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Chapter 28

For a week, Olas played the events of what transpired in his mind again and again, tormenting himself, haunting every waking moment. Everyday tasks were practically impossible without drifting back to his unconscious love, resting peacefully back at his quaint inn. Several times when the ache would grow unbearable, he'd drop what he was doing to visit, offering his attentions. Each time, Leon had been a picture of serenity, tucked in with his sheets, eyes closed, his breaths ever soft. Olas would lay beside him with soft coos, hoping his presence would hasten the time until the mercenary would wake.

He hadn't known much about healing magic, but the man's wounds had been grievous enough that Hekate's magic had this effect. She insisted that they'd be fine, their bodies merely exhausted and needing rest. Yet the Lord's heart was a tumultuous see, uncaring of her reserved words. He visited every day, staying longer each time. Sometimes he thought he'd catch a tremor of gentle shift, his heart skipping a beat each time, only for disappointment to follow.

The rest of his time was marred with scandal, talk spreading of his actions with Isadora. Thankfully his beloved wife had taken her leave to one of the other estates, leaving her unable to sling her poisonous stares and lay upon him her venom laced words. However, even with her departure she'd managed to wound him deep.

Her words were dripping with acrimony, "Your pitiful escapades with that half-breed are nothing but a farce, Olas." She had sneered, "You've fallen from what grace you had, all for a charade that amuses only the naïve. I'll relish the day your pathetic romance crumbles into the abyss of regret, leaving you but to taste the biter truth." She had held her head high, a look of superiority about her, "Here's to your hallow love, may it wither like the leaves in winter, leaving you shivering in your own pathetic desire."

Walking or flying around the grounds of his home did little to ease his heart, worse it gave him time to reflect on the chasm dwelling within. The cold and emptiness he had within the halls of his house, what did he truly have? His business deals were empty, land holdings without merit, even practicing his magic had lost that certain color that inspired him to research and experiment. He ended each of these days lying upon his bed, staring up at the ceiling, wondering if he'd ruined it all.

Leon's pained words echoed within these fleeting moments, reassuring but born from pain. He had to have been delirious, should have been furious. If the gryphon had only listened, he would never have been that close to shrugging off the mortal coil. Olas' ears would splay as he replayed his own dismissive words, waving of the wings each time concern was shown for his wellbeing. His arrogance had proven his undoing, possibly costing him the thing he wanted most in this world.

A whisper came to him for spirits, at least to ease the pain that dwelled within. Though what good would that do, he had no true friends to call upon. He grimaced at the thought of Viren, wondering just how many of those he believed to be trusted were only there to take advantage of him. "And you pushed the only one that believed in you...cared about you." Olas whimpered, trying to will himself to sleep, just like so many days before. Calls for a drink came again, maybe just to have a dreamless sleep, so that Leon could no longer haunt him. He prayed that should he wake; he would be forgiven.

Unlike the other nights prior, where he reached for a bottle of wine, the crystal ball by his bedside began to vibrate and glow. It's light cast away the darkness that clung to his room, piercing his eyes like daggers. He groaned as it began to shriek an obnoxious cry.

"I thought I'd set it too silent." He groaned, fumbling for the blasted thing, accidentally knocking it to the floor with a thunderous clatter. There could be one person that this would be, his father calling upon him and willing it into action. Falling to the floor with a thud the gryphon squawked, grabbing the orb and barking his answer, "What is it?"

From the ball came the image of his father, translucent like a ghost, its light a blue beacon upon the shrouded room. He was sitting upon his haunches, composed, an aura of ice about him as he set upon Olas with eyes sharper than a dragon's claws. Within one of his hands was a glass of wine.

"Why am I not surprised?" He said with poison dripping from his beak as he took a slow sip. "Taking an early night my son?"

"Excellent deduction skills father. I can see no reason to stay up any longer than this."

"It is quite unlike you. Generally, you're studying away, going over your paperwork, working upon your magical experiments, but instead I find you going to bed."

"I can go to bed when I wish, why must you care if it's early or not?" He rolled his eyes, flopping back down upon his bed with his wings spread wide. "Is this why you've called? Generally, you're not so sentimental father."

"I know what has been happening." He rolled the glass, looming overhead with authority, containing the fury that flickered behind his gaze, "Disobeying my commands at Chios, quarreling with Isadora at your party, putting her to sleep in front of everyone, abandoning it and going after your half-elf minion?"

"I was there, nor do I regret a lick of it." He gave a bitter laugh, "You should have seen Isadora's face before she slumped to the ground, it was priceless."

"Have you forgotten yourself?" The elder gryphon ruffled his feathers, "Thanks to this defiance you seem to exude, questions now circle about our stability and resilience. This was _before_that upstart Viren seems to think that he's going to be getting choice cuts of Drenedar when it's time. Why might he think that?"

"You tell me, I thought you knew what was going on." He rolled a hand, "Or did this surprise you as well?"

"Olas!"

"Have you not heard?" He flopped over, ignoring the piercing gaze settled upon him, "I have been facing off against assassins being hurled against me."

There was a moment of reservation, the fury within the elder gryphon fading for a brief moment. His tail flicked, ears pinned as he took a drink, "Since you're here squawking at me, I presume you took care of them?"

"Yes, yes, I did the name proud." He sighed, "My enemy folded faster than a house of cards to a gentle breeze."

"Excellent, now back to the matter of your friend."

"That is a strong word father."

"Did you bring your half-elf toy to Chiros?"

"Would it help if I said no?"

"This is not a game son." Feathers trembled, his rage barely able to be contained, "I specifically forbade you to bring that mercenary to the festival in Chiron. You deliberately disobeyed me, of all the childish, selfish, irresponsible- "

Olas rolled away, showing his father his back as the man continued the insults, "Father I'm in no mood for this today, make your point and be through with it. What's done is done."

Another moment passed; the tension able to be cut with a knife. When his father spoke again, his disdain was palpable, "When you were young, there was such promise. Jewel of our crown they said, promising, look at the disappointment you've become. Olas, I've put up with this for your sake, but your antics of late have grown inconvenient. You are an ungrateful child."

"All I wish for is a modicum of happiness in this world father, is that so wrong? My beloved shrew doesn't give me that, but this man does. I thought you'd be trying to help me, sweep this under the rug, but no, once more you are the anchor to my soul."

"Whining over not getting your favored toy. Your happiness doesn't factor into your responsibilities. Your actions and visage are a reflection on us all, your weakness is _our_weakness." His father rose, strutting to the side of his bed.

"Are you going to be rid of Viren?"

"In time." The elder gryphon replied with a low, guttural growl, "But the featherbrained hatchling seems to be smarter than I'd have thought. His tendrils reach deep into our network, other gryphs more loyal to him than I, their mistake, but they must be weeded out to make sure this information dies. Until then, we will be forced to play his game."

"Wonderful, sounds as though you have everything sorted. Are we done?" He slumped, ears splayed, defeated as he thought to Leon's wounded body, bloodied, having endured such torture because of him.

"You're worried about your toy aren't you."

"Say his name."

"Leon. You're worried about this Leon." His father said flatly, "Son, if this is the state of which the half-elf can leave you, something must be done."

There was a hint of malice in those words, the same that had been with Viren. Olas shot up, ears perked, a flame lit within, "Don't you dare. That man is the only one who gives a damn about me in this life. He doesn't exploit me, ask anything of me. You even so much as sneeze at him father and I will set upon you like a storm!" He launched himself to all fours, lashing his tail, arcane power pulsing in the air, "If you wish to ensure I will never listen to you again, that is the way to do it."

"Is that so?"

"Why can't I have this? I've endured Isadora, put up with everything put upon me, why cannot I have him? Tell me that?" He met his father's gaze, surprised to see it softening with his next few breaths.

"Olas, I only act the way I do to protect you."

"Protect me?" He laughed bitterly, "Since when have you ever considered what I wanted?"

"Do you know what kind of man this Leon Silverblade is?" His father cocked his head, "The kind of individuals that he's called friend or ally over the years?"

His ears pinned, he knew very little of Leon's past between when they parted and only a few years ago. He'd always assumed it was one of adventure, heroic antics, something that would mold him into the shining knight he knew him to be.

"I will take your silence as no. But I have done some digging, gathering information on this paragon that you've grown smitten over. He'd got a dark past my son, several of his previous adventuring groups ending up dead, himself the only survivor numerous times." His father procured a scroll, letting it collapse to his hinds, "Thievery, blackmail, murder, assassination, the list goes on from numerous places across multiple continents. He's consorted with dark mages, drug lords, Ceullus cults."

"This can't be true." Olas looked away, heart stretching, his father had to be lying. He'd say anything to drive a wedge between them.

"You think that a man of this caliber would have good intentions for you? You think that he's not above abusing you for your power right now? My son, you say you give him vast amounts of coin, treasures, gifts, and favors that others would blush for." The elder gryphon sighed, holding his beak, "It is my fault, I had you coddled and pampered far too much, I forgot to teach you the world was this cruel."

He shook his head over these accusations, "Lies and slander! I have seen his eyes upon me, experienced the love he has for me!" Olas rounded upon his father, a righteous fury shining forth, "He risked his very life for me, faced off against a multitude of assassins that proved too much for him, even when I dismissed him and called him mad!" That was a dagger to his heart, it stalled his speech for just a moment, "And should he wake, I will beg for his forgiveness, for casting away his concern like I knew better. Your house is one of lies father, for I _know_the shining knight my precious Leon is, he'd never use me for his own gain!"

"Are you so sure?" He rose a brow, "Just within these last few weeks, he's used you to get him out of danger three times. It would appear as though he does use you to his advantage."

"You're just...twisting what happened."

"Am I? You said it yourself; these assassins were hardly able to put up a fight. Should he not know you're quite capable if he adores you so? Or was this a way for him to get rid of some rivals and you were the unwitting pawn in his scheme?" He sighed empathetically, "Look, I know he's sunk his talons deep into your heart, but we can get you another half-elf, a noble one this time."

Never would he believe this, "I don't want one of your whores, bribed into hanging off my wings, I want my Leon!" He slammed down his hand, electricity sparking off his talons, it was hard to keep the tears welling in his eyes concealed; he couldn't cry, not in front of his father.

To the lord's surprise, there didn't come anger or yelling, no threats or demands. Instead, when his father replied, it was with splayed ears and a gentle coo, "My son, I know you're smart. Think about this, has this Leon ever reciprocated these emotions you hold dear? I can see you're enthralled with him, but has he ever reached out to you?" He gave a soft sigh, "Or could it be that you've been projecting this entire time, wishing to see something that simply isn't there?"

Tears welled in Olas' eyes as he disconnected the magical communication with his father with a swift, piercing screech, ending the painful exchange. His translucent visage vanished abruptly, leaving the lord gryphon in solitary darkness. The tremors that coursed through him were visceral, his thoughts in turmoil, clinging to the hope that his father's words were nothing but deceit.

He staggered from his quarters; each step heavy with the unbearable weight of the truth that he so dreaded. His tears, like rivers, streamed down his beak, marking his path with glistening moisture as his talons clicked upon the unforgiving stone floor. Memories flooded his mind as he navigated the hallowed halls of his home, memories of cherished moments with Leon. They swirled around him, capturing their laughter, their shared secrets, and the profound love that had thrived between them. His heart ached, gripped by the conviction that Leon's love was true, but the seed of doubt had been sown.

No, that could not be right, there _had_to be a time. He stumbled from his quarters in an emotionally drained daze, his father's words eating at him like a predator. Every step he felt towards his study was weighed down by their sickening truth, one that he was ever desperate to refute. Tears came like rivers, dribbling down his cheeks to the stone as his talons clicked ever gently.

Memories swelled around him, of all the pleasing moments that he shared with his darling Leon, of charming nights to warmth filled days of laughter and light. Their secrets, their love, the strength that it gave him before are now poisoned by a speck of terrible dread. He pinned his wings and pressed on with his trembling limbs, he had to put an end to this. The love and wishes he saw in those man's eyes had to be real, if it wasn't, then his entire semblance of reality was going to come crashing down around him.

Flinging open the heavy doors of his study, the lord swept aside various equipment and candles as though they were trash. They clattered to the floor as his ears stitched to his neck, nerves flickering with dread. With only the mana lantern light from the halls to guide him, he procured a silver bowl filled with a jelly-like substance within, a magical way to peer through one's memories as if they were the pages of a book. He rose a hand and spoke the activation word with a shaky voice, then the demand, to show him the dates in which he and Leon shared.

Within the jelly came a silvery light, twisting and twirling until images from the past took shape. In a breath he was watching the moment on the hill, how they gazed at the stars, shared in one's company. The lord's heart stretched as they gazed upon each other with such bliss, true love on full display, it had to be. Twisting his hand brought him back to the moment's start, calling him back to his father's words, _he_had been the one to start that romantic evening.

Desperation gnawed at him as he delved into another memory, only to find that once more, it was he who had taken the first step. His spirit waned as he moved from one memory to the next, his resolve crumbling with each revelation. The hope that Leon had initiated any of their romantic moments was slipping away.

For an hour he sifted through the passages of their time together. Olas was transfixed, clinging onto the desperate hope that one such memory existed. That within all the sea of pleasing memories that one existed that would prove his stance correct, that he was valued and loved within this world. It chipped away with each passing memory, eroding the certainty that he'd clung to all these years and failed to see. Just as Viren had been his friend, plotting his downfall, he never once saw Leon reach out to him.

"No, no, no." He whimpered, his very world pulling apart at the seams. Leon, the one that had inspired such growth, gave his life meaning, was nothing more than a fantasy conjured by his desperate mind. He held out his hand, having pulled back to their earliest romantic evening, the one where they had first started such interest. If it wasn't here, then it was nowhere. He gulped, blood turned to ice as an emptiness had overtaken him, leaving him but a chasm. "Please." He whispered with a weakened croon, tears bubbling up fresh within his eyes. It _had_to be here. With a fragile heart he watched the night unfold, another of Isadora's parties meant to belittle and taunt him, the night that Leon had come to his rescue and carried him away.

With a shallow breath, he revisited the memory, the intoxicating haze of alcohol attempting to distance him from the world. It was then that Leon's gaze ensnared him - a mercenary donned in finery, his unease palpable in his fidgeting and anxious glances. The gryphon, ever the mirthful spirit, danced over to Leon with an exuberant chirp.

A shared laugh rippled between Leon and the gryphon at the creature's endearing gesture, as Olas affectionately butted his head against Leon's, then proceeded to nuzzle along his cheek and neck. It was a display of affection, a touch shared among lovers, close friends, or cherished family. What had initially promised to be a night fraught with desolation and bitter words transformed into an enchanting journey, guided by a gryphon that had regained his youthful vigor.

Together, they delved into the realms of common interests, discussing their mutual appreciation for horses, the allure of the night sky, and a shared passion for art and music. Leon regaled him with tales of his daring adventures, igniting the lord's curiosity, which manifested in laughter, arched eyebrows, and delighted exclamations. Their animated conversation eventually led them beyond the confines of the building to the sprawling fields that stretched out beneath the vast expanse of stars.

Beneath the celestial tapestry, a velvety canopy embroidered with innumerable shimmering gems, they found themselves captivated by the celestial wonderment that hung above them. The stars, like distant fires in the vast firmament, painted the night sky with their incandescent glow. They flickered and sparkled, each one a tiny beacon of hope in the sea of darkness, evoking a sense of romance and mystery that could only be likened to an ancient love story written in the heavens. As they lay there, bathed in celestial radiance, they drew closer, pulled towards one another by an invisible power.

In that ephemeral embrace, they clung to one another, drawing close in the exquisite pause where the boundaries of reality blurred, and all things seemed within the realm of possibility. The atmosphere enveloping them shimmered with an intense, undeniable affection, a power so profound it stirred the very essence of their souls. In hushed, tender tones, they whispered each other's names, the mere utterance akin to a melody of longing that resonated through the very core of their beings. But it was Olas who, with an audacious abandon, cast aside all pretense and seized a kiss from the half-elf, setting in motion a cascade of emotions that painted his cheeks with the tender blush of blossoming love.

His ears pinned. What should have been a timeless embrace, an interlude where their hearts wove a radiant tapestry of affection, transformed into a disheartening confirmation of his father's haunting prophecies. Olas found his thoughts splintered, his spirit descending into the darkest chasms of despair as he faltered and withdrew, unable to endure the weight of another agonizing moment.

The illusion of joy that had taken residence in Olas's mind now lay in ruins, reduced to a shattered mosaic of falsehoods. His spirit, much like the dream he'd cherished, withered, and crumbled into the abyss of despair. He contorted and folded upon himself, his sobs echoing like a lament from the deepest recesses of his soul. The relentless tide of emotions swirled and gathered, meting out a merciless torment that wrung agonized cries from him, his talons rending the unforgiving stone beneath.

In the deafening cacophony of his despair, Olas confronted the bitter realization that, like every other facet of his existence, Leon was but another facsimile of authenticity. How had he remained blind to this deception, oblivious to the artifice that masked their relationship? His father's words, once regarded as warnings, now burned with the searing light of truth.

Amidst the tapestry of his formidable magical prowess, a power that others would covet, Olas found himself ensnared in a mirage of falsehoods. He was adrift in a boundless ocean, devoid of a raft to buoy him, and not a solitary soul upon whom he could bestow his trust for salvation. In the depths of his own personal tempest, he floundered and quivered, succumbing to the overwhelming grasp of anguish that clutched him with an unforgiving grip. As his eyes ran red, he wanted nothing more than to perish upon this floor.

Chapter 29

Fractured dreams came and passed Leon by, of people and places from his life. Fleeting images twirled and coiled around his phantom limbs like snakes, breaking apart into gas before he could grasp them. Sounds bombarded him from every direction, hounding, demanding, whispering into his very being. He knew it was those he'd let down, betrayed or killed, tormenting him in his most private moments.

"It's your fault we're dead!" Came the mournful cries of one of his previous adventuring teams.

"You had one job, watch for traps!" Another voice interjected; its point laced with pain.

"I'm sorry, all of you!" Leon fell upon his knees in this realm of terror, as mounds of mangled corpses and seas of blood came to taunt him, remind him that he deserved nothing in this world.

"You're a failure, always will be!" Came the steeled gaze of his elven father, arms crossed as he loomed overhead like a dark god.

Beside him came a chestnut furred ceullus, amber eyes that Leon knew too well. The equine gave a cruel, dominating grin that sent a shiver down the mercenary's spine. "Without me you are nothing, I gave you everything, trained you, and this is what you've become."

Leon whimpered as his nerves lit aflame, remembering the excruciating pain that he was subjected to, not just in the Ceullus' care, but that of Cassandra and her band of assassins. He found himself reliving those moments, grunting, screaming, caught in abject torture. Would it ever end? Part of him instilled upon him that he deserved it, never being able to be happy.

For a fleeting moment he caught the darkened image of numerous people he'd longed for, faces that he'd loved once a time ago. Each turned their back on him with sneers of bile, glad that this pain was overtaking him. The mercenary wept, clenching his eyes shut, knowing they were right.

"Now who's being stupid." Krantor's voice came to pull him from his terror, the gryphon's hand placed softly upon his shoulder.

"Especially when you have us." Hekate cooed, the purple gryphon at his side, feathers swung not only around him but her mate. "Though I suppose this tracks for you."

His heart swelled under their affectionate care, twin beacons within this darkness. The mercenary held them close, heads pressed to his, listening to their tender warbles that soothed the ache in his soul. It was Olas' voice that pulled him from this comfort, the gryphon high above with a soft expression on his beak.

"I need you to wake up sweety." Olas cooed, gesturing to him with a finger to draw closer.

Without a second thought he reached out, grabbing hold of that bird. Pulling himself up he caressed feathers, tilting his head to the side so that he could kiss that parted beak. As he sighed in bliss, the world around him of dreams began to fragment, reality rearing in its insistent head.

When he awoke, it was soft, what he'd just dreamt of passed through his fingers like sand. He tried to hold onto their fleeting presence as he stirred, finding his breaths utterly consumed with the earthy scent he knew to be gryphon, not just any gryphon, the ones he held dear. His face was smushed in Krantor's chest, the gryphon holding him tight. Hekate was nuzzling at the man's cheek, warbling to herself, seemingly oblivious of his awakening.

He found himself within the tavern, the light of the morning sun drifting in to catch motes of dust upon the air, making them sparkle like diamonds. Outside his prison of feathers and the glow of his friend's warmth, he could hear the morning crowers going at it, announcing the start of the day. The mercenary who saw the worst in the day found himself sighing, he'd survived his entire ordeal thanks to them. He closed his eyes and focused on the heartbeat of the black and blue gryphon beside him.

"Thank you both. I don't know what I'd do without you." He voiced his thoughts, finding the words strange, he _never_did that. He'd been taught through life to hold his tongue on far too many occasions, conceal as to not open yourself up. He didn't expect her reaction.

Hekate pulled back with a tremendous gasp, fluffing her wings in surprise. "Oh, my gods, Leon, you're awake!" Before he could react, she gave a happy squawk, wiggling her tail and singing sweet tunes before bombarding him with an affectionate nuzzle. "You're awake!"

"Oh course, I'm awake." He laughed, having to shift within her lover's embrace, as Krantor would not yield his grip, despite his slumber. Fingers found the gryphoness' cheeks, stroking them softly, creating the gentle tempo in which she could tremble and press into his touch.

"For a brief moment I thought...I thought." She shook her head, tears in her eyes before pressing his forehead to hers, letting her build up emotion come bursting free. Her entire form trembled as she took a shaky breath, "It doesn't matter now."

"Getting all sweet on me now?" He teased, getting to her to laugh through the tears. He wiped those away with a smile, only prompting her to nip at him. "Why did you have to go do that?"

"Make sure you're the real Leon, the _real_Leon never smiles."

"Course I do." He protested as she nipped him again, lovingly so; satisfied of his authenticity she returned to her nuzzles, her reserved voice filling him in what he'd missed.

It had been a week since their journey into the assassin's cove, in which their mettle was put to the test. When she told him of what had transpired with Olas, he was shocked to discover that the bird had dropped everything to come to his rescue. As she detailed the destruction and death that had been brought in their name, he praised her strength and willingness to see them unharmed.

"That stupid bracer he gave you wouldn't work for me." She cried, laughing at the tension it had brought, "You should have seen me fly, I never realized with all the adrenaline pumping how fast I could go."

"Guess Cassandra should have trapped you instead, never doubted you for even a moment." He patted Krantor's forearms, the sleepy gryphon behind him nuzzling at his hair. "Kept this one's head on. Speaking of, is he?"

"Woke yesterday." Her ears splayed, "Didn't want to leave you. He figured if you had a gryphon holding onto you, there was no way you could resist coming back to us."

"So convinced, was he?" Leon chuckled, briefly remembering the conversation he and gryphon had shared while strung up. He found himself looking to Hekate with a longing and warmth that he'd not known for quite some time. Guilt gnawed at him as he looked away, "Hekate..."

She knew him too well, "one look andI thought you'd be trying to help me, sweep this under the rug, but no, once more you are the anchor to my soul." She knew what he was trying to do. The gryphoness sat upon her hinds, pinning her wings, not growing stern but remaining the calm, reserved gryph that she was. "You don't need to say anything. I know you were sacred and frightened, probably thought we were leaving, I know how that- "

"It still wasn't right; I shouldn't have insulted the two of you that way." He insisted, moved by the care she was exuding, "You should be furious with me."

But the gryphoness wasn't, she merely gave a shrug and an affectionate coo before nuzzling at his cheek. "Yea, but that's what flights do. We forgive each other."

He blushed when she mentioned it, it would appear as though he had not dreamed that part, "So he told you huh?"

"Wouldn't shut up about it."

Disappointment stung as he sighed, "I wanted to be the one to tell you."

"It's alright, if that's the worst thing that happened, I can live with it. Oh, and before you ask, yes, we got Draigo back as well. You'll have to go see Olas, he's the one playing horse sitter for him."

Nodding, he relaxed in the gryphon's grip. At least there, the horse wasn't in any danger of being eaten. "So...I assume the offer to go with you two still stands?"

She laughed with a chirp, "A hundred times yes, why would that change?"

Warmth flooded his veins as he was bombarded by her nuzzles again, this time joined by the warbling affections of her mate as well. He sighed, supposing there were worse fates than to be subjected to such support by two gryphons that were dearer to him than anything else in this world. His two daft gryphons that he would not trade for all the treasure in Sethera.

He grew quiet, thinking about the future that they would build, the tavern in which would house them. It might not be the one he suspected when he ran from home all those years ago, but for the first time since he could remember, the thought of the future made him sigh with a smile. For a time, he said nothing, merely content to hold her and lean into Krantor's embrace. Occasionally he would scratch her furry ear, earning himself an affectionate trill.

"I'm sorry that we didn't get there sooner. Best I could do with what they did to you." She ran a hand along his naked chest, tracing over several thick wounds that adorned it. "You had some before, but I count three more."

"That's fine, each scar is a story." He grimaced, but gave her a reassuring stroke, "You can bet the time you and Olas saved our asses will be one I never forget. Besides, last I recalled, men and woman love scars."

"You should have seen Olas." She gave a wistful sigh, "Going through that place like a whirlwind of death, desperation in his eye. You awoke something primal in him mister Leon." The gryphoness tapped his chin, "I don't think I've even seen him so driven."

"I'd have liked to see that." The mental image of that feathery fiend fighting tooth and claw for his sakes was certainly appealing. You didn't just do that for a toy. He was something worth protecting, something the gryphon cared for, was afraid to lose. His heart skipped a beat at that realization.

"He even said he loved you, couldn't live without you."

Broken from his loving fantasy the half-elf scoffed, his old self returning for a good laugh, "Oh, now you're taking the piss. Olas, saying he loved me? He did not."

"He did too, I heard him!" She squawked as her eyes steeled, "And I won't hear another word of it you hear?"

Laughing he held her close, not wishing to stir the pot upon his awakening and irritate the gryphon that saved him.

When Krantor awoke, the gryphon was beside himself, filling the halls with such pleasant melodies and emotion that Leon swore the beast was in love with him. Still, he found himself nuzzled and battered again with affection, Hekate unable to resist joining in.

Within this honied aura of love and affection, kisses and nuzzles soon took another turn as they touched upon one another. Their relief over surviving such a harrowing adventure gave way for passion to express how much they meant to one another. Affectionate embraces turned into loving kisses to the beak of warmth and adoration, evolving into bliss filled moans and pleasured gasps.

Feathers met fur as nothing was held back from one another, panting, half open beaks became the norm. Hinds shivered and trembled as they worked to bring pleasure and delights that nothing else could equal. Leon found himself often between the pair, shared, desired, passed between them as they confessed their love for one another. He was of their flight, they were his, their bonds would be more resilient than dwarven adamantine.

Eventually they tired, falling upon one another with pleased, tired looks about their features. Leon's panting matched their own as he was stuck between his most treasured friends. He was sweating, aching as Krantor held him close from behind, knowing they wouldn't be able to separate for quite some time, gryphon's bodies ensured it. Hekate was below him, a most pleased look upon her beak as Krantor pressed him into her.

"See, I knew I'd rock your world." Teased the male, affectionately nibbling at the man's hair.

"I don't know Hun, you moaned louder than him when it was his turn." Hekate chuckled, stroking her love's chin with a finger. "Though I like this gryphon sandwich of ours."

"No...complaints here." Leon groaned, caressing both their heads as they subjected his flesh to affection, "I could always use a pair of feathery blankets."

They slumped down with pleased warbles, cuddling close with their limbs entangled. With shared breaths and soft caresses, they drifted into restful slumber, wrapped in the warmth of their deep affection for one another.

As they roused from their slumber, well-rested and with appetites awakened, the trio found themselves in a quandary. Starvation had seized them, and they were not inclined to remain idle in the face of their empty stomachs. With a newfound vigor, they ventured to the local hot springs, where the warm, mineral-rich waters enveloped them like nature's embrace, easing the remnants of sleep from their bodies as well as cleaning them of their prior escapades.

After they had enjoyed their time soaking they dried off and ventured into the bustling market . They resolved to solve their hunger problem, remembering they had promised the lavender gryphon the largest picnic they could muster. The trio's quest for the perfect picnic blanket led them to a quaint, human-owned shop in the heart of the town. The shopkeeper, a kindly human woman named Elara, was known for her exquisite craftsmanship. The blanket they chose was a vision of artisanal beauty, woven with meticulous care. It featured a patchwork of earthy, calming colors, with soft hues of lavender and sky blue, interspersed with threads of gold and forest green. With several wicker baskets in tow, they set off to gather an array of delectable delights, striving to fulfill the promise they had made to the lavender gryphoness.

With a bounce in her step and the fluff of her feathers ruffled with excitement, Hekate proved to be an unstoppable force in their quest for the ultimate picnic. Her passion for selecting the perfect fare was palpable, and she spoke with such fervor that her words created a sensory tapestry of delectable delights. She couldn't resist extolling the virtues of a sumptuous smoked ham, its aroma promising savory indulgence, or the artisanal bread, its crust crackling with anticipation. Her eyes sparkled as she detailed the creamiest of cheeses, promising a taste of sheer heaven, and she practically danced with joy as she selected the freshest, most vibrant fruits, each one a promise of sweetness and juiciness. Her companions laughed warmly at her infectious zeal, their hearts lightened by her unbridled enthusiasm, though they occasionally had to lovingly prod her onward, for Hekate's commitment to the nuances of picnic perfection knew no bounds.

Their picnic was given life beyond Featherton's boundary, nestled in the meadow, a vast, open expanse framed by gently rolling hills. The cleared spot they found was lost in a sea of lush, green grass that stretched far as the eye could see, punctuated by wildflowers of vibrant colors that danced in the breeze like a living tapestry.

Beside this spot rested a serene pond that glistened in the sunlight. Its surface mirrored the azure sky, capturing the essence of the day in its glassy reflection. The water was clear, offering a glimpse into the world beneath, where aquatic life meandered and played. A chorus of frogs, hidden among the pond's reeds, serenaded the trio with their melodious croaks.

Hekate, with eager anticipation, plopped the wicker baskets onto the blanket, unveiling a bountiful feast. The sumptuous meats were displayed like works of art, their flavors tempting their taste buds even before the first bite. The creamy cheeses, the essence of indulgence, beckoned with promises of richness. Their artisanal bread, with its crust just as crisp as the autumn breeze that caressed their skin, seemed to invite them to savor every mouthful. The vibrant fruits, freshly gathered, were a vibrant testament to the bounty of nature's offerings.

As they reclined, their relaxed positions on the blanket revealed the true comfort of their selection. They shared laughter, genuine smiles, and stories of the ideal future that awaited them, each word painting a picture of a life filled with peace, entertainment, and the warmth of togetherness. Krantor, in a moment of whimsy, broke into song, his melodious voice filling the air with an enchanting tune that echoed through the meadow.

It was then they sat side by side, watching the vast countryside before them. They laughed, starting to wonder where this tavern of theirs would find purchase, the ideal spot to garner fame and bring travelers in.

Krantor, grinning broadly, leaned back on one talon as he suggested, "How about the Mystic Hollows? It's got these eerie, glowing mushrooms and whispered secrets - folks would flock to our tavern!"

Leon raised an eyebrow, considering the idea. "The mushrooms could be a selling point, but I've heard those whispers can get annoying, like a never-ending conspiracy theory meeting."

Hekate giggled, her feathers ruffling in amusement. "Well, how about the Enchanted Glen? It's beautiful, tranquil, and home to some rare magical creatures. Plus, I can do some gardening there."

Krantor rolled his eyes playfully. "Oh, Hekate, not every place needs your gardening skills! And what if those rare creatures steal our food?"

Leon joined the banter, a rare smile on his face. "What about the Emberpeak Plateau? It's romantic, with the sunset reflecting off the mountains. Perfect for a tavern. But, uh, it can get a bit chilly."

The gryphoness leaned in with a raised eyebrow. "Chilly, you say? Well, we can always provide cozy blankets, can't we?"

After some back-and-forth, they finally settled on wanting the tavern to overlook Featherton. It was simple, quaint, and this town had become like a second home to them, why not make it permanent? With that settled, they had to think of a name. Leon leaned back, watching the fluffy clouds drift by as Hekate joined him, laying upon her side, hand on her jaw as Krantor pulled forth a tiny bit of wood to carve.

"How about 'The Feathered Hearth?" Shrugged the black and blue gryphon, "Simple, warm, I like it."

"It's a lovely name, but it might mislead our human patrons. We don't want them expecting warm, feathered beds." Hekate sighed.

"What's the matter, not good enough?" Leon teased, getting a bat of a feathery wing off his head, "What about 'Harvest Moon Haven'? It celebrates Fureen and Sartren. Plus, it sounds inviting."

Krantor sighed, "Ah, but what about 'Gryphon's Grin'? It's catchy, playful, and it speaks to our charm."

After some more back and forth It was Leon's name that delighted Hekate the most, even Krantor relented and was forced to admit it's superiority. They laughed and gently shoved at one another, their talk soon turning to construction of it, the colors, the staff, and possibly what to name gryphets when Krantor and Hekate chose to.

"We'll definitely name one after you." Said the gryphoness with a playful smirk, nibbling on some cheese.

"Don't you dare." Countered Leon with a laugh, though truthfully, he was flattered. It was when Krantor started to chuckle behind him that he grew suspicious, "What are you plotting?" He whirled around, ready to scold the gryphon but instead finding him rifling through his pack.

"Wait one moment, I knew it was here...." Krantor squawked, flaring his wings to hide Leon's gaze.

"Should I be waiting for- "

"Aha!" Up perked the gryphon as he spun around, concealing what he held in his talons with his wings. With a gleam of delight in his eye, he added flourishes to his movement, pulling out a set of clothes that was unlike any other.

The clothing was a testament to gryphon craftsmanship, created with exceptional attention to detail. The fabric was a rich, deep blue, adorned with intricate golden embroidery that gleamed in the sunlight. The shirt had an open front, exposing a part of the chest, while the pants featured stylish slits along the sides, offering glimpses of well-toned legs and ass. Leon couldn't help but be startled by the boldness of the gift, but he laughed all the same.

"Uh...thanks?" He laughed, as so did Hekate, "I'm not showing off my ass."

"But it's a good one." Laughed the gryphoness.

"Don't worry." Krantor rolled his eyes, procuring a second set of trousers, "We got you the more _human_friendly trousers."

"When did you even have the time to go and get this piece?" He laughed as the gryphoness had him stand, holding it against him. "I'll never get over gryphon fashion sense."

"You should just like showing your ass more."

"Remember when we swiftly ducked into that store for some clothes? You were getting grapes at the time."

"Alright, new clothes, is this for the tavern." Realization struck him as the gryphoness gave a nervous smile, her ears splaying, "Hekate, this better not be the uniform, I'm not wearing it."

Hekate chuckled softly and shook her head. "It's not a uniform, you idiot."

Surprised by the revelation, Leon raised an eyebrow. "Then what's it for?"

Her ears splayed as she averted her gaze for a moment. "You remember the bandits we thwarted a few weeks back? Well, the owner of the caravan we protected, a certain Seraphia, was quite delighted with our success. While you and Krantor were in slumber, she extended an invitation to her establishment, the Moonlit Mirage. I thought that now, with you two awake, we could finally accept."

Krantor's eyes practically sparkled with delight as he formed a great big smile. "That place is absolutely delightful! It's graced by the presence of remarkable performers; I've even heard that the renowned gryphon bard Cassander once played there. Then don't get me started on the drinks it serves that are celebrated throughout the realm. If you didn't think that was enough, imagine this, they boast a dance floor that shimmers under the moonlight!" He let out a whimsical sigh, nuzzling along his mate, and added, "Maybe when we establish the Harvest Moon Haven, we'll give them a run for their coin, don't you think?"

Leon's reaction was unmistakable as he wrinkled his nose. He was all too aware of the Moonlit Mirage, a place that exuded an atmosphere considerably fancier and more elegant than he was accustomed to. In his mind's eye, he could already envision himself feeling out of place, like a fool. But Hekate's insistence and Krantor's enthusiasm prevailed. If both wanted him to go, he could swallow his embarrassment. "Well, when do we go?" Leon asked, his nervous laughter accompanied by the gryphons joining in, their excitement infectious.

Then came the moment of revelation. Hekate, with her reserved and measured tone, stated, "One more thing, however."

Krantor picked up where she left off, his feathers ruffling as he added, "We both agreed that it needed to be said."

Leon, sensing there was more to the story, raised a curious brow. "What do you mean?" Their sheepish demeanor was a clear indicator that something significant was on the horizon. "Just spit it out."

The gryphons exchanged a knowing look and a nod, then Hekate sighed, "This place is only for couples... which means--"

Leon interrupted, finishing her sentence, "Olas. You want me to ask Olas out."

"Correct," warbled Krantor with a triumphant air. "See, I knew he'd get it."

He remained silent for a moment, deep in thought. The mercenary had come a long way, learning to trust these two gryphons with his affections and allowing himself to move on with his life. Did he really need to revisit a connection that might not be genuine?

Before he could continue his internal debate, Hekate intervened with her ever-astute understanding. She sensed the fear, reservations, and doubts that had begun to plague him. Offering a tender nuzzle, she held his gaze within hers and spoke in a comforting tone. "I saw him throughout the week, you know. He visited every day, appearing far more worried than you give him credit for. You're going to say that he only fancies you as a passing thing, that he considers you a mere trinket. But I observed that gryphon's stare, his gentle nuzzles, and the genuine fear within his gaze. You matter greatly to him."

"But- "

"No buts," she insisted, her chirp firm and resolute. "You're going to ask that gryphon out, and you're going to sit down, tell him your feelings, and talk about what happened. Especially the part at Chios."

Was it all that simple? Where he hesitated, within her caring pools he found strength. They had never let him down before, were always at his side, wished only the best for him. Counters to her request built within, only to die when looking at the gryphons before him. Any counterarguments that had risen within him withered away as he looked to the gryphons before him. His heart trembled with anticipation, and any lingering resistance faded into the background. "With a deep breath, he agreed, his voice filled with nervous anticipation. "Alright, I'll do it. I'll ask Olas out."

Hekate and Krantor showered him with affection, their nuzzles and trills echoing across the countryside. They leaped around him, fluffing their wings, their emotions ever infectious and drawing a heartwarming smile to his lips. His heart fluttered, butterflies dancing in his stomach. He couldn't believe it. He was going to do it. As the gryphons pulled him into their warm embrace, he was left panting, facing the realization that his deepest fantasy might finally become a reality. "Oh, my gods, I'm actually going to do it."