Chapter 44

The trio of dragons and Lyndis returned to the sound of victorious cheers, everyone was grateful to see the reunion of Lyndis and her green scaled companion. Songs were had, faces blossomed with delight, not a sad face was to be found, word spread of the miracle that had saved all who dwelled upon the uniter and Struport itself.

The Drenedarians upon the ship were swiftly cared for, confused more than anything on what had happened. Keerla and Jeriah made sure to contain them, show some empathy, dispatching clerics and Siigonis shamans to tend to them. There would be much work to do to heal them of their mental troubles, but that would be tackled in time. The guardians they met spoke of a great green emperor with golden under scales, but nothing seemed to remain of him, except the horn upon Cordenth's head.

Veledar watched that dragon with much suspicion, wary of what he might do. Every slight movement had his attention, tensed his muscles, would this be how it would be for the rest of his days? He wondered if Cordenth would be bound for a dungeon, fear of the spirit contained within him breaking free and threatening the land again. He'd made his concerns to Lyndis, but was met with an icy glare and told to mind his tongue for the rest of the day. That would be tomorrow's job, and let her have this night with him; for now she just wished to spend time with her love. If he continued to push the issue, she threatened to summon her knights and toss him in chains.

He sauntered off, cursing her name, but pushed no further. He respected that need she had, the desire to hold onto what she had. Besides, she had the bond, if what she said was true, Bahamut was more powerful than Tiamat right? It brought a smirk to his snout at mention of chains that Cordenth's frills flushed, sharing a knowing look with his future queen.

Thankfully, Arcturus' legs, though remaining oblivious to his two-legged nature, were not needed to do what they loved. The sky soon found them lost within it, carried by the dragon's powerful wings. Together they soared amidst the clouds, tethered to no one except their own freedom. They rose and fell, dove, and twirled, laughing, and roaring their delight to the heavens so that the gods might hear them.

The day had been won, knight and dragon prevailed against it all, even in the face of the greatest evil this world had known. Veledar drifted, stealing romantic glances to his human mate, loving that their names were legends and knowing there was seldom more that could make it better; perhaps another treasure trove like his mother's added to his own. Such glances lit a fire within, practically begging that the pair unite their lips and proclaim their love for one another.

Upon their return to the outskirts of the city, tents had been thrown up across the fields, creating a forest of white before their eyes. Among these the soldiers and guardians from the uniter celebrated, engaged in merriment and song. Games were being played, happy faces were everywhere, the air smelled of salted pork and mead. This, however, was not where he was headed.

Out from the busy crowds of others was another encampment, where only a few tents did dwell. What caught his eye of course was not this, but the six dragons that now were sprinkled around it. Lyndis had insisted they break camp here, too tired of being pampered within the confines of her kingdom, besides, she argued she would be getting much more of that in the days ahead.

Not all was grand however, bittersweetness hung over the minds of the adventurers with the reveal of Asterion's death. Feku claimed he'd lost his life bringing everyone back after the Uniter exploded, a claim that Veledar had scoffed at. However, as she described the blue robed mage that assisted them, it became all too clear that this was how Florimel had assisted them. Clever if the dragon had to say so, the story tellers were rumored to be forbidden from interfering, he imagined the mage had bent some sort of godly rule instead of outright breaking it. However, this did nothing to quell the fire in his chest as the bard spoke of the cleric's final stand, giving his very being to make sure that he and all the other dragons lived a long and fruitful life.

Figures that the minotaur would do this to him. Do a task that he could never repay. He growled and lashed his tail as he pictured the bull's smug face, no doubt laughing and punching some other idiot up in his precious Valhalla. This bout of bitterness however didn't last long, for the bard and Azzik brought another gift that summoned a smile to the dragon's snout, Merlia somehow had returned.

It had appeared in his final bit of strength, Asterion had pulled her from the beyond, restoring her to the flesh and blood while saving everyone else. The ranger had laughed, red faced, naked save a cloak that had been wrapped around her. Others of course had sprinted to gather her clothes while she laughed away.

To others he may never have admitted this, or another dragon in his time, but Veledar could not hide his wonderment in that moment over her survival. He had trilled, warbled and even given her a reserved hug, holding the grunting dwarf ever close to his scales.

There may have been some nuzzling and snout holding on her part, but he made sure those around who saw were sworn to secrecy. He didn't need them thinking he'd gone soft, that he was simply handing out these nuzzles to just anyone.

Merriment was swiftly had throughout the rest of the night, meat was seared to perfection with dozens of spices. Old ales and wines were brought forth, cracked open kegs for such a miracle that was this moment. The dragons tore meat off the bone, filling the night with their pleased warbling. Fremra had even her servants bring out on carts stacks and stacks of preserved beef, goats and fish. It was a banquet fit for seven dragons, and their humanoid companions.

Down below in the other camps, they could hear the pleasing music that wafted across the fields. It rang with hope, happiness, battering away the months of despair had brought. Fremra had nodded her head and tapped her tail, swiftly departing them to go shake her tail with all her people below. The group didn't follow of course, but could spy her bulk raising from the crowd of mortals below as she roared her delight to the stars.

Veledar watched them from their perch, gazing over the dozen golden lights scattered across the camp. He could spy the people running about, dancing, playing with one another, engaging in arm wrestling and playing cards. He could imagine some telling them of the great Crimson Sky, marvelous to the eye, who had defended the city from certain doom. He smirked with a pleased snort at that, fitting he knew and would have made his brother ever so envious.

To think that he started this adventure in his cave, lonely and waiting for fate to take him by the snout. In his wildest dreams he would have thought it would have been laid upon his paws in the form of a metal wearing buffoon. Veledar averted his gaze to the said buffoon, his heart stretching at just the sight of him. His wonderous, beautiful buffoon. But it was not only the bearded fool that had won his heart, but all the others scattered around, laughing and engaging others in their own merriment as if they were on yet another of their daft adventures. All of them he had grown attached to in these few months, more so than he'd done in his hundred and twenty-five years of life. His heart trembled at the thought, admiring the crew he had assembled, each willing to defend him, speak of him fondly, even if they poked fun at one another. They were to him greater treasures than even his most expensive gems, never to be traded or discarded.

He might as well go brighten their nights with his presence, besides he smelled a delightful wine that needed to be tasted by his tongue. He was certain Lyndis had said that it was Dragon's Delight? Besides, this night might have been their last, for whispers had already been circulating what would come next, each of them pulled off towards responsibilities and their own homelands.

He was stopped by the dragoness Infinity, drawn away from her boy Axton and Lyyreth. The pair had been thicker than thieves since their introduction. One would speak of magic, history or theory, and the other would marvel and ask lengthy questions that there seemed to be no end. The green had been captivated for hours.

“How are they holding up?" Veledar asked the dragoness as she padded alongside him, sniffing her way to a series of kegs. “They seem to be hitting it off."

“Too well." Infinity rolled her eyes, “I think he might be swiftly becoming Axton's favorite."

“Nonsense, he has you. Trust me, the way that kid spoke about you, there is no way that Lyyreth becomes his favorite."

She smiled to that, but swiftly averting her gaze to another keg as she tapped it, “It is good to see them this way though, I'd forgotten how him being happy made me happy."

“Haven't been that way?"

“Not like this anyway." She paused, flicking her tail, then taking a deep, composing breath, “It's nice. No more running, no more lich…It's all still so surreal, like a dream I keep expecting to wake up from."

“If it's a dream, we're all really uncreative."

She scoffed at that with a swish of her tail, “Is there any good drink in particular? Lyndis said she had spirits, I've never tried them, I want them."

“She said something about Dragon Delight if I remember- “

“Here it is." She warbled, securing the keg beneath her paw. To Axton she looked, chest filling with pride as her eyes misted, “I almost forgot how much he could talk." She laughed.

“You sound annoyed?" He sniffed at the keg, noting it was the only one. “I hope you're going to share that."

“Me, annoyed?" She rolled her eyes, “No, He'd never annoy me."

“Even if he knew you didn't share that keg with me?"

“Not even then. It's just good to hear his voice out here, instead of inside my own head…Which I heard you had a paw in?"

He rumbled, “Is this why you're not snarling at me miss spiky?" There was an exchange of hisses as he pawed at the keg beneath her paws.

“Partially." She grinned, before revealing her sharpened claws to his snout, “Unless you prefer being at each other's throats?"

Oh, he thought he might like her. The red beast averted his gaze, hiding such a thought with a harsh snout.

“Your human told me you helped keep Axton safe. I'm glad that you did."

“Someone had to, he's got to have good dragons in his life. We can't very well have him grow up like all the other Lumarian youth. Besides, I know you're new around here, but I'm a much valuable part of the team." He chuckled in his throat as she rolled her eyes, “I don't know what they'd do without me, but it wouldn't be much…Well, perhaps Arcturus or Lyndis…"

She shut him up with an affectionate nuzzle, right along his neck. With it came a resounding purr, that had him swiftly pressing up against her offering his own. When they parted she rolled the keg away, leaving him stunned and with a wink, “Don't be a stranger. You might be full of yourself and aggressive, but we should be friends."

“You?" He scoffed.

“I figure we'll be seeing each other again, Axton was talking about you."

“Left that much of an impression on him, did I?"

“He does that." She sighed, averting his gaze to the laughing kid as he and Lyyreth brought his drawings to life, scattering them across the ground. “He showed me that there was more to me than I knew, saw passed the claws, the killing, let me come to believe that to."

“Amazing creatures aren't they." He said softly, padding to her side, “Those little mortals. Ever so dear to our hearts. Where are you going next?"

“Probably somewhere quiet, safe, where I can relax and not have a worry; start a little zoo."

“You'll have Cordenth visiting all the time, I hear he especially likes rabbits." He laughed with her.

“Maybe."

“Where is this place? Have something in mind?"

Infinity sighed, shifting her gaze to Lyyreth, “He won't say it, but his mother's death hit him hard, won't say anything cause gods I hated her."

“Me too!" Veledar exclaimed, only to get a nod of agreement, but laced with a stern stare. “Right."

“But that forest needs dragons, and besides, I could think of worse homes. It has tons of trees, a waterfall, and even people for me to test my sourly needed social skills."

“Who said that? How did they live?"

“Axton…When I snarled and threatened to gut the first guardian to approach him after I got him again."

Veledar laughed over the image of such a protective mother dragon, “That might be good for you. And hey we might see each other more often." He bumped her haunches with his own.

“What do you mean?"

“My mothers….my home is right next to that, high in the mountains. I imagine we'll see each other all the time."

Her eyes widened, clearly not expecting that answer. Ears pinned to her head as she lashed her tail, said her farewells and stomped her way towards her green love. “You didn't say we were going to live next to him!"

Oh, he could tell they were going to get along swimmingly. He couldn't help but feel something about her, an attraction, not sexual but something deeper, more primal. It would be questions for another day, besides, in her hasty retreat she had forgotten her keg. Veledar rumbled at his victory and began pawing it towards the campfire, where the rest of his friends dwelled. He peered back only to catch the laughter of Lyyreth and Axton as they attempted to slay the dragoness with their illusions, only for her to play along, snapping at the images.

Arcturus was propped up against a log broken and reduced to nothing but strips of fragmented bark. He had a drink his hand, cheeks flushed, currently laughing over some story that Lyndis was telling.

The Drenedarian queen was exaggerating it with her hands, speaking with eyes that twinkled in the campfire's flames. One of her palms was wrapped in a bandage, blood soaked through the cloth. She was back to her plain black tunic and brown trousers, leaping around the dirt covered area, pretending to sword fight with some invisible force. She too carried a tankard, occasionally taking a sip here and there. “And there I was, scooping out the bloody eyes of a Siigonis, which get this, he wasn't dead! Good god, he was only in a stasis! I nearly puked at the time."

Merlia, sitting with Krotos as her couch burst out laughing, before pulling the meat off an oversized turkey leg she wielded like a club. She downed it with a swig from a metal tankard, meads drooling down her chin like an animal. “Reminds me of a time back in the mines of galdot, where a bloke of mine drank wine from the skulls of his enemies, craziest bastard I ever did see!"

It was Arcturus who remained devoid of laughter as the group continued to cackle and snicker at this poor siigonis' misfortune, even if he was one of their enemies at the time.

“What's the matter sir knight, wee bit squeamish?" Lyndis teased, nearly spilling her drink.

“I'm just saying, there's nothing funny about scooping a man's eyes out. He's blind now." Arcturus tried to make his case by the two ladies burst out laughing.

“That's what's so funny!"

Merlia scoffed at him, “How can ya be this way lad? You lob off heads with your sword don't ya? I know I've seen ya gut people right left and center, this is what makes your skin crawl?"

Arcturus furrowed his brow, “Yes, but you don't see me laughing about it."

“One thing for sure though." Krotos' crown feathers extended as he set up the pause, “He didn't see Lyndis coming."

Everyone burst out laughing, snorting and spraying saliva everywhere as the knight grumbled under his breath.

“Oh piss on ya lad, that be funny!" The dwarf slapped her knee as Krotos tossed back his head, adding his chirping laughter.

Lyndis cleared her throat and padded her way to her dragon's side, Cordenth currently laying around the fire, eyes closed and snoring away. She flopped to the ground, leaning up against his black scaled belly, “Hope they generate his eyes though, hell of a thing to do to him." As Veledar proceeded to pad over her brief bitterness was swept away, replaced by an honest smile, “Well look what the dragon dragged in, Veledar!" She rose her tankard in his direction along with everyone else.

“And he brought more booze!" Merlia's eyes lit up as she spied the keg beneath his paws, “I knew I was right, ye be the bestest dragon around!"

“All because he brought you booze?" Krotos tilted his head.

“Aye, there be little things better in the whole world!"

Veledar chuckled in amusement, he supposed he could share his bounty, though they would have to work for it. “If you're good Merlia, no insults and threats to make me a pin cushion."

“Oh, how ya expect me to do that?" She scoffed, “I'd never say that to a man who brought me free beer."

He tapped the wooden keg, showing off the name of the concoction within, “Be warned, if the name is true on who it's made for, it might be dangerous for the likes of you."

“HA! A challenge is more like it. Best way to die if ya ask me, what say you Krotos, ready to down that batch?"

“Let's go, bring it on!" Chirped the gryphon fluffing his wings. “There isn't a spirit alive that scares me."

Lyndis was the one to clear her throat, “Alright ya suicidal daft fools, it's not that powerful. They merely named it that."

It was Veledar who groaned and lashed his tail, of course it would be that way. “Then your brewers have brought disappointment and shame to your country Lyndis, how you live with this lie is beyond me. Dragon's delight? Hah." With a final curse he dragged himself towards the fire, leaving the keg to be accosted by Merlia and her feathery companion.

“Dragon, I am in need of you!" Arcturus pat the ground at his side, “I grow envious of our new queen over there and require your scales."

To that the dragon growled ever playfully, advancing on the smiling man with a swishing tail, “I warn thee paladin, that I shall do the same if this request is filled." He slunk to the man's side, nibbling at his neck in an affectionate manner. “Do you accept such a burden?"

“Course I do, long as I don't perish because of it."

“Very well, I suppose I could shift my size when you become my couch to lay upon." He flopped to his belly with an amused croon, swiftly pulling Arcturus to him with a scaled paw. Right against his red-orange chest he was held firm, nestled into his draconic jailor. “There we are, the finest dragon for the finest human I've seen." With a chuff he ruffled the top of the knight's head with his nose.

“You'll notice he couldn't help but compliment himself in that." Lyndis teased, “That's so classic you."

“I don't know, I think he speaks truth." Arcturus chuckled, massaging the dragon's cheek, “I do think he's the finest dragon I've seen."

“Oh Umraadi, you have a way with words." Veledar rumbled, ignoring the way her eyes rolled. Let her stew in her envy as her mate slept away.

He lingered upon Cordenth's slumbering form, focused on the golden horn that glistened with ill intent in the firelight. The whisper in the back of his mind wondered who would emerge when the green beast woke, would it be Tiamat or Cordenth himself holding the reins?

“Oi, quit your staring." Lyndis snapped her fingers to get his attention, pulling the dragon from his stare. “Checking him out are ya?"

“You know why I'm staring." He licked his nose before laying down his snout.

“And I'll remind you to snap your maw shut, tomorrow we can discuss those sorts of things. Let's have just this night alright? One moment to be merry, surrounded by friends, celebrate the good fortune that has been given."

“That's your mistake."

“And it's mine to make. Got a problem?"

She was so stubborn when she wanted to be, dragon like he might say. He and her exchanged sharpened glares, him ending the exchange with a harsh snort. Part of him hoped this would bite her in the haunches, merely so he could hold it forever long she lived after. A much greater part wanted her to be right, “What's with the bandage? Cut yourself on your beloved's claw? I leave you alone to tell stories and you're already wounded? Arcturus, she's your friend, heal her at once."

“I can't." The man replied, “it's one of those Siigonis rituals. If I undo it, they'll see it as an insult."

“Who is they?" He raised a brow as Lyndis took a swig from her tankard.

“Broxl and his Siigonis friends." She growled, staring at the blood-stained bandage, wiggling her fingers, “Hurt like hell, slicing a blade right down the palm."

“That's the worst way! Why not somewhere easier like an arm?"

She rolled her eyes, “That's what I said, but no, it had to be the palm. Then we shook with our exposed wounds, forging some sort of blood pact with them. They say it's a great honor, but damn it fucking hurts. Merlia! Get me another one, I'm starting to get feeling back!"

“Right on it lass! We'll make a proper dwarf out of you yet!" Merlia cried back as she filled Krotos' tankard.

Veledar could only chuckle at her opinion of such diplomatic matters, “Suppose you have to get use to that my friend, after all, now that you're a queen, I imagine your days will be filled with things of that nature."

“Fucking hell." Lyndis growled into her cup.

“Oh!" Arcturus nearly spit out his drink in realization, “That reminds me, now that you're here, should we be referring to you as your royal highness of mum?"

“Do it and I'll wrap you in chains and throw you into the dungeons, I already warned your Umraadi the same."

“Sounds like our first date." Mused the dragon, giving the knight a playful look, “You all tying me up, a bit of foreplay for the romance of the century to take place."

“That wasn't a date." Arcturus groaned as the dragon rumbled his disagreement.

“Not how I see it, nor will that be how I tell it. The great dragon hunter Arcturus Lund, falling head over heels for the first dragon he captures and throws in chains. It's got a rather romantic angle to it doesn't it?"

“Sounds rather nice." Lyndis smirked.

Arcturus groaned, “You'd both be wrong."

“Or maybe you'll be convinced otherwise." Veledar licked the man's cheek, putting an end to the debate with flushed cheeks. “Though if you want to be technical our first date was…"

“The silver hills." He sighed, staring past the tree line to the stars, “With the rain that shined in the sunlight, what a lovely spot. Wanted to paint it."

“I remember the part where you were my sacrifice."

“Right." The man blushed.

“Now back to you and your throwing dragons in chains." Huffed Veledar, narrowing his gaze to the all too amused rogue, “Like hell you would, not after all we've done. Besides I'd stop you from taking my precious Umraadi."

“Then I'd throw you in chains too!" She cackled, “It's not the first time my dungeons have known a dragon prisoner you know."

“You hear that Arcturus? Already a queen and set on a path to be a dragon hating tyrant. I do think that we must stop her right now, for all the good of Sethera." He huffed for good measure and thumped his tail.

“Yea, I'll get right on that." Arcturus sighed, leaning against Veledar's chest, “Before it spreads to the rest of Drenedar."

Lyndis gave a heady sigh, exchanging an empty tankard from Merlia and taking a new one. She stared down at the drink's bubbling foam, “Guess I should get used to it. Curse you dragon."

“See? I knew I was right, yet another win for me. Arcturus, take note of it." Veledar nodded.

“Take note, with what paper?" Replied the man.

“That's on you, you should always have parchment to catalogue our greatness."

Arcturus ignored him, “How I see it Lyndis, you'll be great for this job. I know it's not what you wanted out of life, but seldom does that seem to happen. You think that I thought I'd find myself in the clutches of a dragon, no. But they say those who don't desire power are those that best deserve it, have it thrust upon them." he thanked Krotos who brought him over a refill. “Not to mention that you have a relation with the Lumarian queen, you two could do much to heal the damage of all these years."

She put her face into her hands, “Oh gods, you're right. What a disaster, I blame you lot."

“What?" Veledar exclaimed, pulling his drink closer, taking in the aromatic, fruity smell, “What madness has your now that any of your own misfortune is my fault?"

“If it wasn't for you two blundering idiots, I'd never have gotten roped into this stupid thing. I'd have been off on another adventure, but NO, A singing dragon had to cause quite the stir."

“They said I had a beautiful singing voice, those gryphons of Trost."

“Dear, I was there, trust me, not even Cordenth sings as badly as that."

“Go get mounted." Mumbled the green dragon, thumping his tail.

“But now look at me, about to rule a whole daft kingdom, a dragon that will follow me there. That I LOVE!" She wiped her brow with a laugh of disbelief, “If you told me all this a year ago, I'd have thought you'd gone bonkers. Here I am, kingdom saved, father avenged, genuine peace between my kingdom and Lumara on the horizon, ancient evil defeated…"

“I say you have gone mad." Veledar averted his snout with a snort, avoiding a half-hearted slap, “Throwing your friends in chains, avoiding responsibility, doesn't bode well for queens." The dragon perked up, eyes widening, “Oh my lord, is that lady Keerla and Jeriah?"

“Oh, shit are they here?" Lyndis swiftly ducked behind her scaled love, sipping ever quietly on her drink.

As Veledar warbled and tapped his tail in delight she scowled, realizing his jest, “It's not funny!"

“It's a bit funny." He beamed.

“Did you see them?"

“No, he hasn't seen them." Arcturus sighed, “Jeriah and Keerla are nowhere to be seen. Still avoiding them, are you?"

“You would too steel pants." She waited a second more before returning to their side, “All they want is to do is talk politics, duty, go over reports and responsibility. They already whisper of you two and political talks of Nivra. Can't a girl blow up a ruddy castle and defeat an ancient demigod and relax?"

“It is the duty of you to tend to you- “

“Oh,come off it Arc, they can last a single night without me. Let me have this." She leaned back with a pleased expression, kicking her feet towards the crackling fire, “My friends, the last night of the adventure, before we return to lives of normality."

“Yea good like on that, tomorrow starts my dragon training." Arcturus shook his head, “I don't even want to know the half a dozen silly things Fremra has in store."

“Dragon training?" Merlia plopped down, giving the dragon a grin, “You tossing him in a collar and training him like a wee pup?"

“Careful Merlia." Growled the dragon, “Or I'll have you be my pup."

“Ooooo, so scary. I doubt ya have the stones. Nor could you handle me." She thrust a finger to her chest, “I'm a wild animal when I'm cornered, ain't that right Krotos?"

The bird's crown feathers extended one by one, no doubt some lewd tale that he wished to spill from his beak. He bided his tongue and merely chuckled, “Yes she is."

“Damned right I am boyo."

" Isn't right, is it?" Lyndis gave the pair a look, “Don't you go swanning off on another adventure, never to see us again. I expect updates and visits. If I'm to be forced to endure the trials of royal life, I'm sure as hell not doing it alone."

Arcturus nodded, “Lyndis, you didn't have to ask, we'll always be there to lend a hand. Besides, could always use a place to visit."

“Long as we get pampered." Chuffed Veledar, “Teach your servants to massage dragon scales. But know my dear that we will not be some dog that you can call whenever you fancy."

“Yes yes." She rolled her eyes, “A dragon does what they will when they chose, knows no master. I know the bits. So what ya say?"

The dragon averted his snout, moved by her commitment to keep him around, but decided to conceal it with a chuff, “I suppose we could visit from time to time."

“He's actually rightfully thrilled over it." Arcturus spoke up.

“Arcturus! You betrayed my trust! How would you feel if I told the others of your emotions on various subjects!"

“I don't go around trying to hide mine like you."

“I do nothing of the sort! Besides it's not like I told them that you've really been- “The man pressed on the underside of the dragon's jaw, shutting his snout. He rumbled deep in his throat as the paladin's cheeks flushed.

“Apologies." Grinned Arcturus to Lyndis, “Think nothing of him, the drink, it loosens his tongue."

“Oh don't be sorry Arcturus." Scoffed the rogue, “I find it a bit sweet, don't you worry big red thing, I'll keep your secret that you adore us all."

“For a fee no doubt." Snorted the dragon, already counting the coin that it would require to seal her lips.

“And me." Grumbled Cordenth.

“Good thinking Umraadi." Lyndis cooed, “Now he owes double." Hands found the emerald snout, gently massaging until his breaths were fraught with pleased purrs.

Ugh, he hated the pair of them already, even as the half-elf cackled away in delight. It didn't help that Merlia and Krotos joined in on his embarrassment; he took a deep breath, telling himself he'd make Arcturus pay for it later. He had a sneaking suspicion that the human wouldn't mind.

“Hey, don't give me that sour pout, I'm just indulging in my newfound draconic qualities. Guess the novelty of you two has run it's course."

“I suppose if they're just handing out these bonds to anyone." He rose his head, chest filling with pride as he held Arcturus close, “I'll cherish it was we that were the first to achieve such a milestone."

“Bah, that just means we'll perfect it." She smirked, “All those little tricks you two did, stumbling about? We'll get them in half the time, isn't that right love?" Tenderly she stroked the dragon's cheek, earning a sleepy chuff.

“Suck it red boy." Cordenth growled, thumping his tail as he shifted ever so slightly.

“Oh, so it's that type of dream." Snickered Krotos.

Veledar rolled his eyes, hoping that wasn't the case, “If I'm in his dreams feathers, it only means he is having the best kind."

“Yea, with your tail raised and- “His beak shut tight as the dragon huffed, black smoke curling from his nostrils to envelop the catbird, “I'm sure it's quite flattering!"

Arcturus was the only one with his sanity intact, massaging the cinders that had lit within the dragon's scales. Tender hands soothed away the rogue's words bit by bit, till the dragon was fighting off his rumbles.

Talk soon turned to the battles that they'd won, of their travel from Lumara and beyond. Veledar found his resentment soothed, laughing in earnest at all of their antics and misadventures. It warmed his soul to hear it told with such vigor, excitement and honesty of heart in their words. When it was his turn to share his part with the Isle of Draconis it pleased him to see all the wide eyes, marveling at what they'd experienced. Eventually he was left, admiring the stars above, Arcturus held tight.

The dragon peered ever softly at the man held against his scales, admiring the quirkiness of fate. Here was a human, trained to hunt and killed his kind, by all common sense they should have been enemies. Instead here they were, at peace, in love with one another and sharing each other's company. He had to rumble, enjoy the warmth in his Umraadi's chest at hearing such noises. It had him remembering of something he'd nearly forgotten.

“Oh, to think I hated you." Lyndis laughed as Krotos complained about not getting to eat their prior horses.

“Hate me?" Arcturus asked.

“That swagger you walked into Deet with, seeking out a dragon."  She put arms to her waist, swelling her chest, “Bossing those peasants, trying to hunt and kill your future husband." She giggled as he blushed, “Almost romantic if you think about it?" She turned to offer the dragon a smirk, “What you think red boy?"

Of that he rumbled his reply, batting Arcturus softly with his wing. “Dragon hunter on a quest to hunt a dragon, only to instead fall in love with one." His chuff ruffled the man's hair, getting caught in his emerald pools, “I do ever love those sorts of stories."

“But more importantly…" She heaved a great sigh, the poking and teasing fading away into an honest smile, “You showed me that not all of you Lumarians were utter trite garbage. That there were those of you that were half-way decent. Yourself, Nivra, Skywing and Voidwing, all of you were right in my book."

“I'm glad that I proved such a good case." Arcturus replied, “And pleased that you were not the thrill-seeking thief that I thought you were when we met."

“No, I'm still those things." She winked, “I'm just more refined, matured, have to face the reality of rule. That for the first time in what seems like centuries, our two kingdoms have a chance for peace. That we might build something instead of being at one another's throats." She chuckled, looking to the stars, “Who would have thought it would come on the wings on a daft dragon looking for a stolen book."

“You're not surprised?" Veledar tilted his head in a regal manner befitting of one of his stature, “All good things involve dragons, or could be improved with such."

“You might be right on that one."

He was just about to apply a tender lick when he remembered.

“Lyndis, I have a gift for you!" Trilled the dragon. “I had it prepared should the day come we were reunited after this adventure."  He pulled over his mother's harness, starting to sift through the pockets with a pleased rumble, he could not wait to see her face.

The queen looked to him as though he'd grown six heads, “You've got to be kidding me, you a gift?"

“Why would I lie about this?"

“Now I know I must be dreaming."

Arcturus was the one to raise a brow, unconvinced by his sudden generosity “What scheme are you up to?"

The dragon snorted dismissively, “I'm not scheming. No peaking Lyndis, you'll ruin the surprise."

“Mischief then, what mischief are you up to?"

“Not everything is schemes and mischief Arcturus, stop your worry."

“I'm not worried, I'm concerned." Replied the man, eyes stern and arms crossed. “Are you going to be making an enemy of a friend?"

“I think it's sweet." Lyndis clambered over, settling down by the dragon, currently picking through his pouches, “Veledar you didn't need to get me anything, surviving the whole ordeal was well enough."

Under their scrutiny the dragon warbled, finally pulling a cloth wrapped package from his pouches. It had survived the battle of Struport, made of weathered leather. He spat the palm sized object into her outstretched hands, looking rather proud of himself. “There we are, not even a scratch on it."

“Wonderful." She furrowed her brow, flinging strands of saliva off it, “Dragon spit, what I always wanted."

“That you'll probably get more of in the future." He chuckled, “But its inside of that of course."

Lyndis blinked, “This is real? You're not really joking?"

He wrinkled his snout, was she going to be this difficult? “Of course, it's real, I said it was, didn't I?"

“I'm just…" She smiled, “Sometimes you just, I don't know what type of dragon you are."

“The finest." He grinned, rolling a paw, “Now are we going to leave the others waiting or are you going to open it?"

“Aye, just open it!" Merlia belted, “Stop your gabbing and show us what the beastie got ya!"

“I bet it's one of his scales." Krotos chirped in amusement, “Or a painted picture of himself."

“Or a voucher for petting his snout!"

Concentration in her face, Lyndis unwrapped the package, while the others waited with baited breath. She pulled free a piece of parchment, eyes quickly traveling across the page.

“Now, I had someone write it all up, fantastic handwriting so there could be no mistake." Rumbled Veledar as the others tried to guess what was on the page, “I do believe everything is there, down to the very last detail. I was quite thorough."

“What is it lass?" Merlia cooed, “A love poem, a thanks?"

“Perhaps a song in his name?" Krotos cocked his head.

“It's a fucking bill!" Lyndis tossed back her head laughing.

“You can't be serious." Arcturus groaned.

Everyone started laughing, thumping bellies and legs as they enjoyed the ridiculousness of it all. The air was rife with good cheer, only to be undone with Veledar's thump of his tail and a growl.

“Do you think this was a joke?" He asked with a narrowed gaze.

“Well of course this is, it has to be." Lyndis chortled, tapping the parchment. “We go through all of this, risk our lives together and you leave me with a bill?"

“Yes." He snorted as her eyes widened, seeing his sincerity. “Why do you think I kept saying there was to be a fee?"

Arcturus squeezed the bridge of his nose with a groan, Merlia tossed back her head in laughter as Krotos chirped away in an amused song. It was Lyndis' rolled her eyes, cheeks ever red.

“Well, I'm not paying it." She remarked, tossing the parchment away into the fire.

He was dumbstruck as the flames consumed his hard work, destroying the careful cataloguing of the coin that he was due. Frills flared as the others laughed, “You can't do that, that's not how this works." He snapped his snout to the laughing Arcturus, “Can she?"

“I mean, what were you expecting?" Arcturus asked, earning himself a piercing hiss.

“Queen, I don't think you know who you've crossed. I am not the green whelp that hangs off your word. I am Veledar, fire of the skies, slayer of the dragon Dreadflame. I have won the heart of Arcturus, saved your people, songs are spread in my name. You will pay me what is due or else you will ever know my wrath."

“Oooooo wrath he says." Merlia perked up, shoving a handful of nuts into her mouth, “This be getting good!"

“I bet he secretly loves her." Krotos added, stealing a clawful of his own.

Lyndis however took in the dragon's threat and growl with a laugh, “Yea, fine story there blue eyes, but we've been friends long enough to know that you're not going to kill me. Come on, there must be a way I can make this up to you…instead of paying."

“Not really." Chuckled Arcturus, “I took away his hoard when I captured him, swore my life to him and I somehow still owed him 25% left of what his hoard was worth." He leaned back, eyeing the dragon's throat, “Speaking of which Umraadi, how much do I still owe you?"

The dragon curled on him, his ire blunted as he chuffed, “You've repaid 90%."

Arcturus snapped his fingers with an amused sigh, “So close."

“And unfortunately for you my royal friend, I don't think your green love will approve of you making the same deal." He snapped back to her with a snarl, “You'll find when it comes to the matter of coin I won't budge."

“Don't you have enough?" Krotos asked, “Like, you literally have mountains of it!"

“I could always use more."

In the face of such a threat, Lyndis was not one to shy away. Gears turned in her head as a mischievous smirk came to her lips. She rose, clearing her throat. “Alright Veledar, you convinced me. I can't do much in the face of such a strong dragon."

“Thank you." He nodded.

“Arcturus, may I borrow your sword?"

The man gave a weak smile, handing over the scabbard, “Just be careful, it took them days to find it amidst the undead."

What was she up to? Veledar's brow raised as the queen unsheathed the ebon blade, holding it aloft before the crackling fire. “I see where this is going." He rolled his eyes, “Going to slay me now? Arcturus, how could you hand over your blade to do that."

“I don't think that's quite what she's up to."

“Precisely." Lyndis replied, approaching the dragon. “Veledar of the dragon neck mountains, son of the indominable aegis, slayer of undead and protector of my people- “

Frills flared in alarm, “Arcturus what is she doing?" The knight simply smirked as she went on praising him, “Tell me!"

“You have been a true friend throughout these months, uniting me and my love, making me laugh to no end. Horns will sing of you for all time my friend." She rested the flat of the blade on one shoulder with resonance, then shifting it to the other, “I dub thee a knight of the realm, gifted land and a town of your choosing."

His heart stretched at the significance of it. “Arcturus tell me she didn't just do what I think she did. She can't just knight someone at will can she?"

“I believe she can." Remarked Arcturus, “She is the queen."

“That I can." Lyndis sheathed the blade with a grin, mischief gleaming in her amber eyes, “And all your deeds hence forth are now considered retroactively services rendered for your queen. Which means they will not be applicable for your fees."

“Oh, that's a good one!" Merlia doubled over with laughter, “Bahaha!"

Oh, she thought the game was won? Veledar stewed in an internal fire as the others laughed at this trick. “Two can play at your little game queen. I refuse."

“You can't refuse!" Arcturus said.

“Like hell I can't, I refuse!"

“You'd refuse such a prestigious honor?" Krotos rolled a talon, fluffing his wings, “It would carry respect…resonance across Drenedar. You can't tell me that doesn't sound appealing."

Oh, she had him, it stroked his ego far too well. Veledar was fighting with himself wanting to snarl, make his threats, but she had won. With a snort and steeled gaze, he accepted this defeat. “Very well your highness, but I refuse to wear the metal dress."

“Excellent." Lyndis handed back the knight's sword, then laid a tender hand on Veledar's scales, “I'm glad we could get this all sorted."

That's when he saw the answer to his troubles, her royal attendants approaching from the edge of the camp. He spied Keerla and Jeriah leading the pack, eyes filled with questions as they no doubt were searching for their queen. The dragon chuffed as Lyndis continued to chortle in amusement, “Savor your victory."

“Excuse me?" She wiped a tear from her eye.

“Umraadi no." Arcturus tried to beat back what was to come, but he lacked the strength.

“Umraadi yes." Veledar rose his head, belting out the top of his lungs, “Jeriah, Keerla, the queen you seek is over here!"

Horror spread to Lyndis' face, color drained as those she had been avoiding snapped to catch sight of her.

“There she is, Queen Lynalla!" Keerla waved, rows of guardians swiftly following in her strides.

“You bastard!" Lyndis snarled, tossing aside her drink, sprinting towards the safety of the surrounding trees, “You didn't play fair!"

“I thought you'd be used to such a thing." Arcturus laughed as she slipped under branches, became part of the environment, swiftly fading from both sight and ear. “I can't believe you did that."

Veledar was rumbling as Merlia and Krotos were practically rolling on the ground with laughter, “Next time she'll learn to not mess with a dragon." He kindly pointed where she went when Keerla and Jeriah made their way over, “She went that way."

“Blasted woman." Groaned the elf, “Come on lads, we got ourselves a queen to catch!" With a wave, she, Jeriah and the others were swiftly on Lyndis' heels with the crunching of twigs beneath their boots.

That left them chuckling and snort as they enjoyed the comfort of the fire. Veledar stretched himself out, curling around the man as Arcturus laid a hand along his neck, tenderly massaging the scales.

“That was rather funny, probably your least mean prank." Arcturus mused.

“I was never mean to her. She stole from me back at my home." Replied the dragon with a huff.

“And you didn't confront her? No threats?"

“This was more amusing to me." He grinned, the man's touch knowing him too well. It forced him to stretch out his paws, gift him a well-earned rumble, oh he could always just lay here and enjoy the once dragon hunter's ministrations. “She'll eventually lose them and get over it, we're friends don't you know."

“Yea, strange if you think about it." He looked to the stars.

“Me with friends?" Chortled the dragon in amusement, “You wound me."

“Not that you daft beast." Arcturus laid down on his side, sharing a look, “That you brought all of us together, set things right in our lives." He laid a hand on Veledar's snout as it shifted to him. “I'm sure none of them, nor I will ever forget that."

“I'd hope not." He snorted, “For I hope you're with me for the rest of your days."

“And I'd rather not wish to be anywhere else." He smiled, cheeks flushing.

They shared a tender kiss by the fire, hearts fluttering as their lips locked. It didn't end in such a tiny meeting; their tongues soon came to joust and explore one another. Veledar huffed and pressed ever further, beating back the man's appendage and conquering his mouth. When they parted, eyes were shimmering, cheeks were flushed, a tender hand was placed on his cheek at the same time a paw wrapped around the man's back.

“I'd like to thank your wife." Veledar said softly.

“Selina?" Arcturus looked taken back, “My wife?"

“Did you have another one?" He chuffed.

“No, but pray tell, why her?"

He nuzzled the man ever softly, “You once told me that you thought to her words to spare me. If you hadn't during my capture, I might have still remained in chains. I'd have been in the dungeons of Lumara or ever worse, slain by some pompous fool. Perhaps even yourself, taking revenge for what Dreadflame had done to you."

“I did think you were going to be related to him."

A tender lick was applied before sadness could dip into those emerald eyes. “I will cherish that for the rest of my days." A scaled paw cradled the man's head, held it close against his chest as he curled around him. “You may know things I've never told another mortal soul." With a rumble he told him the names of his family, including Covrais, his long-lost brother. “I trust you completely, there will never be secrets between us."

Arcturus nodded, trying to suit the words to his tongue, “Adalina is your sister?"

“Yes."

“And Seogeist is your mother."

“Seogheith." He rumbled, “And I think she would have been more than pleased to see you."

“I'll protect their names as I do your own."

“Do try to do better than with your gryphon fellow."

“I'll try." Laughed Arcturus as the dragon chuffed and rubbed their noses together.

“And that reminds me. We will have to visit my sister at some point, she'll kill me if I don't show off the mortal I've fallen snout over paws for."

“Sure she won't kill me?"

“Of that…no. She'll love you…possibly."

“But we have to train with Fremra first."

Veledar huffed at the man's blushing cheeks, “And I can't wait to watch you endure all the embarrassment that I had to."

“But what do we do after?" Arcturus asked, raising a brow, “Everyone else seems to have an idea."

“Return to my mother's home I think." Veledar rumbled, still shocked those snowy drifts were now his, “Get it all broken in and spruced up for its new owners? I do believe the town nearby, Drakenburg is in need of a dragon? With the new queen, I doubt we'd even have to remain in hiding."

“No heroic dragon?" Arcturus rose a brow.

“I think that's done for now. The task is done." He took a labored sigh, “Covrias would be happy, I think. I needn't feel the need to continue seeking greatness beyond that. All I need is those I care for…and of course you by my side…and possibly that gryphon to join us every now and again, oh and booze."

Arcturus laughed as the dragon playfully nibbled at him, continuing to list dozens of other things they might need for their future lives.

“You can paint for me, play such enchanting music that I am enthralled, we share our lives and be happy. What say you of that?"

“That sounds ever delightful. Though I'd have to keep up with all the training, can't go rusty. Although, may I make a request?"

A request? He wiggled at the thought, “Well don't keep it a secret, tell me!"

“I've only seen the land through the eyes of a solider, a knight, a guard back home. I've not explored much beyond the boundaries of my kingdom. From our adventure together, those nights across the plains of shield and sword, the Isle of Draconis...This showed me there is a whole wide world that I had not known existed. It's full of wonder, terrors, excitement and awe inspiring things that music was made of. If you don't mind, I'd like to get more of that. If you'd like to go exploring with me?"

He scratched his jaw with a wing talon, “Just with you huh?" He played coy, “Seeing wonderous sights and places that I've only read about?" He shrugged and played it off as though it were no big deal, “There are a few places I'd like to see." He rumbled as the man held him tight. “Though let's keep them warm, if you drag me to freezing places, I'll kill you."

Together he snuggled with Arcturus by the fire, rumbling and drifting along in the pleased haze that kept them enraptured. Even when Tenzin came over to challenge Krotos to feats of strength of wrestling, the two were oblivious to whom the victor would be. It wasn't until Merlia had padded her way over, cleared her throat did they break to pay her any mind.

“Hope I not be interrupting anything you love bird." She chuckled as Tenzin and Krotos rolled about the ground, each more than a match for one another.

“You're not interrupting." Said Arcturus warmly.

“Well of course, not, you boys don't do nothin!" She shifted as if uncomfortable, especially when Veledar turned his snout towards her. “Lazin about, thinkin about nothin other than yourselves."

“Where are you going with this dwarf?" Veledar mused, suspecting this was just another round of her playful taunting, “I thought being dead and coming back would have made you more agreeable."

Her cheeks flushed, “Same of you ya big fire breathin ninny. Nah what am I doin, I didn't come to start pokin at yea."

“Why not? I rather enjoy our little jousts."

“You enjoy losin do ya?"

“It's cute that you think I've lost them all."

“Are ya going to listen ta me or not?" Her arms crossed, “Or do I have to have your knight here tie you till you listen ta me?"

“Jokes on you, Arcturus would never- “His frills fluttered as the man waggled his hand from side to side, “What has you such in a twist Merlia?" From head to toe she looked so uncomfortable, like her shoes were filled with nothing but stones. When she didn't immediately reply he pressed her further, threatening to eat her.

“Listen here ya bloated ball of hot gas, you'll never be eating me. Shut up Krotos, before I smack ya upside the beak."

The gryphon's crown feathers had risen at the comment, only to snap away with a chirp, “I don't know what you're talking about."

“Pay attention catbird!" Tenzin roared, shoving the gryphon's head down into the dirt.

 “As I was sayin." Merlia continued with a sigh, “Look at me, fumbling around like a wee pup, uncertain of how to say it."

“Then just say it." Veledar huffed.

“I wanted to say thank ya for all this. I know I'm going to regret it, but I know you be the greatest dragon I've ever seen. There were times that was in doubt, but after all this, I'm certain."

“And what has brought this revelation on?" Arcturus asked, “This drastic change of thought."

“Shush Arcturus, let us not question it." His chest filled with pride, “Record it, Merlia thinks fondly of me."

“I don't have any parchment on me."

“And why not? How else are people going to read about our exploits?"

“Can ya focus?" Merlia stomped her foot, putting an end to their squabbling, “Thing is, without ya, my kin would never found me again. For too long I'd avoided them, keeping to the long-traveled paths." She heaved a great sigh, a terrible weight sliding from her shoulder, tears welled in her eyes, “They've extended a hand for me to return, my exile be over."

“Guess that answers where you're going." Arcturus replied, “A shame, I was looking forward to enjoying the fresh mouthed dwarf in our group."

“You'd rather venture home to the halls of more pint sized, ale drinking, loud mouthed, temper prone people instead of traveling around with us?" Veledar huffed and averted his gaze, “Your loss."

“You're going to miss me too!" She teased, a glint in her eye, “Don't be forgetting ole Merlia, if I hear you've gone soft I'll throttle ya good! Oh, it's going to be good going home after one hundred and fifty years." She wiped the tears from her eyes as she sniffed, “I still can't believe it."

“And why is that?"

“You don't understand. My people, we hold grudges for a long time. I've been strolling around, loosin arrows into bums and knees, never did I think I'd be able to return." She rested a hand on Veledar's snout as it drew close, “I have a home again." She trembled, eyes watering further, “And I have you two blundering babies to thank for it. Yer too good for an ole assassin's heart."

“You were a what?" Arcturus blurt out.

“It doesn't matter now." She hugged Veledar's snout without prompting, laying her head against him. When he didn't pull away or object she quivered against him, “Thank ya Veledar, I don't know what I'd have done without ya."

He rested a paw against her back, touched by her display. He huffed and chuckled deep in his throat, “You'd have managed of course, just vastly less marvelous. Suppose that doesn't make me a red baby anymore?"

“Nah, you'll always be me big red baby." She laughed, “Silly and need of a good whoopin. Arcturus, though I set you two up, don't let him get away with nuthin! Whip his bum good and hard."

“Can do." The knight gave a salute with a smirk, “His haunches will never know what hit them."

“I love ya dragon. Don't ya ever forget that. You'll always have a place ta visit the ole Gallogalar home, might even have me brother make a chair for ya, get it all fancied up with gold and pillows."

“And I cherish that Merlia." Veledar mused, thumping his tail, “That's why I'm not plucking you from my snout and insulting you for doing it."

When she retreated and wiped the tears from her eyes, Arcturus was not spared her good cheer. The man found himself trapped in bearhug of his own. “Oh, I'm going to miss you boys."

“When do you leave?" Grunted Arcturus, unwilling to peel the overly affectionate dwarf off him.

“Soon as we can, morning if ya can believe that. Back to the dwarven roads of Baraduun, wonder if they still smell like the pipe smoke of me ancestors." She turned to the distant campfires, the laughing people where you could make out where her people's tents dwelled. “Oh, brother Bryndar is going to be awfully surprise to see my face walking through them halls again. Can't wait to be bashin his head and me sister Hilda, tell em all about me adventures over the century, course only the good ones." She grabbed a handkerchief from her pouches, blowing her nose like a horn. “Bet they'll love ta see the both of ya, long as you keep your tail to yourself."

“Do I look like a gryphon?" Veledar scoffed, lifting up a paw so that Tenzin and Krotos could roll past him, kicking up dirt as they clawed and bit at one another.

“Not that ya lewd bastard, I meant your tail! Last thing we need is that master of disaster ruining our hold!"

“My tail?" Veledar thumped it with a growl, “It's not my fault that you lot don't properly construct your homes for that! If anything, it's all your faults for lacking the foresight."

“Whatever, just make sure it's on its best behavior. Then I can show you the depths of the Arcanite Sinkhole and how the crystals glow like the stars themselves. Ooo, maybe you can gander at the waterfalls of Gruund. There could be some diamonds still left there."

“Take it you're getting there by cart?"

“Actually, no, found meself another means of transportation."

The dragon rolled his eyes, knowing it was the kittybird currently pinning the Ilbir warrior, insisting that he yield. “Him? Will your clan approve of your relationship?"

That darkened her expression, lingering on the now chirping, blue-grey kittybird. She gave a wistful sigh, “They wouldn't mind that sort of thing, but we already discussed it. That their handsome bird has another road to take. I respect it of course."

“He's going back home to take care of Gus' family." Arcturus said softly, “Such is the way with gryphons and their riders."

“Aye." She nodded sadly.

“And you're just alright with that?" Veledar raised a brow. Why was she not instead going with him?

“Course I'm alright with it! Not the first time I've had a handsome lad too busy for ole me. I can't be weepin over each pretty face, he'll be fine! I'll be fine! Just means when we do catch up again, we will have to make up for lost time won't we!"

That certainly sounded like her, “So if he's not flying you…"

“Another gryphon I met." She smiled, “Pretty little thing, trader along the coast. Offered me a cloak from his hefty sacks he had with him." She blushed, “Caught me stark naked along the docks when I came to. Didn't even make a pass at me, the polite thing. Even offered me a lift home when I told him about it."

                That wasn't the only thing that this trader was going to give her, knowing gryphons, but he kept his snout shut. He was gifted a final hug and kiss on the snout for good measure as Tenzin and Krotos rose from their tussle, starting to make their way away from the campfire. Evidently the gryphon had won and was currently clacking his beak at the rumbling warrior.

“Merlia, you coming with?" Krotos called out to her.

“Depends, what sort of thing you lads up to?"

He and the Ilbir exchanged knowing looks with a laugh, “We figured we go out and find some people who are awfully glad we survived the day."

 “What the hell, might as well!" She tossed aside her tankard, wishing Arcturus and Veledar well before sprinting off after the pair. “Wait up boys, don't leave without me!"

With that the trio were gone, Merlia riding upon Krotos' back, Tenzin held within the gryphon's claws. Powerful beats of the catbird's wings brought them swiftly out of view, leaving Arcturus and Veledar to their lonesome. Tender rumbles came as he held the human close, only to be joined by the occasional grunt from the still sleeping Cordenth.

They searched the stars, wrapped up in one another, a pleasing comfort that both could enjoy. Little words were said, only basking in the steady thumps of their hearts. Hands rubbed scales, snout nuzzled hair, they could rest like this forever. Veledar found himself still ever shocked, that he cared so much for this human between his paws. By the time Lyndis had returned they were back to kissing.

She emerged from the underbrush, sticks in her hair as an exasperated look crossed her face. Eyes steeled as she came to the duo, advancing upon them with a sharpened tongue. “Thanks for that you prick, know how long it took to lose them?"

“Quite some time I'd say by the state of yourself." Veledar mused, “Which, how were your travels. It looks as though you had quite the adventure!"

“Delightful, couldn't have asked for anything better."

“Wonderful."

“I was being sarcastic ya cunt." She rolled her eyes, plopping back down to Cordenth's side. As she stroked his flank her harshness seemed to fade.

“Perhaps it will teach you to not cross me, nor steal from a dragon when you think he isn't watching."

Arcturus perked up as the rogue's eyes widened in the flickering fire, “She stole from you?"

“Yes, back at my mother's home."

“You mean this was all about that?" Lyndis remarked in disbelief.

“Not just this, but everything else." Veledar snorted, “The tugging of chairs, the taunts, all of it."

“Over a single coin?"

“I don't see the point in mentioning the number, you still stole it from me."

Laughter overtook Arcturus as Lyndis dug through her pouches, flinging a solitary coin against the dragon.

“There ya bastard, you got it back. Are we even now?"

“Not even close." He growled, thumping his tail.

She rolled her eyes, “Fine, what is it you want?"

He wiggled a paw, “You'll owe me a favor one day, regardless of what I ask for and the promise you won't steal from me again."

The rogue nodded, “All easy enough. After this we're square?"

“Until you cross me again little thief queen." He gestured to his belly, “But steal from me again and queen or no and I'll take your hands."

“You think I'd take from you again after all this." She scoffed, before laughing to herself, “Think about whom I'm talking to, of course you do. Lay off it, I'll ask you for anything I want now."

“We'll see if I grant you that request." He snorted, averting his snout. He was ill prepared for her to shoot to his side and lean against him like he was some sort of couch. “Hey!" He snapped, only to be met with a laugh.

“What? Now it's like the time before Cordenth. When it was just us three."

“I don't remember letting you lay on me." He hissed, “Just because you're a queen doesn't mean I won't hurl you in a lake."

It was then that Feku proceeded to stroll into the camp, Azzik at her side. Though they were not as down beaten as they were previous in the day, a cloud of sadness followed them. Behind them strolled rows upon rows of minotaur, each bearing different colored flags. On all their faces was determination, paying the duty and respect of something unspoken. At the front was an armored one, with long hair twisted into braids. He bore scars across his brown fur, sporting a broken white horn. He looked like Asterion in a way, crimson cloak billowing behind him.

“This is them." Feku said softly, gesturing to them to the bull before giving Azzik a big hug.

Arcturus was the first to give a nervous chuckle as the bulwark of muscle stepped forward, giving them all a bow of the head out of respect. “What brings you to our humble campsite?"

“You are Arcturus Lund, Lyndis Kuxion, Crimson Sky. I am Titan." Spoke the bull with a stern demeanor, a spark of reverence in his off-blue eyes. “You were the clan that bore my son Asterion, guided him to what I've been told was a tremendous victory."

“We heard the same." Veledar spoke softly, feeling the sting of their absent companion for the first time, “We're trying to do what he would have wanted, be merry and celebrate the victory that was handed to us."

“Don't tell me, you've brought dozens of kegs and wish to do the same?" Lyndis remarked, but bit her tongue under his stoic gaze.

At his gesture, several minotaur approached with equipment held in their hands. It was Asterion's cloak, his hammer and his book of Korde. They laid them at Veledar's paws, the pair bowing out of respect.

“We gift you his things, and may you cherish them as he did." Titan said.

Veledar placed a paw on the gear, “I will keep them in my hoard, planted on a pedestal to remind myself of his deed. That each day I draw breath was one granted by him."

Titus nodded, “As do we all dragon, I am glad that in his exile, he had such strong and powerful allies to call him friend."

“Your son was a strong warrior of no equal." Arcturus said, “He ever pushed me further to greater feats, kept our spirits up and made sure we were patched up so we could fight some more. It was an honor to fight with him by my side."

Lyndis sighed, “We never saw eye to eye on the way to do battle, but he was alright in the end. If it wasn't for him we'd all be dead, so I'll be pouring more than a few out for him in honor."

“He has restored himself in our eyes." Titan added, “He, over the siege fought with a determination and honor that has not been seen in many a year in our kind. Then, he preformed a feat that would have been impossible to the best of us. For that, we shall sing songs of him until the end of time." Titan adjusted his view to the stars, as if he could see the cosmos themselves, “With any luck, the gods themselves are fighting over his soul right now, with how grand that his end was. We have come to let you know, his kin, that his name will never be forgotten, the tale of Asterion will always endure."

Titan and his entire company kneeled before them as if they all were royals. Each laid a hand upon their breast, thanking Asterion for his great deed that saved them from the depths of hell. As Veledar returned their respect they had begun to sing, deep and guttural to show their devotion to the cleric's name. Their song was in the minotaur tongue, filling the night sky with its weighty presence.

Woken by their sounds, Cordenth crawled to them in a daze. He collapsed at Lyndis' side with a sigh, a paw pulling her until she was nestled up against his chest. “Don't scare me like that." Mumbled the green dragon, closing his eyes. “I thought I lose you, Umraadi."

“Cordenth hey!" She tried to protest but was met with a tender lick. Resistance fractured, she sighed and relaxed within his grip. “Okay, but only you get to do this."

To herald this accomplishment, fireworks began to shoot up with a whistling sound across the field, exploding with a tremendous crash. In their wake came a cascade of shimmering colors, forming the shape of Asterion in the sky above. One after the other followed to honor his passing, giving no doubt on who was responsible for the light show.

Veledar held Arcturus close, giving the man a tender lick. If Florimel was listening right now he didn't care. The dragon spoke with sincerity as he gave his thanks, for not only returning his own life, but that to all the people he cared for. As cheers and claps came for the lightshow he rumbled, wishing for nothing else in this world.

Eventually the good cheer dulled, the night began to slip away. Their evening was fraught with the tales of their adventure, that would never be forgotten. Feku and Azzik gave their voice to Asterion's last days, recalling the bull with such pride that tears came to their eyes. One by one soon after, slumber began to take them, the days trials proving too much. Dreams came of what would come, of futures that had not been written. Veledar bid witness to Arcturus, a once slayer of his kind falling asleep against his chest. The dragon rumbled, not knowing what the future would hold, but knowing that he could not wait to find out what would come with the human at his side.

-The End-

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There we have it, the final chapter of the story. There however is an epilogue that I am typing up, set four years later.It's been a long journey for me, hours spent pouring over this epic tale. It's hard to believe its finally done, I hope you have enjoyed it as much as I have writing it. It has moved me so much to think people actually care about this, that Veledar and the others has touched you in some way. (Down Krotos no.) I thank you from the bottom of my heart. 

I'll continue to write and post to gilded cage until thats done. Then I believe I'm going to rewrite book 3 and get it ready for publishing. (I have the cover being worked on as I type this!) I will prob post the new revised versions when I get them, nothing major, moving stuff around, adding some plot points. More revealed about Skywing, etc.

-If you want to leave comments and share your thoughts on the series/ characters/ what I have done, feel free. I'll always be here to talk. There WILL be an epilogue if you skipped the top paragraph for some reason. :D, it takes place four years later...at a wedding...

-If you want to come chat with us and hang out, I do have a telegram, it can be found here: https://t.me/+bFP5zAI4UIWBIGX2

I have a patreon if you want to see chapters early, know what I'm working on. I do have two comics being made at the moment set various years after the story. Both are canon, one has more plot in it. (Both are NSFW). Or if you just feel like contributing to my story making, it can be found here: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=371744