Chapter 47: Another Chapter Closed

Long and tumultuous the night had been, stretching Veledar’s nerves to their absolute ends. From the highest points of his victory to the crushing moment of Ramakox’s sacrifice. The dragon was a tangled sea of emotion, not fit for casual conversation with his mortal companions, save Arcturus as was to be expected. Even after the following day, spend in reserved silence, the dragon had yet to fully wrap his horns around what had possessed the dragon he’d looked up to since he was small, make the choice that he did.

So it was, under the dwindling light of the setting sun, Veledar rested upon his belly, atop the gatehouse of Fremra’s courtyard. His cerulean eyes sparkling in the distant rays, like sapphires to any passerby’s eye. His tail was curled around his hinds, his wings tucked, his thoughts scattered to the orange-red sky. Claws twitched as he remained in deep thought, no more certain than he was the previous night.

Sure he’d taken the lessons that Fremra had instilled to heart, performed every silly task, paid a mindful ear, but still his thoughts were no more clear than the lead grey clouds slinking in from the sea. She claimed that all life was equal and the same, yet a dragon’s time on this plane was infinite, or so was said. So why would Ramakox, of which had a great deal of time left, make a sacrifice for lives that could not equal his potential own? His muzzle wrinkled at the thought, his heart chilling to ice. He knew Arcturus and the others might not appreciate such sentiments, but that was the cold truth of the matter.

But why did it still bother him so? Was it because it was another chapter of his life ending? Witnessing the end of another dragon that he admired in his youth? Where days were spent recounting tales to his distant brother and sister, acting out such legendary tales that would aspire them to greatness? His eyes flicked to the sparse streets, where mortals walked, unaware that a living legend had perished the night prior, and thanks to his secrecy, there wouldn’t even be a funeral in his honor. He scowled at such wrongness, everyone should be recounting that deed in song, that’s at least what his bones were whispering to him.

As he lingered, he could almost picture his younger days, weaving and leaping from cart to cart, his siblings in tow. Who would have thought that he would be there to witness Storm’s end? Certainly not even in his wildest dreams. But was this pit in his scales because of his own doubts? Knowing that if darkness fell upon Struport it would be left upon his wings to carry on in Ramakox’s absence? Did he not spend months admitting he wanted to be a legend for all the wrong reasons, only to have the chance fall in his lap?

He drew in a labored breath, letting it out with a grumble. It was true that Fremra was now the oldest dragon within this city’s walls, but he’d seen the hurt look upon her snout, regardless of whatever wall she’d conjured to him.

“Life is just a journey you know.” She’d softly said, staring off into the great blue sky. She’d paused, lingering no doubt on the time she’d shared with her beloved mate, cherishing the memories despite the strain it inflicted upon her heart. “Death is but another. The mortals all must walk that path one day, even we dragons, despite our great spans, often choose to inquire what the other side entails.” She’d taken a deep breath, her jaw quivering. “He always lived by his convictions, never shying away from what he thought was the right thing. Though I will miss him dearly, I’m glad he managed to fulfill a hole in his heart that eve.” Without another word the great dragoness had turned and left, leaving Veledar to his thoughts.

His nostrils flared, taking in the crisp, salty air. There would be snow tonight, that much was certain. Like the people below, nature would cruelly march onward, a dragon’s passing no more important than the breeze. So the question remained what would he do? Stay here and do as Storm would have done, hurl his scales for these people he would never know? Risk his life for times on this earth that were mere drops to his own? Risk losing Arcturus in all the bloodshed that was to follow? Or would he press on, grab the human and hope that no conflict would find them, not caring of the paladin’s wishes on the matter? His wings fluffed as if to answer him, the penalty for such an act almost tempting to be sure.

Perhaps this hesitation is good, he thought. The uncertainty in his deeds, thinking out his more brash thoughts before setting them in motion. He rolled his eyes, knowing that Fremra would insist he was on her right track of things, it meant he was being critical. Silently he cursed his influence, noting how much easier it was when he didn’t have to consider what others thought on such matters. He punctuated this with a heavy thump oh his tail, startling two guards who were passing down below, who scampered away before he could even offer his apologies.

Now he knew Fremra had gotten to him. He rose to all fours, stretching every inch of him like a cat. Perhaps he had to clear whatever doubt he had lingering in his mind with a flight, steal Arcturus from wherever he was hiding and lose themselves to the currents for a time. Out went his wings, membranes tingling on the crisp air, his frills flared, muscles begged to act. Just as he was about to spring into action, a gentle cry caught his exquisite ears. Like a switch had been flicked, his wings retreated, tail snaked out behind him, his snout descended with a curious expression painted on his face.

It sounded again, most certainly a hushed sob. It was small, young, and most certainly human, he could tell with a flare of his nostrils. As he caught the whiff of at least a dozen different aromas, the dragon found himself pulled as if by an invisible hand, up and over the courtyard’s walls. Into the snow covered bushes he creeped, their bare branches biting at his scales. What was someone doing out here, all on their own? Crying, that was for certain, but why on their own? He followed the mournful sounds to their source, around the walls to a rocky ledge overlooking the ocean. There sat Axton, with red eyes, tears running like rivers down his cheeks, staring out to oblivion.

Of course, it was him, he grimaced. From his destroyed wings to the death of the dragon he aspired to be, this human seemed to be at the center of each darkened milestone of Veledar’s recent history. But despite this blot of ink that was the tapestry of his story, he approached, knowing what it was like to be alone in grief. The young man should instead be with the others, resting his troubles on their shoulders, not getting lost in the sea of despair that no doubt had him gripped. He must have bonded to Storm much greater than even Veledar would have thought. Perhaps he and Arcturus had a talent of it?

As he neared, it was evident the boy had not yet heard him, the dragon fought the urge to compliment his masterful sneaking. So he cleared his throat to pull Axton’s attention, unfortunately startling him in the process. The boy shout and wobbled, losing his balance right off the edge, and it not for Veledar’s quick reflexes, would have tumbled off to the city below. He caught him by the scruff of his robes.

“I did not realize I was so frightful you would try to toss yourself off a cliff rather than face me. Though I do appreciate the flattery, there are others who would not be so pleased.”

You would have thought Axton needed a moment to collect his thoughts after such a situation, but the red-faced child snapped back faster than a gryphon flies. “And I wouldn’t have slipped if someone wasn’t trying to sneak up on me! Which, can I say is just really rude!” His arms crossed, eyes narrowed, he sat unphased by Veledar’s lingering look.

The dragon tilted his head with interest, if he was afraid, he certainly wasn’t showing it. The boy had courage that much was certain, most likely from all his time around dragons. Rising, Veledar planted his haunches, reiterating that he had no intention of startling him. “You were so lost and my skills of stealth so great that you didn’t stand a chance. I should have known better of course, hence why I’m not demanding a thank you for saving your life.”

“I didn’t need to be saved. I do have the ability to soften my fall you know. Any mage who deals with flying beasts should know it!”

“Hmmph.” He flicked his tail. Did this child not realize he was trying to be helpful? A deep breath was all it took to remind himself, he was here to help the child, not trading barbs over a dreadful misunderstanding of the situation. He dropped to his belly, groaning as the bushes bit at him, he hoped fate was pleased with the sacrifice of his comfort. Down went his head, he averted his gaze, adopting a more submissive pose to set the little human at ease. “Be that as it may, I could not help but notice your sounds of displeasure, would I be correct to assume that the passing of Storm weighs heavily on your shoulders?” He rolled a paw, placing it to his segmented, scaled chest. “I have learned in my many years that its not best to be alone during such a time. The mind is such a fragile thing.”

“You’re not that old.” Axton sniffed, wiping his eyes. “You’re only one hundred, twenty five, about Arcturus age in dragon years give or take.”

His tail swished as he grumbled to himself. “And that’s still older than you in both regards. My point still stands sturdier than adamantine.” He snorted, tapping his paw to make a point.

“Well, you don’t know me well enough then.” Axton retreated his legs, curling his arms around them. “Just leave me alone alright? I wasn’t hurting anyone by being here.”

Now that wasn’t what he was expecting. The dragon rose a brow, searching the now quiet boy up and down, noting how the young human averted his gaze. Was he ignoring him? Ignoring a dragon? The nerve! Again, Veledar had to calm himself, insist the boy was just lashing out. Had he been like this? In Axton’s face he saw a look he knew all too well, he was lost. “Look, I can leave if that’s what you indeed wish, no one will think ill of you. But my departure comes with an addendum.”

The boy heavily sighed.

“That you answer a few of my questions and I tell you what I’m thinking. Then I shall leave you to your devices…Even if that means throwing yourself from this cliff-“

“Wow.” Axton turned to him with a tilted head, “Just…Wow.”

Veledar gave a huff, thumping his tail against the rock. “Oh, you know what I mean! To use that spell of yours to stop your fall! For fun! Not to kill yourself!” He averted his gaze. “Do you think myself that cruel?”

“I suppose not.” He replied tentatively, unfurling his legs to dangle over the cliff once more. Despite the dragon’s searching of the sea waves beyond, Axton’s attention was squarely on Veledar’s scales. “And I’ll agree to that deal.”

He warbled and returned his attentions, then composed himself with a heavy breath. Cerulean eyes fell upon the boy’s own, finding a storm of trouble within those icy spheres, with fear sprinkled within. He’d seen those so many years ago, looking at himself. Pulling back his head he coughed, “I understand what you’re going through, I underwent something similar in my youth.”

“Probably nothing like this.” He retorted, looking out to the cascading waves below. “You didn’t get someone killed.”

“But that is where you’d be wrong.” His snout lowered as Axton peered back in surprise. “I too believed I got someone killed when I was small. Just as someone wiser and more caring than I once told me, I instill upon you that it was not your fault, no matter what tricks your mind tries to instill in you that it is.”

Tears swelled, threatened to leak. “But it was my plan. He went along with it. If not for that, he would not have even been put in that sort of place! Of course, my father was waiting for such a thing!” He broke down crying, face in his hands, shivering like a wrymling.

“You really believe that do you?” Asked Veledar in a whisper, drawing close, “That you had the power to manipulate Storm in such a way? Should I be concerned with what power you wield?”

“It’s not funny!” Axton shouted, rounding on the dragon with the most poison of looks.

“And I don’t dare think it is. I’m trying to unburden the false blame you pile upon yourself. Ramakox was of free will and clear mind, nothing you said or did would have changed his decision either way, that much I’m certain.” Though he might have trembled at the thought mere months earlier, Veledar began his tale of his brother, his choice, and how on that fateful day he’d perished.

“And you’ll always doubt yourself, drive yourself crazy if you believe such a thing. Depression will slither in through the mightiest of armors, hinder your growth, what greatness you could achieve will be spoiled. Believe me Axton, Ramakox made his choice to not only spare your future of your father, but so many other lives of your father’s misdeeds. Though I can’t grasp his reasoning, perhaps one day I will. I know he would have never wanted it to tether you down, haunt you for the rest of your days.”

There was silence for a moment, only broken by the rolling of the waves and a seagull’s distant caw. Axton held his robes tight, his eyes drying in the wind. “What if he failed? You don’t know for certain if he-“

The dragon hushed him with a thump of his tail. “Your father was in no shape to resist him. If Ramakox found the phylactery, he put an end to it. You didn’t see the conviction in his eyes, the need to undo what that monster had woven…He would have given everything to shatter it to a million pieces.”

“Then it’s finally over.” The boy heavily sighed, relief seeming to wash over his troubled face. Without warning he grabbed Veledar’s snout, crying tears not of pain but of joy. He trembled and shook, clutching red scales as if his life depended on them.

Wings flicked, frills fluttered, he rumbled softly to the wind. He didn’t dare retreat, nor press forward. He merely closed his eyes and let the lad let every ounce of pain flow out of him. When it had finally abated, he finally spoke, “There was a promise that Arcturus and I made to Ramakox that we’re now honor bound to fulfill.”

“And what would that be?” Axton pulled slightly back, searching the dragon’s sly eye.

“That we agreed to reunite you with this…This dragoness Infinity was it not? When all is said and done of course…Which reminds me, when I get my claws on the Emerald Lady she won’t be able to-“ His jaws were clamped shut by the tightest of human hugs, he was almost certain he’d gained the strength of a giant.

It was then that Arcturus strolled to the edge of the wall’s ramparts, taking a deep breath of the evening air. He peered over the stone; a brow raised at the pair. “Should I be concerned you’ve found another rider to replace me?”

“Of course not. I was just making a new friend as it was.” Veledar rumbled, retreating from the child’s grasp. “What news do you bring from the guardians? Are we to be banished from the city as Alonso requested? Which can I say how troublesome that man is?”

“You may, but watch the language in front of the boy.” The knight laughed, “And our fates as they decided is to remain. The blame, unfortunate as it is, is placed on Nivra’s boots. Of her fate they did not tell me, except that execution of course is off the table.”

“That was on the table? But she’s Lumara’s princess! Does that not give her special protections or something? I thought you people were civilized!”

“We are civilized.” Arcturus groaned, shaking his head. “That’s why they came to conclusion they did, after careful deliberation and-“

“It should have been tossed out the moment it was uttered!” The dragon rose his head in regally with an exaggerated huff. “Let me talk to this council and we’ll sort out this whole problematic enterprise. But first, go get your warmest clothing, I wish to go for a flight.”

“And you can’t go on your own?”

The dragon glared as the knight offered him a knowing smirk, he was poking fun at him, knowing the answer. “Careful with testing my patience Umraadi, you’ll find such actions results in quite the punishment. Though I am most certainly capable of flying myself, I would very much prefer if it were with you.”

“Why how romantic of you.”

“Exactly my thought on the matter! But no, you insist upon poking fun. Honestly, I begin to wonder why I even bother.”

It was Axton who rose to excuse himself, insisting that he was off to find Fremra, but before he went, he made sure to ask Arcturus if what Veledar had said was true. Was he to be reunited with his dragoness, Infinity?

“Of course, it is.” The man chuckled, warmth practically flowing from his smile. “You have my word, two shakes of a gryphon’s tail we’ll have you reunited.”

*

Bells sang their tune through the frigid streets, announcing the snow fluttering down from the clouds above. The coming winds made those that remained flee for their houses and homes, for fear of becoming another frozen statue to adorn the multitude of snowman that lined the streets. Those too filled with mead or good cheer from the winter solstice still wandered, belting out jovial tunes to bring a smile to even the sturdiest of faces.

Above their heads drifted a silent beast, one crafted from fur and feathers. Silent as death itself, Voidwing passed over street after street, his limbs nearly gracing the snow topped buildings below. He flicked his wing tips and rode the currents, wheeling around the lonely structures, knowing they were jealous in a way, to the princess that clung to his feathery back. The coming chirp that left his beak drew a smile to her thin lips, bringing waves of warmth to the bird’s soul.

Down he swept, the ivory dust kicking up in his wake. There he found an empty street, landing ever so gently upon the street, mindful to not catch his wings in the lengths of banners that criss crossed from structure to structure, like a certain red dragon’s horns. He took a deep breath as Nivra slipped free of his back, trying to still the rapidness of his heart. Up went a foreclaw to caress his chest, it was if it was ready to burst forth! As the woman he loved looked up the mistletoe adorning the buildings with upmost awe, he found himself trembling, tail curling, words failing him except to whisper his narration.

“And she thought such place a marvelous sight, one romantic to be sure.” Nivra swept around his side, laying a tender hand upon his shoulder. She gestured out to the street lamps that lined the way down to the docks, bringing a much needed golden hue to the cobblestone. When he splayed his ears she pulled him close, planting a kiss upon his beak to summon up his pleased trill.  “Besides, anything beats being cooped up all day, listening to those politicians try and demonize your intentions. Can you believe they wanted to side against me despite our story?”

“The way Alonso looks to us, that’s no surprise.” Voidwing squawked, “He almost looked displeased they decided against kicking you out of the city.”

“Suppose not everyone gets what they wish for.” She nestled up close to the gryphon as she bid him to walk, the snow starting to collect upon their features. As silence fell between them she gazed out upon the endless void that was the night sea, her features wrinkling. “To think all the research that’s been delayed because of these adventures. How I won’t ever forgive myself-“

Voidwing paused, she swung around with a gentle laugh. How when she laid a hand upon his cheek did his heart quiver in terror. Of course, she asked him what was wrong, insisting that he looked far more troubled than a turtle duck who’d lost their shell. Why was he so nervous? Was she not the one he loved? Able to tell anything to despite the time of day? One who lifted him up when he was down? He could only sigh and avert his gaze, both his ears falling in concert. “Of course it’s alright. I…Just had a lot to think about these past few days. Whats happened…The danger…The risk…Our separate adventures that ended in…Different outcomes to be sure.” He averted his gaze at the thought of his vampirism, certain he’d never quite shake that shadow. “Nivra…The thought of you got me through the darkest parts of that one, but the other night had me so terrified that I was not with you…Arcturus reminded me of something.”

“And that was?” She drew closer, enough to lay another kiss upon his onyx beak.

He gently trilled, swinging a wing around to hold her close. “That you’ve grown since we’ve met. That you need me not to lift you up. I can trust you to stand on your own too feet…That’s why…Starting tomorrow, that Asterion wishes to take half of my shifts being you’re personal bodyguard…I wish to not feel…Clingy to you.”

She giggled at the mere thought of it, but composed herself when it appeared Voidwing took offense. “You were never clingy.” She wrapped her arms around his neck, letting his feathery form support her. “But if you want a little more personal time…I can understand it…Though the cleric…He didn’t seem like the guard type?”

“He wished to repay you I believe? Something about being honor bound to do so? I don’t try to understand the minotaur way, I just relay it.” He chuckled, “Just be glad it doesn’t involve cutting your hands and shaking.”

To that she agreed with a gentle nod. “So…What sort of things will you do without me?” She curled a finger around his ear, giggling as it flicked against her touch. “It’s been so long, I’d thought you were my shadow.”

He tilted his head, brow raised. “I did have interests besides you, you know.”

“And?” She tapped his beak.

“You know…Dancing, baking, carving…All sorts of things, I’m sure I’ll figure it-“

She silenced him with a kiss upon his beak and tight hug, only raising his crown feathers and curling his wings around to press her close. Their eyes closed in unison, a gentle hum of delight was shared between them, for a brief moment all that existed was the gentle cold of the winds, the beating of their hearts, and the steady cresting of the waves. When they pulled away, she stood, cheeks red, captivated by his apricot pools. She caressed his cheek with an honest chortle, “I’m glad…But that can’t be the reason you brought me out here.”

“Course it could be!” He deflected, planting down his haunches. He shifted at the cold, but held his compose with a stern look. She wasn’t buying such a proclamation. “Can I not bring you places that I find interesting?” He gestured to the green fluttering banner with a pair of antlers stitched upon it, “I read up upon this festivity, that each solstice the worshippers of Nutambar clear areas for rebirth, planting trees and bushes…Though for snow they must use magic in such places…”

“Oh really?” She replied, not believing the gryphon’s story a single moment. The princess drew closer, letting his silence fall heavily under her skeptical eye. “Since when have you been versed in such things? I never knew you were so…Cultured.”

“Well, you see, it was rather-“ He rambled off a jumbled explanation, words vomiting themselves from his beak, but not once did Nivra seem to believe him. Why was he even lying in the first place? He lashed his tail behind him, cursing his tentative nature. As she sighed, his defenses crumbled. “Ok, you caught me. I wasn’t, but I have a excellent explanation. You see…I thought about this for awhile now…Especially after our recent adventures…You on the high seas, mine with a taste of vampirism...” He coughed, as she laid her arms on either side of his neck, her attention squarely upon him, he was all that mattered.

For a moment words failed to come, her eyes twinkling in the lantern light. Where time should have dulled his opinion it instead only sharpened it. The princess was a beauty in which he could only dream of properly describing.  “Who would have foreseen this when I was small…I mean, smaller, you know how my parents were. Always insisting I was the runt, do what was expected…Anyway-“ His tail flicked as he ruffled his feathers, letting out the deepest of sighing chirps. “In the past few months, it had me thinking, all our hardships, the months apart, our brushes with death…Well…You could certainly refuse, though why would you? We’ve been through a lot, I mean-“

She stilled his wagging tongue with a gentle tap to his beak. “You’re losing me.” She scratched the underside of his neck, delighting in his gentle trill.

“Nivra.” He pulled himself away, staring deeply into her eyes. In them he could see the future, know the warmth in which her presence gave him, the strength to carry on. In that he found the courage, “Would you marry me?”

There was a pause as Nivra’s eyes widened. “Excuse me?” She stuttered, but before she could continue with her speech, Voidwing had already slumped, thinking the worst.

“Course you would say no, that was unexpected, you shouldn’t do that, course you’d need more than me. I’m not even a royal, think of the scandal, it be like asking you to give up your throne, title, everything for what could amount to a fling, I mean look at us, we can’t even have children-“

She leaned down without words, laying a tender palm upon his neck. When he peered up, there was only the warmth of her smile to greet him. Whatever darkness had gripped him was momentarily averted as she drew closer, kissing his cheek. “You do yourself a disservice my fair, noble Voidy. You’ve ever been there for me in these long days, carried us in our darkest hours. On the winds of this earth you’re my wings, to help me soar, lifting us to higher heights, that I’d not even would have thought possible. So of course I’ll marry you, do you take me for a fool?” She curled a finger around his ear with a grin.

“You…Will?” He chirped, crown feathers rising tall.

“For someone with such prodigious ears, you miss a lot of things.” She teased with a laugh.

Voidwing leapt up, warbling his joy to the heavens. He trotted around the street, feathers fluffing in and out, tossing his head back and forth. If he kept carrying it on any further, someone would be certain to wake and complain at such the ruckus being created.

Nivra couldn’t help but laugh to her hearts content, cheeks warm, heart close to bursting. When he swung around her, nuzzling her chest, she caught his head and held him close, letting her fingers tenderly glide through his feathers. “However,…There will be a matter of decorum.”

Voidwing peered up, ears flicking. “Um…What decorum is that? Did I miss out on something?”

“I’ll say you did. I expect you to do the proper courtship dance of your people within the week. I did read it had something to do with feathers, wing feathers and leaping about like a frog? I’m only glad you ended up asking, otherwise it would be me that would have had to do the entire thing. Can you imagine me flopping about in such a manner?”

The gryphon pulled back, “You know…We could pretend I didn’t…Wait a few weeks and see if you…Would you have?” He held her close as she wrapped her arms tightly around him, burying her face into his feathers. The answer was forgotten as he closed around her.

“Guess we’ll never know.” She whispered in his ear.

“And…You don’t care about the nobles? The tradition of which you’d be bucking?”

She weighed it over, unconcerned what some noble thought about herself. It would be a bridge they’d cross when they came to it, and they’d face it together. Nivra blushed and kissed upon his craw, lovingly scratching the back of his feathery neck. Even if he were to be her consort, she’d do everything to be at his side.

Gentle kisses and loving words did warm the air and stir the spirits, eventually tugging the two lovers back to their chambers. The troubles of the past, present and the future were lost in a night of shared passion, Unbashfully filling their halls with bliss that would darken the cheek of any who heard it. When they were eventually spent and exhausted, they collapsed entangled within the other’s limbs, listening to each other’s heartbeats. This chapter of their lives was over, but tomorrow would bring another, and neither would think of missing it.

* * * * * * * * ** *

While technically, this is the final chapter of this outing. Thats only because I decided to separate the next two parts from it, just for length.

After the Epilogue we shall shift back to Lyndis and Cordenth...What awaits them in the Siigonis Lands?

Thank you all for reading along. I know it has been a hard time for us all. I hope that I was a brief light in that time. So do as you've been doing, like, favorite, leave a comment.

If you want to talk to me and share thoughts, my telegram can be found here: https://t.me/joinchat/FERjGy4xDH6BIGX2

I promise we don't bite that hard.