Chapter 33: Asterion's Quest Complete

“Its alright, its just sugar." Nivra held out a palm filled with sugar cubes, waving them before a team of pegasai. They searched her with suspicion and cocked heads, the suspicion of Lumarians seemingly present in the Drenedarian's mounts.

The future queen found herself at one of Struport's many pegasai pens, housed within the upper sections of the outer wall, able to gaze out to the vast city below. Here the elegant beasts could flock, enjoy the crisp air away from prying eyes. Fences surrounded the flatter sections, though more to keep others out than the bird winged horses in. The ivory beasts huddled within, surrounding a granite fountain, occasionally dipping their heads to drink. They snorted and murmured to one another, almost chattering about why this Lumarian girl was intruding upon their domain.

“Do you even like sugar?" She sighed in disappointment, knowing that this possibility could happen. She just didn't want it to be. How else was she supposed to comfort the ball of ice within her chest, chilling the air no matter where she found herself. She stared up the cold, lead grey sky, finding an all consuming sea. How fitting that on this day that the sun would not show itself, as if it knew she should be mourning. The wind fluttered her cloak and stung her flesh, making her clutch her cloak ever tighter.

“You know, we don't get too many visitors." A lone man remarked, wheeling over a barrow of golden hay. The flock of pegasai nickered in excitement as they fluffed their wings. In a series of tail flicks they trotted over, the intruder long forgotten.

She retracted her hand, stashing the cubes into her robes. “Just something someone important and I used to do. Closest thing I could find to horses here." She reached out as the pegasus swarmed the dumped hay, nibbling and devouring it in a ravenous manner. Softly she caressed their fair fur, a smile creasing her face as they rumbled, now unconcerned with her presence.

“Where this person now?" The man asked innocently.

Nivra paused, a cold claw griping her soul. “Gone." She answered softly, fearful any more talk would reduce her to tears. Though if she had more to spare she wasn't certain, last night and this morning had been filled with too much of that already. It was a miracle she'd even been able to retrieve the siigonis' scale to hand off to Feku. “Just gone."

“And what you doing here then?" The man remarked, seeing the sad look on the woman's face. He approached, offering her a handkerchief. “Why not be gathering with friends? Instead of mingling with the beasts of burden?"

A pegasus looked up, seemingly giving the man a hardened look.  How dare he insist they were mere beasts of burden! The stallion snorted, angrily flicking it's tail.

“In time I will." She sighed, waving off his offering and turning back towards a view of the sprawling city below. She was drawn to the dock, where she knew Asterion would be completing his ritual. The one that would bring an end to the chapter of her life with Voidwing. She was always thought herself brave, stronger than Entis' sturdy walls, but being there was terrifying. Even at the idea she shuttered and turned away, they could do it without her, there was no need for her to be there. “I just needed…A glimmer of the past is all. Even if it's with a bunch of semi-horses."

The man shrugged, shaking his head. Why did people insist on suffering by their lonesome? “You're free to stay long as you like. That is until the sapphire guardians come to get their mounts for morning patrols." He grabbed his wheel borrow and headed off, whistling a tune to himself, leaving the princess to her sorrow and darker thoughts.

She stared at the pegasai, watching them gently flick their heads and talk to one another. Unburned by the harshness of the world they gave chased and played. Such life and joy they held in simple actions, a cruel reflection of the princess herself. Was this truly the end though? The logical side of herself asked. She knew powerful magicians that certainly could find a way to bring back her love. Magic had never failed her before, why should something as trivial as this stop her? Arcturus and Veledar had met this Emerald Lady, surely she was powerful enough? If she wasn't, she knew Nigel, probably the strongest arcane caster she'd ever known. He himself had cheated death, he'd at least know where to start. It might take years of mind breaking work, but surely it would be worth it. Was any price too much to see a loved one again in the flesh? Feel them by your side?

No answer came with the wind, nor the chimes it shook. The princess stood resolute, her face grim, knowing what Voidwing would have wanted. She shook her head, fighting back the tears. He wouldn't want her to go to such places, only to bring him back. But as her dam broke the sobbing began, wishing she had the uncaring nature to ignore him, if only to cure the turmoil in her bones. Of course in her reduced state she had further company, this time in the sound of leathery wings.

“So, this is where you'd gotten off to." Veledar remarked in a brassy tone, spraying sheets of snow as he landed upon his hinds. The pegasai that remained fled in terrified whinnies, fighting the urge to loose themselves to the air. They huddled at the opposite side of their enclosure, hoping the thin gate would hold the dragon at bay.

Nivra turned away bitterly, determined to not let him see her state. Evidently what magic they had worked on him had been successful, his red-orange wings had been returned. “Must you follow me now? Especially on a bleak day such as this?" She uttered sharply, wiping away her tears. “I already sent Feku with the scale, what else is it you people require of me?"

“Your presence." Veledar replied calmly, sapphire eyes radiating kindness. His paws gently cracked the snow as he approached, pinning his wings as he did so. “I do believe a certain minotaur and knight were worried about you, Feku mentioned you were heading off in this direction." He gave a dramatic sigh, placing a paw to his red-orange scaled chest. “And since I was bored just staring at the beach, I decided to come looking. Plus…" He extended a wing, gently shaking it upon the air. “I was the only one with the wings to reach you in time."

“Quite the messenger you've been." She turned to face the towering dragon, ignoring how he stood practically twice her height. “Run along and tell the others I'm fine, they can proceed without me." She waved him off like an unruly dog, “Insist that I won't be ending up like my dear mother."

“The one who threw herself from one of Entis' towers?" Veledar rose a brow, seeing through the lies. In her face he could see a turmoil he'd come to know in his time upon this earth. Even on the face of someone he'd despised mere months ago, the dragon sighed and drew closer, ignoring the harshness in her icy blue eyes. “And for the future queen of Lumara, you'd best get better at lying."

“You're one to talk." She scoffed, turning back to the questioning pegasai, who were wondering why the intruders were not doing away with one another. “Look, I'm in no mood of your little insults and jabs at my kingdom. Rid yourself of my presence if that's all you wish to do. And furthermore If you haven't heard we retrieved the orb which Shandalar sought. With study we might find a substitute for my people's crystals…So you can continue to hate me if you wish, but if you must know…" She held her head, “I had a moment of weakness. When Nigel mentioned my brother…" Her voice softened, remembering the darkness of that night. “Just for a moment, I thought I might get him back…I'm not sure if you can understand…But I'd often do anything just to-“

“You don't have to explain." Veledar cut her off, planting himself on his haunches, tail curling around her. The confusion on her brow made him want to chuckle but he subdued it, was this that shocking coming from him? “Loss is an all too familiar feeling within these scales. Given the situation and the offer, I'd like to entertain the idea I'd say no." His eyes closed; the red dragon's scales shivered as he took in a haggard breath. “But I know better. That desire to see a loved one again defies reason, logic…I can't hold a grudge against you for that. And I know in that moment our choices were limited."

For a moment she was speechless, uncertain what had happened was real. Veledar, the prideful dragon apologizing? This had to be a dream. But the longer she gazed into his eyes, the more it seemed to be of truth. Eventually she dipped her head, laying a trembling hand upon his armored snout and issued her formal apology. To her surprise again, the dragon didn't retract or pull away. Instead, he pushed forward into her touch, accepting with a saddened rumble.

“I wish fate had been kinder to you than me in regard to my family. We'll all miss that onyx feathered, self-narrating gryphon." Veledar's frills stitched themselves to his snout. “Even Asterion."

“Is that what's going on? Gossip and rumor at my expense?" Nivra replied sternly, “I'd rather not attend to wallow in my pool of despair."

“It's nothing like that. Though if I must say, it's your own fault. You brought Feku with you did you not?" He scratched his head with a wing talon, “If one wishes to remain tight lipped on such things, it would be wise to exclude her. Everyone has heard of our friend's…departure." The dragon searched the now calming pegasai, flicking his tail. “But if I might ask, why here to avoid the ceremony? I'd think you'd lose yourself in study or work?"

“It was something we used to do. Voidwing and I." She sighed heavily; the cold only mildly fought back by Veledar's natural warmth. “It became a routine if you must know. My brother, mother, even my father we did this. There was always something pure, comforting of petting and feeding the horses at our home. A way to shut out the cold of the world." She turned away from the dragon, biting her trembling lip. “Now though…I don't know what I'll do."

When she shook, Veledar offered a comforting head nudge, letting the weary princess lean upon his scales. “I once thought the same." He said mournfully, thinking of his mother and brother. “Though its certainly less, the pain never quite departs. It's almost a gift in a way."

“A gift?" Nivra snorted in derision, eyes blurry. “How so?"

“Grief is nothing more than love persevering."

She almost pushed him away, demanding the real Veledar show himself. “My you're quite…empathetic. I don't believe that came from you."

He rolled his eyes as he retracted, insisting he'd heard that from Fremra. Dramatically he rolled a paw, placing it to his chest. “Though don't be shocked by my empathy princess. I'll try not to bore you, but I've had an epiphany since we've parted ways. It involves an island, a mystical temple, and three annoying wrymlings." He smirked when she chuckled, tears in her eyes. “Maybe a knight in there somewhere."

“It seems as though we've grown in a way. Another day, you'll have to listen to our journey by boat, facing ancient beasts of darkness and procuring treasures that whisper of a greater evil. This foul emperor."

Awkwardly they laughed, knowing the grim cloud that hung over their heads. When she wiped her eyes it was Veledar who coughed to draw her attention, suggesting it was ok if she didn't wish to attend the ceremony. He just needed to know she was alright.

“Or Arcturus won't let me hear the end of it.

“No it's alright." She responded softly, resting a hand upon his scaled cheek. She could manage to see this to it's end. Get closure to Voidwing's life, not lose herself on a darker path. “Besides it's as you said. If I'm to be queen, I'll have to be better at lying. Even if that means hiding what turmoil rests beneath the surface. Put on a brave face for the others." She sniffed, composing herself and patting down her robes. “Tomorrow will be another day, I'll carry the torch like always."

“And we'll be there for you." Veledar replied tenderly, “They might be a mis-matched bunch of warriors, thieves and knights, but…They're a weird little family."

“I know." She clutched his horned head tight, wrapping around it when he pushed inward. Warmth came as she shivered and cried, releasing the lingering sadness within. For minutes he didn't move, except to shield them with his comforting wings. When she had no tears left to shed and wiped her cheeks, she was ready to depart.

“Then let us be off, though the time grows short. I can't imagine our minotaur friend is as patient as I." The dragon strode a few steps away, his tail swishing through the snow. He turned to her, searching her up and down with an amused grin. “I have a shortcut, but I doubt you're going to like it."

It was then that she noticed, the red dragon didn't have a harness for her to ride upon.

*

Along one of Struport's numerous docks, there was a stretch of sand still unburdened by human's civilized hand.  In the summer months of Friin Suun they'd fill with the numerous, joyous populace, basking in the shining sun's rays. They'd frolic, laugh, play games without care. Now however it lay barren and cold, not a soul upon it save the bull cleric of Korde and his adventuring companions.

With his sturdy hoofbeats the cleric drew a misshapen web of crisscrossing lines, linked only by his path to the chest of diamonds at it's center. With a glittering gem palmed he'd march out with a stoic face, letting the morning breeze ruffle his brown fur. Down he'd kneel with some words of his people upon his lips, a prayer of hope and redemption. He'd thrust the diamond into its resting place like a seed, gently placing a grisly trophy from his red box beside it.

He'd frown as he whispered the words of preparation, almost hearing the phantom screams of his once victims. Each time he'd remember the thrill in his veins, not even recognizing the person that was. To him it was a hallowed shell, best to be cast out and burned. He'd close his eyes as his previous self-brought his axe home with a meaty thwack.

“I know not your name, but I hope that you forgive me." He opened his eyes and stood, the weight on his shoulders just a bit lesser. Soon it will be nothing at all, he told himself a smile creasing his muzzle. With a flick of his tail he returned to the chest of diamonds to repeat the whole process again.

How many years had he spent in turmoil across Sethera? Books he'd searched through, people he'd questioned, all to make amends for the phantom blood upon his hands? He'd occasionally pause in his work, looking upon those he'd already planted, feeling the whips of his people on his back, casting him out of their clan. Never to return they'd said, never forgiven, he'd be a blight upon the world. But they'd been wrong had they not? Gathered this scroll, these trophies, these diamonds, trained in the divine arts. He'd never backed down from fights, lived up to Korde's ideals. He shuttered at the thought his people might not take him back.

But what did it matter? He asked himself grimly, He'd have his honor. Korde would welcome into the heavens when he perished in glorious battle. That is truly all that mattered, and when his clan joined him at the tables of glory in Valhalla, he'd have the final laugh as he shared to them his great tale. One of dragons, endless battles, and facing off a legendary beast of the depths. Besides, he mused as he knelt down to plant another diamond. He had another clan of his own did he not? As he chanted the prayer Arcturus approached him, a look of unease on the man's bearded face. Asterion saw himself in the man's emerald like eyes, that look of not being content to merely watch another work.

“Are you sure you're not in need of assistance?" Arcturus asked when the bull finished his prayer, crossing his arms across the red and gold vest he wore. It almost seemed to glow with life as sections of the grey sea above parted, gracing it with the morning's shimmering rays. “Can't help but feel a tad useless."

“Should have gone with your dragon then." Asterion bluntly remarked, when he grabbed and palmed another diamond he waved away the man's insistence. “I brought this burden upon myself, my deeds, blood I spilled. You've done what you could in uniting what I've needed. Now the strength ahead must be mine alone. Only then will my honor be restored in Korde's glorious eyes." As the man nodded and sighed, Asterion returned to his work. Though before he planted the next diamond he made sure to pause, give into the nagging feeling at the back of his skull. “Your company however is most welcome." He grunted sternly. “I only hope Nivra finds the courage to be here as well."

Arcturus could nodded with a grim look upon his face, understanding in his eyes. He turned to the ocean's gentle waves, taking long mournful breaths of the sweet morning air. To her this would be attending a funeral, instead of the moment of joy it should have been. Redemptions and reunions, but her happiness was marred with death. As the moments passed in silence, he couldn't help but glance upwards, note that Veledar was not flying back.

“Perhaps I should have lended my support to Veledar, despite his insistence to go alone." He said softly, knowing the dragon wasn't the best with apologies. “Gods only knows what he's saying to her.

“Perhaps she'll strike him." The minotaur snorted, amused. “Unless the beast has accepted some humility in our time apart." He reached into his pouches, pulling out a blue scale gifted to him by Feku, a present from the princess. It was pale and weathered, almost begging to crumble in his grasp. Delicately he turned it over, glaring over the fact he'd been absent for the battle where this was obtained. When the gryphon Athenais and her crew of mercenaries attacked them.

“Merlia wants this siigonis back." Feku had cheerful mentioned in haste, before dashing away with Achaaz on her heels. Evidently the kobold had better things to do then attend this ceremony, something she'd forgotten. Asterion had raised a brow, taking the scale. Did she not want to see the return of her mate Azzik? He'd shaken his head.

But why would they wish for the siigonis to return? He had died in battle against Merlia, at the hand of her swarm of arrows. It was a glorious death, one that any minotaur would be happy to sing about. His snout wrinkled as he turned the scale over, reminding himself the others were not as wise as his people. They were soft, but yet…The warrior paused, searching the compassionate knight he called friend. They'd helped him get this far, when his people had not. Perhaps his people needed to learn something from them?

Snorting at the thought he planted the blue scale, joining it with a diamond. With Voidwing's death there had been room, thankfully there was not the question on who to bring back this day. Sethus had not given them enough for everyone.

“You know what? I'm proud of you Asterion." Arcturus remarked, searching the cleric and then a crowd of humans forming on the edge of the dock. He ignored their hushed whispers and curious filled eyes. “Reviving the bounty hunter Athenais, once our sworn enemy? Even after she took Krotos, trying to kill us. I'd almost thought Korde would frown on such things."

The minotaur frowned, reminded of his absence of a good battle. “For her sake she did not face me that day, and technically that makes her not my enemy." He said coldly, enough to drain those notions of softness from Arcturus' face. “But if you must know. It's on the request of a Merlia that I do this." He snorted, thumping his chest. “She's earned that right. It warms my heart she'll owe me a favor in return."

To help a friend, something that wasn't explicitly stated in Korde's tenants. Especially one that served Thor. But if she was asking to bring back her once foe, it only meant she had the same guilt within her heart as he held to this field of trophies. His heart stretched, bending his usual harshness to give into the request, Arcturus however didn't need to know this.

As the crowd gathered swelled in number, Arcturus could no longer sit idly by. Asterion was not exactly close to finishing and he had nothing to do. With a sigh the knight marched his way across the sand, scabbard lightly thumping against his leg. “What's all this then?" The man remarked, sweeping his gaze of scrutiny over the crowd.

“Just in for the light show." A bearded man remarked, “Man said there was to be a magic show."

“That's right, some minotaur magic of some sort. Told us to keep our distance he did." A woman chimed in, her wrinkled face spread into a smile. “Never seen minotaur magic, is it good?"

“I say it should be, I paid three silver for a ticket!" Added another man, shaking his fist.

Selling of tickets? Arcturus' brow rose as he pressed himself through the crowd. None of them wanted to get any closer, any chance that 'minotaur magic' would turn them into newts, or in the case of the woman, make her grow another set of breasts. It turned out the culprit behind this growing crowd was none other than a halfling with a mustard colored vest and thick bushy mutton chops.

“Want a ticket for the magic show?" Fred Applebottom smiled, flourishing his hand as Arcturus strolled over. “I can see you're a man of exquisite tastes." He gestured to Arcturus' vest. When the man didn't reply but only crossed his arms, heat flourished in Fred's cheeks. “Ah, only three silver. Right by the beach…What's that look of judgement human? I'll have you know, there isn't an ordinance about this."

“But they could look for free. You're swindling them." He remarked firmly.

“I am not, I'll have you know that bull and I are business partners." Fred casually remarked, pulling free a thin pipe. “If you want a word with him be my guest, he's quite the tough customer."

“Is that so?" Arcturus remarked with a casual grin, “I happen to be friends with Asterion. Should I bring him over and we can discuss all these arrangements together?"

Fred's face went pale. “That…W-won't be necessary…"

“Arcturus."

“Arcturus, I'll put an end to it and let everyone know they can watch free of charge."

“And give out refunds."

“Refunds?" Fred stuttered, the word like poison on his tongue. “You want…Refunds?"

“Indeed. We wouldn't want the people to get the wrong impression after all. Else we can discuss such arrangements with your good friend Asterion?"

Scowling at the amused man, Fred cursed in the halfling tongue. He glared viciously, “Fine human, go tell the mob they can get their…refund." He nearly vomited at the thought. “Quick go…before I'm sick." He waved Arcturus away.

“Your quite generous." Arcturus remarked, striding back towards the people to share them the good news.  With that done he returned to Asterion, who had all but finished with his arrangements, a curious raised brow on the knight's adventure.

“If gathering to watch a person redeem their sins is amusing for your people, I weep for them." He remarked to the dispersing crowd.

“Just tricked by a halfling. Fred Applebottom he said, do you know him?"

“Him." Asterion grunted, “Got us out of Willsden, nearly broke his arm. I'd say he was a good man, but I think I'd be lying."

Both of them laughed in amusement as a familiar sound coursed through the air, blanketing out the ocean's methodical waves. The beating of leathery wings signaled Veledar's return, followed by everyone being coated with a fresh lair of sand as his paws came to a rest on the ground.

“One princess delivered on request." Veledar announced in a brassy voice, tail flicking in delight. He placed Nivra down upon her boots, her raven hair in complete travesty from the flight. The pale faced woman had to blink several times to ensure the terrifying flight was indeed done. As she touched her chest she whirled around, her eyes sharp as swords.

“What in the hells was that? You carried me like some god-awful package! I'm a queen!"

“That you may be, but I'm a dragon your majesty." Veledar replied unphased by her raised tone. He placed a paw delicately to his chest, pinning his wings. “You wished to return to beach so I got us there. I don't see where I'm in error."

Nivra in her fury went to correcting her hair, “You couldn't have shown me the tiny sliver of decency and let me ride upon your back? Not as I repeat myself, a bundled package?"

Veledar gasped in mock injury, frills playfully fluttering. “I don't know which fliers your accustomed to Nivra, but do I look like one of your feathery kitty birds who just toss their flights at anyone that passes them by?" He snorted in derision, eyes rolling. “I'm not some sort of riding whore you know. I'm a dragon."

At her wits end, Nivra spun around, choosing to not indulge the prideful beast. She finished taming her curls and marched over to the others, grumbling to herself about dragons. She greeted Arcturus with a growl as he approached, laughing nervously as he bid her a quick bow.

Even on this hard day, Veledar had to act like his usual self. “Apologies Nivra." The man righted himself, tossing Veledar a scornful glance. “You'll know he didn't mean anything by it…Flights to dragons are…precious things."

“So it would seem." She muttered, striding past in attempt to sooth the heat in her veins. As she did Arcturus soon got into a heated exchange with his love over the meaning of manners.

“You're supposed to take my side in this! She asked to come I brought her. Honestly it sounds as though she's trying to oppress me with an aura of entitlement."

“She's a queen!"

“And I'm a dragon and you're a paladin. I'm glad we've established these facts. It still doesn't give her the honor of flying upon my back." Veledar snorted harshly, raising his snout as Arcturus merely groaned and shook his head in embarrassment.

“Where is Feku?" Nivra asked softly to Asterion, choosing to ignore the continued lover's spat between dragon and knight. “I thought she'd want to see Azzik be brought back."

“She said there was something she'd forgotten." Asterion nodded at her arrival, giving the princess a thin smile. He gestured to a length of steps climbing up the rocky slopes before the city proper. There were tiny dots of sapphire guardians, going about their patrols, armor clanking as they walked. “Achaaz went with her as well."

“Oh." She clutched her side, scanning over his handiwork and shivering. The cloud of despair hanging clearly over her.

“Are you alright?" He asked, drawing closer until she gently pushed him away.

“Course I am." She waved away his concern, wiping her eyes with a handkerchief as she did so. “You carry on with the ritual, you've waited long enough have you not?"

“That I have." He said bluntly, no longer willing to push the issue. Each of them had their place, hers was to come to terms with what happened.

From his pack Asterion pulled the magic scroll, feeling the magic contained beneath his fingers. It pulsed with life, waiting to be released from its parchment. It was ancient, powerful, only to be wielded by those of sufficient strength. He bowed his head, completing his prayer to Korde. He'd be restored to a kinder light in the god's eyes this day. He opened the parchment, gazing upon the scribblings of some ancient priest, already mouthing the words of power. It spoke of a drain upon the caster of such a spell, nearly to the point of death. It mattered little to his determined mind, it would not stop him. Any price would be worth paying for what he'd receive.

His lungs filled with the sweet air, bringing strength to his anxious bones. Ears flicked as the waves teased at him, promising a future he could look forward to. Blood pounded through his flesh, heart eagerly awaiting what was to come, just like times when battle lay but a stride away. He laid the scroll in the sands, acknowledging but dismissing Nivra's weakened, gut wrenching cry, there would be no stopping now.

As Asterion began the ritual it was Arcturus and Veledar that consoled the grief consumed queen. An extended arm and wing being all that was required as Asterion continued with his chanting. Magic flowed through his soul, flickering like a snake's tongues across the rivers of his veins. From within he warmed, like a fire had been lit, twisting and turning with every word, increasing it's intensity. He thrust out his hands, ready to start the manipulation of the weave when a distant cry put an end to the ritual. The sound of another set of leathery wings and the desperation filled scream of a kobold.

“Hekkin stop! Hekkin stop! Asterion we kill you!" Feku shot like a loosed arrow across the sand the moment Achaaz let her go. In a blur of white scales she slammed into Asterion with all her strength. She crumpled and collapsed to the sand with a weakened groan, “Hekkin stop."

“What…Is…the meaning of this?" He gasped, panting as the burning sensations fled his muscles. He grit his teeth at the searing pain as the kobold shot up, dusting off her scales.

“Good, you stop." She remarked as Achaaz came trotting over, a look of amusement on the teal dragoness' face, Tenzin right behind her.

“You're in a happy mood." Veledar remarked with a raised brow as the smaller dragon merely smirked, gesturing with a wing.

“Just watch scale head. You'll like this."

Feku clung to Asterion, her talons digging into his flesh. From her pouch she shot her claw, rummaging around, captivating all in suspense. Just as the warrior was going to ask her again what she was doing, the kobold pulled out triumphantly an onyx and white feather for all to behold. “I found it! Kittybird Voidwing feather!"

The entire beach went silent, only broken by the ocean's gentle waves. Each wore a shocked expression, disbelief within every set of eyes. Where bittersweetness held it's oppressive sway, a shimmering light had suddenly emerged. Nivra wailed with joy, sprinting to the kobold's side, nearly tripping over herself as she did so. In a swift motion she collapsed to her knees, pulling the kobold tightly to her chest, seemingly to squeeze the life out of her.

“Lady Nivra…" Feku squirmed, failing to get away, “You…crushing me…"

“Thank, you thank you, thank you." She repeated, only gently relinquishing her vice like grip. “Where did you possibly find it?"

“In the chest. Someone…May have dropped…Cleaning room in boat." She replied sheepishly.

“And we pissed off a few sapphire guardians to retrieve it." Achaaz rumbled, swishing her tail against the sand.

“Expect ramifications for that." Tenzin remarked gruffly, getting a playful smack from the princess.

Nivra laughed, not even wiping her tears. “To hell with ramifications…Asterion?"

The bull snorted, striding over and plucking the offered feather from her fingers. “You're certain you want the gryphon restored?"

“Oh, for the love of the gods Asterion, yes." She countered, laughing. “If you don't. I think I'd actually kill you."

“And I." Veledar stated, fluffing his wings.

“I'd demand it most sternly." Arcturus chimed in with a nod.

“Since there seems to be overwhelming support. I see no other choice." Asterion grunted, striding back to his scroll. “But don't blame me if Voidwing is annoyed with you ruining his time in Valhalla."

While the others cried upon shoulders and prayed to the gods, Asterion held the onyx gryphon's feather before him. While not having concern over the act of returning the queen's beloved, the cleric could not help but glance upon the lone hair of Beyu, the ilbir captain of the bloody mermaid, resting in the sands. With it came the promise to Tehya, to restore her captain when he got the chance. His thoughts darkened. They didn't have the diamonds required for everyone.

Kneeling beside that diamond the warrior's mind swirled with trouble, lingering on the heartfelt pleas of both Nivra and comrade in Merlia. With a labored breath he could feel the weight of their need upon him, gnawing at the back of his horned head. Keep his word to his allies or that to the minotaur he undoubtedly had feelings for? Asterion frowned, not liking either outcome. Whatever choice he made; someone would be injured. What did it matter to him?

The thought haunted him, pulled his heart far greater than it should. One day he wouldn't have even considered this, simply picked, and be done. Yet as he spun the feather, the memories of their adventures came to him. The bonds of fellowship that'd been earned through sweat and blood. He owed them a greater debt than some woman he'd just met. Asterion shook his head, whispering a curse upon his lips. Would Korde be upset with a break of a promise? One he'd sworn to Tehya? His hair chilled, and certainly not by the wind. Merlia or Tehya? The warrior dwelled in silence, almost convincing the others something was wrong.

“Need help there?" Came Arcturus' friendly voice, prompting a snort of derision from the warrior as he stood.

“I already told you." Asterion grunted, stashing Beyu's hair into his pouches. Hopefully Tehya would understand if they ever met again. His loyalty was to his companions, any of their promises came first. “I must do this on my own." Resetting his stance, the cleric focused on the scroll that patiently waited for his words. So, they came, filled with the same reverence and power as they did before. He just hoped he had the strength to finish.

Silently the gathered crowd of adventurers and citizens watched as the muscular minotaur chanted in his native tongue. He thrust his arms outward, hands balled into fists as a rising heat built within his veins. Years of suffering condensed within his being, brought life to his movements. With an ear-splitting roar, he thrust his hands upward in a heartfelt plea. With trembling arms, he waited in silence, his muscles tensed, nerves shot, desperate for an answer. Thankfully, the gods didn't wait for long.

The sea of lead grey clouds parted, revealing the baby blue sky above. Thin grey ribbons spiraled down, curling, and twisting as if to guide the golden light that surged down to touch upon the beach with its divine righteousness. With it came hope, courage, relief, things to uplift any soul that gazed upon it's majesty. In it's wake, awe spread about those in attendance, captivated as silence fell over them all. Asterion bowed his head, straining out to the rays of light, he still had a spell to complete.

With his heart thundering in his ears he flung out his arms, continuing his devoted chant lest the spell fail. As the flame within his chest flared to life once more, a magical thrumming began to course through the air. Magical energy converged on his fingertips, swirled around his arms fluttering his fur. He struggled in prodigious effort to lift his leg and stomp it against the sand. As he muttered the next verse in the spell, sand scattered in his wake, forming miniature tornadoes lapping at the beach. Though everyone was forced to shield their eyes from the sprays of sand, the trophies, diamonds and scroll remained untouched.

Weight of all those souls he victimized weighed on the minotaur's shoulders, threatening to buckle his legs. He groaned as his muscles burned. His movements slowed for a fraction of time before he put every fiber of his being into this spell. Veins pounded his head felt light, but still he carried on, there was no turning back. He could feel the gods and the spirits judging him now, he was going to give them a show.

He returned his hands to the heavens, cupping the magical rays fluttering down. They curled around his outstretched palms, bringing a new meaning to the word of pain. Though it was like lava touched upon his flesh, the warrior didn't twitch, he grit his teeth and managed the pain. Cupping what he had he thrust it towards one of the diamonds, forming a bridge of light between the heavens and his offering. Hitting the diamond it surged to life, flickering with diving light. Sweating and groaning from the effort, Asterion returned his hands above and started the process again.

When he'd finished with his ordeal, the warrior's vision was laden thick with stars. He could barely breathe so intense was the weight upon him. It was like a giant had planted it's boot firmly upon his chest. With a final roar he acted as a conduit as the magic flew through him. In one blinding second, he couldn't see, couldn't hear, every fiber of his being burned with divine fury. His back arched, blinding light flared across the beach, then it was over.

Wheezing for breath and legs like jelly, Asterion collapsed into a weakened pile on the sands. Needles seemed to be jutting into every part of him, but the warrior couldn't respond. Inside there was a vast emptiness, but with it the relief had vanished. As blood pooled at the edge of his lips he smiled, knowing what he'd done was complete. He'd have cheered if he were able, but all he could manage was a whisper. No one came to his aid, too busy they were watching the heavens, witnessing the fruits of his labor.

From the clouds came motes of shimmering light. Hardly the size of a palm. They gently drifted, unaffected by the winds, guided by unseen hands for their righteous purpose. They found the diamond's signal lights, desperate to bring life to the dead. Tiny pops flickered across the beach as diamonds flared briefly with the intensity of the sun before crumbling away to dust. The trophies they lay next began to float, suspended on invisible strings. From them came the light of the diamonds, dribbling out like waterfalls. Upon the sands formed pools of shimmering thick liquid, where trees of light begin to form.

These trees shifted and turned, growing into rivers of intricate design. Upwards they grew at the ever hastening pace, forming the bodies of those the trophies belong to. Eyes watered as these nervous systems sprouted bones of diamonds, condensing into ivory, physical form. Crimson forests of muscles and flesh raced out to reunite the lost with their loved ones, then came skin, scales, and feathers.

The first to return with a gentle pop was Azzik himself, the grey scaled kobold flopping onto the beach like a newborn fawn. He was naked as the day he hatched, gasping on sweet air, eyes wide in astonishment. Before he could even stutter a response or inquire what was going on, the kobold was tackled to the ground by his green scaled mate, loosing her joyous tears to the heavens.

“Azzik!" Feku sputtered in draconic, unable to form the necessary thought for common. She nuzzled his heated scales through rivers of tears, hugging him tightly against her.

Naked as the first, Soggu the siigonis emerged. He stood resolute towards the sun, seemingly unphased by his return, not a hint of emotion about him. His tongue flicked in interest as he regarded all those in attendance with much suspicion. None of them he recognized, nor could he remember his time up above, though he knew he must have died. He pondered why this group would try to bring him back to life with a flick of the tongue, noting to resolving this question by the days end. That would however have to wait, he turned to the hunched over form of the trembling minotaur, knowing in his bones he was the one responsible. With a flick of his freshly new tail the siigonis offered his thanks before shivering in the wind. He scowled, how he hated the winter months.

With bated breath, Nivra watched as her lone feather twisted and turned through the air, acting as a seed for her beloved. Heart racing, she fought the urge to run to him as his body took shape, his claws and hinds coming to a rest upon the sand. Up went his head, black feathers fluffed, apricot eyes filled with bewilderment at his predicament. As his beak parted for a question, Nivra couldn't fight the urge any longer. Sand kicked up as she sprinted forward, tears in her eyes. With the force of a charging bull, she wrapped her arms around his feathery neck, burying her cheeks into his soft and heated fur. He was like a forge, but she didn't care, sobbing his name as she held him close. It felt as though years had passed since she saw him. She could only thank Korde for this reunion, as well as the band of friends that made this possible.

Ears splayed at this emotional display, Voidwing planted himself on his haunches. “Um…Nivra…Where am I? Last thing I remember…I was in a cave…Unless you're telling me this is heaven. I mean, you're here so like…Yay, but-"

“Beach…Struport…Not heaven." She managed to get through laughing tears, caressing his neck feathers.

Though that didn't explain much of what had transpired. The confused gryphon held her close regardless. Caressing her back tenderly he hushed and tried to offer what comfort he could. There would be time for explanations later, this was not one of those times. He looked to Asterion, seeing the warrior struggle to his hooves at the flick of his sand coated tail. He bet what this was all about was thanks to him, he'd have to thank the warrior himself later. For now, Voidwing closed his eyes and held Nivra close with his wings, chirping softly.

It had worked! Asterion weakly smiled unable to stand on two legs. He'd tried twice before but ended up face down in the sand. He almost teared up at the sight, relieved the weight resting upon his soul had vanished, leaving him a newly born man. One who could finally chart their own course and not be weighted down by the anchor of his sins. He bowed his head, eyes closed as he took a deep and well-deserved breath. He thanked Korde for allowing him this chance, Sethus for granting him the diamonds, and the companions that had brought him to the scroll. Even the Emerald Lady deserved some recognition, traumatizing as his captivity had been. It was when Asterion lingered upon all the smiling faces of his companions that the grim reality occurred to him. There was nothing else on the beach.

Each trophy that he had gathered from his sin were gone, burned to ash along with the diamonds he had brought in payment. As the wind ruffled his cloak and beard the warrior's heart sank to the ocean's depths. What had gone wrong? The other's loved ones had been returned to them, why not the village that he had dishonorably slain? He'd done everything that the scroll had required, painstakingly preformed the ritual, gathered the regents, harness the power required! Why had the souls not returned to the world of the living?

In silence Asterion stared, a hallow shell of the man he'd once been. Questions abounded between his horns like little insects, drowning out the cheers of his friends. Like a pack of wolves, they descended upon him with their unrelenting cheerfulness, pulling the stunned man into hug after hug. To him they offered their thanks, tears in their grateful eyes. Mute, Asterion could only stare at the beach, wondering what had he done wrong, what god had he offended? Was there something he missed? Some form of repentance he'd overlooked? How could he come this far and be met with only failure? His heart shivered in terror as his ignorant friends insisted upon lifting him up and cheering his names to the heavens.

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Thanks for following along with the story and commenting! It keeps the spirits up and the fingers flowing. If you liked the chapter don't forget to like and favorite, helps the chapter get seen. If you feel like commenting by all means, it helps me know what you like and dislike. (And typos and stuff)