Chapter 20

Leon's dreams were fragmented and erratic, causing the man to toss and turn in his sleep. Images came from his past, terrible horrors that plagued his soul. Before him images came the frozen faces of his previous adventuring groups, lifeless upon the ground and slathered in blood. Standing, without words he observed the blank expressions about their unmoving eyes, a shadow gripping his soul. Their voices came to him in spine tingling choir, chanting repeatedly that it was his fault. As he collapsed, screaming as he held his head, the ground beneath him sheared open like a hungry maw,, sending him down into a black abyss.

Consciousness came to him, finding that his hands and cheeks were buried in feathers, firm weight pressing in on him from both sides. His soft breaths brought with them the warm, earthy smell that he knew to be gryphon, bringing a warmth that radiated within to cast out the cold of his slumber. He hated to admit it, surrounded by feathers and fur, trapped, listening to the dull thuds of their powerful hearts, he could stay like this forever. He sighed, cheek brushing against the comforting feathers of a gryphon's chest, it would appear as though Olas had returned.

But hadn't he flown back to his rich jerks? thought Leon, kneading the gryphon before him. With a yawn he blinked away at the morning grogginess, revealing the truth to him.

Strands of light creeped in through the tavern windows, starting to sear away the darkness that dominated the rest of the room. It was not Olas that had returned to the man to alleviate his wounded heart, but that of his two trusty gryphons instead. Krantor and Hekate were on either side of him, nestled up, eyes closed as they slept away with the occasional gentle warble.

Krantor was the one behind him, hand resting on Leon's side, while his head dwelled upon the man's own. His blue and black feathered wings were wrapped around not only him, but that of his mate, creating a fortress of comfort and warmth.

Hekate formed the seal, creating his gryphon prison. It was her breast feathers that he found his fingers currently caressing, lost in her sea of eggplant and periwinkle. She too wrapped her forearms around the mercenary below her, holding him close as if to smother him in her chest. Strong and constant, her heart offered a comforting rhythm, whispering for Leon to return to his slumber, everything was safe.

Grimmacing, disappointment soured what should have been a kind gesture. Why had they snuck into his room? They never usually did something like this. He tried to shift away but found their bodies more than adequate to restrain him. Gods damn it, why did they have to go and do this? He grunted; face buried in Hekate's feathers as the gryphoness shifted. With their next breaths, he found himself in a haze, wishing to return, nestle against them and be at peace. He couldn't do that; they'd miss the competition and games!

“That's it, rise and shine, cease this nonsense." Leon thundered, breaking free of her charm.

“Look dear, he's up." Krantor groaned, followed up by a yawn before giving his mate a gryphon kiss, rubbing his beak against hers, “Not the best crower, is he?"

Hekate sleepily stretched, ears splayed, “I can hear him. Leon dear, it's not recommended or wise to start the day…" She yawned, “In such a state, you're just going to stress yourself out."

 He furrowed his brow, fighting against their cursed embrace, “Why in the hells are you not in your own room?"

“This one looked better." Krantor chuckled, closing his eyes as he rested his head back down, “Better to have your squawking than the gryphets barging in with their chirps and warbles."

When Leon shifted once more, Hekate nuzzled against his cheek and then to his neck, a sign of affection for gryphon family or lovers before sliding from the bed and stretching each of her limbs with a satisfied groan.

“And since they were forbidden from coming into your room…" Hekate fluffed her wings, “We thought it would be the perfect shield."

Right, he'd nearly forgotten, one morning finding himself subjected to their talons and beaks. They meant well but hadn't quite learned to be gentle at the time; he'd gotten off with half a dozen scratches that had needed her healing talents. “You think that will stop them, nothing but troublemakers."

“That's what the furniture was for." She chuckled, gesturing to the dresser and desk that had been slid over, propped up against the door as a barricade. “They're not that strong yet."

“Why are you two getting up, the games aren't for at least a few more hours." Krantor said softly with a chirp, “If it were up to me, wouldn't have anything until afternoon, at the earliest."

“Fureen has no respect for those that waste the sunlight." She sauntered over, gently poking both her lover's beak and Leon's nose. “Besides, this early, no one will be guarding the kitchen, I can get breakfast going."

“Krantor, can you get your mitts off me?" He grabbed the gryphon's scaly wrist, finding the catbird was only playing at being relaxed. There was a strength that held the digits in place. When he glared, the gryphon's fleshy part of his beak curled into a mischievous smirk.

“I do believe your missing something."

“The part where I threaten to pour jam all over your feathers if you don't let me go?"

“Like I'd let you get away with that again." Scoffed the bird, “Unless it was strawberry, then it might be worth suffering through such an ordeal." His tail flicked as he opened a pale blue eye, gleaming with amusement, “How about a please first before I let you go?"

“How old are you?"

“Look, you could always say it, or I could tickle the shit out of you."

Eyes narrowed over this threat, only getting a beak parted smile, “I fucking hate you."

“That doesn't sound like please. It sounds more like, tickle me Krantor, tickle me hard."

“Gods, no!" He shrieked as it came, the gryphons attacked at his sides. Gryphons were not typically good at this, but unfortunately for him, Krantor had dexterous digits and tender care. Thrashing, squirming, he was left gasping for air as he was unable to escape. “I'm going to murder you!"

“Threats this early?"

Spasming, tears in his eyes, he was a prisoner as the gryphon continued his assault, “Pluck every feather, leave you a bald chicken!"

“Sure, sure, that's what you said last time." Krantor cooed, beak against the red-faced man's ear, “Now, what is it you wanted to say?"

For a few moments longer his resolve persisted, teeth gritting as sensations overwhelmed him. It was inevitable, the gryphon could keep this up as long as he wanted. Curse that smug face, the gleam of victory in his gaze, despite this, Leon burst out, eyes clenched tight, “Alright, please you bastard, please let me go."

The terrible whirlwind of stimulation died in an instant, his next, unmolested breaths coming in sweet, relief filled pants. The gryphon slipped away with a pleased coo to reward his surrender.

“Was that so hard? Could have saved yourself the trouble."

He lunged at the gryphon in the blink of an eye, “Come here you bastard, lets see how you like it!"

“Help, sweety, he's gone mad!" Krantor laughed, shifting away to have Leon slam into the floor.

Pain, embarrassment, indignity flickered across his face as he recovered, surging forward to try again.

“My, you're quite slow first thing in the morning, aren't you?" A swish of the tail had Krantor padding around his mate, the man on his hinds, “Help dearest, he's become obsessed with my tail!"

Planting herself on her haunches, Hekate had begun to preen herself, ignoring the pair as the male continued to play an extended game of keep away, “Your own fault, stop teasing him."

“It's too fun!" The gryphon laughed, only for fingers to find purchase, his tail caught.

“Got you!" Leon roared, using it to close the distance. The coming squawk of alarm was only music to his ears, bringing a well-deserved smirk, “Not so funny now is it?"

“Let's talk about this?"

He body slammed the mischievous bird to the ground, talons scratching the wood as they began to struggle. Grunting and groaning he maneuvered himself on top, thighs wrapped around the catbird's neck. Before a hold could be gotten on him, he pressed his palms to the underside of his head, holding Krantor against the floorboards. “There, how do you like it?" He growled.

The reply was raspy with a sly smirk, “Harder daddy."

Strength faded in an instant as the gryphon purred, his tail flicking salaciously against the floor. “And you made it weird." He pulled himself off the playful beast, dusting off fur that had clung to him.

“Who knew you were into choking, why am I not surprised?" Krantor rolled to his belly with an amused chirp, nuzzling himself against his mate as she strolled in close, “Speaking of which, where is the horse loving guy anyway?"

Leon didn't look back, staring off into nothing as a cold trickled through his flesh, recalling the façade that had seemed so real, “Things…worked out differently."

“Don't tell me, he got weird." Krantor chuckled, “I could have told you that one, never trust the gryphon that loves horses over eating them-“He got Hekate's beak clacked in his face with a hiss, “What? I bet he's really into some kinky, ball gag and tie up sort of stuff!" Her wing bat across his head.

“I think it's about time I got ready for breakfast anyway." Hekate huffed with a chirp, striding over to start moving the furniture. At a gesture Krantor was right beside her, helping return it to its proper places. She warbled, thanking him, “Now both you boys sit tight while I whip up something special with a dash of Fureen magic."

“Wouldn't that be cheating?" Leon rose a brow as he folded the cuffs of his crème shirt, applying the gold, gryphon head cufflinks.

“There is nowhere in the rules that says you can't use enchanted food buffs." She replied with splayed ears, “So at best it's a technicality."

“Always love technicalities!" Krantor chirped, fluffing his wings as he stretched.

Though she was acting innocent, Leon wondered if this was her way of getting back at the gryphons that barred her from competing. As the gryphons departed, reserving their speech as to not wake the rest of the inn, he was left with his thoughts. Images came of the previous evening, the feel of Olas' soft, warm feathers upon him, the haze of delight that had him so tightly bound. For the longest time he'd felt something genuine, a truth that sang to him. Why had the catbird had to go and ruin it?

Grabbing a pair of trousers, the shade of earth, the mercenary slipped them on with little fuss. Completing the look was a leather belt with a golden gryphon buckle and his black leather boots. Within the mirror he caught his reflection, charming if he wished to brag. He saw the sadness within his own eyes but pushed it away with a deep breath. Today was the festival, the games, the thrill of excitement, hopefully he could lose himself in those and not think about the lord playing his affection. He'd always loved the spirit of competition, doing better than you expected of yourself, testing one's skills against others, it lit a flame within him not matched by anything else.

He went to sift through his pack for his pouches and other assorted trinkets, only to find a series of folded parchments with Krantor's handwriting scribbled upon it. They merely mention that should the half-elf wish to see his things returned to him, he had to go speak with the gryphon.

Gods damn him, Leon tossed the notes over his shoulder with an exaggerated groan. Why did he pal around with such a mischievous scamp? By the time he marched his way down into the tavern's gathering area, sparks were practically flying from his eyes as he thrust a finger into the chest of the stretching gryphon.

“You stole my things."

“I prefer to say borrowed with flair." Krantor replied with a soft chirp, “And mind the noise, unless you want the gryphets to hear."

Around him, the silence had been lingering, a sense of calm about the inn that wasn't found the previous night. Leon grabbed the gryphon by his throat, tugging that playful eye to his own, “Where are they?"

“Safe."

His arms crossed, patience wearing thing, “Just return them before I turn you into a feathered coatrack."

The gryphon tilted his head with an amused smirk, “And how are you going to do that without your things?"

“Don't worry, I'll get creative."

Krantor sighed, “You're really not fun this morning are you."

“I'm really not."

“Very well, but you're not going to like where I put them."

Eyes steeled, “You better not have damaged any of it- “

“Come now, you know I have magic hands." Replied Krantor, bringing himself to all fours and padding to the merc's side. He rose a hand, twist his scaled wrist, and pulled Leon's coinpurse from his ear. His beak parted with a gasp, “No wonder you're so grumpy, your coins were all in there!"

Cheeks went red as the gryphon chortled at his sleight of hand, “Give those here you half-rate magician." As he snatched the coinpurse and went to tie it to his belt, only for the gryphon to pull the man's dagger from the other ear.

“This has got to be a joke, puts a whole other meaning to knife ear huh?"

Without a word he took back the weapon, sheathing it.

“Now behold, a casual silver coin, nothing special about it." Krantor procured such a coin, holding it aloft with a grin, making sure he'd slid into the sliver of light streaming into the room. He flared a wing, covered it, “Presto chango!" When his wing had retreated, the shaft of quo was in his grasp.

“You're going to do this for all of them aren't you." He shook his head in frustration as the catbird chirped and clicked his tongue.

“They say one is supposed to keep your shaft in your trousers Leon, not just where anyone could get their hands on it. Lucky you I'm such a good friend, because they say finders keepers and I very well found these by accident."

“If I find you damaged it in any way." He brandished the weapon, hitting the rune to make it spark in the gryphon's face, “This is going straight up your backside."

“Jokes on you, I'd probably like it."

Pun after pun the gryphon continued to return his items one after the other. For minutes, the air was filled with his pleased laughter and the sound of his tail thumping excitedly before each reveal. Each one was a new trick, a fluff of the feathers, no doubt part of a routine he was working on. Leon would have been impressed with how he was doing it, if it were not for his own things being used.

“Are you done?" Arms crossed as Leon admired the pile of his armor, weapons and traveling equipment at his boots. “How did you even sneak all this down here anyway?"

“A magician never reveals his secrets." Krantor reared, waggling his hands as he made a wall of his wings and then flared them.

Hos brow furrowed, “You moved them down here last night, didn't you?"

“Never reveals their-“He squawked in alarm, losing his balance and falling upon the floor with a groan.

“Deserves ya right. Hope you're not so clumsy out there, else you're not going to stand a chance of beating me like I know you want to."

“Oh, bet your tail I'm going to win." Krantor recovered, brushing a talon off on his chest as he took a confident pose, “And I do like you hope admiring my haunches, cause you're going to be doing it the entire day."

“You do know you're only digging this hole deeper so that when you do lose, the fall is going to be oh so sweeter." He grinned, “Care to make a wager?"

Krantor turned, brow raised, “I'm listening."

Caressing the gryphon's jaw he chuckled, “Loser has to wear a jesters outfit for an entire day, floppy hat and all the bells."

“That doesn't sound so- “

“And go up to random strangers and recite love poems to them."

Ears splayed as the gryphon thought it over for a moment, before giving a confident chirp, “Alright, but I'm going to love seeing you make a fool of yourself!"

Conversation and bravado swiftly died as a mouth-watering scent swept through the sparse hall. It was thick with vanilla and floral nectar, intertwined with the earthy tones of smoked bacon. Tantalizing on their own, they were joined by suggestions of wild game and the mountains beyond.

“Whatever Hekate is cooking smells to die for." Leon groaned, as wolves gnawed at his insides.

Hekate emerged from the kitchens sinfully so, after both the boys were groaning, desperate to put whatever she was cooking into their orifices. She came pushing a cart, plates filled to the brim with tantalizing creations, steam curling off them seductively, only increasing their impatience. There were strips of thick bacon infused with a smokey aroma, sausages glistening in the sunlight topped with pepper and sage, pancakes in the shape of gryphons with a cup of orange syrup on the side, lastly a bowl of blueberries for each of them. This was complimented by a pitcher of water, a tankard for each of them.

“I know, I know, worked with what I had. Don't worry it's all enchanted with my magic, should help boost your agility, endurance, and stamina." Sighed Hekate as she placed a plate in front of each of them.  “Careful with the syrup though Leon, it's from dad's blend, spicy and sweet, made from moonbee nectar."

“Bees that make spicy nectar?" Leon could hardly stop himself from devouring the entire plate as he grabbed a knife and fork.

“Dad likes to put spice in everything." She rolled her eyes, “And don't worry, It's safe enough for you."

Krantor's eyes soaked it all in, the gryphon's ears splaying as his mate sat upon her haunches, so pleased with herself, “Question dearest."

“Yes?" She smiled, pouring herself some water, sliding her hand into the specially made gryphon handle.

Leon could see the hesitation, the unwillingness to reveal to her what he had figured out. His plate was piled high, so much food she wished for him to have. He could probably have spent all day eating this and still not be finished. Krantor's was even larger, to account for his size.

“Do we have to eat it all?"

“Is something wrong with it?" Her ears pinned, eyes darting to their plates, “Are the eggs not up to snuff, did Leon get allergic to sausages again?"

Her mate winced, “See, Leon has started to look a little fat- “

“You cooked too much." Leon growled, skewering a sausage, “We can't eat it all."

“Leon!"

“What? Stop coddling her."

Laughing nervously, Krantor's ears raised as he nuzzled against the female's cheek, “We'll eat all we can though dearest, it looks scrumptious! My favorite part is the gryph cakes!"

Her eyes steeled as her tail thumped loudly against the floor, “I slaved over a hot stove, poured my magic into this food. You're all going to eat as much as you physically can or I'm going to take you both out back and paddle your backsides until their raw."

Krantor perked, crown feathers raising as the gryphoness let her threat rest.

“For you dear, it will be on your balls."

He winced, “Less fun."

When it was his turn to get a hardened glance, Leon kept his mouth shut and appeased the ever-watchful gryphoness. Hopefully he wouldn't be too stuffed for the games themselves.

** * * * * * **

The crisp morning air that had been still and silent for dawn was swiftly brought to life by the sounds of bird's songs upon the wind. Gryphons joined them in crowing, signaling the start of the day, leaping into the air to dance about their feathery wings. They flew between schools of sparkling fish as the sunlight caught their resplendent scales. An aura of excitement graced every wingbeat and two legger step as if the town itself was aglow with joy.

Olas had begun the morning in a wonderous mood, still his steps were buoyant as he traversed the town's cobblestone streets. After meticulously preparing his arcane spells, he dedicated the remainder of his time to preening his magnificent feathers and ensuring his attire was immaculate. He did it not only for the commoners who would surely be captivated by his presence but, more importantly, so could his beloved Leon look upon him and know that he possessed the most resplendent and captivating creature on this world.

Humming away, his elegant haunches swished back and forth, a lingering echo of last night's romantic rendezvous still playing softly in his mind's ear. Each note of their whispered promises and shared laughter seemed to caress his heart, causing it to flutter with affectionate yearning. He couldn't help but daydream about forsaking his responsibilities for the day and spiriting away his beloved half-elf from the mundane world.

In his mind's eye, he envisioned himself serenading Leon, his melodious songs echoing through the vast expanse of the sky. He would hold Leon close, their intertwined forms creating a mesmerizing silhouette against the backdrop of the Squawking Steeples. Together, they would revel in the breathtaking sight of the countryside below as they soared through the boundless heavens, their hearts and spirits intertwined in the pure joy of flight.

It was only the harsh words of his father and the weight of his responsibilities that drew him back to the present moment. With a wistful sigh he reluctantly grounded himself. There would be a time and place for such thoughts, after his duties had been attended to. Thankfully, he had a brief window of opportunity to take care of a special errand before he was expected to judge the festivals affairs, then bless them.

Despite his insistence on freedom to complete this little detour, the mayor had insisted upon the trio of gryphons now following him. Thankfully they hung off his every word, doing precisely what he said. To his amusement he'd had one of them bat the other with a wing before carrying on. He was trying to currently peruse the local shops for a gift, one that Leon himself would enjoy, after all, romantic partners always were doing that were they not, providing gifts for one another? In gryphon culture one could go gather a floral bouquet to show affection, but he doubted the heroic knight would appreciate such a gift.

His mind raced with possibilities, a problem he was determined to solve. What could he get for him that would set his heart aflutter, make it ooze with affection just like his? He knew the man was not of the higher class and might scoff at an exceptionally lavish gift, but at the same time he wasn't a simpleton so he couldn't put in little effort. The man was dashing, ruggishly handsome, he chuckled he reminded himself of an adventurer, on a grand quest for some item of value for their princess. He a princess? The gryphon chirped in amusement as he passed before a blacksmith.

He reared up, pressing his hands against the window, eyes traveling across the smattering of weapons and armaments on display. Swords were the constant symbol of heroes across the realm, befitting the one who'd won his heart. But as his thoughts danced upon the idea, Olas quickly dismissed it. Leon, his beloved, was a master of the sword, an artful dance of steel that he executed with unparalleled grace. His current companion, the staff of Qo, was already a trusted and formidable ally, a force of magic and power that exceeded the utility of a mere sword. Olas sighed, ears splaying as he gazed upon the well-crafted silver of a gryphon breastplate, if only such things could truly capture how he felt about his dashing hero.

"Oh, a new suit!" Olas chirped with a twinkle in his eye, practically gliding across the bustling street with his devoted helpers in tow. Leon, his heart's desire, always sported his weathered adventurer's attire—humble, plain, and unworthy of one who had captured the attentions of nobility.

The gryphon rumbled thoughtfully, his heart in a playful tug-of-war. Leon's rugged charm was a spark that ignited a passionate fire within him, something he couldn't resist. He sighed softly, lost in a reverie of their imagined moments together—a grand ballroom, they in each other's arms, dancing with grace and devotion. In Olas' anthro form, he pictured himself nestled on Leon's shoulder, their hearts in perfect harmony as they waltzed through the romantic rhythms of the night. They'd twirl, pausing only to hold each other close, their eyes locked in an intimate exchange, their souls entwined. And as the music swelled and enveloped them, their gazes would deepen, their longing unspoken, until the world faded away, and they surrendered to the irresistible urge to lock lips and beaks, sealing their love in a kiss that felt like a promise of eternity.

But should he provide a suit for his beloved? Of course, he should, the man should reflect himself, elegant, grand, deserving of the finer things. His stud muffin more than anyone deserved to look his very best, be the envy of all who gazed upon him. Shaking his head the mage gathered his wits, whatever it was, this gift had to be perfect, just as perfect as Leon himself was.

"Have any of you got an idea of what a commoner might appreciate as a romantic gift?" inquired the catbird, his voice carrying a playful lilt, as he strolled through the quaint streets in search of inspiration. "I can't seem to make a decision."

A burly, coal-colored gryphon among his companions arched a curious brow. "A commoner, my lord?" he inquired, his tone filled with intrigue. "Pray, which commoner has caught your attention?"

Realizing his lapse, the catbird quickly splayed his ears and chuckled, attempting to divert suspicion. "Oh, forgive me," he said, feigning innocence. "I misspoke. I meant to say it's for a gryphon friend who wishes to share a romantic moment with their two-legged love." With a subtle change of subject, he paused as his keen eyes caught sight of an intriguing sign—a large wooden plaque proudly spelling out "General Store."

Olas blinked, his eyes wide with delight, and then, with a joyous trill that resonated through the air, he exclaimed, "That's exactly what I desire!" His wings flared in excitement, unable to contain himself.

“Exactly what?"

"Well, my good gryph," Olas beamed, "I generally know what I want, and behold, a general store!" He padded a few paces in excitement, hardly able to believe his luck. "How quaint that they would have a store tailored for someone like me. Truly fortuitous!"

 His companion, attempting to offer a word of caution, began, "Lord Olas, I don't think that's—"

One gryphon nudged the coal gryph, rolling his eyes and giving a chirp.

“Ah, right away, I'm sure that's what they were thinking."

Olas flicked his tail, held his beak high as he pranced to the entrance with a trill.

A bell chimed as he padded his way through the oak doors, strands with teal beads hanging down from the frame engraved with gryphon. The air was thick with the intoxicating scent of leather and oil, a heady aroma that whispered of countless adventures and daring quests waiting to be undertaken. Inside, he found a meticulously organized yet seemingly chaotic array of goods. The shelves were packed with a myriad of items, from simple torches to fragrant candles, from books to ancient scrolls, and even sacks filled with metal balls. Garments of various sizes and styles were haphazardly crammed onto the shelves, as if they were trying to escape. He doubted he even had enough room to spread his wings.

“Who is it? Don't you know what day it is?" Came a sharpened voice, a gryphon with deep red, oil slick feathers pulled themselves from behind a stack of tombs. He wore goggles on his feathered head, his steeled blue eyes instantly snapping open as he realized just who this was.

“Oh, lord Olas! Forgive me, I didn't realize it was you who would be gracing my humble shop!" The goggle wearing gryphon leaped at Olas' hands, bowing, and splaying his wings so wide they nearly knocked over an entire shelf of assorted jars, “If I knew you were coming, I'd have preened and spruced up the place!"

Olas, undeterred by the gryphon's initial response, couldn't suppress his excitement. "Ah, but of course, my dear friend!" he chimed, a grin spreading across his beak. "It's a day of discovery, of treasures, and perhaps, a dash of romance. I'm here to find something special, something that might capture the essence of a heartfelt moment."

“Is there something in particular you're looking for?"

“Generally?" He happily replied, only to catch sight of a rather fetching dress. Made of silk it was clearly made for gryphon kind, for it was far more revealing and form fitting that typically two leggers wore. This dress would have hung down to his hinds, a great dark blue and laced with teal stitching. Already he could picture himself, slow dancing with the handsome half-elf, the mercenary absolutely in awe at how grand his date was. There would be soft chirps as his head was gently stroked and he tried to not melt within the man's arms.

“Um, my lord?" Came the red gryphon, padding to Olas' side.

He shook his head, having apparently been staring at the dress for far longer than he'd have liked. Though it would have looked fetching on him, he was here for Leon not himself. “What I require is something that a commoner would like that area is beyond my typical expertise…"

“Then you've come to the right place. Though it's not the fancy type, all of this you see is functional and could be useful on the road or on adventures!" With a wing the red gryphon slapped a few bags on the wall, “See those sacks? Filled with metal balls!"

“Whatever for?" He folded an ear.

The shopkeeper shrugged, “They use them for plenty of stuff, making traps to slide on, weighing stuff down, slinging them at one another. Though if you ask me, I think it's just to make an amusing anecdote about touching one's balls."

“That really is silly." Giggled Olas at the idea, “This fellow of mine is a strapping sort, heroic and exceptionally brave."

“How about a pack? Every adventurer needs a pack."

“I think he already has one of those."

“Some caltrops!" The shopkeeper snatched a bag off the wall with hundreds of metal thorns.

“Aren't those just the balls again?"

“Different sort of trap! I got dozens of those." He gestured to a bear trap covered in assorted torches. “Would he happen to want torches?"

“Torches?" Scoffed Olas, ears splaying, “That can't be the best you got. How about some makeup, a suit? Oh, do you have perfume that I might peruse?"

“Are you sure you're in the right place my lordship?"

“Of course, I am, I followed your sign." He gave an indignant squawk, “I generally know what I want, I suppose that just means you'll have to keep showing me things until I see what will really dazzle his heart."

The shopkeeper, realizing he had no alternative but to fulfill the lord's request, let out a resigned sigh and began the task at hand. Over the span of an hour, he carefully plucked various objects from his cluttered shelves and hidden storage spaces. When none of these impressed the lord, he moved on to coils of sturdy rope, bundles of iron pitons, even a selection of well-crafted leather boots. It wasn't until the shopkeeper had exhausted all his offerings, from flint and steel fire-starting kits to backpacks and finely made compasses, that he gave an exasperated sigh, his options depleted.

"What's the matter? I found this quite enjoyable, perusing through this assortment of curiosities," Olas remarked as he gracefully settled upon his haunches. His hand idly grazed over the pile of goods that had accumulated at his side, a playful gleam in his eye. "Why don't we revisit that particular garment, the one with the rather audacious exposed rear? It exuded an aura of undeniable allure."

“You have denied me this entire time my lord. All I have left is some silk rope and a whip!"

Olas groaned, “What's this look like, his birthday again? Are you sure you have tried everything?" With a quick brush of the shelves, he procured a spyglass, bronze and engraved with various wings, talons, and eyes of gryphon kind. He folded it out, it appeared to be in proper order, and the thought of Leon using it atop his back was rather enticing.

“See something you like?"

He turned it over in his hands, was this just another gift for him? “I think my friend would need something else, that really tells his love how he feels."

“Well, there is always the classic." The shopkeeper padded his way to the back, grabbing a diminutive box off a table covered with various parchment and candles.

It was small enough to fit in Olas' palms, the surface adorned in beautiful waves and gryphon feathers. So light, simple, the lord's eyes lit up at what this was; it was a box meant for one's feather. He gasped, swooning at the idea of plucking one his feathers and giving it to the mercenary, how would he react? The thought terrified him for but a moment before a tingling of delight traveled down his spine. There was no question, with this and the spyglass, Leon would be positively over the moon.

“I'll take it and this." He said with tender care, as the shopkeeper gave a relief filled sigh. As the man bundled them up in a bag. As he watched his acquisitions being prepared, Olas couldn't help but let out a whimsical sigh, his thoughts drifting to the forthcoming festival and the anticipation that bubbled within him. If only he didn't have to wait until after his duties at the festival, but he knew it would be worth the wait. He envisioned the sheer beauty that would be Leon, and his heart swelled with the realization of how deeply he cared for him.

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 Thanks for the wait, I've spent lots of time typing stuff up and editing these for ya. Book 3 edits for Scales and Honor are going well, even if story elements have changed or been moved around.

Don't be afraid to comment, fav, I do like reading each and every one that you guys and gals leave!