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Scales and Honor : City of Light

Chapter 7: Bravery

Where was she? Arcturus paced downstairs in Gus' kitchen. He held his arms crossed against his black shirt, his hands firmly under his arms. Arcturus heard the sound of the clock tower chiming off the sound of nine bells, making this feeling of anxiety in his heart only grow more. Merlia was busy at the table, whistling away as she was placing trinkets safely into her pouches, including two healing potions, that briefly clicked together.

Lyndis had stepped out awhile ago, most likely to just get some fresh air, or to watch the sun set. He had to admit he had done this a few times with Selina himself, he was always a sucker for beautiful stuff like that. Just like Veledar. His eyes scanned the room, to find the dragon curled around a couple large tan boxes. His tail was pressed up firmly against one, with his snout resting on the other. He saw his sapphire blue eyes look to him, a smile curling on his snout. He thought back to that moment at Geoffery's grave. There had been a feeling resonating from the dragon, just like had been happening more frequently as the days went on. It was often hard to figure out what they were. He figured they had been bursts of emotions, but he was not entirely sure. Although it was always when the dragon was looking at him.

When he was there at the grave, with Veledar consoling him, and held softly in his claws, he knew what that feeling was. He had felt it himself as he looked into those caring, fondness filled eyes. He had felt so safe, so warm, so.....loved. That is what surprised him the most about this, that his entire body had felt warm not just from the already warm scales of the dragon. It was like the warmth had radiated out, and enveloped his entire soul. It was....intense to say the least. It had him feeling all tingly all over when they had let go of each other. He remembered wanting to leap back into the dragons arms, and never leave his tender embrace again. Its never been this powerful before.....not even with....Selina...._He shook his head and placed a hand to his forehead. He felt a feeling of guilt well up inside of him. _How dare you have that thought..She was your wife....you loved her...more than anything. His eyes studied the dragon, as he cocked his head, Than how can this be more intense?

"Whats the matter Arcturus?" Veledar thumped his tail against one of the boxes with a grin. It was almost as if the dragon knew the moment he was feeling bad.

That seems a tad unfair, that you can gaze so well into my soul, but I cannot do the same my dearest dragon. I wonder if you are feeling these thoughts for me as well? He had never had these thoughts of dragons before. It certainly was not brought up by his father or any of the dragonology books. Would I even matter to him? My life is but a small drop of water compared to his. I would be just a passing thing to him.....like a pet.... "Just trying to sort some things out in my head." he laughed, leaning up against the hard box. He placed a hand on the dragon's neck and started to caress him.

"Well your wonderful leader will always listen to those under his command." Veledar smiled, leaning into his touch and giving a rumble of approval from his throat.

"You know you should open this....it will take your mind off the half-elf." Veledar tapped the box his snout had been on with his claw three times. "I think you will LOVE whats inside."

It sounds almost as if you know whats inside. He thought back to when they had arrived here. Matilda had brought over the two large boxes in a cart. She was so happy she could hardly talk in a normal voice at all. She was all. "Your going to love this! You won't believe it! My finest work yet!" Each time she had opened her mouth her voice seemed to get higher and higher, "But ya got to promise me, don't open it until ya have to go do your mission thing." She held up a thumbs up. "Trust me it will make the whole thing a lot more special."

He had helped her bring the boxes inside, they had hardly weighed a thing. He had placed them carefully on the floor, hearing the metal rustle inside them. He had run a hand across the box, anticipation building in his breath as he imagined the armor within. He had never seen Matilda this excited, not even when she had made his armor the first time. His heart quickened at what could possible have gotten her so worked up. So excited that she could hardly contain it. He pulled back his hand as a gnomish one smacked it hard.

"Don't ya dare open it now!" she shouted, "I worked on it to make it a surprise....so damnt let it be surprising!" She softened almost instantly as she crossed her arms and dropped her voice to a whisper. "Thank that dragon of yours for inspiring me ta make this. I am sure he is going to be thrilled with it."

"Don't worry I will tell him about it." he had smiled, and giving her a deep hug. She retracted from the embrace after a moment and looked at him, tapping her foot.

"Your different you know." she laughed, resting her pointer finger on the bridge of her nose with one of her fingers. "Good different."

"Than that must be it, its refreshing to see you so happy." he saw her eyes go to something, and than quickly back to him. "Your aware of whats going on right?" she smirked.

"Your in love!" she laughed heartily, clasping a hand to his shoulder. "Its the same way you were acting around Selina when ya first met her. "Your struck with it like a puppy dog you are."

"Well I suggest ya go after what is making you happy." she had smiled, gesturing to Lyndis. "And besides I hear she is a princess" she chuckled and nudged him with her elbow, "Can you imagine? King Arcturus?"

"Why not? I think shes rather pretty for a half-elf, and shes one of those brave adventuring types. She seems almost perfect for you." she sighed. "You know it would be okay to move on you know. Selina would not mind ya having feelings for another woman. It's been two years Arcturus." Her eyes had stared at him with sadness, mixed with care. "I think she would want you to be happy. Now be mulling around in sadness for the rest of your life."

"I know." he had muttered, not even really believing himself. He had looked to Veledar, and felt the tingles radiate from his heart. He had felt a small smile spring to his face.

Ohhhhhh." Matilda chuckled, punching him softly in the shoulder. "I get it now." she gave him a wink. "Best dragon hunter in the land my arse." she laughed softly, giving him a way. "Take care Arcturus, and remember, don't open it until the mission!"

"So are you going to open it my dear Arcturus?" Veledar tapped the box again. Snapping him out of the memory. "I know my eyes can be quite distracting, but I did not know you could so easily get lost within them." Veledar moved his head closer and blinked.

Have I been staring into his eyes? He had not even noticed while he was remembering. He pulled his hand back again, somehow it had found it's way back to the dragon's neck. Arcturus felt his pulse quicken. Part of him wanted to reach out and kiss him right on the snout, right here, right now. Why is this so powerful? He pulled himself from the dragon's snout, which had been mere inches from him at that point. I wonder if its because of the dragons feelings. The thought made him shiver. Could Veledar be enforcing his will on me by accident?....Perhaps Garroth had been right. However with one more look into Veledar's eyes that thought was washed away. No....he would not do that...

He cupped the dragon's snout, and giving it a quick scratch, right under his scales. He felt a glow of pride as he saw Veledar close his eyes in and let out a soft moan. He felt a sudden blink of pleasure flow into him as well. It caused him to almost let out a moan of his own. This....is....intense..... He pulled away his hand, the feeling leaving him empty.

Arcturus joined him in laughter as he thought back to the previous night were Veledar had been practically melting within his soft hands. In fact that had been the only thing he remembered about that night. I did end up drinking a lot........although Veledar seemed upset I could not remember. "Hey I am only getting better at the scratching and the rubs." He held up a finger and pressed it firmly on the leathery snout of the dragon. "Nothing lewd of course."

"Did you peak inside the box when I wasn't looking?" Arcturus raised an eyebrow. He laughed as Veledar rose his head and looked away when he was trying to feign disinterest.

"Well if I had gotten the box opened, and peeked inside. How do you figure I got everything back into the boxes? Hmmmmm?"

"You had an accomplice." Arcturus looked around at the gathering of his friends. Merlia was still at the table, Asterion was kneeling down and meditating on his rug. He knew Gwen was upstairs sleeping. Who could it have been? Merlia seemed like an obvious no, she seemed to like to pester Veledar as much as he did her. He looked to Asterion, who continued to hold a serene look on his muzzle, Asterion would not care to help the dragon. He chuckled as he looked to Krotos, who was currently preening his feathers on the couch. I bet it was him. "That's easy you got Krotos over there to help you."

"Well he knows now, you bird brain." Veledar hissed, "All you had to do was play it all polite and reserved. I guess something you kitty birds don't have."

Krotos clacked his beak in silence as Arcturus chuckled to himself. "Oh, well.......Hnpppff." Krotos went back to preening his feather with his beak.

"So fine Arcturus you caught me." Veledar held a paw to his chest. I had the gryphon help me with his more nimble claws. Is it so wrong that I looked inside?" The dragon moved his snout close, and gave him a sly grin. "Besides, I remember her saying only you could not open it until the mission. Nothing about handsome red dragons like myself." Veledar's chest swelled, and his scales clinked softly. The dragon settled his wings against his back and snorted , the air ruffling Arcturus' hair. "So are you going to open it? Come on! Open it! Open it! Open it!" Veledar started nudging him with his snout playfully with each repetition.

"Hey!" Arcturus tried to push the dragon away with a laugh, but he realized after several attempts, he was only doing it half heartily. "Come on." He finally caught the mischievous dragon's snout with both hands, causing Veledar to chuckle in his throat.

"FINE!" Arcturus laughed, pushing the dragon back softly. "I will open the darn thing! Will it make you stop pestering me about it?"

"Well..." Veledar nudged him again forcefully with his snout, "I think you liked me bugging you." Veledar pulled back, stood up onto all fours, and gave a great big stretch forward. "Besides.........I think you will like it." Veledar let out a groan as he worked a kick out of his neck. "That's the spot."He mumbled, then shook his snout, than continued this all the way to his tail.

"Hey watch the tail!" Krotos squawked, as the it smacked against his talons softly. "If I wanted your tail in my face I would have asked!" Veledar just placed his tail on the floor, then curled it around himself with a smirk.

Arcturus ran his fingers over the smooth wood of the box, looking for a way to open the thing. His fingers traced across claw marks, clearly from the two mischievous creatures currently staring at him. How did they get this on without shattering the wood? He laughed to himself. _Veledar, once again you could have been a human._He found a spot that looked like the claws had dug into, placing his fingers there and gripping tight. He grave a pull, and the top of the crate came right off smoothly. He almost fell over with the little effort that had been required.

Arcturus put the cover down and peered down into the crate with bated breath. Inside this crate was a red cloth nestled right on top of everything else. He picked it up with two hands, feeling the soft material in his grip. It was a red tabard with silver lining on it. He looked to the big grin on Veledar's snout, than back to the tabard. The tabard was the same color as the dragon's scales. That's why he liked it._Arcturus grinned as he set the tabard aside. Beneath the tabard were the pieces of his armor, bright silver, with patches of black. He picked up the breast plate, and ran a finger of it's smoothness. It looked like she had worked out all the dings, in addition to changing the colors of the thing. He placed it down and picked up the pauldrons next, she had included a sword guard around the tops of them, to shield him from strikes. _Well that would come in handy.

He set the pauldrons carefully next to the breast plate. He thought to the grin that was no doubt on his face, like a child who was getting presents on his birthday. He picked up the next piece within the crate, arm guards. They seemed to attach at the fore arm, and protect past his elbow, than to the top of his hands. He set aside as well, as he picked up a pair of tassets. They were layered with the same silver, with the bottom plates being a solid pitch black. The metal was cool to the touch, no sign of her tampering. He looked back to the plates on the ground, their leather straps were just like they had been before. Gods how I love her ingenuity. There was only one part at the bottom of this box, he reached down and picked up the form of a helmet. He rolled turned the smooth metal object in his hands until he was face to face with the front.

The helmet had two slits for eyes, with smaller strips below the eyes. Above the eye slits there was an armored plate that looked like the ones silver dragons had. He smirked at her inspiration. She made me a dragon themed armor._He did not think it possible,but his smile somehow got bigger, and threatened to dominate his face. He rotated the helmet to the side, to see that at it's top it looked like it had an armored frill. _Just like a dragon. He ran his hand's over this portion of it, letting his hand follow the metal as it rose and fell. This was not just a gift, this was a love letter written to him......and Veledar.

Whats this? He pulled out a note from inside the helmet. It had the words, "try out the helmet, you will be surprised." He looked up to Veledar, who had not taken his eyes off of him the entire time. Intently watching his every move and reaction. "Do you like it?" he asked.

_ You tell me Veledar, your the one who can read my emotions._"It's wonderful!" he placed the helmet on his head, and he understood the note. The moment he placed it on his head the helmet seemed to fade away from his vision. The room looked just as clear as it had done before, with no obstruction whatsoever. "Veledar is the helmet still on?"

"Arcturus are you feeling ok? Clearly you are wearing the thing." Veledar tapped the helmet with a claw. Arcturus felt it rattle on his head.

Ok it's still there.....Awesome! "I can't see the helmet!" He cried out joyfully. "I have perfect peripheral vision!" He grabbed the dragon's snout and looked into his eyes. "This is fantastic!"

Arcturus saw Veledar sputter, open and close his jaw as he tried to find something to say. "Well, hmpphh. You win this time Mary." Veledar laid down onto his paws, and snorted as thumped his tail.

Arcturus moved to the next box, pulling out the leggings, and shin guards. He set them down with the other parts of the armor, and stood over them with his hands on his waist. With all the pieces together on the ground, roughly where they were supposed to go it looked rather impressive. He imagined himself standing his ground at a group of faceless warriors. His steel helmet painting a very intimidating image, with his red tabard billowing in the wind. He looked up to Veledar. A_nd my dragon standing right behind me._

"Hey you forgot these!" Krotos bounded over, carrying what looked like his shield, wrapped in a thin covering of paper. Right beneath the shield was the hilt of a sword. The hilt was dark mahogany red, that sprung forth from a gold cross guard, whose edges were dragon heads. _My gods Matilda._He sighed in happiness, finding the bottom of the sword ended with a red gem that looked to be held by a golden dragon claw. He pulled both items from Krotos with a quick thank you escaping his lips. He set the shield down next to Veledar as he held the sword in it's earth brown scabbard. He gripped the hilt with one hand firmly, while the other held the scabbard. With one pulling motion it sprung free with a shing.

The blade was black as night, it seemed to be absorbing all light onto it's surface, and offered no reflection or sheen. He made sure no one was right beside him as he gave three test swings at the air, his eyes widened in surprise. It was light. He could not believe it, it was probably the lightest sword he had ever felt in his hands. He ran his fingers over the surface of it, finding it felt sturdy. I imagine even if it feels light it will cut like no other sword I have ever had.

He waved the dragon off as he ripped into the paper wrapping his shield. It tore easily in his grip, before tossed it to the ground. He did this several more times until the now red shield lay in his grasp. He hoisted it, finding it weighed the same as the mirror shield. However the surface is where she had done her work. Instead of a smooth mirror there was now the picture of two metallic silver dragons flying towards one another. Above their majestic form was the symbol of Bahamut, a single bust of the dragon. He turned it over in his hands, finding another note tucked away in the arm straps. This one simple read. "Its the same shield, just worked my magic to change how it looked. Figured your dragon would not mind."

He looked up to Veledar and held up the shield. "She changed your gift, I hope this is ok?" he cringed slightly. He waited for Veledar to raise his voice, snort, or even offer a witty joke.

"I love it!" the dragon smiled. "Now it really is ours, instead of just a hand down from dear old Carpenter." Veledar strode right over towards him. He lowered his head and got in close again. "So what do you think of her inspiration?" he puffed out his chest.

"Do you want me to compliment the armor or the dragon?" he laughed, running a hand up Veledar's snout. He pulled it away when he realized what he was doing. Why do I keep doing that?

"Fine Veledar, the armor is beautiful, just like the dragon she based it on." he crossed his arms, as he felt the feeling of love radiate from Veledar once again. "Yes that will do." Veledar stepped in and started nuzzling him with his neck, forceful but not enough to push him down.

"Ok ya two break it up!" Merlia shouted,causing Veledar to stop his nuzzling. "Da lass is taken too long. I'm see wuts takin her so long." Merlia strode up the stairs, she disappeared as Arcturus figured she was checking on their room. Maybe she snuck back in and took a nap? He felt his hands start scratching under Veledar's scales once again.

Arcturus quickly strode up the stairs first, followed by the hurried rush of claws, talons, and hoof steps. He reached passed the hallway until he reached the open door Merlia was standing in front of. She was holding a thin piece of parchment, that seemed to have a whole plethora of writing on it.

"Look lad, she left us a note." Merlia pulled the not back to look at it, "Though it don make sense." she held it out to Arcturus, and he grabbed it with one motion. Rolling his thumb over the old feeling parchment. "It says she jus left us to go treasure huntin. Figured we didn need her na more." Merlia crossed her arms. "I dun like it, Lyndis wouldn't do dat."

"Yes I can be sure!" Veledar snarled,

"Hey watch the claws!"

Arcturus read over the letter, it did say what Merlia had mentioned. That Lyndis had gotten an offer to go explore a lost tomb of the dragon emperor. Whatever that was. That she would not be back, and she wished us well in our castle raid. Wait a minute.....Castle raid?...She had NEVER referred to it like that before....._His eyes scanned the rest of the letter, looking for any more oddities. _No one was mentioned by name...Surely she would have mentioned at least one of their names in the letter? He shook his head. It was possibly she did not, but just unlikely.

Arcturus handed it to him, watching the bull's eyes scan it quickly. His eyes stopped for a moment, as he stared intently at the paper. It was almost as if he were staring the thing down, unblinking, like it was a personal challenge. Unless he found something.

"It's a fake." Asterion finally said, throwing his muzzle back and pointing to the paper with a snort. "Right here, the way she is writing her S's is all wrong."

"The S that is written through the page, Lyndis likes to curl them towards each other, almost like they are touching. I have seen some of her scrolls when she is meditating in the morning. Those Ss look like anyone else would have written them." He pointed to the paper. "It is not something she would suddenly stop doing."

So if this was a fake who had put it here? And why would they do this? "Merlia can you?"

"All ready on it lad!" she shouted, bounding towards the room. "Krotos, Veledar git yer blazin snouts ovahere!"She waved to the two, as they strode on down to join her. They briefly argued over who would slip through the door first, but in the end Krotos leaped forward first. Arcturus stashed the letter in his pouches as his friends started searching the room.

Merlia was crouched close to the wooden floor, her hands tracing over the boards. "Well who ever put dis here was light on dere feet." Merlia frowned.

"What in blazes is it, spit it out fer me!" Merlia exclaimed, pulling herself from the floor.

"It....smells......like...." Krotos sniffed the air with his beak held high. "A...." his cocked his head. "A little....lizard?"

"Little lizard?" Merlia repeated, "ya mean like one of dem kobolds?"

"That would be the one!" the gryphon gave her a grin. "He went out there." he pointed with a talon to the window.

"He?" Merlia laughed, "Your beak is that good?"Me too Veledar... He pulled the dragon firmly against him. Melting in his warm embrace.

"Oh Merlia you know my beak is quite good." Krotos raised an eyebrow as he fluffed up his feathers. His tail twitched, thumping his flank slightly.

"Ok, Ok, enough flirting you two." Arcturus lightly pushed the Gryphon's soft behind out of his way as he strode to the window and took a peak. Sure enough on the window sill there will little scratch marks, similar to the ones that had been on the wooden crate downstairs. He ran a finger over the small indentations, they felt new, only had been done hours before. Well it's a start. He turned and clasped his hands together. "Well this smells rotten." he pointed to Krotos. "can you track this scent outside? We need to know where this kobold went. Maybe he can tell us why he was leaving fake notes for us."

"I can certainly do it!" The gryphon resettled his wings. He strode over to the over sized window. He opened it with one of his talons, and dove out the thing. Spreading his wings mid fall, and giving them a mighty flap. He was risen into the air, and with a angle of his wings was swooping around in a circle.

"Yea but you and I need to lay low. He can fly around without anyone suspecting anything my dragon." He patted Veledar on his scales softly. "Ok Merlia, Asterion. Lets go see what Krotos finds."

a minute. He led them downstairs and quickly threw on the armored helmet from Matilda. With a quick brush around the base of it, revealed the activation rune. The leather strap around his neck went firm, he shook his head to make sure it was on secure. Once more the helmet faded from his vision, leaving it not impaired. There that should solve that problem, no one would be able to see his face now. "What do you think?" he turned around to Veledar, "Better than the hobo disguise?"

"Oh leaps and bounds better." the dragon tapped his tail against the stone floor with a thump. He placed a paw to his head, and with a poof of smoke had assumed his human form with a smile."See human!" he held out his arms wide and did a little twirl. "Perfect once again!"

Arcturus rolled his eyes. "Well come on Mr. Perfect. Lets go see what Krotos has found outside." He attached his new sword and scabbard to the belt around his waist, and tossed the large shield over his back. He made his way over to the door, that Asterion and Merlia were already walking out of. Good, no playing around.

They stepped out onto the quiet streets, the black of night had flooded across the cobbled area. The only light came from the soft glow of mana lanterns every ten feet or so, and the night stars from above. They filled the sky with millions of little sparks of light, Arcturus pulled his eyes away from the sight. Focus on Lyndis, not on the night sky. He found Krotos landing on a building across the street, right next to a dark alley. "Over here!" he shouted out.

Well that certainly wasn't far. Arcturus quickly moved across the street, until he was standing right in the alley way. He could barely see in the place, the lanterns light from the street only did so much. He could hardly make out the wooden crates in this place, and the small form of a brown small sack. He crouched low and picked it up with his left hand. He ruffled the soft cloth to find there were sparkly flecks still inside. Someone tossed a glitter dust bag?_He looked up, straining to see. Glitter dust was often used when there was thought to be an invisible attacker or something. The dust would cling to everything, including the invisible person. _I've done it a few times. He stood up as Merlia strode past him.

Sick of tired of being in the dark and being blind. He activated it with a touch, illuminating the alley in a soft orange light. His eyes were drawn to two dried pools of blood. Merlia was currently pressing her fingers onto the one that seemed to have pooled near the wall. She ran her finger up, passing over the stones, and a large chunk missing from a section of the wall. Almost like someone had struck the damn thing.

"There was a fight here lad." Merlia pointed to a slice mark on the left alley wall. "Someone ran a sword against the stone there, probably a miss."

"I got the smell from up here!" Krotos shouted down from the roof top. "The kobold was up here......although his scent somehow vanishes." He clacked his beak.

Did the king know she was here? If so why not just come in and take us all by force?He shook his head, and placed a hand to his chin. He watched Veledar stride over slowly. The once dragon's eyes were focused on the blood, and his eyes were wide.

"I dun know Crimson Sky." Merlia looked up towards the rooftops. "Krotos get your fluffy but down here and give dis spot a sniff!"

"Can do!" Krotos leaped down from the rooftop, landing on his hind paws, his talons striking the stone with a clack. He padded over and started sniffing the bloodied area, that Merlia was pointing to.

"Well there were three others down here." Krotos held his head up with a grin. "Three large males it seems. She must have put up quite a fight." he chuckled. "If the smell of sweat and fear is any indication."

His first thought was to the king of Lumara. It would certainly be a bigger bargaining chip with Drenedar. Although by the sounds of things they already had a non aggression pact, Why would they need their daughter anyway?.......If they wanted more things from them........like a ransom.

"Here!" Merlia shouted out suddenly, drawing his attention. She was pointing to a spot on alleyway. "Ye can see da scuff marks of er boots."

She really has good eyes. "Are you sure it's there?" He asked, crouching down beside her. He gave it one more glance, and still did not see the scuff marks.

"Are ya sure he says." Merlia mumbles with a soft chuckle. "Course I'm sure! Its right here!" she grabbed his right hand and dragged it to the spot she had been pointing at. There was a teeny tiny mark were a boot could have hit the stone, and dragged against it. "See wha I tell ya?" She rose her finger and pointed out towards the street. "She ran faster den a hopping who ya kicked in da balls." Merlia crawled her way across the alley, following a trail Arcturus could not see. "Den she stopped here." Merlia stood up, turned around as he braided hair settled behind her. "Although with the lack of blood, I tink she was captured." Merlia frowned. 'Perhaps wit a spell or somethin."

"Well that's a good start on what happened." Arcturus strode over, reaching under his helmet to cup his chin with his hand. "Now we have to figure where she was taken too then."

Suddenly the clock tower chimed off the sound for half past the hour. It was a single chime that echoes thought the night air, and seemed to linger for an eternity. There only shot at the moment to get into the castle was going to be wasted.

"We are going to miss the meeting." Veledar stated flatly, as he tapped his foot impatiently. "Can we wait to go after her when we have my book?" He held out his palm, "You said it yourself they did not kill her, so we certainly have the time."

"BONNIE BLAZES DRAGON, YA TINK WHEN ONE OF YER BUDDIES GOES MISSIN.." Merlia spun around so fast Arcturus thought she might have ground a hole in the stone. Her face was full of fury like the paladin had not seen before. "YOU'D CARE MORE ABOUT DEM DEN YOUR STUPID LITTLE BOOK!" Merlia shoved a finger into the once dragon's chest so hard it made him back step to avoid falling over.

"STUPID LITTLE BOOK?!" Veledar shouted back, pushing the dwarf violently. "THE BOOK IS THE ENTIRE REASON WE ARE HERE. I THINK LYNDIS CAN WAIT....ESPECIALLY IF SHE IS FINE."

"WE DUN KNOW DAT! WOULD YA STAKE HER LIFE ON IT?" Her words seem to slice through the air, cutting into the once dragon's flesh. "Would dis even be a conversation if it were da paladin?" She thrust a finger towards Arcturus without even looking at him, instead continuing to cast her furious gaze onto the now silent dragon.

Several guards caught Arcturus' eye as they were casually going about their route. Their heads turned towards the shouting pair of adventurers. Oh shit.

"GUESS WE ALL CAN'T BE WHAT YER HUNTIN AFTA!" Merlia continued to shout, her face as red as her hair now. Upon her forehead was a single vein, pulsating with every heated word that sprung from her mouth.

"NO IT'S NOT YA." Merlia jabbed a finger into Veledar's chest, "STUPID....FIRE BREATHINING.....SELFISH....SMUG.....BABY!" Each word was accompanied with her retracting her finger and jabbing it into the dragon. Accompanied with Veledar's gaze filling with fire. Arcturus almost thought he was going to transform.

THATS IT! "Merlia shut your gods damn mouth!" Arcturus shouted angrily, startling her mid insult. "Your drawing attention to us. Something we don't need at the moment." He gestured towards the guards who were still a ways away, but clearly coming over to investigate what was going on.

"Shut it!" he shouted again, spittle flying from his mouth. "And you!' He turned to Veledar, and grabbed the man by the collar of his shirt. "Would you have honestly left her? What if shes hurt? What if she gets k_illed._ He watched the man's eyes as they tried to look at everything around them except him. "So stop being an ARSEHOLE and help us. Your book isn't going anywhere, and your friend is in trouble NOW.

"Shut it Merlia, your only making this whole situation worse." He snapped back at her, causing the dwarf to shut her mouth and glare at him.

Veledar met his gaze, and his eyes were filled with anger mixed with irritation. Arcturus could feel it in the back of his mind. No doubt from the emotions again. "Do I make myself clear?"

"Crystal Arcturus." Veledar sneered. "Now let go of me." Veledar pointed down to his feet. Apparently Arcturus had lifted him off the ground while he had been yelling at him. "Please."

He set the once dragon down without a word, but he could feel the tension hanging in the air between them. "Krotos." he spun around to the bird who had remained silent the entire time. He was evidently on the rooftop, peaking his head down slightly, like a child might while their parents fought. Although by the direction of his eyes he was not looking at him. Arcturus followed his sight to Merlia, who was crouched over while she continued to inspect the ground. Was he checking out her arse? Arcturus chuckled at the thought, if only to lift himself from the tension surrounding him like a cloak.

I swear he makes me forget hes here like every gods damn time. "Moving on." Arcturus ignored the comment as everyone let out a chuckle, and a smile. "Krotos I need you to track the scents, they can lead us to Lyndis.

"You got it." Krotos grinned, and clacked his beak as he spread his royal blue wings wide. "I will have this scent tracked to the half-elf faster than Merlia orga...."

"Awk, awk, awk." the gryphon lowered himself, ready to pounce. "Very well." he bounded into the air with his mighty legs, and with a wing beat he was swiftly in the air. Soon flying down the street, and out of sight.

Ok lets avoid another fight now. "Asterion can you and Veledar stay here at the house, while Merlia and I try and go explain to Lyndis friends why we will be unable to get into the castle tonight. Perhaps we can salvage the entire thing and they can arrange a different time.

"I doubt it lad." Merlia grumbled.

"It's all we have at the time." he snapped before turning back to the bull. "Can you do that for me?"

Asterion nodded with a flick of his tail. "Come on dragon." He gestured to Veledar to come with him. "We have a house to watch."

"Arcturus WHY are you having me laying low....when I could be helping with this meeting?" Veledar asked, his voice tight.

"Because, we don't need your help at the moment. You can't use your spells or anything in that form, and I need you here guarding the house anyway." He gestured to Merlia with one of his thumbs, "Besides Merlia and I can handle a simple meeting."

Veledar continued to glare at him with his blue eyes. Arcturus could feel the irritation still radiating from the dragon, it felt like an itch right below his skin, one that he could never reach.

"Merlia, can you cut off the guards there?" he gestured to the three men that were closing in on them carrying torches. She nodded without a word, then he saw her breath a great sigh before putting a fake smile on her face.

"Great night fer a stroll wouldn ya say!?" she yelled, spreading her arms wide and walking towards the three guards. "Me in my friend dere were havin a lovers quarrel is all." She thumbed back towards Veledar.

"I swear the nerve of ..." Veledar started to hiss before Arcturus cut him off.

"Listen."he said softly as he swung an arm around Veledar's shoulder and led him away from the guards. "I need you to protect the house alright?"

"But why Arcturus? I am a dragon, I am the leader.. I should be making all the decisions..." He trailed off, placing a hand on his face. "I hate this place Arcturus. I am so trapped. I cant fly. I cant use magic. I cant Do anything. I feel so......helpless."

"Well ignoring your self proclaimed leadership.. were a team." He gave the dragon a smile. "I know its tough right now, being all cooped up with nothing to do...But that's why you have us..." He gestured to Merlia who was holding her arms still wide as she seemed to be spinning one of her stories to the now laughing guards. "You can't do everything Veledar." He noticed as he spoke Veledar would not look at him in the eye.

"Look at me.." He grabbed the once dragon's chin and forced him to look at him. Veledar's eyes locked onto his , and he could see the softness in them. Gone was the irritation, gone was the anger, all that remained were the regretful eyes of his friend. "I know its hard....but I need you at the house Veledar...We don't need the great dragon you are at the moment...It's too dangerous." he gave a sigh. "If anyone sees you, if any word or rumor gets back to the king's ears about a dragon....He will call back his ships.....increase his guards....put more spells in place...." He watched Veledar's face droop as the gravity of the situation was drawn for him. "You may never get your book back." He pointed a finger at Veledar's nose softly touching it with the tip. "So listen. I will do everything to get this to work. I will get your book back."

"Thank you Arcturus."

"Besides, if they knew were Lyndis was at, what if they came back for Mary, Gus, or gods forbid Gweneth? The thought of losing them would devastate me." He continued to hold Veledar's chin firmly. "I'm entrusting their safety in your capable paws. Do your understand my dearest dragon?" He felt a swell of warmth spread out from the dragon. "I will keep them safe." replied the dragon, before his voice fell into a whisper. "I'm sorry for disappointing you about Lyndis....I care about her as well...."

He patted Veledar's cheek softly, "It's okay, everyone is on edge at the moment. I am worried about her too....Although." He smiled, "You can be an arse sometimes. However that's why you got me around to straighten you out. He felt the urge rise in him once again to reach over and lock lips with the once dragon. Confess his love for him, and accept all the consequences. He shook his head slightly, Are these my emotions or are they Veledar's being projected onto me?_His thoughts shifted to Selina, her kind eyes watching him silently judging him as he looked to his beloved dragon. Once again he felt the cold blanket of guilt wrap around his heart and he gave a great mournful sigh. _Why can't I let her go...

"Something wrong Arcturus?" Veledar raised a knowing eyebrow.

"Nothing I can't figure out." He gave the dragon a wink. Hopefully I can sort it out...than I can tell you."Now you get in there and protect that house. I will go take Mrs. Loud mouth for stroll. With any luck we will save this deal, and you'll have your book back by tomorrow night!"

Veledar pulled him into a sudden, tight, and ever so warm hug. Arcturus returned it without a second thought. "Stay safe." Veledar said, before pulling back slightly until they were looking at one another once again. "I expect you back and in a healthy condition."

"Same to you than." He laughed.

"How am I going to get hurt in that house?" Veledar rolled his eyes.

"Well I can think of all the things you could trip on.....or you could piss off Asterion and he head buts you."

Veledar just replied with an amused snort. "I would like to see him try, my head can be quite thick."

"I'll say." he nudged the once dragon with his elbow playfully.

"Oh, hah hah, very funny."Veledar replied flatly, "Get out of her Arcturus before you kill me with your bad jokes."

"Well dat takes care o dat!" Merlia strode over with a smug look on her face. "Told em me husband here." she gestured to Veledar, "Was getting in a fight wit me over how he preforms in bed." She slapped her knee, "Ya shoulda seen da look on dere faces! Dey turned redder than the scales on Veledar's ass they did!"

"Well that certainly is quite red." he chuckled along with the dwarves infectious laughter. He stopped for a moment when he realized Veledar was not joining in, and was once again glaring at Merlia in silence. "Are you two going to be alright?"

"Dat depends. Veledar, have ya taken yer head outta your backside?" She crossed her arms.

"Merlia.....I'm sorry." Veledar lowered his head, his face softening. "I'm just.....stressed.....and feeling helpless.....an.."

"Like a baby." Merlia chuckled, "I know." she gave him a playful punch. "Ya know why I was mad atcha?"

"Why is that?"

"Because ya thick headed lizard. Yer better den dat." She unfolded her arms and gave him a smile. "Veledar...the dragon that plucked a human from da sky.." She held her hands out wide. "Veledar da dragon dat burned an evil good fer nothin fort...Veledar.....da dragon I call me friend.....maybe some odder dragon woulda turned away wit out a tought.......but not ya lad." She gave him a soft pat. "I hate ta see ya take two paw stride backwards is all."

"You sound like my mother." Veledar grumbled.

"Well I AM old enough ta be all ya mums." She laughed loudly, "Someone has ta teach ya children what ta do." She turned to Arcturus, face glowing with joy. "Yea were good lad." She gestured to the house. "So shall we get ya dressed and head out den?"

"Am I not dressed now?" he gestured to his clothes, shield, helmet, and sword.

"Best ta loose da helmet honestly lad...and da shield. It jus screams dragon somethin. Figure ya just grab a cloak, and one of Gus' shields. Pull up da hood, and yer good ta go."

Damn she had a point. "Okay, lets go get this over with." He laughed softly as he strode back over to the house. He hardly noticed that he absentmindedly wrapped his arm around Veledar, and held him close as they walked.

Arcturus stood on the rooftop of one of the numerous building that littered this part of the city. He hugged his black cloak battered against his body as a cool breeze blew over them. Thankfully he had remembered his gambeson, so despite what he knew was a shivering inducing cold, he was nice and warm. His other hand firmly grasped the gemmed hilt of his new sword. His eyes scanned out towards the dark sea of rooftops. Each one a inky black square, standing alone against the lights of mana lanterns below. He looked briefly up into the night sky, getting lost for but a moment in the myriad of stars. The millions of little lights twinkling, I wish Veledar was here, The thought sparked through his mind, wishing he could just be sitting here watching this with Veledar. The warm dragon pressed up against him, wing perhaps wrapped around, or maybe a tail. He gave a sigh, as he ripped his eyes from the beautiful sight above towards the much darker streets below.

"Ya love the sky doncha?" Merlia said softly, causing Arcturus to look up at her. She was crouched beside him, and her eyes were focused solely on the a section of the cobbled street with a section cut out for a tree and some grass. Her face was stern, which was certainly different from her usual demeanor. Her green eyes were darting back and forth over the area, alert, vigilant, and unblinking.

"I was just thinking of someone is all."

"No doubt cha were." Merlia gave him a grin. "I can guess who too."

"Focus...back to watching the meeting place." He gestured to the tree with a finger.

"Whateva ya say lad."

They sat a few minutes in silence, letting the whistling wing flow around them."Why can't we just go down there and meet them?" he finally asked when his impatience finally got the better of him. "Wouldn't it be easier?" He rolled the hilt of his sword in his gloved palm.

"Aye." she said softly, "But I want ta see dem first, call it a feallin in me beard."

"Merlia, you don't have a beard." he replied, with a smirk.

"It's a dwarven expression, get off he head about it." she snapped at him, "So jus keep your eyes peeled for anting....it can't be long now.."

Arcturus looked out to the clock tower in the distance, a stone spire jutting forth from the forest of stone trees. It gazed down over it's forest, with a large face glowing with the faint light of mana crystals. The hand moved slowly, and with a loud click hit the ten mark, and it let out its cry. Ten drowning notes that echoed out from it through the night air. Bellowing its proclamation to the city around it...it was ten bells.

"Well they should be here now." he said, as the ringing faded away. He pointed down to the tree, "I will just head down there, maybe it will draw them out." He stood up and went to walk away, only to find his cloak snagged on the tight grip of the dwarf. Who had by the looks of it, not even looked away from the spot.

"Sit yer arse down, and wait fer me ta see dem first."

"But what if we miss them?" His thoughts went to Veledar, and the promise he made. "I promised Veledar I would try everything I -."

"Its yer turn ta shut yer mouth." She chuckled, "dis is wut I do, trust meh, sit yer handsome butt down by me an we will wait dem out. Deres no one down dere anyway."

"How can you be sure?" he raised an eyebrow, eyes turning to the tree. He narrowed them, and strained himself to make out anything down there. He turned back to her, only to find her face filled with amusement.

"I dun question how ya do dat fancy dragon paladin magic o yers, dun question how ole Merlia works her own magic.

_Fine I will concede that point._He sighed and took a seat beside her. There was another cool breeze that battered against them, as they waited in another minutes silence. "Wait a minute you called me handsome!" He suddenly exclaimed, turning his head to the now grinning dwarf.

"Aye I did dere lad, now keep your pretty little eyes on da tree out dere, or ya going ta start getting clingy on meh now?"

He rolled his eyes and shifted his sight once again the lone tree. Standing tall against the collection or progress around it. They sat in a few more minutes of silence when finally a figure walked down the street, and stopped at the exact spot.

"Dere we go." Merlia whispered.

The figure seemed to be humanoid in shape, with a long billowing cape. They strode over to the tree, touching the bark gently with on of their arms. They turned around after reaching for something around their waist, and lit up the area with a mana lantern, springing forth light that bathed the greens of the grass in yellows. It was Elwin, the same paladin from Matilda's shop. She stood looking down the street, clad in the same silver armor Arcturus had worn. What is she doing here? He thought as she swung her head the other direction, as if she was looking for something, or someone.

"Mighty strange your paladin buddy down dere shows up."

"Shes not my buddy, I was only there when she got promoted to the rank, that is all."

Suddenly Elwin looked up into the sky, as two dark forms descended on her with spread wings. The gryphons landed beside her with hardly a sound from their paws or their beating wings. The only sound that they did make was a small clack of their talons scraping the ground beneath them. One gryphon was a white with a black stripe pattern running along it's body. The other was a golden color with white feathers. Both of the creatures wore metal plates adorning vital areas of their form, with a small chest place pressed up on them. This plate proudly bore the golden gryphon symbol of Lumara. Arcturus gazed upon the silver armor, with the reflection of the crystals light, the armor looked to be as if it were on fire.

Elwin was the first to open her mouth. They were chatting about something of course, but he could not make out what they were. Elwin looked irritated about something as the two gryphons fidgeted around her, tails twitching. His attention was pulled from Elwin holding up her hands as he caught the small murmur of Merlia saying something beneath her breath."

"What are you doing?" he whispered.

"Interpretin wut dey say lad." she replied back.

Great! "So what are they saying then?"

Merlia pointed to the golden gryphon, now talking to Elwin it seemed. "Oh how its so cold out here. I wish Merlia would come down here an warm up me handsome feathers of mine."

Arcturus narrowed his eyes at her, as she let out a laugh. She waited for the other gryphon to open his beak to speak next, before she continued.

"Well I wish Arcturus would come down here instead, dat way I could make im me hen."

"Come on Merlia, what are they really saying?"

"Wut? I can't flippin hear dem lad. Wut ya tink I am, da elf or dat dragon o yours?" She looked back as Elwin started to talk. "Now yer paladin lady friend is talkin bout getting undressed an foolin around wit da gryphons. Oooooo look it me, oh so pretty and defenseless. I hope dese two handsome gryphons of mine don't pounce on me." She made a small scream as she made two of her fingers pounce onto the palm of her other hand. "Oh no." she laughed, than started to making kissing noises.

"Merlia!"

"Wut? Dis is what I do lad." she laughed, "Dats the ole dwarven secret ya know. Ya tink we all stoic all da time...but ya git us all alone and dis is all dere is."

"I find that incredibly hard to believe."

"Doesn't matter wut you tink happens lad, but its wut happens. Now since ya been a good sport I let ya choose the next topic. We can keep talkin bout dese handsome gryphons or we can talk bout dat dragon o yours."

Got to keep her on track. "What why are they here?" he gestured to the gryphons and Elwin. "A paladin and two gryphons suddenly in the meeting spot?"

"Ain't it obvious lad?" she chuckled, dragging a thumb across her chin, "Lyndis' friends sold us out. Figure dose magical trinkets o deres were worth less than a royal ransom.

"But the king did not know were here!" Or did he? Arcturus felt a little panic fill his chest. Could have everything fallen around them already? Was everyone safe back at the house? His mind ran away with each moment, thinking of worse and worse things that could be awaiting them back at the house.

"I don tink dey knew it was us." She gestured to Elwin, "They knew bout da princess, but ya tink if dey knew it wus us dey be sendin more den two gryphons and a fake paladin." She gestured to them with a sweep of her arm. Just as Elwin pointed at the gryphons harshly in turn. She seemed to bark something to them as they spread their wings wide. With a great flap, and pounce of their legs, both gryphons were high into the air.

"Now lets get ta talkin bout dat dragon o yers. Ya didn't pick so I made da more fun choice."

"Why must we?"

"Cause yer being a stupid idiot ya is." She laughed, her head looking into the sky. "I can see it in da way ya look at each odder." She held up her hands at chest level, and pretended to hug the air, "OOo Veledar hold me closer." She than started to make kissing noises with her mouth.

"Is this funny to you?" he said, the irritation growing in him at the display.

"Only fer yer reaction lad. Ya look like some frightened puppy when ever it comes up." Her smile filled face than turned stern, as she gazed upon him. "Now why haven't ya told im." She placed he r hands on her hips, looking like his mother more than a dwarf at the moment. "Ya seem brave in everting else."

Because of the guilt of my dead wife. He wanted to say, I don't know if I am ready. I live for so much shorter than him...I don't even know if I am sexually attracted to him..All of these rattled around in his brain, seeking exit. All he had to do was open his mouth and form the words. Than why is it so gods damn hard to say?! "But what if,,"

"Nah buts." she jabbed a finger into his chest. He could feel her digit even through the gambeson's padding. "Stop bein stupid Arcturus, go talk ta ya dragon. Ya should be havin dis talk wit him anyway. Lifes to short ta be wonderin about what if or buts." She let out a sigh, as her eyes filled with the kindness his mother had had. "Go be happy ya stupid git, both of ya deserve that."

Fine. I talk to him when we get back. "You win Merlia, I will mention it." said softly.

"Finally!" she laughed, clasping a hand firmly onto his shoulder. "I thought I was going ta have ta tie you two up in a room, and keep ya dere till ya talked. '

Suddenly they heard the screech of a gryphon. _Shit he had forgotten about them._He ducked low against the roof top as one of the creatures flew right over head, letting out another bellow of bird chirps. He quickly picked up Gus' round wooden shield he had borrowed, it had been just sitting beside them the entire time. The second one passed right behind Arcturus, while the first one landed on the rooftop several feet away. He watched Merlia stand perfectly still, her hand on her bow.

"Well what do we have here?" The golden gryphon spoke, placing a talon forward.

"I believe we have found two members of the many eyed." came the sing song voice of a female gryphon behind them. Arcturus peeked over his shoulder to see she was in mid air, hovering with each flap of her wings.

"That you may be right." The golden one continued, his beak opened in a grin. "So you can tell the paladin why the princess' conspirators did not show up." He swelled his chest up, "Personally."

Arcturus did not dare speak, fear they would recognize his voice filled him. His hand gripped the hilt of his sword, while the other held firm the shield. He watched the gryphon stop his strut forward, as he spread his wings wide. No doubt to appear even bigger to them.

"Oh how cute..Two little gang members simply speechless." He curled his neck up, and gave them a smug look. "Are you two just in awe? Or simple terrified?" He reared up, and gave them a blast of air with his wings. Merlia gave a small pleasured sigh.

"Well as handsome as ya are." Merlia suddenly spoke. "And ya are handsome lad. I can't be goin wit ya, ya understand right?"

"Oh that was not a request little....." he gave a sniff with his beak. "Dwarf.....Oooooo" he suddenly gave a happy croon. "Do you like gryphons little dwarf?" the golden bird ruffled his feathers and seem to strike a pose. He raised his tail back as he continued to strut along the rooftop. "Cause you smell like you most certainly do."

No....he couldn't......Merlia! Arcturus shook his head. You get worked up over this? Hes trying to capture us! He turned his head slightly, the female gryphon had worked her way closer. _Shit they are trying to distract us._He turned fully around and focused his eyes on her. The grypon stopped her advance in the air, and continued to hover several feet away now._I don't want to kill them, they are just doing their jobs. They are not the soldiers of the fort....These are just guards.......my guards...._His left hand played around with the leather strap of the shield, as he thought of what spell to use. His eyes widened as he remembered the one with Veledar.

"Well course I do..ya pretty ting you." She said, in a silvery voice. "How bout we go find somewhere we can work some ting out, and we can go."

Really Merlia? Really?........Oh shes playing him. Or at least I hope she is.

"awk, awk, awk, Well isn't that an interesting turn of events." the gryphon laughed. "Listen perhaps if we did THAT. I could talk to the captain, and you won't be rotting in chains."

"Well it was worth a shot......NOW!"

Arcturus heard a small explosion from behind him, no doubt one of the many arrow related spells Merlia had up he sleeve. He focused on the shield spell from earlier, and pressed his right hand onto it. "Koraavnu rith" he muttered in an instant, causing a bright brilliant light to spring forth from his shield. He heard the female gryphon screech in pain as she clutched her eyes with her talons. He tried to not feel too proud at it.

"Come on!" Merlia grabbed him by the arm and bounded towards the way they had gotten up onto the roof, a grappling hook. She grabbed the rope first, carried herself over the ledge and slid all the way down to the street. He did the same thing, but as he we swung himself over he felt the slice of talons miss him by mere inches. He landed on the street, as Merlia sprinted, hugging the walls of the buildings.

He glanced back to see the female gryphon had recovered from her moments blindness and was soaring towards them. Like a great predator she swooped in, claws extended. _Well I suppose she is angry from all the blinding._He turned once again with his shield, repeating the same key phrase and touching the shield. The bright light sprang forth once again, so the shrill cry of the gryphon.

"Right in the fucking eyes again" she screeched, colliding with one of the windowsills above, sending the wooden frame crashing to the ground along with her. Arcturus almost bounded to her, check to make sure she was ok. But thankfully she stood right back up, rubbing her eyes with her talons once more. "I think I'm fucking blind!" she screamed out. "When I get my claws you human!"

He did not stay to hear her continued threat as he followed Merlia down an alley. "Nice one lad!" she laughed, rounding a dark corner. They continued running down it, the only sound was their boots impacting onto the cobbled surface, and his heartbeat pounding in his chest. They followed the alley, snaking its way through numerous buildings until the finally came to a way out. "Dere!" Merlia said, thrusting a finger towards the exit.

They just reached the end when the golden gryphon swooped down and landed before them. He did not waste time with words and lashed out with his talons instead. He swatted aside Merlia, she impacted against the stone wall with an "ummph."

"Sorry to do that little dwarf, but play time I think is over." He crouched low, his tail wagging back and forth. Reminding Arcturus oh how cats would pounce on their prey. He went to lower his shield and do the same spell as before, smirking to himself at the blinding flash this gryphon was going to get. However as he opened his mouth he felt two sets of talons grab him by the shoulders.

"Gotcha you bastard!" came the angry singsong voice of the female gryphon.

He struggled as she carried him forward, hanging several feet in the air. He formed a fist with his right hand and punched up into her feathered chest will all his strength. He focused on Bahamut, and yelled out "Trug skag". His first glowed purple as it collided with a section not protected by her armor. She let out a shriek of pain as his fist exploded with a bright white light as well. He saw her entire body shutter as her claws let him go. He fell at least ten feet, but he lowered his shield at the last moment, using it to somewhat cushion his fall. The wood shattered on impact, followed by his body hitting, than rolling onto the hard street. His legs lit up with pain, but thankfully he did not feel anything break. He came to a stop, flopped out on the ground.

Arcturus looked up to see the female gryphon had flown straight into a wooden building, and had collapsed onto the street, surrounded by broken wood, glass, and speckles of blood. His head turned as he heard squawks coming from the direction of Merlia, as she came running over with a big grin.

"Well dat should hold im for a bit." She thumbed back to the golden gryphon.

Arcturus peaked over to see that a large ten foot emerald green vine had sprouted from the stone, and had started wrapping itself around the gryphon. He watched the kitty bird claw and scratch at it, but his claws could not seem to put any lasting effect on the thing. Each time his claws dug into the plants form,it simply would regrow when he retracted his claws.

"Graspin vine spell." Merlia said proudly, It'll hold him for a minute I tink....Well at least long enough for us to get away, than me hide us with a pass without trace enchantment.....to hide us from dere smell o course." she tapped her nose three times, and gave him a wink. "Now hurry up times a wastin."

Arcturus looked over to the female gryphon, who had still not risen from her falling place. Arcturus was reminded of Veledar and when he had come crashing down in the mountains.....and gryphons were not as durable as dragons. "Wait on that." He rushed over to the form of the gryphon. She was spread out, wings wide against the stone.

"Come on lad, we dun have foreeva ya know." Merlia looked back to the golden gryphon. 'I can only do dat once a day. Wut ya even helpin her fer...she be fine."

Arcturus pulled some rope from his pack, and thrust it into Merlia's grasp. "Here, tie up her paws, I will handle her talons."

"Ok but make it quick lad."

They both worked with rope to tie up the female gryphons limbs. It took hardly any time, as Arcturus backed away, satisfied with his sturdy knot. He than held out a hand, and pressed it against the gryphons injured, bloodied feathers. They were soft to the touch, but still were warm. Well it's a good sign at least." He pictured healing her in his mind, causing his gloves to radiate white light. It spread from his hands and radiated out towards the gryphon. It took a moment, but she let out a raspy cough, and opened her eyes. She glared at them with her amber eyes, and started struggling once more.

"Come one lad!" Merlia shouted, pulling him away from the thrashing gryphon. Arcturus heard the battle shriek of the second one. "I told ya it wouldn't last forever. But nooooooo....lets go help the injured one." She shouted as they continued to run down the street, heart practically leaping out of his chest. "I swear to da gods Arcturus, if ya get us caught imma beat da shite outta ya."

"Agreed." he found himself nodding, as the golden gryphon made another swooping attack at them.

Merlia turned, holding up a finger at the flying gryphon. She made a swooping motion downward, letting ,"Ven vund" escape from her lips. Suddenly a wave of air came rushing downwards, like the force of a hurricane. It battered down onto the gryphon and violently shoved him down onto the streets with a thump. He struggled to crawl his way several feet, closing his wings against his back. Arcturus saw him clack his beak in absolute fury, as his talons scrapped against the cobblestone.

"Come on lad!" Merlia pulled him away again, leading him further and further away from the pinned gryphon. They ducked down another alleyway roughly one minute later.

"What spell was that?" Arcturus breathed out deeply with a laugh. "Hes going to be pissed."

"Good ole windwall." Merlia chuckled. "Ya just have ta aim the winds direction down, and it turns into a pretty interestin way of pinnin someone."

"You know its rude to pin someone twice and not offer them release." he laughed, than did they both did a double take.

"Did ya jus make a dirty joke?" Merlia gasped.

_ Oh my gods I did._ "I think I just did." he grinned back.

"Oh I'm so proud of ya my boy." She grabbed him a tight bear hug, threatening to squeeze the air from his lungs. "Dey grow up so fast."

"Merlia...." he said, trying to push the dwarf away. 'Merlia!"

"Oh right, we should probably be hiden from dat gryphon.." She looked around, scanning the skys for him. "Ya think Krotos would look good in dat sexy armor?"

"Merlia!"

"Fine, fine. Don't get yer paladin britches in a twist." She held out a finger and touched it against her armor. "Nid pik" she muttered in but a whisper. From her chest seemed to spring darkness itself. It radiated outwards and wrapped Arcturus and her within it's grasp. It flowed over his body and made every shadow darker than it already was, and made his skin feel all tingly.

"Dere, now it'll be impossible ta track us wit out magic." She waved a hand to him to follow. "Should last us de hour...long enough ta get back to Gus' house."

Arcturus followed after her, looking to the sky briefly. He heard the angered screech of gryphon who had lost his prey. Elwin will probably chew his furry butt out for this. The thought gave him no satisfaction, but thankfully no one died, and they did not recognize us. He breathed a sigh of relief and padded after the dwarf.

* * * * * * "Well dats da whole long an short of it." Merlia clasped her hands together, and rubbing them together. Arcturus had sat back the entire time in a chair, drinking a mug of water while the dwarf had spun the tale about the meeting and their escape. She had of course lingered on all the spells, and mimed the actions with her hands. It had left the audience of Gus, Mary, Asterion, Krotos and Veledar all spell bound by her words.

"So we are sold out."Asterion snorted. "I knew that hobgoblin was no good. I had a feeling in my hooves."

"And ya said ya turned up empty Krotos?" she asked, cocking her head.

"Yes." Krotos drooped his beak. "It's like their scent just vanished into thin air."

"Dats alright, dey probably used da same trick I did ta escape." she strode up to the gryphon and gave him a reassured pat on the back. "Now I figure Krotos and I go out once more...look for anyting we missed in our first glance."

"What and leave me here again?" Veledar snarled,slinking over to Arcturus and sitting down, curling a tail around him. "Arcturus here almost got killed at this safe meeting of yours." The dragon turned to him, and gave him a worried glare with his blue eyes.

"Dats why it be just Krotos and I." Merlia continued without skipping a breath. "Give the rest of ya time to rest up and hit dis ting fresh in da mornin. Now hopefully we find sometin to track...." She trailed off, and pulled out her metal flash. "But in case we can't we need ya rested up."

Makes sense. Arcturus nodded, "That seems reasonable. I figure we can get some more help tomorrow anyway."

"Well I suppose I could talk to Elizabeth tomorrow." Gus said sheepishly, "Convince her and Swiftwing to help out."

"That's right!" Krotos exclaimed. "I could go to my flock as well. They would gladly help out a friend of the family."

"Is that wise?" Arcturus asked,

"I don't see why not." Krotos resettled his wings. "We are loyalty to our families first anyway...besides its not like everyone knows she is a princess anyway."

_ It certainly feels like they always do._"Ok so we get two gryphon flights to help us find her. But what if we run into the same problem." He shot Merlia a concerned look. "What if we can't find her because of the pass without trace spell you had us under?"

"Den we would be needed magic ta find her lad...simple as dat."

_The wizard._Arcturus pulled the note from his pouch she had given him. "Well I know the location of an elven wizard who would be happy to help....if we helped her as well."

"If it gets Lyndis back lad, I don't care if dey had us wadin through shit."

"How about you Veledar? How would you feel about another side quest?"

"You know how I feel." Veledar snorted through his snout, tapping his tail against the floor. "But we need Lyndis back...it matters not how I feel."

"Den good its decided." Merlia grabbed Krotos by the neck and led him towards the door. "Come on lad, lets get dis outta da way."

"And no stopping for fun you two." Veledar pointed a claw at them, narrowing his eyes.

"I don't tink about dat all da time, dragon." Merlia gave him a sly grin, "Although....."

"Merlia!"

"Fine fine." she waved dismissively towards the dragon. "Tink of it as a prize fer findin the princess." She stroked Krotos' feathers, causing him to shiver slightly.

"That's the kind of prize I can get into." he playfully growled back at her, as they strode out the door, and shut the door behind them with a smack.

"Well you certainly had a fun evening." Veledar rolled his eyes, "It was quite dull her actually." he twitched his snout frills slightly. Arcturus reached up and rolled one gently the palm of his hand, causing the dragon to give a soft moan. "Come one we have to talk." he felt his heart quicken as he gestured towards the girls room. Their not using it at the moment anyway._He made his way up the stairs as Veledar followed him, the clicking of his talons on the wood filling his ears. Arcturus felt his heart quicken with every step to the door. _Am I really going to do this? He thought , grasping the door and opening it. Confess to him?_He thought to Merlia, and how she was looking out for him, he thought to Gus, Matilda, everyone he cared about...they all just wanted him to be happy. He thought about all the time with the dragon. Every moment they spent time together, and how it made him feel so.... _Happy.

He sighed and lead Veledar into the room, closing the door gently behind him. The dragon watched him but stayed silent. He could feel a small bit of anxiety flowing off the dragon. Hes nervous too!_That made it at least easier. "Veledar......." he said, taking a seat on the gryphon sized bed. Veledar joined him, curling around him. He looked up into the dragon's eyes. _How beautiful they always looked. "I have found this incredibly hard to say......." he held up a hand to the dragon's snout. "I like you."

"Well obviously you like me." Veledar thumped his tail on the bed. "Other wise you would be yelling at me all the time....or leaving....or attacking me." He gave a coy grin, his frills twitching once again.

"No that's not what I meant."

"Than what did you mean?" Veledar lowered his head, closer towards him.

Come on Veledar. Oh gods damn't.._He pulled forward and planted a kiss right on the surprised dragon's snout. He felt his heart swoon as the dragon did not pull away. He remained in place, and Veledar held the kiss. When Arcturus pulled away the dragon just looked at him, with amused expression painted on his muzzle. However he did feel the warmth spreading from his heart. "Now I am not sure I'm ready for......anything more at the moment." his thoughts went to Selina. _How would she feel right now? Him having thoughts for another? He buried those thoughts with the next glance into the beautiful dragon's eyes in front of him.

"Why not? Do you not find me beautiful and attractive?" Veledar raised an eyebrow.

Oh gods I do."No....its just there are thoughts swirling around in my head Veledar.....guilt....anxiety....confusion..." He rubbed the dragon's snout. "But you deserve to know how much I care about you.......I am sorry for waiting for so long......" They locked eyes again....."But can you wait a bit longer for me to sort out how I feel about the whole thing.....before we progress further?"

He watched Veledar mull it over for maybe a moment, his wings resettling, and he breathed in deeply. "I suppose I can wait for a bit longer Arcturus." he finally said with a sigh. "Butttt...I think I deserve a consolation kiss." He leaned in, and opened his maw. Arcturus found himself unable to resist and let the dragon snake his tongue into his mouth, as they locked mouth and maw with passion. He almost fell over at the feeling. Slimy, wonderful, and incredibly erotic. His entire body shivered as they gulped at one another like lovers who had not seen each other in months. He felt Veledar thump his tail in pleasure, shaking the bed slightly. They kissed like this for a minute or two, until they broke it with a thin bit of saliva connecting the two. He could feel his heart racing in his chest, and with a quick glance he saw a small speck of pink peeking from Veledar's sheath. You naughty dragon you.

_That was intense._He breathed in and out with a smile on his face. He could already feel the want for his dragon's embrace filling him. Without a second thought he pounced onto the dragon and wrapped his arms around him. He felt Veledar grasp him in his claws gently, and then drape his head around him. It was like he was wrapped in an incredible warm blanket, he released a pleased sigh. He nuzzled his head into Veledar's scaled chest, and closed his eyes in bliss. "Arcturus, I really like, like you as well." Veledar chuckled, holding him tighter. "You cannot imagine wanting you for so long." The dragon's tail thumped against the bed again. "To finally have you....wrapped in my claws........How I have longed for this moment.....I am glad you opened up to me...my brave paladin." Veledar moved a paw to stroke the back of Arcturus' head with his claws softly, ruffling his brown hair.

Me too. They stayed like that for what seemed like eternity, wrapped within each others limbs, hearts fluttering in their chests, and loving nuzzles. Until finally he closed his eyes, cheek pressed on the dragon's warm scales. Arcturus thoughts drifted to the road ahead and what it would bring them, not just with the book,not what came after it, but with each other. Me too Veledar.