FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Chapter 21

Ever since the sun had climbed above the treeline, casting the warm glow of it's golden, ethereal rays upon Chios, the air buzzed with the excitement that was to come. Young and old went passing by, on two legs, four legs or wings. Every beak and face was painted with copious amounts of joy, infecting any whom might have not have had such a delightful night. Above, the flying fish darted on by, their scales winking like treasures within the light for all to see, bringing whispers and cries of good fortune for all. Some shouted or sang praises for Fureen and her wife Sartren for this blessed day, Leon didn't care about that, all he cared about were the games.

The crowds were gathering within stone chucking distance of Hekate's family's tavern, the multitude of heads forming a sea of trilling beaks and delighted shouts. They surrounded a raised platform with flowing tapestries of orange, reds and brass, signifying the dedication to the goddess of the harvest. This was the place for the nobles to watch over what was to transpire, but more importantly, where Olas was due to reside.

Leon surveyed the animated crowd, their voices blending into a symphony of everyday conversations. He found their discussions to be mundane and unremarkable. Amongst the throng, local rivals and minor mercenaries engaged in spirited boasts, each one eager to one-up the other in the upcoming tests of skill. Uninterested in such trivial bravado, he simply crossed his arms, refusing to be swept up in the prevailing excitement. Leon preferred to cloak his anticipation in an aura of mystery. After all, who would be foolish enough to boast before even proving their mettle? That's when Krantor strode beside, him, chest swollen with a fluff of his blue-black wings.

"Hens and drakes, ladies and gentlemen!" Krantor shouted, his voice like thunder, "Behold the future champions of these festival games. Be prepared to marvel and be held in awe at our jaw dropping skill." He added a wink, flicking his lion like tail, "Our victory is all but assured, and the taste of triumph shall be sweeter than the juiciest harvest fruit!"

He rolled his eyes at the gryphon's boast, unwilling to be caught up in his noise. To no surprise, other gryphons belted back their challenges, leaving Krantor squawking and clacking his beak. There no end to the amount of peacocking that was going on, each it seemed, willing to show off their stuff.

"Is he going at it again?" Hekate planted her haunches at Leon's side, giving her love a loving wave as he flashed back to her a smile.

"Making friends as he typically does." Leon sighed, "Maybe this time he wont come to blows. What was it over last time?"

"Wings, talons and beaks." She fluffed her wings, her voice flat. "Krantor, dearest, could you not antagonize your fellow competition and get us kicked out of town? My family lives here."

"Knowing that, you might encourage him to continue."

"Antagonizing them?" Krantor pulled himself away from the latest group that he had been proclaiming their skill, "I was engaging in the competitive spirit was all!"

Leon was quick with the response, "Didn't you just tell that group their chances of success were as small as their dick and balls?"

"..." Krantor's snapped up his beak with an indignant squawk, "That's now what I said at all." Without looking he dismissed the idea with a wave of his wing.

"I mean, he's not wrong." Hekate chortled, tail thumping the ground, "Your exact words you used sneaky beaky were, baby dicked trolls."

He blinked, ears pinned to his neck, "See Leon? Least she was listening to me."

Leon groaned, "Besides the bragging rights and trying to piss off everyone here, what is the prize?"

"Cheese?" Krantor replied, only to wince.

"You've got to be kidding me...cheese?"

"Hey, cheese is a big deal around here, plus it tastes really good." He reared up, fluffing his wings in excitement, giving off pleased little trills, "Speak of the devils, they're here!"

Mighty, broad-chested stallions with coats as dark as onyx pulled the wagons into view, bringing with them a pungent aroma of several different cheeses blended. Amidst the hustle and bustle, a few less composed gryphons found themselves gently pushed aside by humanoid hands, accompanied by the squawks of their fellow gryphons who were lending a helping claw.

These wagons, generously sponsored by several local farms, were here for the cheese rolling event scheduled for later in the day. Alongside them, gryphons proudly pulled wagons laden with bushels of crisp apples, their rust-colored feathers glistening in the sunlight. Some of these proud catbirds even tossed apples into the crowd, inviting everyone to savor the crunchy treats for themselves.

"I would kill for a dozen apples or so." Hekate chirped, blissfully following the convoy of treats, "Make a pie, some fritters, maybe a tart or three, or just skip the whole process and just eat them."

He seized hold of both gryphons' ears just as they were about to rush off and confront the farmers for their crops. In the midst of this, he narrowly avoided being bowled over by an enthusiastic stampede of catbirds. As he regained his balance and brushed off the dust, the cause of the commotion became clear. Amidst the bustling crowd, two visitors had unwittingly begun to scratch gryphon ears openly. Soon enough, they found themselves encircled by a curious flock of feathered creatures, each one with its head tilted and yearning for some ear scratches of their own.

"They should have a sign in all gryphon towns." Leon growled, rotating his shoulder, "Be warry of scratching, unless you want to start a riot."

Krantor watched what transpired with a bemused expression upon his beak. He leaned into Leon, his pale blue eyes twinkling in amusement, "Humans." He chuckled, "Always acting in such a manner when they visit our towns. You'd think they'd know better."

Hekate nodded in agreement, her crest feathers ruffling, "Yes, quite peculiar. Though nice, naïve fellows." She tilted her head towards the half-elf with her mate, the intent clear as day. "But who wouldn't want a scratch behind the ear? I mean, it speaks volumes of one's true spirit and compassion."

"If only we had someone who would give scratches." sighed Krantor.

"Alas, if only."

Leon rolled his eyes as they tried to guilt him, "If only you could find someone so daft."

Snapping to him and batting her eyes, the lavender gryphon cooed, "Leon...those gryphons are getting scratches..."

Damn't, the wall of resistance he'd been constructing was tested. Before her insatiable demands and innocent gaze, he found himself quivering, unable to hold her back. The mercenary grunted, pouting, "Skies above, you're both needy bitches."

"Bitches in need of your hands." Krantor sighed.

He was serenaded by their joyous trills and soft warbles as he scratched along their hackles. They were thick but soft, warm to the touch, almost as much as his cheeks. Upwards his fingers climbed, causing his gryphon companion's tails to flick, their eyes to hood as they reveled in their victory. For a few moments their ears met his digits, filling the air with soft song. He rolled his eyes at such a display, to think such regal and powerful people could be so envious of something as simple as ear scratches. Just as another pair of gryphons turned their heads, he ceased his ministrations, not wanting to start another stameped.

"There, ya envious bastards happy? No way I'm getting tackles and nuzzled to death because you want someone to feel you up."

"Such a dastardly way to describe something so pleasant." Krantor whimsically sighed as he bumped his forehead to the man and nuzzled along his cheek and neck, "You have magical fingers, I think we should keep you to ourself!"

"He has to have them sneaky beaky, look who he's after." Hekate chuckled.

As Krantor ran his flank alongside the mercenary, nibbling at his hair, he earned himself a sway on the head. Leon scoffed, "What's with the scratches anyway, you don't see two leggers going out of their way to have people touch them."

"You're visiting the wrong towns." Replied Krantor with a chuckle.

It was Hekate that rose her voice with a brassy tone, planting her haunches down so that she could preen her feathers. "Bonding is the real reason. You might hate it, but it's been known to lower blood pressure, relieve stress and even help the sick when healing magic isn't available."

"You're making that last part up." Countered Leon, jabbing a finger to her beak.

"Not in the slightest." She playfully snapped at his finger, "Plus, for us, it feels ever so delightful." She closed her eyes, tail flicking, "Sends a tingling down my spine that soothes me something awful."

"Why does it feel like I'm being conditioned?" He grimaced, averting his gaze as Krantor nudged him.

"Come on, Leon," he playfully whispered with a mischievous grin, "You know it's inevitable. We're working our gryphon magic on you, one day at a time. It might not be today, but mark my words, you'll be subconsciously dishing out scritches and scratches without us even having to drop a hint."

"Pfff, gryphon magic?" He scoffed,

Krantor waved his hands, spreading his wings for effect, "Indeed, powerful magic it is."

"Hah, that will be the day. I'd never do that." He crossed his arms, full of defiance.

"Please." Giggled Hekate as his cheeks flushed, "All I have to do is bat my eyes and you cave faster than Krantor when I pull out the paddle."

He cursed them as they giggled and squawked away, pressing in at his sides. He decided to avert his attentions from their antics, instead to the commotion happening all around them.

Across the field he paid attention to the gryphon ball field that had been constructed, dwelling upon the sizable stands suitable for kinds. Children and gryphets were gasping and pointing, evidently surprised that their small town was playing host to such an event.

"Oh, I can't wait to see that." Krantor's ears perked, "Heard there is a bunch of locals looking for a game later." He nudged at Leon's side with a wing, "Would you be willing, now that I know you're a gryphon rider?"

"Spare me featherbutt." Leon retorted, "Just because I rode one time on one particular gryphon doesn't mean I'll ride your sorry back."

"My back is wonderful thank you very much slick skin."

"Point is, with my luck, my head will be torn off during the game!"

"That hasn't happened in hundreds of years." Scoffed the black gryphon as he trotted a few paces, holding his head high, "Besides, if you're afraid of falling off, Olas is going to be there to catch people with feather fall. Afraid of getting hurt? Think Hekate and the local clerics volunteered to lend their healing spells. Plus, you know, the riders and gryphons were padding, no one's going to get their heads torn off!"

"Still." He crossed his arms, his argument defeated by the gryphon's knowing gaze. As he averted his eyes the mischievous bird moved with them, insistent on staying within the half-elf's field of vision, Leon blushed, "Could you not asshole?"

"I think you'd rather like the idea!" Krantor gave a beak parted smile, "Flying about, holding me close, the thrill of competition. Also-." He rose his brows suggestively, "Olas can watch you fly around."

"Why would I like that? Some rich jerk ogling me in my fun time?" Leon growled, aware his cheeks were burning at the idea as he pictured the rust gryphon transfixed by his actions, held in awe.

"Ooooo, I love gryphon ball!" Hekate happily chirped sliding her wings around her boys and holding them close to her feathery chest, "I remember watching my first game with the Feathered Flyers in Entis! No one could beat the fellas in blue!"

"Feathered Flyers?" Scoffed Krantor, "The best team is clearly the Buzzard Bombers."

"You're allowed to be wrong in taste hun." She smiled.

Leon rolled his eyes as the pair got into a heated debate over which humanoid and gryphon combo were the better players of the sport.

"Oh Leon, don't scoff, gryphon ball is a treasured sport of our kingdom!" Hekate nudged him with her beak, "One that dates back ages to the foundation of our two peoples. Why, the two princes that forged the alliance loved the sport!"

"Three hundred years isn't _ages_Hekate."

"Semantics." She waggled a wing, "Point is, it's an exceptionally long time."

"It isn't even that." He had to shield his face as she batted him with a wing. "There are elves alive that remember us not being uni-" He was silenced with another assault from her wing.

"You're missing the point. This game celebrated the union of human and gryph, showed the beauty and harmony that comes from our continued efforts. People can look to this and find pride in the future we have made for all gryphons and two leggers."

"I don't need a history lesson." Groaned the mercenary, pushing himself free of her clutches, "save it for someone who cares."

"Like me." Krantor leaned into his mate with a happy chirp, batting his eyes, "I could always listen to you my magical minx."

She cooed, nuzzling their necks, "How wonderful of you to say my beautiful sneaky beaky."

When they kissed, Leon groaned, "Could you not make out in front of me?"

"We're not making out." Krantor chuckled, with a lustful tone, "If you want, we can show you that later."

"We don't mind you participating." Hekate continued, giving the half-elf a sultry look. When he wheeled about to ignore their antics, she and the male tossed back their heads in knowing laughter.

"I hate you both."

"Oh, look Leon, it's Olas!" Hekate chirped, gesturing to the stands with a wing as the crowds erupted into a cacophony of chirps and shouts.

-

Trumpets resounded, heralding the arrival of Deri, the mayor, along with his retinue, and most captivating of all, Olas himself. Draped in a dark blue vest adorned with delicate white frills, Olas exuded an air of regal splendor. His feathers had been meticulously groomed and pampered, and his talons gleamed with an impeccable sheen. Bathed in the morning sunlight, he appeared larger than life, a truly captivating presence. Despite the events of the previous night and the lingering sense of emptiness, Leon couldn't tear his gaze away. The avian figure before him was undeniably handsome and awe-inspiring, and he remained spellbound as Olas gracefully alighted on the stage with a graceful flutter of his wings.

How could such a being love him, a good for nothing mercenary that writhed around in the filth? The very idea was laughable, that is why last night had to be a play, a sick fetish for a commoner to be railing him. Though as he gazed upon that bird, that certainty seemed fleeting, his heart picking up pace in his chest. Staring into those eyes made impossible things seem real, perhaps he had just seen the worst in the lord, wanted to protect himself. He shook, gritting his teeth, reminding himself if he reached out to touch that sun he'd be burned, he couldn't fall for someone like that...not again.

"Greetings, esteemed people of Chios!" The mayor's cheerful tone resonated like a booming melody, his words carrying over the crowd as he gracefully ruffled his white and blue breast feathers with a scaled hand. "I must say, it warms my heart to witness so many radiant smiles, all eager to demonstrate to the goddess Fureen the unwavering strength and dedication of our spirits!"

With a graceful wing gesture towards Olas, he continued, "And now, it is my distinct privilege to introduce to you none other than Lord Olas of the Mystic Feathers, who will graciously usher in this magnificent day!"

Regal and full of life, Olas stood with a delightful chirp, his voice just as loud as the mayor's had been. However, along with his voice, a sense of calm and comfort washed over the crowd, twisting within and raising their spirits ever more. "Ladies and gentlemen, drakes and hens, I stand before you as Lord Stolas, and it is my honor to address this remarkable gathering today. As we come together to celebrate this bountiful harvest, let us not forget the profound significance it holds for the rest of Lumara and its heroes who fight gallantly beyond our borders, your unwavering dedication and tireless efforts ensure we never falter, and continue to act with efficiency. We owe you a debt of gratitude for this invaluable contribution."

He continued, strolling across the platform with absolute grace, "This festival however is not just about the abundance of crops; it is a sacred occasion, a time to offer our deepest thanks to the goddess of sun and harvest, Fureen. She blesses us with her warmth and abundance, nurturing our lands and bestowing upon us the strength to persevere in the face of adversity."

There was a hushed silence over the crowd as he and everyone bowed their heads in silent prayer, picturing the goddess over them all, watching with a pleased look.

Olas raised his head, "I see among you all the courage, spirit and strength that our kingdom is fond of. One flame that will never be put out as it's light is spread to the world beyond!" Crown feathers fluffed as he flicked his tail, his chest swelled with pride, "Now with that out of the way, I can't wait to observe these thrilling games and witness the skill and determination of your fine competitors, especially the hunky, sexy half-elf over there." The gryphon merrily waved in Leon's direction with a smile, "Oh Leo, my darling champion, kick all their tails for me!"

"Gods damnt." Leon grit his teeth as several heads swiveled to him, he made note to not pay them any attention as he shifted in the dirt.

It was then that Titus whistled in amusement, emerging from the crowd, the ceullus' eyes bright as he smiled, "Wow, I didn't think you managed to seduce that blue blooded feather head. How did you manage that? Color me impressed."

"It's..." Words stumbled out of his mouth, trying to accurately describe what he and Olas shared. His thoughts flashed to the kind gryphon he enjoyed last night, the one that opened up and for the first time appeared real. That, however, lasted for just a moment before doubt whispered in the back of his mind and brought him back to reality, the act, leaving him alone. "He loved getting a commoner to fuck him in the ass." Leon scoffed, wearing a brave face, "It gives him a thrill he can't get elsewhere, for that, my group gets well paid and well equipped, can't ask for a better gig."

"He says that, but they're boyfriends." Hekate rolled her eyes.

"Both of them are just idiots." Krantor added, shaking his head. "Really big idiots."

"Knock it off both of you." Growled the merc, crossing his arms, "It's a contractual fucking at the end of the day, nothing more, nothing less."

The ceullus wasn't put off, still gazing to Leon with pride, "Still, seems like you got a good connection, and money is money. Just means that when I join this team of yours, the arrangement is going to be in my favor." He thrust a thick, hoof like finger into Leon's chest, "Now don't you be holding back now sugarcube, I want to see your best, you hear me?"

"Don't think you won't get it." Leon narrowed his gaze, meeting the ceullus' own.

"Excellent, it's going to be mighty fine working with you Leo." He knickered, giving the man a wink, "You'll come to find that having me with ya will be mighty addicting."

-

The day kicked off with the traditional cheese-rolling event, the assembled group converging on a slightly uneven section of the field. Wagons were positioned, and each participant was handed a wheel of cheese to propel forward. It was a spirited race, with the goal being to finish first. Amidst the chaos, there was a cacophony of squawks, chirps, and trills as the group jostled and bumped into one another during their journey.

Some participants watched in dismay as their cheese wheels careened into the mud, while others lost their footing and tumbled to the ground. It was an orchestrated pandemonium, and Leon managed to maintain his focus despite the numerous gryphons he collided with along the way. Though he narrowly lost to Krantor, the race left him laughing heartily until its conclusion.

One of the final participants to cross the finish line was Natassa, a female gryphon whose gold, brown, and clay-colored feathers were now caked in mud from her earlier tumble.

The day continued with a medley of games, ranging from arm wrestling to archery and a race on all fours. Participants were divided into two groups: the two-leggers and the gryphons. Leon displayed remarkable prowess in these challenges, nearly clinching first place in each, except for arm wrestling, where he inevitably yielded to the immense strength of Titus, the ceullus.

The festivities continued with a thrilling race through a corn maze, a spirited competition to see who could pick the most apples, a grueling tug of war, scavenger hunts, and even a messy pie-eating contest. As the hours passed, Leon found himself growing increasingly fond of the smirking ceullus, their shared competitions erasing his initial unease.

.

Following the carving contest, which Krantor claimed victory in with his impressive hydra statue, the contestants faced one final challenge. The task seemed straightforward: wrestling a boar and securing it with ropes. However, for the gryphons, this would have been a simple feat. Instead, they introduced dire boars into the equation--these creatures were significantly larger, boasting thick, bark-like plates on their skin, and were approximately the size of ponies. The formidable beasts were confined within a pen, liberally coated in mud, and the contestants vied to see who could efficiently and swiftly wrangle these imposing critters.

The task, despite its initial appearance, proved to be far more challenging than expected, resulting in numerous gryphons and humans finding themselves unceremoniously face-first in the muck. Some contestants earned scratches and bruises as the formidable critters vehemently resisted being tied up and bound.

However, Leon approached the challenge with practiced finesse, leaping onto the creature and swiftly binding it faster than anyone else, even outpacing Titus by a matter of seconds. As he stood there, mud-drenched but beaming with pride, his score was announced, positioning him at the very top alongside the ceullus. In an unexpected twist, they were tied for first place--unless Krantor managed to outdo them.

"No pressure, hun," Hekate exclaimed, giving her beloved gryphon a reassuring slap on the haunches. The black and blue gryphon stood there, his eyes fixated on the boar as they prepared it for his turn. "Go do what you do best and kick that thing's ass."

With a loving nuzzle and a kiss, Krantor leaped into the pen. He surged forward with a resolute cry on his beak, ready to confront the formidable creature. However, he miscalculated its positioning and its reluctance to be captured again, leaving him with nothing but a mouthful of air. In a less-than-graceful turn of events, beak-first, Krantor found himself sinking into the muck.

Leon couldn't help but chuckle, observing how Krantor swiftly rebounded from his muddy plunge, not staying down for even a moment. Yet, any progress he made was short-lived as Krantor missed his target once more, this time colliding with the wooden pen with an audible thud.

"Ouch," Leon winced in sympathy as the catbird shook his head, clearly feeling the effects of the collision. "It's quite the mystery, isn't it? How can he excel with his hands, disarming traps and unlocking doors, yet struggle to catch an overgrown pig?"

"Now that you mentioned it..." Her head cocked as her mate's hands slid right off the boar, "You can do it sneaky beaky, don't give up!"

"Not going to lie, this rather hilarious." He was never going to let him live this down, he'd remind him on every occasion that he could get, about the terrible boar that made him look the fool.

"Come on sneaky beaky!"

"I'm starting to think this somehow reflects on me." He sighed, shaking his head, "Lets hope none of our jobs has us hoping to catch overgrown pigs."

Hekate cocked her head curiously. "Speaking of catching things... Do you want to discuss last night? I couldn't help but notice there wasn't an Olas in your bed this morning."

Leon raised an eyebrow, a hint of defensiveness in his response. "Since when is it a requirement for him to end up in my bed every time we meet?"

"To be fair, that does seem to happen every time."

"Well, it didn't this time." His arms crossed, averting his gaze to the still struggling gryphon.

A moment passed as her ears splayed, reading the emotion upon his face. With a chirp she nudged against him, "I'm sure he would have stayed if he could."

"Bird had his fun and that's it." He replied sharply, unwilling to look her in the eye, "You should have seen the entire act, well played, but I saw through the ruse."

She contemplated Leon's response for a moment. "Are you sure you're not reading too much into things? He seemed genuinely happy with you last night. Do you really think he'd go through all this trouble just for an easy lay?"

"Just drop it." He bit his lip.

"Leon I..." The gryphoness paused, ears pinning over his sharpened glare. With a deep breath she composed herself, "Well, when you want to talk about it, my ears are always open."

The doubt began to gnaw at Leon. Had he been imagining the entire connection with Olas? He kept his uncertainty to himself, but it now lingered in the back of his mind. Was he simply standing in his own way? No, that couldn't be possible, could it? He couldn't help but be captivated by Olas, by his elegant presence and the splendor of his plumage. How could a creature as magnificent as Olas, someone who seemed so far above everyone else, genuinely care for him? It didn't seem feasible; all his past experiences told him otherwise.

Yet, as he looked at Olas, caught in the gryphon's imposing aura and the resplendence of his feathers, a glimmer of hope remained. How he yearned for it to be true. And when he turned his gaze back to Leon, the mercenary's heart soared, and a genuine smile graced his lips.

"I fucking did it!" Krantor screeched in victory, now standing over the boar with fluffed wings.

As the day drew to a close, the games had come to an end, with the sun inching closer to the horizon. The gathered crowd had returned to where it all began. Olas made his way to the platform, commanding the attention of the assembly with a graceful spread of his wings and a melodious trill. He wore a warm, beak-parted smile, his feathers adorned with the enchanting hues of the red-orange sunlight streaming through the countryside.

"It is my honor to celebrate all those brave contestants that filled this day with such excitement! I don't think I've seen a hunting of the flying fish go in such a way!" His coming chuckle spread through the crowd, "But I award the gryphon victor to the most charming Krantor!" As the blue and black gryphon trotted his way to the platform, the mage gestured, and a brass amulet in the shape of the sun flew from his hands and wrapped around the other's neck.

Krantor happily chirped and bowed, spreading his wings wide as the crowd clapped and squawked in celebration of his victory. Even those who looked on with envy couldn't resist joining in to applaud his success.

"Now, this is where things got rather strange." Olas continued, rolling a hand to his chest, "But we actually have a tie when it comes to who came in first! That would be this most delightful fellow Titus and my darling Leo!"

"Say my name you fucking dick!" Leon shouted, but was drowned out by the crowd's applause. He couldn't help but blush as he brought himself upon the stage, feeling all the eyes upon him as the town erupted once more into a symphony of cheers and warbles. Despite his annoyance, when Olas padded his way to him and looked most fondly, the man couldn't help but swoon in his presence.

"I'm proud of you, my delightful knight," Olas said softly, personally rearing up and placing the amulet around Leon's neck. "It was rather thrilling to watch you work, it really had me going."

"Well, what do you expect? That's why you pay me," Leon boasted, giving the catbird a confident grin. "Isn't that right?"

"And I love you for that," Olas responded, sensually stroking Leon's throat and drawing closer with a sigh. "Come see me after the festivities, darling. There's a gift I wish to give you."

He could only guess by the sultry tone and wink what that entailed. After the gryphon had rewarded Titus as well, the ceremony to Fureen and Sartren could begin.

Vibrant swathes of fiery oranges and deep reds cascaded gracefully across the heavens, their brilliance slowly yielding to the ethereal embrace of lavender and obsidian. A tapestry of stars unveiled itself, as if whispered into existence, heralding the moon's tender emergence on the distant horizon. The sun and moon engaged in a celestial ballet; an exquisite manifestation of the profound love shared by the two goddesses.

Olas, steadfast and resolute, held his ground as the priests of Fureen advanced toward the stage, their attire a harmonious symphony of vivid reds, resplendent oranges, and soothing whites. These colors, intertwined with the gleaming treasures of gold and brass embroidery, bestowed an air of regal grandeur upon them, akin to the riches of a forgotten realm.

In their procession, they were accompanied by those who shared a more intimate bond with their goddess, Sartren, the guardian of the night, patron of knowledge, and the embodiment of beauty. These devotees were attired in robes of the deepest navy, embellished with exquisitely detailed silver embroidery. The intricate designs portrayed the moon's various phases, the twinkling constellations, and the elegant profile of a grey wolf, its tail adorned with an unmistakable black tip.

Adorning their necks were silver crescent moon pendants, their luster undiminished even in the waning light. Yellow sashes gracefully encircled their waists, symbolizing their connection to the goddess and her nurturing embrace, creating a striking contrast against the deep blue of their attire.

Amidst an aura of reverence, tendrils of fragrant incense curled skyward, their sweet perfume mingling with the anticipation of Olas's grand invocation. With arms outstretched, he stood as a towering beacon, offering heartfelt gratitude to the twin deities who had bestowed their benevolent blessings upon the gathered multitude. At his feet, a mosaic of offerings adorned the earth, an eclectic bounty of sustenance and flickering candles, awaiting the gods' divine acceptance.

In a breathtaking display of mastery over ancient tomes, Olas, embarked on his sacred spell. His melodious incantation wove through the air like a haunting sonnet, a poetic symphony of power and grace. As wing and hand carved sinuous trails through the ambient ether, gossamer lines of iridescent lavender light unfurled in his wake. The wizardly gryphon ascended, an ethereal dance of light coiling around him, reminiscent of serpents of boundless energy. Briefly, these luminous strands caressed his feathers, a touch both fleeting and profound, before they surged outward, spiraling in mesmerizing arcs before gracefully returning.

Leon bowed his head out of respect, whispering his thanks to the gods, as he did so he caught sight of Titus slipping away from the crowd. With everyone distracted, not a soul had noticed his departure. He was almost dismissive of it, after all, the equine wasn't from around these parts, perhaps he didn't pay such respect to these two goddesses, his people were fonder of Thor. However, the mercenaries gut twisted within, a knot of unease creeping into the back of his mind without respite. Gritting his teeth he cursed himself and followed.

The ceullus brought him away from the gathered crowd and back to Hekate's family's tavern. See, he was just trying to have a lay down, relax, he tried to tell himself, but still he followed. Was he being far too suspicious? Hekate's judgmental gaze dwelled in his mind, adding doubt to every step he took. There wasn't a reason to distrust this man, at least not rationally, he'd done nothing but wish to join them, show a confident attitude and perhaps flair of interest in him specifically. All this mattered not to the haunting image of Quintus from Leon's past, tainting his very mind and pulling him onward. One look, one look and he'd be back, his fingers brushed the staff of quo at his belt, praying that he'd be proven wrong.

"Do my eyes deceive me?" Hekate bounded after him, all her feathers fluffed up as an aura of fire seemed to surround her. Her tail was lashing, ears pinned to her neck, "Slipping away during the blessing, of all the disrespectful things you could do, you're lucky I don't smite you down on her behalf right now."

He had no time for this, he scoffed and pushed past her wing, "Shut your beak and follow me or don't, I can't sit here and have a chat."

"Excuse me?" She squawked, following upon his hinds.

"Titus slipped away, I'm seeing what he's up to."

Her brow furrowed, "Just because someone does something disrespectful doesn't mean that gives you the right to do so as well."

"Maybe he's sick or something and needs checking up on?"

To that she nipped at his arm, "You'd never be that empathetic to someone new, whats the real reason."

"I don't trust him." He grunted, picking up the pace, unwilling to have Titus lose him. "Don't give me that, I have my reasons. Now come along with me or stay here, I don't' care which."

"I'm not going to help you make a continued ass of yourself." Hekate clacked her beak, ending the statement with a lingering hiss, "You didn't act like this with Krantor or myself, so what gives?"

"That...was different." Quintus' image flashed before his eyes, the ceullus' cruel smile and a collar more suited for a pet twirling around his finger. "You saved my life."

"You're just going to scare away another potential ally."

"Perhaps." Gritting his teeth, Leon dismissed her, "But that's my decision to make, worst case scenario, I'm embarrassed."

"It still isn't right."

"I know, but that's what life taught me. Now stay here and wait, I'll hopefully be right out. If you want to paddle me or whatever for insulting Fureen, whatever, but let me look." His eyes met hers, an understanding passing between them, "I need to see."

She nodded softly, shifting her hinds in the grass. When she replied it was stern, "But if you're not out here in five minutes, I'm dragging your sorry bum back out here and never letting you forget it."

"Deal."

The gryphoness smirked, "And you're going to be massaging my paws, grooming my feathers and giving scratches until I say you're done."

"Fine." He groaned, leaving her behind as he made his way into the tavern.

Catching a fleeting glance of Titus heading up the back stairs, Leon passed through the sparsely populated tavern right on his hooves. The man's demeanor appeared to be calm and measured, a stark contrast to the rapid beating of Leon's heart. He still himself with a composing breath, letting years of adventure sooth him. It was just one man, the half-elf had explored tombs, fought monsters three times his size, emerged from traps by the skin of his teeth, nothing was going to compare to that.

The ceullus had returned to his room, setting Leon's suspicions to bed, he was only going to relax and have a rest. All of that worry and dread had been for nothing! He nearly belted out a laugh as he wiped his sweating brow, perhaps this would be a lesson for the coming years as they drew closer together, hell maybe they'd even laugh about it over a pint. That, however, was dashed as he padded his way over, wearing a disarming smile.

"Large gatherings not your thing? Neither are they mine." He laughed, only for his eyes to widen at what he saw.

Titus had procured a crossbow the size of himself, weathered and lined with dwarven runes. They cast the fur of the equine man with a cruel glow as he setting sun outside his window caressed him with it's red-orange rays, lightning his eyes up like a demon. He pat the weapon, checking it over before grabbing a black arrow upon his bed, one covered in black shapes, more like spilled ink that traveled from the pale white feather to the pointed tip.

"What the fuck is going on here?" Leon growled, pulling out the staff of quo, brandishing it before the ceullus with a crackling of lavender-white electricity.

"Leon! I thought you were still at the festival." Laughed the ceullus nervously, eyeing the weapon like one might a wasp in the room.

"You thought I wanted to stand around there with a thirsty gryphon on the prowl?"

"Well, that's good to hear." Chuckled the equine, "Suppose you hate listening to that blue blooded bastard talk too? No surprise, given the way he treats you." He gestured to the window, where the crowd had been gathered, and more importantly, where Olas was still prominently displayed, performing another spell.

What relief came was dashed in a breath, leaving nothing but the cold and disappointment to sting at his insides. He replied bluntly, "I suppose this getup isn't for throwing a surprise party."

"One could say it's a party." He gestured to the crossbow with a grin, unphased by the mercenary's presence, "Even got a present for our dearest lord down there."

"He's just going to deflect it you know." Upon his pouches he spied a pin, of a grinning silver dragon. He was connected to the previous assassin. There would be no better time than to get information out of him.

"Not really." Titus rotated his neck with a crack, "Not when he's busy casting another spell. This magical marvel homes in on the intended target, and for the bolt?" He grinned, "Let's just say it will leave him squirming and gasping before he's gone."

"Enough games, you're not going to be killing him, and you're going to tell me everything about that pin." He levied the weapon to the ceullus' nose, leaving no question he'd let him taste it's bit.

"Is that so?" Titus eyed the weapon as he stilled, "What's the matter with you? Giving me that look like you're disappointed in me."

"Yea, well, he's my number one employer and he pays well." He growled, "And I don't like it when some random prick comes into my life and tries to take that away. Especially when I was considering letting him on the team."

"Thought you'd be happy for me to put away the bird that treats you and others like nothing."

Titus flicked his tail as he smirked, "Why do you even work with him sugarcube? Does he deserve your respect, your adoration or loyalty? What besides his coin even matter?" He took a step; Leon brandished the staff to keep him back. The ceullus chuckled, "You work for his table scraps like a dog, unrecognized for your greatness, why not want something more? Do you like that he humps you like a plaything, using you until you are discarded for something more appealing?"

He scoffed, trying to lull him into a false sense of security, keep him talking, "You think you can offer me something better big guy?"

"No doubt about that, there's more to life than drifting by, settling for nothing while others lord it over ya. You deserve greater things than sucking on that rich, dainty lord's cock." He stepped close, hoofed hand lowering Leon's weapon with a knicker, thinking he'd won, eating him up like candy.

This close, Leon blushed, taken in by his rich, equine scent. It tantalized the senses, made his blood warm, reminding him of terrible pleasured days at Quintus' cruel hand. How he had been robbed of his mind, choice, and only by sheer will had he escaped. It took every bit of willpower to not shove this man back, stab him with the weapon. No, he needed to keep him talking, he needed information on the assassins, plus, the longer he was talking, he wasn't trying to kill Olas. So he let the ceullus caress his chin, his voice lowering to a sultry, husky demeanor.

"I can see it Leon, you're far too pretty to be swayed by that pompous cunt. You're like me, looking for challenges, doing important things in this world. Why waste your time doing pathetic little jobs, cushy and safe? When you could be with me, making your name legendary and slaying overlords. Starting with the one who treats you like a toy." He added that last bit with a seductive huff, "You know we'd make a pretty good couple, look at the way ya blush sugarcube, you're hard on my kind aren't ya." He gave a predatory knicker, "Don't worry, I don't mind ya looking, I'm quite taken on your kind too. We could be the most dangerous power couple around."

As he caressed his cheek ever tenderly, his body trembled, wishing nothing more than to be swept away by this handsome man. He played along, leaning into the touch, letting him think he was safe. "Who paid you to go after him? Must be a very big client if they want that pompous bird dead."

"The best kind sweet thing." Titus maneuvered the half-elf to the wall, their mouths so close they might kiss by accident. Warmth came between them both, sparks of desire flickering within both their eyes. "Just after I take care of that kitty down there, we can talk about it." He grabbed Leon's chin, flaring his nostrils with a pleased groan, "After_we have an oral conversation about our partnership of course, fair warning, you're going to have to do a lot of _sucking up. What I have to say might be a lot to swallow."

No hiding what that entailed, even though it made him want to snarl, strike back, he maintained the façade, stroking tenderly along the ceullus' cheek, "Why not sooner? You must think me a fool to drop one good thing I have going for a pretty face." He dragged his dingers down, almost guiding their lips to kiss, "Not good sense, especially if I catch your meaning, we'll have a few details to pound out?"

Titus leaned forward, drawing Leon into a passionate kiss.

It was overpowering, raw, senses sparking through Leon's brain. He went to struggle at first, but old synapses within his brain fired back to life. His blood surged with warmth; cheeks blushed as resistance faded with a powerful huff from the stallion. Eyes hooded and Leon was kissing back, every breath filled with delightful smells that drove him positively wild. When they parted the ceullus was grinning at his victory.

"That was an outstanding pitch," Leon replied in a daze as a fire coursed through his veins. A pleasant haze had swept around his senses as though he had indulged in one drink too many. Leon stumbled backward, his body yearning for more, urging him to hold onto the ceullus and go for another kiss. This was the notorious curse of the ceullus, where their saliva and other fluids acted as an intoxicating drug on others, often described as a spiritual sense of pleasure like nothing could duplicate.

"You might feel a bit fuzzy." Grinned the ceullus, "My kind has a funny quirk about us. Don't worry though cutie, it makes playtime mighty fun." He gave a pleased grunt, "Now sit right there like a good cutie and I can take care of business. You thought a _kiss_was good? Wait until you get more of what I got; everyone loves it. Then we can go see my employer, hot shot merc like you and gryphon buddies? They are going to love you."

Leon shook his head, his entire body fighting his every move. He'd forgotten how insidious and powerful this was, even with it being just a kiss, the mildest it could be. Insides screaming for focus, he just managed to jab the staff of quo into the horse man's chest, activate the rune and send him flying back into the wall with a tremendous slam.

Furniture shook, the wood beneath the ceullus' cracked, leaving Titus to crumple to the ground with a painfilled groan. Blood dribbled down his muzzle like a crimson river, to be swept away with a grunt and a laugh, "Guess you still got some kick." He caught the half-elf's wrist as he went in for another jab, the man's movements obviously allowed, "Here, let me show you mine."

Pain lanced through him as he was redirected into the wall. Air was forced from his lungs as stars burst from his eyes. His weapon tumbled from his grasp to clatter to the floor. Before he could register precisely what had happened, the ceullus was upon him in the blink of an eye. Powerful hands lifted him up and pressed back, pinning the man against the wood. The ceullus eyes glistened with amusement as Leon bucked and twisted, but finding himself unable to break free.

"Nice stunt there partner, still got some kick to ya. Not many can fight through the taste of us, color me impressed. You must have been used to it."

This wasn't good, Titus was strong, just as most ceullus were. Without his weapon, and facing such tremendous strength, he was in quite a predicament. He searched around, things were out of reach, "If you're anything like him, you're going to have your face is going to resemble nothing but a pile of meat when I'm done."

"Fun as that sounds, not going to happen." With a hand, Titus rummaged through his belt, procuring a bottle of alabaster liquid within, "You might be a bronco sugarcube and powered through the kiss, but this will break ya in, soften ya up."

Gritting his teeth, thrashing, squirming, hitting the man's arm, it amounted to nothing as the ceullus grinned. He knew what was coming, what could only be in that flask, but he couldn't stop it from coming. With a look that could kill, he took the coming splash to the face, the content soaking into his flesh. It was almost immediate, a warming sensation that sunk in deep, twisting further down into his soul. What came before had just been a taste, this was a whole sense of color suddenly summoned into existence. Leon softened and swooned as his eyes hooded, everything seemed less important. This ceullus before him hadn't been being cruel, he'd only wanted the half-elf to be in bliss. He sighed, the fight gone, losing himself to the sparks of pleasure that traveled across his form, even his breaths were laced with delight. He was puddy in the ceullus' hands, waiting to be molded into whatever he wanted. Giggling as Titus caressed his cheek, he nuzzled into the touch without care.

"That's it." Titus cooed, "I didn't want to hurt you cutie, but you forced my hand. Isn't this better, you drifting away, all happy and blissful? Wouldn't it be great to feel that all the time?" He set Leon down with a soft knicker, "Now stay here and let me work, we can get back to you after."

Through his haze and pounding heart, it was hard to focus on what was at stake. Why should he care anyway? He had this hunky ceullus right here, willing to show him more affection than Olas had ever done. He'd pamper him, treat him right, hold him close and whisper sweet nothings as they basked in each other's company. No! His insides screamed as Titus paid him no mind, content to let the half-elf bask in his newfound high. Olas had been the kind one to him, this Ceullus was nothing more than a predator, just as Quintus had been all those years ago. He was going to use this curse to return him to nothing more than a subby slave to use as he saw fit.

He had to fight now, or it would be too late. Images of a wounded, bloodied Olas appeared before his eyes, the catbird gasping for breath, calling for his name. It allowed the mercenary a brief reprieve to bite his tongue, drawing the metallic taste of blood and focus on the pain. It cut through the pleasured haze that gripped him so thoroughly, giving him enough clarity to grab his weapon and stand back up tall. He charged the Ceullus and stabbed him with the staff of quo right in the back.

The room shuttered as the horse man crashed into the wall with a bone-rattling thud. Panting, groaning from the pain, it let what just happened rest upon the air. As the dust settled, and Titus shook his head, Leon was barely able to keep himself upright, less charge in for another hit.

"Damn mare, why did you have to go and do that?" Titus grunted, staggering upright, his attire torn, blood starting to seep into his clothes.

"That's right, fuck you." Leon spat, brandishing his weapon but it wavered before his eyes. What strength he had was fading, the world around him spinning as the horseman's curse latched on tight and pushed deeper. In a few more minutes he doubted he'd even be able to offer a resistance, he'd be too blissed out, all senses robbed from him, he'd probably be asking this bastard for more. He bit his lip, drawing blood yet again, only if to fight for several moments more.

"Have to play it the hard way huh?" He wiped blood from his mouth, a hardened expression painting his face, "You're going to pay for that little one." Pulling a dagger he leaped at the man like he was possessed.

They met, Leon unfortunately not having the reflexes currently to match the ceullus warrior. He was swept to the ground, a dagger plunged into his shoulder. He gasped but couldn't feel the pain thanks to the poison coursing through his veins, instead was nothing more than a passing thing. He fought the urge to giggle at the ceullus on top of him, instead trying to struggle and squirm, but he was held firm between his muscular thighs. A hoofed hand went to his throat and squeezed, forcing the man to stare into the eyes of his would be assassin.

"Pity, thought this was going to go down differently sugar cube. Thought you'd be choking on my cock, but I suppose this will do for now." He clenched tighter, cutting off Leon's air pipe, "Don't worry, I won't kill ya-" His tail swished with a chuckle, "But I can't have ya messing this up for me."

Gods above, he could feel the curse's grip starting to get stronger. Already he was suspecting that Titus was right, he should have let the ceullus handle this and take him with him. After all, he would treat him better than Olas ever had, the gryphon that treated him like a toy...No! He summoned the last bit of strength he had, grunting, legs kicking, but it wasn't enough. Sputtering for breath, black encroaching on his vision, Olas' fate seemed sealed.

"That's it." Sighed Titus as Leon's eyes rolled into the back of his head, "Just sit back and relax-"

"Supy Sunam." Came a keening cry, snapping Titus attention off the door.

Pinning him as he was, he could nod dodge the translucent claw of bright orange light that wrapped around him. Struggling, grunting, his limbs were pinned at his sides as he was lifted straight into the air and slammed back against the far wall.

Leon gasped for breath, air filling his lungs, he knew that voice, it was Hekate. He sputtered and coughed, "Finally you come and show you ass! That was the longest five minutes of my life!"

"Sorry, I got distracted with an exceptionally decorative moth." Hekate surged into the room, eyes fraught with concern, taking in all the destruction and blood that littered the floor, her ears pinned, "I take it you were proven right?"

He wore a stupid grin, unphased by her demeanor, "You should have seen it Hekate, that sexy horse man was riding me!"

The gryphoness tilted her head in disbelief. "Are you fucking kidding me right now, are you drunk?"

"Essentially!" He giggled as he peered back to see Titus struggling with the magical hand. "He did it to me!"

"Must be some sort of stupid spell." She sighed, clenching her talon, her magical construction doing the same, keeping the struggling equine contained.

"You witch, what the hell is this?" Titus grunted, pressing with all his strength only for his efforts to be reversed and the digits secure him fast.

She didn't explain she didn't brag, the gryphoness muttered words of power underneath her breath. With a glowing hand she pressed it to Leon's chest, closing her eyes and whispering a prayer to Fureen. Golden light swelled into existence around her, gathering around her digits, into Leon they trickled and crawled, sinking through his flesh.

He gasped in surprise as a pleasing sensation swept through him, what aches and pains he knew he had were reversed with his neck giggling breath. It was like pure bliss was being pumped into his very being, he grabbed the gryphoness tight and kissed her right on the beak, "This is why you're my favorite he cooed. My favorite lady gryphon, with the prettiest feathers."

"Alright, by the sky above, what has he done to you?"

Concern came as Titus managed to slip a hand free, peeling off the magical claw bit by bit, even when Hekate tried to secure it, he beat it back.

"Poison." Leon managed to mumble, most people didn't know of the Ceullus' curse, the horse man did their best to control it and punish those who misused it like Titus. "Handsome poured his cum on me."

Ears pinned as she cursed under her breath. Raising a hand, she made a symbol upon the air as she began the words of power. Crimson light came to her digits as she touched his cheek, "Aru munen"

It was like a fog had been lifted, his senses returned in the blink of an eye. The room stopped it's spinning, the colors become dull and bland, an emptiness dwelled within him, but the worst of it was over. His gaze steeled, emotions hardened, that was something he'd never wanted to experience again. He shot up, free of his mental affliction, eyes wishing to set the air ablaze, "Thanks Hekate, always loved you."

Together they faced off against the Ceullus as he stomped Hekate's claw to oblivion. It exploded in a flash of light, nothing but wafting motes of dust.

"Here is how this is going to go down gelding." Leon stood tall, brandishing the shaft of Quo, it sparkled with electricity, "Throw yourself to your knees and surrender, or we're going to beat the ever living shit out of you." Their eyes met, he growled, "And I _really_would like you to choose the second one."

Titus took one look and sprang to action. He closed the distance in but a breath, avoiding Leon's jab. He thrust up and disarmed him, head slamming against the man's own, sending him tumbling back to the ground. His body began to lock up as Hekate shrieked a spell, but the determined Ceullus grit his teeth and powered through its restrictive embrace.

"Watch out, he's a slippery one." Leon recovered, avoiding another attack like the one prior. He jabbed the horse for the trouble, sending him flying against the wall with a crack. "That's right asshole, we can fight back!" He caught Titus' dagger with a confident smirk, the ceullus now defenseless.

Wounded but not defeated, Titus maneuvered his way around the room. He focused on dodging their attacks, jabs from the shaft of quo tasting air and the ceullus twisting away from Hekate's magical bolts as if he were an excellent dancer. He made his move and slipped under Leon's defenses, grabbing him by the wrist and using his superior strength to send him tumbling into Hekate.

"Watch out!" She squawked but it was too late, they were both sent to the ground in a tangle of limbs.

"Lost the upper hand pretty quick, even when I'm defenseless. Pathetic." Titus plucked the shaft of Quo from the ground, pressing the button and grinning from the sparks, "Cute toy, wonder how you're going to feel with it against your flesh."

"Eh, tried it, wasn't fun." Leon plucked a small ball from his belt, rolling it against the horse man's hooves. In a puff of smoke, the equine was tangled in a mass of thin wires that wrapped around his legs.

"Do you know how annoying you two are?" Titus growled, collapsing beside them, once again struggling to escape a bind. "How many toys do you have?"

"Jokes on you buddy, Olas and Leon are quite fond of their toys." Hekate tried to taunt, only for her ears to splay at what she said, "I mean, they like their gadgets to fight and use, not...nevermind."

The ceullus cut himself free as the duo untangled themselves, only for Hekate to wrap him tight with another magical claw. The gryphoness winked, flexing her hand and maneuvering the floating appendage, and Titus away from the window.

"Guess all the winds out of your sail now, you'll be upset to know your request to join us has been declined."

Even wounded and bound in this way, the bastard was maneuverable as ever. He slid through Hekate's spell, kicking the gryphon in the head with a hoof. She dropped with a weak chirp, her spell exploding to nothing, her concentration lost. Titus pulled the blade and stood over her, placing the steel around her neck. Leon froze.

"Don't you dare." Growled the mercenary, a pit forming in his gut. His face drained of color as the ceullus smirked and pressed the blade enough to draw blood.

"Put the weapon down little one. Else we can see what a gryphon's insides look like. How long you figure until she bleeds out?"

"If I put down the weapon you could do it anyway." He growled, his heart aching as he saw the fear in her eyes, the same he knew was in his. "Kill her and you're dead though. Nothing on this earth will hold me back from ripping you apart limb from limb."

"Touching." He caressed her lavender neck feathers, "But I know you're the type, the loner with a heart of gold. Seen it plenty of times, otherwise you'd work alone."

"Put down the dagger down gelding."

He clicked his tongue, "That's no way to talk to me. So I repeat myself, drop the weapon sugarcube or the gryphon dies."

What choice did he have? Moments passed like hours, heart pounding in his ear. All instinct told him no, this gryphon wasn't worth it; that only his life mattered. He felt sick at the thought, knowing how much she'd kept trying to care for him, naive and stupid as she was, she had a good heart, she didn't deserve to die like this, not because of him.

"Last chance Leon." Titus' gaze narrowed.

He'd been beaten. The mercenary scowled, sheathing his weapon. It was the only chance that he had that she might live.

"Wonderful, now go to the window and take aim for me."

"What?"

"Yes, you're going to be the one that does it, finish the kill for me. We can both be rid of that pompous asshole once and for all. Don't give me that scowl sugarcube, I'm freeing you from his clutches."

"This wasn't part of the deal asshole." He clenched his fists till knuckles went white.

"Pray I don't alter it further. Now who do you care for more? The gryphoness here or the precious lord who treats you like a toy?"

He gestured with a flare of his nostrils, "Now get to it, lucky for you the windbag is still talking. Loves the sound of his own voice he does."

Do something! He screamed to himself as he slunk to the window, but comping up empty. By the time he clenched the crossbow he was trembling. Staring down the chilling beak of the gryphon lord, unaware, that his precious Leon was about to end his life.

"And don't think of missing. I know how good your aim is. One pop of that thing will be enough. With the poison on those bolts, our precious lord will never know what hit em."

"You realize I'm going to kill you...slow." Leon growled, his finger sliding to the trigger, "And I'm going to enjoy it."

"Oooo, threaten me with a good time. Truthfully, I don't think you have it in you. I know when you really are, spirit of a mare."

There he was, facing down the chasm of despair, nothing to hold him back. One tap and it would be over, one bright spot of his life snuffed out. Why should he even care? He was just a rich prick playing at love, getting a cheap thrill of a commoner railing his brains out. Was he though? Leon quivered, remembering the previous night and Hekate's words, was he just seeing the worst in him, afraid of someone _loving_him? "Please gods." He closed his eyes, "Forgive me." His reply came swift, the door slamming open and smashing Titus right in the head.

It was Krantor, an amused smirk on his beak, "You know you two if you're going to sneak off to do some humping, you're supposed to invite me. Whose going to be blowing me this time, Leon is it your-"Ears pinned as he squawked in surprise, seeing the situation before him.

"Krantor, kill him!" Leon shouted, closing the gap between he and the stumbling Titus in but a few breaths.

The black and blue gryphon leaped upon the ceullus like a gryphon possessed, eyes twin flames of hate. Talons dug into flesh; his beak ripped open crimson veins as the horseman collapsed to the ground.

The merc rushed to Hekate's side as her love tore Titus apart, dragging him to the floor and continuing to rip him to pieces. Titus struggled and tried to resist, but Krantor was not one to be denied, not now. Talons were painted red as a grim symphony of emotion was painted across the floor. In swift order he was left panting, eyes dilated, the ceullus motionless before him in a pool of his own blood.

Leon sighed, brushing a hand through Hekate's feathers, she was breathing, safe and alive.

"The...fuck happened here?" Krantor gasped, turning to face him, blood dripping from his beak. Concern was thick about him, but Leon held up a hand to keep him at ease.

"She's ok, still breathing, prick wasn't a total ass." He dug through his pouches to pull free an unbroken vial of healing, opening her beak and forcing her to drink the entire contents. She sputtered and coughed her way back to the waking world.

"Did I miss anything?" She took a look around the room, covered in blood, focusing on the ceullus' motionless body. "And why is Titus dead?"

Leon's eyes widened; in the relief he'd forgotten.

"Fuck." Krantor groaned, lashing his tail, "I was supposed to keep him alive wasn't it. I really am bad at this."

He could have chastised the gryphon; they'd lost their interrogation captive. Their chance to find out who was coming after Olas. But in this moment, the two gryphons were safe, Leon could not have cared in the slightest. He laughed, wrapping his arms around the two and pulling them in close.

"Just glad you're both okay." He said softly, fighting back the tears.

"Its...quite the mess though, did you_have_ to tear his face so bad?" Hekate pinned her ears, averting her gaze from the ruined Ceullus' face, "I think his eye is dangling."

Krantor laughed, "What else did you expect me to do? He was threatening you my sweet."

Leon had to admit it was rather a sick sight, the ceullus more a mangled pile of flesh and gore than anything else. "I won't shed any tear for that fuck." He scowled and spat upon his corpse. "Let's see what he has shall we?"

"Leon, could you wait?" Hekate hissed, "He just died."

"It's not like he needs it anymore." He scoffed, digging through Titus' pouches, it was all drenched in blood, "Krantor could you have killed him more cleanly?"

"Sorry." Krantor laughed.

He sifted through the coins, gear and assorted wire, nothing out of the ordinary for a man of his trade and scouting. He found three vials which could only mean the man's cum. He hurled those against the wall, taking satisfaction as they shattered against the wood.

"What you go and destroy that for?" Squawked Krantor, only to get his wife's hand on his shoulder.

"Personal issue babe." She said softly, sharing a knowing look with the man.

It had to be here didn't it? With every empty pouch, Leon's desperation grew, the last assassin had a pin, this one had too as well! It couldn't just be random like Olas had said, he was merely not seeing it until now. Just as he was about to give up, he came across his salvation, a pouch of gold, a rolled up map, a cigar and the same [in of a grinning silver dragon.

"I knew it! "Leon shot up, pin in hand.

"Gold?" Krantor asked, head tilted.

"Better." Beamed the half-elf, "It means I'm not fucking crazy.