make my own bloody destiny thank you very much."

Fire flickered in Nivra's eyes, “So what about your responsibility? Don't you owe it to your people to stay and help their leaders? How can you be so selfish and abandon them like that?"

“I didn't abandon them!" Lyndis cheeks flushed, “I left to live my own life. That can't be wrong with it? I never asked to be born the princess!"

“Neither was I, but I knew my own needs were secondary to that of my people. Something you don't seem to share.."

“No! And what the fock are you doing here anyway. You hated your father, then murdered him I might mention. Then ya took flight and ran away from the throne?" She thrust an open palm to Arcturus her teeth snapping with a hiss. “What about Arcturus here? He left your people when he was ordered to kill Crimson, was he abandoning his people as well?" The half-elves eyes trembled as her hand rose to thrust a finger to Nivra. “Tell me that princess."

“Gladly. Arcturus saw an injustice and left feeling as though his countrymen had betrayed him first. I can understand his reasoning. He saw no love for a country that kills innocent people and turns them into crystals to power their goods. In a way he did abandon his people. I on the other hand saw our nation crumbling away and chose to save it. I dropped everything I knew to come sway Crimson's vengeance away my people. So, don't you dare say that I abandoned my people. I'm out here for all of them. Not like you who left them to serve your own selfish desires. I bet you don't have a nonselfish bone in the entirety of your being."

“You don't know me! What do you bloody think we're doing now? She shot her hand out towards the storm, “I've stopped to help villages, towns, we fought bloody undead for them the last few weeks!"

“Because you found an adventure leading you back to them. If not for that you would have been content to stay away from your people for many years on end." Her eyes narrowed into a cold stare, one that filled the air and even threatened to extinguish the warmth the fire was providing. Arcturus glanced to each of the girls in turn as sparks practically exploded between them.

“Girls…Tyr to-“

“Stay bleedin out of this Arc. I'm not your dragon to soothe." Lyndis snapped, “This is between me and that holier than thou girl you call a princess." The rogue snorted dismissively. “Who whores herself out to her people and can't fathom having her own life."

“Because that's what we're born for! You and I are set for the throne! There is no denying that! You can't just abandon your people to go off and play adventurer! They needed you! Maybe if you'd been around the undead wouldn't have been so prominent in these lands!"

Lyndis almost punched her. He saw it in her left fist as it clenched, but the rogue held herself back with a stitched brow and face wrinkled in a snarl. “Sod off Nivra. You can take this flipping attitude and screw yourself. My nation isn't the one killing innocents and making monsters out of people's mums." The rogue threw her metal bottle against the ground with a resounding clang. “I didn't abandon my people." She muttered softly, grabbing her sleeping bag and heading away from the fire and the now quiet Nivra.

The black-haired princess stared into the flames, her cheeks red and a finger twirling softly through her hair. She trembled before leaning into her gryphon, her eyes looking to be thousands of miles away.

“Nivra.." Arcturus went to say but she sighed and cut him off.

“Arcturus…Knight of Bahamut..I just want to be left alone." She turned with a sniff, burying her head into Voidwing's feathers as she quivered and shook. Her soft sounds tugged at the knight's heart, begging him to go to her aid. He shifted to move but found himself hopelessly pinned. Veledar with his snout on his lap and paws wrapped around him he was less likely to be swayed into relinquishing his well deserved snuggle, add to the fact the dragon was still slumbering after that outburst only lended credence to the paladin would not be free for quite some time.

Damn He stopped struggling to relax within his dragon's embrace as Voidwing woke to whisper soft coos into the princess's ears and tell her things were going to be alright. With each passing moment he was glad she had that gryphon to help with the day's troubles. Arcturus remembered times during the years of his wife's passing how hard it was to go home to an empty bed. How a hard day no longer had the sweet embrace of another to ease the heart and let him know things were going to be alright

That's why he was so grateful for Veledar. Even if the dragon had him pinned. No matter what the obstacle he was there to quell his fear, and make him stronger when his heart was feeling weak. He smiled warmly, laying his head down against the dragon's warm, horned head as pleasing thoughts swirled round his mind and filled him with warmth to the absolute brim of his being. Luckily for Lyndis it was Krotos who had raised, slipping away from Merlia with a soft chirp and strode out to the rogue with a lowered beak. Gone was his usual bravado or smugness that the gryphon usually teased with. Instead what was left was a soft caring friend who offered her a wing and sat down beside the princess with a wiggling tail. To the paladin's surprise she took it, leaning up against the blue gryphon who pulled her close with a tight hug. They shared some words before Lyndis looked mortified and smacked the bird's beak as the both chuckled away.

“Your turn is next." Asterion nodded, looking right into Arcturus' eyes. “I'll wake you."

“You do that." He yawned his response, closing his eyes and slowly drifting off into the delightful embrace of his scaled lover. He wiggled, thinking that not even kings had a sleeping partner this lovely.

Sleep though did not bring the pleasing thoughts or warm feelings that he expected. Dark shadows chased him through an endless void of thick clouds. His heart pounded away as he scrambled on unseen surfaces slicker than an oiled up stone floor. He found himself laying in a grass covered field with oak trees lining the distance with their earth brown trunks. Colors were all muted and seemed to be in a fuzzy haze. The trees stretched for miles above his head, practically kissing the sky and mountains that towered over them. He knew there were taller mountains with jagged peaks even if he could not see them. Somehow, he could feel their presence in the marrow of his bones.

He rose from the soft earth, calling to his friends in turn with hands cupped around his mouth. To his surprise his voice was different. It was younger, smaller, and cracked mid-sentence. It was like it was when he was a child. Sure enough when he looked down he was in a dark green tunic with grey stitching on the sides. He wore charcoal covered breeches that were covered in dried dirt all the way down to his worn leather boots. He ran his fingers through his hair, it was short and ruffled up and filled with dirt. He brushed himself off. Clearly, he had been rolling around on the ground but he didn't know why. His answer came practically when he was finished thinking by a yell and scaled paws knocking him down.

“Got you Ordis!" Came a giggling voice that sounded like the sweet sound of a jay. Arcturus found himself nose to snout with a bronze scaled wrymling with yellow lined frills running from her head all the way to her tail. “And you thought you could get away!" She rose her dog sized head, grinning before looking to the trees. “I found the human! He was one of the worst hiders I could see!" The wyrmling kneaded his chest, her talons making him squirm before she lowered her snout back to tickle his face with her slobbery dragon licks.

“Hey!" His voice broke as she moved to his neck and made his body spasm in a most undignified way. “Stop it!" He cackled.

“Your fault for revealing your weakness Ordis." The wyrmling rumbled, continuing with her assault before issuing a command to her unseen allies. “Get him!"

Small trills sounded out around him, reminding him of little birds. What pounced him was vastly different however. Two more wyrmlings now had him trapped under their paws and tickling him with their snouts and slippery tongues. There was a loud roar in the distance that scattered birds in it's wake. The silly dragon's ceased their tickling assault and the human's surroundings starting to blacken and fade before his eyes. The grass burst into ash and everything else vanished with another sound of the roar.

Arcturus blinked his eyes, he was still laying within his mates embrace, although the pleasing snout was beside him rather than on his lap. Asterion was gently prodding him with a finger and giving him an expectant look. The warrior plopped down close to the dying fire as Arcturus struggled and managed to free himself from the dragon's grip without waking him. He stroked the fire with a stick to keep it going, watching as small specks of embers rose in the air like little shining insects. He sighed, setting his sights passed that of his friends and mate and to that of the entrance of the cave.

The next few hours passed quickly as the rising sun announced its arrival with a golden glow that flowed down from the mountains and brought life to the darkness that had gripped the land in it's shadow. The honied glaze was cast on the morning fog that made the human smile as he strode out and greeted the crisp morning air with a big breath, placing his hands to his waist. It looked beautiful. The land below that had been muddy, soaked, dreary, and looked most uninviting was now glistening in the sun like little diamonds had covered everything. Brilliant reds, vibrant golds, and some tantalizing greens still dotted most every tree that spread out for miles below. There was a wispy fog that clung around their branches, little birds dashing out of it with little chirps and spreading their forest green wings on the air. He could see the rivers spread out before them, like great enchanting sapphires within a treasure trove of rubies and gold. They carved the land into sections before branching out towards the jagged grey and white mountains in the distance. Each one reminded him of a dragon's maw come to life with chunks of stone. He thanked Celestriiden, the elven god of the sun for casting away the storm and giving them clear flight weather. Veledar he knew would love that one. Not to mention how much it would help to get to Struport and not waste their time walking over the mountains. He covered his eyes when a brilliant ray danced across his eyes. He squinted to where there was a dip between the mountains, a small blackened square that seemed to soak in all light that was between them. That Lyndis had said was the fortress that marked the entrance to Struport's valley. The only other entrances being the lands to the south and the marsh to the north. “A fortress city" Is what she had said with a smirk, pride shining through her words brighter than the sun.

Excitement teased at his skin, spreading up his spine and nipping at the base of his skull. He sighed in content, taking a long draw from his waterskin. He swished the cool liquid around in his mouth before downing it with a sigh.

“Enjoying the view?" Voidwing asked with a soft chirp, striding out with careful steps towards the paladin as a breeze washed over them and rippled feather and clothing alike.

“Perhaps." The human sighed, glancing back to the wonder of nature before them. “I do enjoy the sights from time to time. I like other things besides my dragon you know." He chuckled with the gryphon when the shyish bird slunk over and settled onto his hinds. “What about you? Are you not supposed to be guarding your princess?"

The gryphon's head cocked, his ears twitched, and he gave the human a searching look. “That might be true, but I saw that you were outside. Add that to the fact I don't think she's in danger in there might also count for something."

“Trust." He nodded, eying the gryphon out of the corner of his eyes as he spotted a yellow feathered roc in the distance burst through the fog. The horse sized hawk like creature spread its red spotted wings and whipped its thick horse tail behind it. “That's another thing that adventuring does for you. You rely on each other, trust one another. Look out for one another." He smiled, thinking back to his time in the military and the nights and days he shared with numerous friends now gone. All save Skywing, who was somewhere out there with his flight.

Silence fell as the man and gryphon watched the morning sun rise, the only sound being the whisper of the wind as it flowed softly by them. The warm gentle kiss of the sun's rays touched his cheeks, a sigh escaping him as he took a long cooling breath.

“Have you ever had to consider which was more important? Your duty or that of your friends?"

The question threw the knight off balance for a moment, his composure lost as his head tilted to the side. He cupped his chin, rubbing the course hairs of his stubby beard as he admired a long hanging cloud that looked like a teardrop. “That's a tough question that you have so laid upon my feat gryphon. It's one that I have a hard time coming up with an answer." He crossed his arms, feeling a tad colder the longer he felt about it.

“That's fine!" The gryphon's eyes blinked. “It's not something I'd like to think of as well. I'd rather focus on how nice the weather is and how we don't have to walk in the blighted rain! Maybe today I will be able to smack that blue gryphon's tail!"

“Wait…what?" Arcturus laughed, turning to the gryphon with a grin. “You can't be serious. Did my ears deceive me? You like smacking other gryphon's tails?"

“Well not all the time." Voidwing looked away, backing a few strides away with an embarrassed chuckle. “Just when they are swaying right in front of me…Within my reach…I bet you have impulses as well."

“He certainly does. Though it involves his mouth and other parts of my glorious body." Veledar chuckled, striding from the cave with a swollen chest and his head proudly on full display as it sparkled in the morning sun. He lowered his head when he got close, gracing Arcturus' cheek with a tender lick. He rumbled his approval when Arcturus kissed his scales, the dragon turning to Voidwing with teeth on display. “What did you think I meant little gryphon?"

“Uh….Nothing." Voidwing coughed, sitting down onto his hinds as the dragon looked him up and down before glancing back to Arcturus with a soft expression on his snout.

“So, what were you two talking about before all the attention went to where it should be? Anything naughty that I need to be aware of? Is he as bad as the other gryphon but just better at hiding it?"

“No, that's not the case mate." He cupped Veledar's scaled chin, getting another pleased rumble that made his cheeks grow warm. “Just enjoying the view and waiting to mount you good and proper." He pulled the dragon into another passionate kiss, enjoying the laughter that soon came after from his handsome snout. It took a bit to stand his ground as the joyful dragon nuzzled him and offered a pleased rumble.

“We have things to do today, I think we can save the “Mounting" for later I think." The dragon pulled back with a lewd grin and a mischievous swaying tail that scattered some loose stones across the ground.

With the group waking up they separated to prepare their spells. Arcturus had done his stretches with Voidwing in attendance as Veledar mimicked along threatening to break it up with nuzzling attacks and tender licks. With his mind brimming with spells and leaning up against the affectionate dragon they padded their way back to the cave where Merlia was handing out the breakfast of summoned good berries to the lot of them. It wasn't much but Arcturus shrugged and popped the sweet tasting berry into his mouth and let it work its magic into his bones. He had chuckled as Nivra and Voidwing had admired the red orbs as if in shock, never having tried them before they were tentative. Voidwing even stuck out his tongue to taste it first before popping it in with a satisfied chirp.

Once the morning food was taken care of and their stuff packed up they were ready to head out into the vast ever brightening sky. The fog had faded with the suns rise from the mountains, and the countryside looked to be more alive than it had a mere hour before. The knight made sure all his things were fastened as he checked over his gleaming armor. He saw that Nivra and Lyndis were avoiding each other but otherwise there was no words of anger between the two. The human sighed as he grabbed onto Veledar's harness when the dragon lowered himself. It may not have been the best outcome, but it could have been worse. Besides, there was plenty of time to work on it anyway. He pulled himself with little difficulty, throwing his leg over to the other side before securing himself to the saddle. The human was beside himself with joy when Veledar rose up to his full height, easily towering over the others with a pleased rumble.

“I bet that dragons of course are better fliers than gryphons." The dragon chuckled, striding over the stone to puff out his chest as the two gathered gryphons before him. He swayed his tail happily as either gryphon looked to the pair of them like they had sprouted three heads each. Voidwing cocked his head while Krotos' beak fell open in sheer bewilderment.

“Is that so scaled head?" Krotos rose up, his feathers fluffing up as he strutted over to Veledar and touched his chest with a wing. “I bet with that metal ass on your back you're slower than you usually are." He gestured back to Merlia who was striding over with a smile, flicking her braided hair behind her back. “We can outfly you anyday dragon. Is that not right Voidwing?"

The black gryphon laughed nervously before test flapping his wings on the air. “I was proven to be one of the fastest flying gryphons around. I will leave you both in the proverbial dust." Nivra gave them all a wink, rubbing the gryphon's neck as his tail flicked constantly behind him.

“I'll be sure to be laughing at the lot of you when we take the lead of course." Lyndis laughed, folding her arms as she tapped the purple carpet below her boots. “I can see that you were trying to leave us bleedin out. What the matter? Scared you might loose to an enchanted collection of cloth?"

“You going to let her speak to us like that?" Arcturus whispered to his dragon. “You can beat them all!" He smiled, finding himself brimming with the playful competitive spirit lingering in the air. He patted Veledar's scales as the dragon held his head high as regal as he could be.

“Fine little rogue." Veledar curled his neck to grin with all his teeth on display. He snorted once, battering Lyndis' hair like a strong wind. “When we meet your dragon again you can enter these little races of ours. Then I can beat his rump so badly that he will be left in utter tears."

“You like beating Cordenth's rump?" Lyndis poked his snout with a lewd laugh. “I'll let him know you're interested in having some fun with him."

“Hmmph. If the little whelp wants to lift his tail…." Veledar chuckled, licking her finger mischievously until she pulled it back with narrowed eyes.

“Come on Feku!" Lyndis suddenly shouted, turning on her heel and thrusting her finger towards the heavens. “Let's leave these blighters in the dust!"

With shake of the carpet's tassels. Feku made the carpet shoot into the air like a loosed arrow, kicking up loose stones and dirt in it's wake. “Bye everyone!" The kobold waved innocently as the wind battered against them and the others.

“That is cheating!" Veledar and Arcturus roared in unison as the red dragon pounced into the air with a mighty flap of his wings. With a touch from his paladin and words of power his speed was soon boosted, allowing the dragon to soar through the air like a bolt of lightning. “That's what I'm talking about my mate!" The dragon trilled, speeding passed the half-elf within minutes.

Arcturus cheered out his joy to the heavens as he and his collection of adventurous companions glided through the sky and towards that fort on the horizon. With the wind flying passed them and the cheerful cries of the gryphons closing in, the human could not help but feel free. He knew the undead were still out there waiting to strike, but in this moment he and his friends were all that mattered.

********

Thanks for reading along! Don't forget to vote and fav the story so people know to read it! If you want to leave a comment feel free to do so, let me know I'm not just hollering this story out into the void.

If you would like to support me in bringing these tales to life. You can purchase the first book here in both ppyshical and digital copies. It is a more edited form, has a prologue and epilogue featuring Skywing not seen online, and a bonus 36k word story called "One Good Deed." That features Arcturus at age twelve and a little adventure that helped shape him into the knight he is today!

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