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Chapter 11: Ghosts

The dragon sneered as he paced over the city streets, the dull clack of his talons against the cobblestone doing little to quell his troubled mind. His ears flicked to and fro at every hint of sound, from the fluttering of wings above to the clomping of hooves below. Conversations were had all around, of people speaking of religious scriptures, what drinks they might order, to one group that evidently was expecting a baby. His blood was boiling by the time he’d completed his eleventh pace, feathers fluffing as he gave an indignant squawk. Here he was yet again, doing nothing but simply waiting while someone else did all the work!

Part of him relished this, reminding himself he should relax, let the minions handle all the grunt work. He chirped angrily at such a notion, how was he supposed to create this elaborate tale if he merely sat upon his hinds? He could lie of course, but deep down he would know he was undeserving of such praise and titles that would come with it.

Veledar bristled with contempt, picturing Asterion’s satisfied expression of being picked despite his inferiority. Him, more intimidating? The gryphon clacked his beak at the idea, he had more intimidation in his tail than that minotaur, even if he now had feathers, a fluffy tail, sheath and balls. He turned around to inspect himself. He already regretted giving himself that weakness, especially after an exceptionally detailed account from Lyndis, threatening to strike him in the balls.

“Go figure the lass leaves us with our tits hanging out.” Merlia sighed, eyes traveling to every person that passed them, “Won’t be the first or last time a fair maiden gives me a wink and leave me dry.” She pats her leather pouches, then starting to feel around inside, “Arc, you wouldn’t happen to have a light would yeh?”

“I could have lit your pipe if I was a dragon.” Complained the gryphon, planting himself onto his hinds.

“True, but I’d not like me face scorched off!”

“I have fine control of it you ninny.”

“Oooooo, big talk from a big-headed lizard.”

Her insults were not put off by the clacking of his beak. She merely continued to grin until Arcturus lamented that he couldn’t solve her problem. Time continued to pass in his mostly silent fury, broken apart by squawks or chirps to indicate his frustration. Every minute was agony for him, trapped here, unable to do anything but wait. How did the others do it?

“It will be alright.” Arcturus’ voice cut through the sound, resolute, comforting, “Lyndis will do whatever needs to be done and back before you know it. You’ll be alright.”

He ruffled his feathers, appreciating the concern, “How are you so certain? Do you have a crystal ball hidden in all that clothing. I am the leader so that means- “

“That as our intelligent, benevolent and most handsome leader, that you would know when it is right to let your companions work unobserved. Following something too closely can ruin its efficiency, pump your wings, take a deep breath and enjoy the scenery.”

The man had a slight smirk, “I know what you’re doing.” Veledar replied with a stern chirp before striding a few paces to stretch, “But I’ll allow it, I am magnificent.”

“What are ya doing now, dancing?” Merlia chortled into her pipe.

“That’s something else entirely.” Arcturus replied. “Should go to Whitedell, it’s more likely those gryphons have dances for sadness, happiness and all the emotions…even.”

“Humpin?”

He blushed at the thought, “It’s called a mating dance.”

“Take it you’ve seen a few in your time heh?” She wore a grin, only to be dismissed with a wave.

“I wouldn’t kiss and tell dwarf.”

Veledar tossed his head, catching sight of a fleet of gryphons overhead. That’s it, he couldn’t stand it any longer, he refused to be kept on the ground. The dragon slowly extended his wings, getting a feel for these new, feathery appendages.

“Great, more dancing!” Merlia rolled her eyes.

“I’m going for a flight you pint sized turd.” He squawked, “For too long have I been denied the sky. Those gryphons mock me with their play.”

“Are ya crazy? Thought we were supposed to be keeping our heads down. Arcturus, knock some sense into the bird.”

Arcturus was focused on something across the street, a shadow seemingly hanging over his head. He was lost, distant, like he was thousands of miles away. From within there was a sense of sadness. In those emerald eyes the dragon caught the flicker of the wounded creature he experienced the previous night. He clearly needed to be comforted, to be protected. It was a vulnerable moment that he knew the man didn’t let anyone else see.

The sky tugged at him, whispered in his furry ear, but the knight’s aura told a more enticing tale. Veledar gave an exaggerated groan and pinned his wings. “Flame it all.” He marched his way back to Arcturus’ side, lashing his tail as he planted himself onto his haunches. “Take note Merlia that I chose to stay here on my own accord, not because of you.”

“Sure.” She chortled, as if she knew what was going through his skull.

“I know what it’s like to be a caged bird.” Arcturus said softly, “When you’ve only yearned for freedom. When this is over, mark my word, you shall never be restrained again.”

“How could you know of such an experience? Did you not hail from the house of Lund? Surely you have one of those human estate things.” He waggled a wing, “I imagine you had a great stone house, filled with fine furniture and clothing, smattered with arcane runes to make it comfortable any time of the year, perfect for kittybirds to visit every now and again? Maybe a great sea of flowers to get lost in, lounge in the sun and enjoy a great book, or hell, just take a great nap.”

“It doesn’t matter the luxury of the place, nor the perceived freedom I had. Every choice was made for me, there were only fleeting moments I had to myself during my father’s oppressive tutelage. It was brutal, trying, there were days it felt as though my body was being torn apart.” His face darkened, “Day in and out I learned of your kin’s habitats, the way you would think, the layout of your body. Ways to find the points in which to press that would leave dragons helpless. We were relentless in training my body to be one of death.” He closed his eyes with a deep breath, his hands visibly trembling, “Thankfully I escaped that shadow, seeking to turn it to saving life instead of taking it.”

The dragon winced, picturing all the countless dragon’s that Arcturus’ family must have taken, innocent and cruel dragons alike put to the sword. “But you must have had free time, when not learning how to skin me of my scales.”

Arcturus chuckled at that, “If only father could see me now, he’d be furious.”

“He didn’t like dragons much?”

“Not quite. Despised your lot with every fiber of his being.”

With a flick of his tail, the gryphon gave a solemn nod, glad that Arcturus had been less receptive to his father’s teachings. If anything, he’d gone in the entire reverse. “Do you live on this estate now? I feel it only fair that you got to see my home, I get to see yours.”

That too got a softened expression as Arcturus stared off, “No, not for many years now. Too many memories haunt me there.”

Cold lapped at the dragon’s heart as the man must have thought of something that stung. That was entirely not what he was attempting to do, he tried to change the subject with a soft chirp, “I myself have only been restrained ever once, if you discount your attempt of course.”

“Attempt? I succeeded.”

“Only for a short time.” He corrected, eyes closed, “Before with my keen mind and silver tongue, that problem was corrected. As I was saying, I was restrained by my very body, unable to fly with my mother for a time. Now it reminds me of that, the siren song of the sky calls me, and I am unable to answer her.”

“You make it sound so poetic, magical.”

“In some way for me it is.” He gazed out to the expanse of blue, tracing the gryphons that darted by, “Dragons are magic given shape, whose to say there is not bit of the sky tossed in there for good measure.” He closed his eyes, picturing those intimate moments, talons hugging his mother’s silver scales tight. The wind battering his snout, the sound of her leathery membranes, it sent shivers down his spine.

“I felt that.” Arcturus rubbed the back of his neck.

He gave the human a shrug, “You must have shared moments with your mother such as that, what is she like? Imagine what she’ll say when I come to dinner.”

But the human didn’t share in his laughter, instead the shroud that had gripped him only grew thicker. Eyes traveled back across the street, to a metal gated area. “A long time ago perhaps, but those moments were only fleeting.”

“And why would that be?” He chuckled, “Are humans not good at memory?”

“She died when I was only nine.”

“How?” He hated the question even as it left his beak.

“Fell off of a horse when I was nine, traveling in the forest.” Arcturus gestured to his neck. “Fell and hit just the right spot.” He made a crack with his mouth, causing Veledar to wince. “Snapped her spine, was dead before we got back home.”

That stitched the once dragon’s beak together, kicking himself for walking right into that terrible memory. Here he was thinking he had to comfort the man, only to make things worse. Even as they sat in silence, he could experience that cold grip that had his human’s soul, crushing, squeezing, making every breath hard.

“Back to your time in the military perhaps? The war that you were fighting, why go there after leaving your father?”

“Because it was different, than slaying a dragon.” Arcturus shifted uncomfortably, “Those I found myself with struggled, shared hardships that haunted us. We were each other’s shields to lean on.”

“Anyone left?”

There was a pause, as if the ghosts of the past were flashing before Arcturus’ eyes. He gave a single, soft response, “Only two now.”

“Gus is one of them I imagine. Who was the other?”

“Skywing, if not for him, I’d be dead twice over, not to mention Selina…”

“Your wife? What did he have to do with her?” He leaned in, head tiled.

Arcturus chuckled, “The gryphon pointed her out. She wasn’t that impressed at first, I was so confident.”

“What happened.”

“Drink to the face.”

The gryphon warbled, picturing the entire affair, “And yet she married you?”

“At some point, she was a great woman. Always by my side, encouraging me to greatness, someone that I could always count on.” He frowned, the memory tainted by the bitterness of the years prior, Arcturus swallowed hard, “But that has passed me now, isn’t it?”

“Who knows, the world works in mysterious ways.” He said softly after a moment of silence, shifting ever closer to the resolute wall that was Arcturus.

A nearby cart came into view, thick with the aroma of flowers. It was made of pale wood, covered from top to bottom with various vines and multicolored pedals. Behind the cart was an elven woman clad in a simple brown tunic and pants, she was holding a metal can and watering them with a delighted smile.

“I’m sorry for bringing up such painful memories.” Veledar grunted, ruffling the feathers on his chest, “I can feel how they injure you. That was not my intention.”

Arcturus gave him a steeled glance, “This connection isn’t fair. A man’s thoughts and emotions should be his own. It should be his choice when to keep them close to chest and when to share them.”

“Ah but it also lets you know the joy in others, reveal the happiness within, possibly share a deeper understanding. Like say, moments of attraction or carnal thoughts running through one’s head? Don’t think I haven’t caught you looking.”

His cheeks burned at the comment, “You…caught that?”

“Keen eyes, senses and this intimate gaze into your soul.” He rolled a talon, “There is no shame in admitting this, it’s only natural you appreciate beauty in all things.” His chest swelled as he adopted a most regal pose, “And you clearly have great taste as to be swept up with one as beautiful as I.”

There it was the horror on the paladin’s face as he didn’t refute these facts. The dragon continued, unwilling to let this catch go.

“Despite your lack of draconic beauty, you’re one of the most alluring humans I’ve met. You’re honest, trustworthy, and know where to touch. The dedication and courage you’ve been shown to grant me is most enticing to my scales, I find myself drawn to you, wishing to shield you with my wings. You’re dependable and make me rumble in amusement. I would like to know you better than I know myself. I know you’ve thought me handsome.”

“Yes, to paint you.”

“Say again?”

“You can appreciate beauty and not seek romance.” The man grunted, looking away with cheeks redder than Veledar’s scales, “I don’t typically have a dragon, your form is beautiful there I no denying that. But now is not really the time for this.”

“When is there ever a time?” His ears perked, “I can feel you even now, the racing of your heart, the burning of your blood, don’t deny you feel the- “

“Can you stop? I don’t know if this is some trick of dragon kind.” Arcturus’ voice cracked as a chasm seemed to open within him, clutching the dragon’s chest in cold. He took a deep, composing breath, “Please.”

Had he done something wrong? The dragon instantly retracted, wings pinning as his confidence floundered and died. “Arcturus I- “

“Veledar, just because you’re impatient, you don’t need to…”

He froze as this cold within Arcturus grew, despair mixed with an overpowering sadness. Despite his efforts he’d misread the situation, instead of awakening Arcturus’ honest desire, he’d instead spooked him. Veledar waved a talon, giving this entire ordeal a dismissive chirp, “I didn’t mean anything by it. Don’t think of it Arcturus, forget I said anything, I was merely teasing.” He hated the lie that fell out of his beak, but what was he to do?

This seemed to quell the knight’s despair, but it didn’t force him to speak. This was only when Veledar pointed out a man making his way through the crowds with pains, brushes and oils in glass jars. “So, you mentioned wishing to paint? How long have you been wanting to do that?”

“Since my teens, I like to tell a story with my hands. Capturing a soul frozen in time, there is a beauty in it.”

“Like myself?”

“In a way.” Arcturus didn’t shift to him.

“Then you’ve found your commissioner.”

“Run out of mirrors in which to look on yourself?”

The dragon rolled his eyes, “I’d rather have portraits of my valiant efforts and dazzling deeds in which to remember fondly. It will make a fine thing to gaze back on my years and remember fondly.”

“And forget all the little bits in between?”

The dragon waved a talon, “We only need the good bits, no one needs to concern themselves with little embarrassments. I’ll be sure to speak highly of you after all. I have an eye for things of incredible value.”

Arcturus scoffed, “Here I thought you’d go after red gems merely because of their color? Since when you have developed taste?”

“Both things can be true. I am most capable. That and my magical feats are upmost impressive. For instance, with but a word and breath I can shape my fiery breath into an illusion of life.” He rumbled with pride, “And that is only the tip of the dragon’s snout.”

“Is that so?” Arcturus crossed his arms, “You’re not kidding?”

“Why would I do that?” He gave a beak parted smile, “Would you wish to see? I could show you sometime in private, I’m most shy.”

“You, shy?” He scoffed, before gazing back to the street, “You know, when I was a boy, I’d occasionally see the circus, be marveled by the dazzling displays of agility, strength and magic.”

“It would be like that I imagine, you captivated by my abilities.” His crown feathers rose, already picturing his solitary audience, eyes locked onto every inch of him. “Though I warn you, I would overshadow any of those pathetic magicians as a boy you clapped like a seal for.”

“Of that I have no doubt.”

He’d have to try later, to see if taking a more reserved approach would be suited. He knew Arcturus was interested in him, found his body attractive, drawn to it like a moth to flame. What was keeping the man from acting upon his desires? It was most frustrating, why did humans have to be so troublesome? Could they not learn from their gryphons? Just as Arcturus was going about magical application to separate people, something caught his eye.

Words died for Arcturus, as what joy he had upon his face soured.

“Arcturus, what’s the matter, you look as though you’ve seen a ghost.”

The reply came swift and sharp, “Merlia, stay here and keep watch. I have something I must check out.” Before the ranger could even offer a cunning rebuttal, the paladin was marching off with purpose.

What was that about? As the dwarf complained about being left alone with the red baby, Veledar was swift on the human’s heels. There was no way he was letting him split the party further, in addition, what dread that held Arcturus had returned. The man led him across the street, along a steel fence until it reached an opening. The gate creaked as Arcturus went forth without a word, Veledar slipping in so that the steel nearly pinched his flesh.

“You know, we’re not supposed to keep splitting up. What if the others have need of us, without you and I they are lost.” Veledar dusted off his feathers, relieved that he had not yet lost control. He didn’t need that travesty happening in the middle of the city, his cover would be blown, his quest in jeopardy.

No reply as the human strode alone a path of pristine stone that spread forth like a river across the grass covered ground. All these rivers connected to structures of pure obsidian that loomed overhead, engraved with symbols of feathers and swords across their sturdy walls. Infront of them stood two statues each, one human and the other gryphon, each proud, resolute, and strong as they stared off to the sky. Clad in armor, they appeared as though they were defending something. The air here was eerily calm, sending shivers along the catbird’s spine.

“Are you going to tell me what’s going on, or are you going to keep me in the dark?” He cantered to be at his human’s side, noting that there were other people here as well, carrying small trinkets or flowers on their person. “Did you hear what I said before? Lyndis will have a fit.”

“I didn’t ask you to come.” Arcturus replied sharply, “I have my reasons.”

Reasons demanded that he grab Arcturus and head back, the man was being stubborn. A larger part of him however was stayed, this was clearly something important, whatever it was, it was shaking Arcturus to his core. Despite his insistence on coming, he clearly had revulsions about the entire thing. What could have been so important that he’d endure such turmoil? Veledar pinned his wings and minded his steps as the man brought him to one of the many structures.

This one, unlike the others, had a golden L right on its raised roof. The statues that dwelled here were not the same gryphon and human like before, instead they were standing proudly over a slain dragon. They wore looks of satisfaction over their deed, enough to make Veledar scowl and sick to his stomach.

Arcturus went to the entrance without a word, laying a hand gently upon the hardened stone. There he waited, a cold overtaking him as he took a deep breath and gulped. “Keep quiet and your head down, I don’t imagine we’re alone.”

Now he had no idea what was going on. He passed into this structure with a reserved breath, noting the drop in temperature over his feathers and fur. Inside was a clear space, broken apart by central pillars to support it. The walls were adorned with inscriptions of gold, numerous entries that covered every surface, reaching up to the very ceiling. Mana lanterns hung at intervals, these a pale turquoise instead of the usual gold, they reached out to touch across every surface, painting an aura of unworldliness, a touch of magic in the air.

The central floor broke apart with a series of stairs leading to another level. Down below were more of the names and slabs of shimmering stone, light gold was scattered within. Here there was a gryphon settled onto his hinds right before a series of candles all lit and flickering before him.

His ivory feathered head was bowed, onyx beak nearly touching the floor. Proud ears that remained perked were drooped and practically stitched to his feathery neck. His flank eventually changed to resemble a white tiger, unlike the typical lion known to most gryphons. His body was covered with leather and armor, easily movable parts that didn’t hinder one’s movement. His voice came, shaky and cracking as he rose, tears cascading down his sky-blue pools.

“Skywing.” Arcturus said softly, motioning for the dragon to join him, crouched by a nearby pillar.

Though gryphons were known to have exceptional hearing, it seemed whatever consumed this catbird’s mind was far more distracting. This was the Skywing that Arcturus had spoken about, his old friend from war? Looking at him now, he didn’t seem the proud, noble creature that he imagined. Instead, he saw a reflection of Arcturus himself, broken, whimpering, barely keeping himself from falling to pieces.

“I didn’t know you still cared.”

“I wish you were here.” Skywing whimpered, shaking all the way to his onyx tipped feathers. “To say that I’m sorry, I didn’t know it would have happened. There was no hint that could have been the outcome, why in fate’s cruel plan that it was you above everyone else that needed to die.” He sniffed, wiping his eyes with a wing, “Selina…please…give me strength…I’m just trying to help.”

With a final chirp the gryphon stood tall, wiping away the last of his tears. His composure strengthened on his next breath, ruffling all his feathers. The clacks of his talons on the stone told of his departure, the last bit of him being a flick of his tiger striped tail.

“Why do you know one of the gryphons from the mountains? One of them working with Garroth?” Veledar squawked softly, giving the man a hardened gaze, “Were they not the enemy? Those seeking to kill me and rescue you?”

Slowly Arcturus turned, visibly drained from what had just transpired. “That was Skywing. He was a gryphon I once knew, a treasured friend from my days in Rothdell. He and his flight kept out heads on straight, ensured that we made it home to our families. He and I…we were closer than brothers, he was the gryphon of Selina and my household.” Arcturus gestured and began to descend to where Skywing had been, “He played with Geophhery, constructed poetry with Selina, always dependable. Except for when Dreadflame attacked.”

The mention of the dragon’s name made the man clench his fists, clench his teeth. Even Veledar shared the sentiment, clacking his beak in the empty air.

“I lost them…yet he retracted for some reason, never telling me why. I inquired several times but got no responses. I gave up trying to find answers.” He slumped with a deep sigh, “In one swift move, that wretched dragon took everything from me. My wife, child, and my gryphon that I swore would be there till the end.”

There was such distain for that last part. Were not gryphons supposed to have loyalty down to their very bones? As Arcturus made his next few steps he eyed the candles, stumbling but he caught himself. “What was he doing here? Arcturus what is this place?”

“I can guess why he was here.” The answer was weak.

Veledar felt his body tremble, suspecting what this place now was. He spied two names upon the stone where the candles had been set, Selina and Geoffrey Lund. This was their resting place. “And what would possess him to come here? Especially if he left you.” The dragon forgot all sense of self preservation as a weight settled onto his back, reverting to his true form.

Arcturus dropped to his knees, summoning the courage to even speak, when he did, the words were from a wounded man, “All of us were close, Selina, Skywing and I. We raised our boy around him, we shared so many days. Without him I’d have been dead thrice over, vice versa for him.” Arcturus sniffed, hand caressing the stone as if to admire his child’s face.

“Hey there Geoffrey.” Arcturus whispered, “Selina, hope you’ve been keeping tabs on him.”

No answer came as the dragon settled onto his haunches around him, tail curling to form a protective wall. He lowered his snout as tears welled in the knight’s eyes, threatening to destroy what little remained of his composure. “What are you doing?”

“I used to come to talk to them, when it got unbearable.” He clutched his heart, “This ungodly pain that lingers no matter what I do. There is a void that can never be filled, eating away at my insides like a ravenous beast, never satisfied how much it takes.” He fell to his hands, sobbing as tears ran down his cheeks.

This was his moment. Without a thought he snatched up the knight in his paws, pressing him tight to his scales. Warmth and his presence would help weather this storm of despair that shook through his soul. Wings came next to conceal them fully, creating a secret alcove where just he and Arcturus remained. The dragon rumbled as desperation filled hands grasped out for his snout, pulling the man’s chest against him.

“Veledar…It’s not fair, I was supposed to keep them safe. It was my duty, them more than anyone else. What good am I if I couldn’t even protect what I hold dear? I kept going over and over that night, what I could have done differently, what act might have spared them of this fate.”

The dragon’s grip only tightened, now draping himself over the now distraught Arcturus, rivers splattering against his scales.

“But it doesn’t matter, nothing matters, just add it to the list of people I couldn’t save.

“Hush now.” Veledar cooed, “We agreed this was not your fault.” With a brush of his snout, he wiped away some tears, meeting his gaze, “You would have never let that happen.”

“I know.” Arcturus sniffed, eyes red, “I just can’t help thinking of it.” He grabbed the dragon’s paw, rubbing the scales softly, tenderly, “Every time I think I am past it...... Everything comes roaring back full force.” Arcturus lowered his head, “I don't think I will ever be able to put this behind me.”

“It may never heal, but you will have me to help endure this pain.” “He cupped the humans head with his paw. “It will become duller with time, only to sneak on you occasionally.” His own eyes started to water as he remembered his sweet brother, and his adoptive mother. Two beings he would never see again, or smell their scent, or hear their voices. In that moment he felt more alone than he had ever felt before in his life. He collapsed his head onto Arcturus' lap. This time he was the one to start crying, the pain from his human, combined with his own loss, was too much to hold back even for him. “Though my brother died hundred years past, his death still feels fresh as the day it happened.”

“If you have the strength to bare both of our loses, then I will have to be strong for you.” He rubbed the Veledar’s snout until the dragon’s eyes were closed, pressing into the touch. He moved on to nuzzle the human's chest, shifting with his next breath to his neck. Arcturus may not have known what it was, but nuzzling was essentially the first kiss to dragons. It was a gesture filled with love, and emotion, as he ran his scales against him.

“What are you doing?” Arcturus said softly, trying to hold on and rub the dragon back.

“I am nuzzling you, what does it look like? “He asked, continuing his nuzzle assault. He only stopped when he felt Arcturus latch himself around his neck. This close they remained silent, the dragon listening to the man’s heartbeat. There they stayed, wrapped in one another for comfort.

“Veledar?”

“Arcturus?”

“Thank you for being here for me…It still hurts but…” He leaned against the dragon, “You make me stronger.”

“As do you.” He chuffed back, caressing the man’s head with a paw and locking eyes with the man he knew he loved. He prayed Arcturus could feel his warmth right now, not the one from his body but the one from his heart.

“About my family.” Arcturus coughed shifting his focus back to the stone, “If they were here right now, I don’t think I could have quelled their excitement to see you. I used to show them my works of dragons I painted, told them tales of all the magical abilities your kin could wield…You should have seen how excited my son got. I think he ran around the house for a week, flapping his wings, pretending to cast spells one right after the other. Skywing had to on numerous occasion prop him up with his wings so he could fly.” Arcturus chuckled weakly and wiped his eyes again. “If there was ever someone who loved your kind it was him.”

“He took after his father.” Veledar replied softly, tail curling around the human, joining him. He felt Arcturus grasp his tail in one hand and start stroking it fondly in his hands. “Well Geoffery.” Veledar said in a brassy voice to the pillar. “I am Veledar, the most noble, strongest, and best dragon around.” He pumped his wings as he adopted a regal pose, “Your dad has told me all about you, sounds like I need to give you flying lessons! Which must I say, your dad is one of the bravest, kind and most determined human’s I’ve ever met.” He imagined a little Arcturus unable to contain his excitement, beaming as he bounced on his shoes. “And you Selina, I…want to thank you for your words…thanks to them I live free.”

He looked over when he felt Arcturus quiver and a sob escape his throat.

“Selina…Geoffrey…Veledar forgot to mention he’s also one of the most beautiful, kindest, and loyal souls I have ever met.” Arcturus’ voice waved as he looked to the dragon’s eyes, tears bubbling back into being, “And I wish you could have met him.”

“I wish that very much as well Arcturus.” Veledar snatched up the human in a hug, holding him tight. He closed his eyes, content, as he felt Arcturus' arms tighten and the man begin to weep once more for what he’d lost. The dragon didn’t move, letting all the raw emotion fall against his scales. This was where Arcturus belonged, held tight within his paws, finding strength in his dragon.

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