FSE

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Chapter 14

The prestidigitation spell was great for cleaning oneself of any dirt, grime or foul odors that might permeate and cling to you with wretched, soiled claws. Lyndis often selected the subtle and fresh scent of cherry blossoms; it brought back memories of rides atop the horse sized dire wolves through the pink flower adorned branches around her home of Tregaron. This magical marvel made adventuring far from the cleaning comforts of civilization more bearable, not smelling of sweat, dusty tomes, monster's guts or even sex. It, however, lacked the pleasing sensations of water upon one's flesh, the comforting heat that would shine like a sun to one's core.

She had to admit that even though Lumara was set on spreading its influence to the rest of Sethera and beyond, they certainly knew how to provide comforts to their people. Presently she found herself in the private bath of Damon's tavern, the Feathered Fancy. It was a sealed off section with tiled floors, forming the design of a gryphon in flight. Upon the ivory wall were three runes, one blue to increase or decrease the cold water that would rain down from the ceiling, a red one to increase the heat, and a third green one to evaporate any trace the water had even been there.

Soap thick in her hair, the princess relished the simple joy of the all-encompassing heat. Eyes closed as she basked in the rivers running down her bare flesh, casting away doubts, concerns, and anything more than pure, concentrated bliss. It made it easy to not dwell on why she found herself here, or why now she was trying to cleanse herself of her actions. She'd come here to catch up, trade a few barbs and enjoy a drink before the night filled with peril and adventure, only to wind up being drawn close by the gryphon bard's seductive feathers and silver tongue, sharing moments of passion soon after.

Memories flashed for a moment, sending her insides tumbling as an overpowering cold clawed its way to the forefront of her mind. She froze, staring at the brass drain below her, drifting off as she cursed Natassa's name and the pull that she had over her. The rogue began to wonder what Cordenth might think of what she'd done, if he would approve or chastise her for such an act. She knew dragons were as open as gryphons when it came to the act of fornication, sex was sex after all to their kind, but deep down she wasn't so certain.

She was a weakness to be sure, an old flame from her early days of adventure, when the excitement of running away was fresh upon the tongue, the world's pleasures at her fingertips. This was to be a one-time thing she told herself, nothing to be ashamed of, she was merely using the gryphoness to get rid of her nerves before the caper, that was it. Even as she said these things with a hushed voice, it came hollow and without conviction, for the worst part of it all was that she didn't even hate it. Regardless, she wasn't going to waste another moment with her feathery company, be subjected to those alluring eyes, knowing it would lead to another feathery embrace should she stay.

With a groan of reluctance, she pressed the green rune. With a pop the water that had been cascading down dried up and vanished, along with it the copious amount of liquid that had been circling the drain below. Lyndis sighed and opened the sliding glass door dividing this section from the rest of the bathroom, a space large enough for a gryphon to half-fold their wings. There was a toilet of course, a sink with a faucet, sporting the same rune design as the shower's controls.

She snatched up her black tunic and trousers and tossed them on, cursing herself once more for being here. Once her weathered boots were back where they belonged, she brushed her bangs from her eyes, steeling her nerves for facing down the silver tongues gryphoness in the other room. She paused to take a deep breath, a slight buzz at the end of her nerves, the anticipation of what was to come this night, to test her skill against the best defense that Lumara could muster, to prove that no lock or vault could compare to her deft fingers; she would make a mockery of them, this entire kingdom. True if all went to plan, no one would know she was ever there, but deep down she'd know that when it came to them, she was the superior. Just as her hand graced the doorknob, Natassa's voice came from the other side.

"Darling, being old friends doesn't grant you the exclusive rights to the bath, now does it? I simply can't fathom why you didn't take the opportunity to traipse about, smelling of my fragrance. Honestly, I'd have found it rather charming of you. I would've adored witnessing the reaction on that brutish lout's face."

"Some of us actually have to get dressed dearie." Lyndis snapped back.

"I fail to comprehend why anyone would object to you flaunting off a bit more. Plus, it would certainly save us all from this tedious charade of wasted time."

"The fuck this look like, Whitedell?" She scoffed at their fashion sense, knowing the mainly gryphon city had a loose definition on what accounted for modesty, she burst out of the bathroom with a sly grin, "I can't very well go blundering about with me tits flapping every which way. Think before you go squawking your gob."

The room in which she found herself was suited more for nobles than common folk, with carpeted floors to resemble that of a viridian field with patches of vibrant flowers. The walls were adorned with rich tapestries depicting magnificent landscapes. Furniture was of deep blues, royal purples, and gold accents to capture an aura of majesty and wealth. Mana lanterns hung here, wrapped in gilded gryphon designs, painting the entire place with a honied hue. The bed was large and dominated the space, shaped like a nest, covered in thick pillows, and made for two gryphons cuddled close. It was here that the gryphoness of varying shades of brown did lay, lounged out upon the mahogany-colored sheets.

Her snow leopard tail flicked back and forth with interest; pale blue eyes locked upon something within her brown scaled hands. She always had an eye for things valuable, perhaps that's why Lyndis had found herself drawn in. A few steps closer revealed it wasn't just any old bauble the gryphon clasped, but that of the green scale Cordenth had given to her on the last night within the Forest of Despair.

"Put that down!" Her heart skipped a beat as she slipped over, snatching it from her in the blink of an eye. "You could break it."

Natassa's gaze sparkled with mischief, a glint of cunning in her eye as she set her sights on a newfound treasure. "Well, well," she purred, her voice dripping with intrigue, "looks like I was right about this little bauble's value. The real question, darling, is whose pocket it slipped out of and where you managed to liberate it." She leaned back with a confident grin upon her beak, "Did you snatch this from the dwarf? Or perhaps, the paladin? Oh, do tell me it's the paladin. I've always had a soft spot for the ones who make righteous types see red."

"It's none of theirs." She made her way to her pouches, slipping the unremarkable green thing inside. For a moment she lingered upon it, thoughts drifting to the dragon it belonged to. It was easy to imagine herself within his grasp, listening to his attempt to impress or woo her, all the while being defiant to authority at heart. Did she actually miss him?

"No way, you must have stolen _something_of theirs. I mean, how could you not, they're all easy marks!"

"I'm not playing that sort of game with them, if you believe or not." Lyndis padded her way to her leather tassets, slipping it around her and securing the metal clasp, "And easy or not, they don't deserve it."

Natassa, clacked her beak in protest, her chest feathers fluffing, "I don't believe that for a Minotaur Minute, what has happened to you, just a few years back you would have robbed them blind." She blinked, realization seemingly striking between her ears, the gryphoness tossed back her head with squawking laughter, "Oh I know! you're playing the long game, leading them all in this elaborate dance, and then, when the moment's just right, you'll slip away with the prize. You've become quite the strategist, haven't you? I must say, I'm rather proud!"

"No." she said flatly, amazed it had come from her lips.

Laughter ceased upon her beak, "You can't be serious."

"More serious than I've been in quite some time." She grabbed her belt, fingers brushing the steel rivets, "They're a good lot, ridiculous and silly sure, but good natured and honest." She sighed, imagining the red dragon boasting about something, Arcturus trying to hide his blush. Merlia would laugh, make the beast chase her around all the while cackling like a mad woman, though Asterion was new, she imagined he'd fit right in, watching her back with the militaristic diligence his people were known for. The moment she got back she was going to force Arcturus and Veledar together, screw the bet she had with Merlia on which one of them would ask the first question.

"So, dreadfully droll." Natassa rolled her eyes, flopping her head to the bed, "A paladin, Lyndis? Really? You do realize he's just waiting for the opportune moment to turn you in, don't you?

She might have thought of that a few months back, when the human had been staring her down, asking questions about the dragon's whereabouts. "Not now, he's a good man. He's had my back and I his, loyalty runs through his veins." By the sound of the indignant squawk passed her way, it was clear Natassa didn't agree with the assessment.

"So, ignoring your abysmal choice in friends, what's the story with that scale? Didn't you say the dragon you were in cahoots with was red."

"It's none of your business is what it is."

"And this scale was _green._Know what I think?" Her beak parted into a sly smile.

Lyndis tightened the leather strap around her arm, "I imagine you're going to tell me."

"I have a hunch." She purred, a knowing twinkle in her pale blue eyes, "that this scale might just belong to someone who's captured your heart. The real question is, is it a dashing dragon gentleman, or perhaps a fiery dragon lady?"

Arms crossed as she whirled about to face the playful gryphon, "How about you don't go mucking through my things?"

Natassa gave her a wounded look, "And here I thought we were having a heart to heart." She flopped to her back, head leaning over the sheets, "do you remember the very first piece of wisdom I squawked into those ears after liberating you from your oh-so-dreaded parents? You know, the ones who betrothed you to that Siigonis without your consent?" Her feathers fluffed with mirth as she chuckled. "Well, well, look at us now. It seems you've gone and fallen for another scaled individual. Mum and dad will be positively gob smacked when they hear!"

Lyndis bit her tongue, instead focusing on securing one bracer than the other.

"I see you're not denying it," Natassa teased with a playful glint in her eye. "Come on, darling, it's just us girls here. Dish out all the juicy details. Clearly, this wasn't a one-night flight of fancy."

"Natassa?"

"Yes?" She cooed, batting her eyes, "Something to say?"

"Actually-"If the gryphon was going to pry and tease, she'd hit right back, "Yea, you wouldn't happen to be still holding onto the necklace of that gryphon duke you seduce, you know the one, Alexander was it?" She leaned back as the gryphon's ears pinned, eyes narrowing. The rogue tapped her chin as she continued this game, "Oh yes, what did you call him, your Melodious Bumbler , your Cuddly Crooner, or perhaps my favorite, your Sugarplum Featherbaby?"

"You think you're being cute."

"Bitch I'm adorable." Lyndis chortled, padding her way to the gryphon's leather harness at the foot of the bed, "Let's check shall we miss beaky."

"How about we don't and say we did!" Natassa leapt from her spot, sailing through the air to crash upon the harness. Pectoral feathers flared, her beak clacked, only making Lyndis laugh harder as the gryphon clutched it to her chest.

"Subtle."

Her eyes narrowed as she dragged herself and the leather assortment of pouches back to the nest, "Still can't believe you'd choose to pal around with that boring lot."

She shrugged, "At least they won't stab me in the back on a whim." Her words grew cold as the gryphon's demeanor started to crack, ears splaying, "Leave me stranded in a foreign land with hardly enough coin to get by." She let that statement sink in as she grabbed the last bit of her things, sliding into her breastplate, then tossing her grey cloak of invisibility over her shoulders and securing the golden leaf clasp. Already she knew the moves her friend would make, the excuses, the playing it off as though it were not a big deal, she'd heard it all before. What she didn't expect was for Natassa to avert her gaze, ears folding down as though she were actually hurt.

"I didn't wish to do that." She said flatly, "I was trying to keep your beak out of somewhere it didn't belong. It was always to protect you. Leaving what partnership we had was the hardest thing I've ever had to do."

There was a raw authenticity in those words, enough to catch the rogue off guard. It wasn't just honesty; it carried with it a profound sense of pain, as if it had been festering beneath the surface for years. In that fleeting moment, the bard she had known was stripped of artifice, and in her place stood the old friend from distant memories. She was just about to pad her way over and offer a comforting hand, when she remembered all the lies this beak had spun in her time together. How could she forget the performances, the acting, the deception that would spill from that silver tongue to seduce, trick or play some helpless rube.

Lyndis, with a heavy sigh, delicately tapped the gryphon's beak. "We both know there isn't a smidgen of truth in that statement. Must be feeling rather lonesome if you're resorting to such measures to persuade me to stay."

Eyes steeled, ears pinned as fire swelled to life, "If you're going to carry on like this, why did you even bother showing up?" She rose from the bed with an aggravated chirp.

"Moment of weakness, curiosity of an old life, just needed good head, take your pick." She wrapped the green sash from Cordenth around her waist, securing her rapier next as Natassa fumed and clacked her beak, pale blue fires staring right through her. "But I'm going back to that boring_lot, and while they might not be perfect, they're _my boring lot now."

Natassa rolled a hand to her chest with a heavy gasp, "By the gods how you've wounded me. I don't know how I'll ever recover." She tossed back her head with dramatic flair before snapping back with a lash of her snow leopard like tail and a voice that could kill, "Now get the fuck out."

"Charming as always." Shrugged the rogue, letting that look fall off her as easily as the shower, "Till we next meet again Natassa, don't die on me."

"Get mounted you half-elf bitch!"

The thump of the door shutting could not come swiftly enough. Despite the unpleasantness of the exchange, she couldn't help but feel more ready for the night that lay ahead. Tapping herself over to ensure she had everything, the rogue made her way down the steps, only to be assailed by a most tantalizing smell that wrapped around her like a velvet cloak. It was fraught with exotic spices, intermixed with a savory layer of garlic with the unmistakable heat of chili peppers that sent a shiver down her spine. Her mouth watered as she caught a hint of tender meat sizzling in a spicy marinade, whispering succulence. Any thought beyond marching her way to the bar and having a final meal was out of the question.

** ** ** ** *

Stomach growling, she drew up a chair among the many patrons, the air filled with the smell of barely, gryphon and the cacophony of noise from the numerous conversations in both the gryphon tongue Tweetish and common. She was at the bar, swiftly ordering herself a pint of leaf lover's brew and the special for tonight, lamb curry.

The drink arrived in a tall tankard, a dark almond and bubbling at the top. It tasted like piss, despite its pleasant smell of almond. As she swallowed the bitter drink, her buzz ever left her, fading away until all that was left was a dull pounding in her skull. She grimaced and groaned, holding her head, the drink did as it was intended, but instant hang-over.

"Try this." the bartender said, sliding a tankard in her direction. A gryphon with feathers of various earth shades in a yellow vest, amber eyes filled with warmth.

Within the tankard was a deep, velvety brown liquid that reminded her of the Lumarian's coffee. Atop were delicate swirls of frothy, ivory crème, to complete it was a stick of cinnamon to act as a stirrer. Her senses caught earthy, robust scents mixed with hints of cocoa.

"What is this?" She raised her brow, gritting her teeth as the ache continued.

"Chilled Mitarinok." The gryphon chirped with pride, "Triple the strength of our usual coffee recipe by the Minotaur. Here though, we even added a little twist to it." He gave her a wink. "It's chilled!"

"No way." She plucked the tankard up, delving her tongue tentatively into the creamy concoction. She expected to pull back from the heat, but no, there was nothing but cool. The taste was just as it smelled, strong, earthy, hints of mint within, lingering on the tongue. Her fingers tingled as they settled into her, this was delightful!

"Alright, this isn't half bad." She leaned back to keep her cool, giving the gryphon a nod in thanks.

"Everyone always says it is, best thing for a hangover."

As the minutes passed, the ache faded to nothing as she enjoyed the fog of joy radiating off every face. They played games of chance, cards or dice, others enjoyed a pleasing meal with friends. There was a gryphon and woman who had started playing music while the gryph sang, captivating those who lent a curious ear. Lyndis reclined, drink in hand, regretting coming here ever more, instead of preparing with her newfound friends, it was hard to think this might be their last night.

She would be fine, she always was, meeting new groups and sauntering off into the night. This though, this had been different, perhaps something more permanent had been forming. With other groups the camaraderie had not always been there, the trust, she would miss that. She chortled as the dragon would no doubt be teasing her, insisting it was only natural she would yearn for a beast so grand as him. Did it have to end though? The thought was a curious one, if she dangled fame and coin like a carrot to his snout, she imagined he'd follow along. Arcturus though, he might be a harder nut to crack, though if she got them together, he would probably follow along with his newfound love. She grinned, imagining the list of successes with a dragon at her side.

"Grubs up, hope your taste buds are ready for an ass whooping." Chirped the gryph, his crown feathers extending as he smiled, sliding over the bowl with a clink.

Firey red sauce glistened in the tavern light, promising bold flavors, while tender pieces of lamb and colorful veggies peeked through the luscious sauce. Fresh cilantro leaves added a burst of green freshness, and a bowl of steaming rice stood as a comforting companion. Her mouth watered as steam curled out from it like sinful snakes, pulling her forward. The last thing he added was a diminutive bowl of ground up spices, red as the dragon's scales.

"In case it's not hot enough for you." Winked the bartender.

Grabbing the flask she thanked him, but soon paused, remembering where she was, gryphons lacked the ability to taste heat, their dishes were known to be incredibly hot, "Wait one moment, am I going to be burning at one end and then the other?"

The gryphon's ears splayed at the accusation, a hand pressing to his feathery chest, "I'll have you know, that our dishes are palpable to that of the two legger tongue. You'll find, compared to my kin's other dishes, that this one is laughably mild, suitable for our gryphets." He grinned to her, "So don't you worry, I'm sure you can handle it."

She rolled her eye, "We'll see about that, but since you've been such a good sport with the Mitarinok, I'll trust you."

With a chirp the bartender thanked her, "And if you need more, don't be afraid to give a shout for Gryph, I always liked the pretty girls calling my name." With a wink the gryphon sauntered his way to other guests with a swish of his lion-like tail, his offer more than obvious.

Just as she was going to take a bite, a wall of steel and bad intentions came through the door. All humanoids save one gryphon with shades of crème feathers, they were clad in full plate and armed to the teeth with weapons. Brown tabards with gold trimming hung from their shining armor, no doubt they worked for the city. Eyes were steeled, faces filled with determination, they meant business.

Perhaps they were here for an evening meal, and they had a bad day? Lyndis' hair stood on the back of her neck, practiced nerves clicking into place. No sudden moves to rouse their suspicion she told herself, there was still a chance they were not there for her. To her dismay they passed through the other patrons like water, eyes all locked upon her.

"Can I get you boys anything?" Asked the bartender, "Always a pleasure to serve the paladins!"

"I'm afraid my good man that good times must wait, we are here on paladin business." Came the lovely voice of a man from the bunch, one without a shirt to reveal all his bulging muscles. Upon his hands he wore metal plated gloves, engraved with mustaches to match the thick golden one under his nose. Icy blue eyes were filled with delight as he laughed, only to die when he settled them upon Lyndis.

Shite they were here for her. The rogue calmly took a bit of her food, playing with it innocently as the bare-chested warrior placed down a hand beside her and cleared his throat.

"Excuse me madame, we'd like to have a word with you."

"I've done nothing wrong, perhaps you're confused with someone else?" She gave him a disarming smile, batting her eyes at him. "Sir..."

"Powerfeather." He blushed but held his demeanor in check, "And no, I'm afraid we have not. Lynalla we are here for you."

So, they knew her original name and assembled a team to apprehend her, talking her way out of this was starting to look bleak. Her pulse started to quicken, it takes every nerve to not leap up right now and draw her weapon. She instead took another bite, "Look Powerhead, I just sat down for a nice meal. How about you take a load off and do the same. Hell, how about my treat."

The bare-chested man furrowed his brow, "Unfortunately madame, the talking must be done in haste. We're after a very dangerous criminal and need your help. I regret to say this, but you're going to be coming with us. No fussing now and come quietly, no need for trouble. All we want to do is ask you a few questions about Arcturus."

She sighed, of course they were after him and not her. Part of her was actually disappointed. It was going to be such a good meal too. "Unfortunately for you, I never come quietly."

"W-what?"

In the blink of an eye, she tossed the gryphon spices into the man's face, enveloping his head with a plume of red-hot dust. As he recoiled, roaring in agony, she leaped across the bar. As the sound of energy crossbows coughed their blue stunning bolts, she flicked her wrist, summing up a cerulean, field around her body, causing them to bounce off. She crashed into the bar floor safe for now, clutching the golden broach around her neck, she whispered the words of power, even though they outnumbered her, she'd slip right on through.

"Spread out, watch for movement!" One paladin shouted, a woman with braided hair and fierce eyes.

"She'd going to use invisibility!" Roared Powerfeather, "Make sure to guard the door, we can't let her escape, give her no quarter!"

To her dismay, the gryphon had decided to plant itself before the exit, feathers fluffed, ready to attack.

"Tear this place apart, don't give her a place to run!" The muscle man shouted, eyes blood red and filled with tears.

Great, they were smart, the worst sort of foe, usually she liked to lord it over clever enemies she'd bested, but not when there was this much disparity about fairness. She took the better part of valor and decided to head for the stairs, she'd slip through a window and use feather fall to cushion her collision to the cobblestone below.

"No need to be alarmed citizens, this will route out the fiend!" Frostbeak announced with pride, pulling a brass sphere from the harness around his armor and hurling it upon the bar.

An explosive? Lyndis nearly froze, blood turning to ice. She knew the Lumarian's could be ruthless, but hurling such a device in front of them all? She took cover, heart racing, hoping what the gryphon said was true.

With a crack the ball exploded in shining light, a cloud of sparkling dust raced out in all directions. Like it had a life of its own, this cloud sought out every living thing in the room. It clung to clothes, feathers and flesh alike, even Lyndis, protected by her invisibility, found herself wrapped in nefarious things. Her spell failed, revealing her to everyone.

"Fuck!" She cursed as energy crossbolts coughed in her direction; she leaped behind a table for safety. Invisibility was out, she needed a new method of escape. They were moving in, victory on their lips, just as she was trying to figure out a way to best them, one of the knights emerged around her table, brandishing a longsword.

"You make it harder on yourself Lynalla, surrender and you shall be shown mercy!" Announced the metal warrior, swinging his sword as if he already knew her response. "There is no need for bloodshed!"

"Maybe don't go flailing your sword in a lady's face." She counted, unsheathing her blade and parrying his away. The sound of metal came as she engaged in a deadly dance, guiding his strikes to hit anything that wasn't her. The table, the wall, several tankards, and bowls, this continued as he pushed her back towards the bar. He gave her no quarter, she hated to admit it, but he was good, she wasn't going to win in a straight fight. Unfortunately for him, she never fought fairly.

With her ghostly hand conjured she had it pull his cape over his eyes; with this opening she slid around him. Her strikes were precise and debilitating, right in the back of his unarmored knee. One swipe after the other had him collapsing to his knees, groaning in pain. "Let that be a lesson do you!" She laughed, kicking him square in the bum and knocking him to the floor. He'd live, and if he got to a cleric swift enough, there wouldn't even be any scarring. "Next time buy a girl a dinner first, _then_whip your sword out."

For her quick wit and victory, a volley of energy blasts were loosed in her direction. With a twist of her wrist and quick word of power a barrier of energy was summoned, leaving them to bounce uselessly off her shimmering form. She moved like water to a pillar, knowing she couldn't keep this up forever. There were only a certain number of spells she could use to defend herself before being unable, and their ammunition seemed almost unlimited. She wasn't going to win this, so that left deception and evasion.

"Fun as this is lads, I have places to be! Nedra Suna!" She crossed her hands and let forth a wave of red-orange flames. They shot out and forced those before her to cower, unaware she was intending to scare not kill. "Sorry about the bar Gryph." She tossed a bag of coins to the bar with a wink before sprinting for the stairs. Soon as her foot hit the first step she crossed her hands, pointed her fingers out as she chanted "Nelis Osul!", bringing forth an illusion of a wooden wall behind her, as if it had sprouted from the floor itself, sealing her off.

"A wall, she made a wall? I didn't know she could do that!" One paladin shouted from below, a woman's voice.

"Sir, can you focus your fist, blast it to pieces?" Asked another paladin, this time a man.

"Point me in the direction, I still can't see, blasted woman!" Powerfeather grunted.

She chortled as she got to the next floor, gritting her teeth as they mentioned it was fruitless escaping through the windows, they had more people outside to snatch her. If true, her escape looked quite slim with the effort they were putting in. Fine, if running out a window wouldn't help her then she'd run out right in front of them. "Talumiss" She conjured a disguise of a sweet, half-dressed woman with a bit of blood trickling down her supple cheeks from a cut. Hopefully she would be able to pull off this bit of deception.

Down below, her spell would have faded away, the princess losing her concentration for the disguise. There was a shout from Powerfeather as he must have punched in the air expecting wall, but instead found nothing. His fall was heralded by a loud thud and shouts of concern.

"Of course, I'm alright, damned illusions." Came the man's pained groan, "Quick, upon her heels, we can't let that dastardly woman escape our clutches, don't worry about me, after her!"

As the first knight surged up the stairs, she was sure to greet the woman with a pale face and the best acting of her life.

"That crazy woman, she ran through the halls!" Lyndis wailed, collapsing to her knees, "You have to stop her, she cut me!"

Her heart was a stampede of horses trying to escape her chest, the seconds feeling as though hours were passing. It now counted upon how well she played this if she'd be forced to pull her blade or be let go. To her relief, the woman steeled her expression and raced in the direction Lyndis gestured, all too eager to capture this _mad_woman.

Ever so trusting, Lyndis chuckled to herself as the other knights followed upon the heels of their vanguard. All left her upon the floor, bleeding and wounded, all save Powerfeather, who at least helped her up with a smile.

"Apologies madame, we're in hot pursuit." His mustache wiggled as if it were a giant caterpillar. "If you need healing, have this." He shoved a vial with a red liquid into her palm, "Healing potion will have you right as rain! If you need to talk to anyone, there is a gryphon downstairs, probably at the door, Frostbeak is the name, he'll be sure to help."

She thanked him with a wave, at least one of their number had stopped to help a wounded person. Though she and he were on different sides, she appreciated his noble intentions. That would have to wait for now, as time was of the essence, it wouldn't take them long to figure out where she'd gone. As she descended the stairs, she could already hear the thuds of doors being kicked open, as well as the cacophony of shrieks by the disturbed guests.

The patrons of the bar were gathered together, chatting about who this mysterious woman had been, the half-elf who fought the guards. Some were spreading rumors that she was a long-lost queen, the others insisting she was a demon taking humanoid form. Those who cared little for gossip nursed their drinks, continued their games as if nothing had happened, some even had lit up pipes, puffing away. The knights were gone it seemed, save the crème-colored gryphon with lion like paws. The catbird sat at attention, tiger tail flicking with interest, icy blue eyes falling upon her.

Did he suspect? She took a deep breath, insisting he wouldn't, nor did she see any sort of magical spell at work. While she had the element of surprise, the front door would suit her escape, searching for a window or backroom now might be seen as suspicious, far as this man was concerned, she was just another patron looking to get home.

"Do you think I could get by?" She asked, gesturing to the slice across her cheek, "Bitch cut me up good and I'd really like to get home."

Frostbeak as he was called, shook his head, "Afraid I can't oblige you madame, I am to stay here and make sure that no one gets out. She could be invisible at this very moment, waiting for me to slip up." The gryphon snapped to his left, ears pinned as if he'd heard something, flaring his wings. "It's up to me to make sure she stays here."

She didn't have time for this, any moment now they'd return. With a dainty sigh she laid a hand gently upon his neck, insisting upon what a strong and brave gryphon that he was. Her fingers walked up his chest as she met his eye, "And I do ever love a man in uniform. How about if you let me walk on out of here, we can meet up later for a drink?"

His ears splayed as he gave her a nervous laugh, "I'm actually quite gay, not that you're not pretty and a drink sounds nice, but I really can't afford to get in trouble. I'm flattered though."

Of all the luck, Lyndis rolled her eyes with a groan, already starting to twirl her finger round in circles. With every hastened rotation, thin whisps of pink magic gathered at the tip, a growing storm waiting to be released. Into this spell she willed it to greater strength, letting it drain more of her magical reserves. She dropped her tone to a husky coo, speaking the word of power, "Sunmos." Blowing into her palm sent the pink powder scattered around the gryphon's face as he struggled to comprehend what had happened.

He blinked for but a moment, a question forming on his tongue. Then, like a sack of hammers had been dropped on his head, the gryphon's eyes rolled into the back of his head. Ears drooped; his wings spread out on either side of him as he collapsed to the floor with a weakened chirp. There he began to snore, his tail giving a final thump.

That had worked better than she expected, she grinned as she stepped around his muscular form. He'd be fine, no injury, wake up afterwards without even a headache. She'd be long gone, laughing to herself. The rogue slipped out into the street, not waiting for any of the patrons to question what had happened. Any movements she had were calm and deliberate, no need to rouse suspicion if these knights had friends outside waiting for her.

Nothing happened. Her eyes scanned across the rainy street, dwelling upon shadows created by the lone mana lanterns that dotted the cobblestone atop metal poles. Her hair stood on the back of her neck, knowing that they must be staying out of sight, no doubt questioning who she was. Her next few steps came with her heart pounding in her ear, waiting for when these hidden enemies would pounce, but they never came. She grinned as she passed a street bristling with gryphons and humans sitting beneath overhangs to enjoy the rain.

Though relief was surging through her, she knew better than to run. Let them think she was just another woman for a moment longer, the moment she was down another street she burst into a run, she had to get back to the others, warn them. That's when her elven ears caught wind of what was after her, the sound of ruffling, feathery wings against the air. She whirled around, drawing her blade in a single motion, only for her to be too slow. Skywing had her bound, powerful hands holding her arms tight to her body.

"There we are, couldn't have made this easy, could you?" Chirped the proud of himself gryphon, lifting her up from the street with a pound of his wings. "Clever escape with the disguise, don't feel bad." He tilted his head to peek at the half-elf, sporting a pair of goggles that radiated a sickly green light upon the lenses, "You think an army fighting a country of mages wouldn't have dealt with an illusionist now and then?" The gryphon said before giving his goggles a quick tap, "With these, it didn't matter what spell you tossed at me, I'd have seen right through it."

"Should I be impressed kittybird?" She squirmed, gritting her teeth from the effort. It was no use, this lap cat was incredibly strong, practically a vice.

Skywing tilted his wings the moment they were above the rooftops, setting their course back from where they came. As she tried to twist her body to escape, he held firm with a chirp, eyes steeled, "Well they aren't cheap mind you, true sight lenses can cost a fortune. And I'd think twice before struggling too hard, I wouldn't want to hurt you, or drop you."

Damn't, all she'd gotten was a cut along her arm for the trouble. As she listened to the wind passing through his feathers, felt the rain battering her cheek, she dwelled upon how to escape as they no doubt neared his friends. There had to be a way out, surrender wasn't an option, though they said they just wanted to talk to her, she'd already seen their hospitality firsthand, this gryphon might have sounded honest, but that didn't hold much water to her.

"There we are, nice and calm, I hope when we're chatting later it can remain the same."

She could still move her wrist. The rogue's eyes widened, of course, and her feathery friend here had the same weakness as the rest of his kin. Her eyes drifted back along his underside as she conjured her translucent hand, having it form a fist and aiming for a most sensitive spot. "As I told your other boys, I'm going to have to decline." The green hand pulled back and slammed home.

The gryphon shuttered in the air with a startled squawk, ears instantly pinned to his head. His entire body seemed to thrash as he lost his rhythm in flight, plummeting through the air. He recovered however with an indignant chirp, panting from the pain. Though he had regained his bearings, the damage had been done, with her attack his grip on her had weakened, allowing Lyndis to slip right out of his grasp. As he went to redirect himself and grab her, he was graced with yet another thunderous punch to his most sensitive area. This time he shrieked and crashed into the cobblestone.

Lyndis on the other hand was ready for her fall, tracing a triangle with her hands before reversing it form a chalice. "Amul Redac", green light sparked to life moments before she collided with the cobblestone, her collision no more threatening than a mound of pillows.

Now she'd done it, shouts of alarm sounded through the night. Guards from every alley and street surged forth, weapon in hand. Gryphon and human raced after her the moment she broke into a sprint. Another shield protected her from a smattering of energy crossbow bolts, a knife allowed her to cut a lasso hurled in her direction. Though she bought herself minutes, she wondered how long she could keep this up. They would be breathing down her neck if she slipped up even the slightest.

Her way out came in a nearby alley, in which she tossed an illusion of a wall behind her the moment she ducked inside. Far too close quarters for gryphons to spread their wings, but more than enough room for her to maneuver. Here it was dark, away from the mana lanterns as she pressed onward, desperately searching for another path, a door, sewer entrance, anything to save her. Nothing came except a dead end.

"It's just another illusion, press onward men!" Came Powerfeather's boisterous voice.

"Fuck." Lyndis whirled around, already starting to feel the taxing on her body. She was running out of energy to fuel her major spells, she imagined she only had two or three remaining until all she would be able to do was fling bolts of fire. All that was around her was stone, closing in on her, slick from the rainfall. The closest handholds were at least a story up, windows to some poor soul's home. Above the sky cleaved in twain from a bolt of lightning as if to mock her.

"She went down this way, shields at the front, keep eyes peeled, she could have gone invisible again!"

There was no more time, she couldn't fight so many. Gritting her teeth at having to use another spell she pressed her palms together as if in prayer, then spreading them wide. "Enara Renas." Her body briefly was encased in a milky white set of webs, wrapping her from head to toe. With a breath they had sunk into her flesh, never to be seen again.

"There she is, take aim!"

Launching herself against the wall, another shield spell came to protect her as she clung to the stone. Repositioning herself horizontally, gravity seemed to have lost its sway. With little effort she sprinted up along the incline, she was going to escape.

"She's getting away!"

Up and over, she went, landing upon the black shingles of the roof, rivers of water flowing down to the streets below. Though she'd succeeded, relief was far from her mind as she broke into another run. She leapt to a nearby building, missing the ledge but hitting the opposite wall. Though pain flickered through her, she maintained the spell, so she didn't fall to her death. When she clambered back, she was met with a feathery embrace and sharpened talons.

"Did you miss me?" Skywing squawked, flaring his wings wide to cushion his fall, and slamming the woman to the roof. Hinds pressed against her legs as a hand grabbed her head, pressing firm and not relenting as she glared at him.

He was heavy, pain lanced through her, he could have killed her if he wasn't careful. She spat out blood as a talon pressed to her forehead, drawing crimson as she squirmed.

"You lost, stop squirming. All you're going to do is hurt yourself further. I assume you're not too injured now, are you?"

"I'm fine." She wheezed as the gryphon's weight ensured she wasn't able to move the slightest, "how's the eggs bird boy?"

"Charming." Skywing sighed, but clearly shifting his haunches as a trio of gryphons fluttered down beside him, taking defensive positions despite her capture. "Fear not." He said firmly, "She's secured, no more finger wiggling or ball punching." He splayed his ears at that one.

Powerfeather dismounted the one called Frostbeak, an energy crossbow within his grasp. As the squirming princess glared at him with her defiance, he took aim and fired a blue energy blast point blank.

What fight she had died in that cerulean embrace, with it the pain, despair, and the annoyance at having been caught. Her world faded slowly faded to black as she slumped against the rain slick roof.

"Suntail will be pleased." Chirped Skywing with a swell of confidence, "Tie her up, use the silk and manacles, we don't want this one slipping away."

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