Chapter 20

The next morning Nivra awoke with a pleased sigh, the night’s success still on her mind. She found herself bare, shielded from the morning’s cold by that of her love’s tender feathers and fur. His limbs were wrapped around her with passionate intent, letting her relax into his chest, it is whispering for her to remain. His eyes were closed, ears casually flicking, a perfect example of peace. Any strength to remove herself from his warmth was dashed away, replaced with the desire to spin round and hug him tight, planting a gentle kiss upon his beak. As he stirred with a gentle chirp she buried her cheek into his neck, breathing deep his earthy scent. It made her weak, heart throb, her eyes closed in content as a sense of safeness permeated around her.

“Have a pleasant night?” Came his voice, followed by a beak parted yawn.

“Think we can safely say that it was.” She caressed him, earning a gentle nuzzle. “Solving a magical conundrum in a matter of days, I think I’ve out done myself.” A smile spread to her lips, “And with that, I’m immensely pleased.”

“Think we can thank Merlia for the night then.” He chuckled, “In more ways than one.” He gestured to the empty potion that the dwarf had given him, making blood rush to the queen’s cheeks. “I don’t think I’ve heard you make such noises before.”

Cheeks blushed over the previous night’s carnal activities. They were lucky that the tower was so spacious, removed from the numerous guardians. Otherwise, they’d have gotten a front row seat to hear her sing for her beloved gryphon. When she pulled away from another kiss, her eyes were filled with playful suspicion. “Did Krotos give you a few pointers on how to best mount me?”

Black furred ears splayed, “Only a tiny bit. His family does train gryphons in that you know.”

“So I have him to thank.” She groaned as the mass of black, white and silver held her closer and serenaded her with amused trills. It however turned into tickling, forcing unflattering shrieks to leave her. She was stitched to him, held prisoner until her pleas forced her lover to cease his assault. Flushed and panting she was left, facing down an amused, cute face. She couldn’t stay mad at him, her face found a home within his chest once more, letting her relax to the sound of his heart. The siren like call of staying with him returned, if she wanted to get anything done today, she would have to separate.

“Where are you going?”

“If I were to remain, we’d stay in bed till the sun sets.” She slipped free of his clutches, letting her feet find the cold floor. “There is much to do, people to see, spells to spread. No rest for the wizards they say, and while I have the most cute distraction, I can’t allow myself to be so entertained.” She tossed her strength as he shifted.

“I suppose so.” He rolled to his back with a groan, “But spending the day with you in my arms? That sounds like a nice, lazy day.”

She swept their quarters for her things, her cheeks burning as she found robes and undergarments spread about in a disorganized fashion. Images of her kissing and getting dragged within came rushing back to her, “Oh gods. I was like a gryphon whore with how I lusted after you.”

“Not that I’d count you as one, but I did find you most alluring.” Voidwing chirped, flopping to eye the queen up and down. “Sort of like now.” He slapped her butt with a wing, “You don’t have to be embarrassed with how you feel. For when I look at you, there is nothing equal to your beauty or how you make my blood burn for your touch.” With no prompting he leaned to his side, spreading his hinds to give her an ample opportunity to look at his plump sheath and balls.

Quickly she averted her gaze with a huff as the gryphon rumbled at how long she’d lingered. “No time for such distractions Softpaws…” When he drew closer with amused coo, pressing his beak against her side she felt her resistance crumble, “Perhaps…after we distributed the spell, I can allow for such a most pleasing distraction. Then you can have…as they say, your way with me.”

Ears shot up with a trill, tail flopping to the side. “Although my love, fair warning of which you’ve invited…”

“Oh no, what salacious thing do you have in mind?” Giggled the princess as she padded her way to a dresser, gathering a fresh pair of undergarments. She slid into them, “Should I even question it?”

Voidwing freed himself from the bed, nearly flopping to the floor but catching himself at the final moments. Confidence flowed with every step as he advanced upon his love, sliding his flank alongside her as if to tease her exposed flesh with his warmth. “When this ordeal with the dead is through, I wish to take you to the theater of the nine stars. The one north in Whitedell?”

“How could I forget?” She sighed, “Our first date together. You sang for me, shy when you thought you’d somehow failed.” Cupping his chin she smiled, “But you were so cute.”

“That’s the one.” He purred, “And we can sit, watch the humans and gryphons do their plays. Maybe a bit of opera? It doesn’t matter, long as I have the sweetest girl with me. Then after you can ride upon my back as we gaze out to the multitude of stars. Little candlelight dinner…I could sing for you.”

As he drew closer, she kissed him. “We can snog by the rocks of terandar, turning into passionate love.”

“But what if we’re discovered?” He chuckled, “To find me and their queen rutting like beasts?”

“I’d think they’d be envious.”

For a moment they held each other in sway, their eyes gazing deeply into one another. But a breath came and they pressed together, her lips pressed against his beak. Arms wrapped around his head, drawing him closer, as their tongues wrestled in a most passionate embrace. The air was filled with groans and soft whimpers as their worlds narrowed to just the other. When they parted after minutes both were huffing, no doubt their blood starting to run hot.

Nivra pulled away, dusting herself off. “See? This is why I have to get the day underway.”

“Cause we’ll end up in bed?” His head tilted with an amused grin.

“Oh, you’ll say something sweet and we’ll end up rutting like beasts. Then what will we do?”

“Spend the day rutting like beasts in celebration?” He shrugged, starting to stretch like a cat might. Down, hinds spread, the bending upwards with a deep groan. All the while Nivra adorned herself in her attire, leather boots, purple robes with yellow stitching.

Words that she had memorized a thousand times came to her as eyes flicked to her spell book. She reached for it, knowing that within the coming hours she had to prepare. It was always part of the morning routine, otherwise she’d find herself with only cantrips, basic spells to confront whatever challenges the day had for her. In the corner of her eye she saw Voidwing continue to stretch, almost seductively so, as if he were trying to get her to relent and be humped into the bed.

“I can see what you’re doing soft paws.”

“Me? I was just stretching.” He replied innocently, adding a soft pumping of wings to his stretching routine. “Maybe lingering on your magnificent defeat of our dragon’s fear aura.”

“Sounds as though your pessimistic attitude of our chances has been swept away?” She smiled, “The one begging for me to leave? Pray tell, do you think we will succeed now?”

“I could be persuaded to think as such.” He caressed her butt with a talon the moment she admired herself in the mirror with the robes.

“Voidwing.” She spun into his embrace, hands caressing his feathery head, “You’re rather excited this morning.”

“Course I am, the sun is bright, the day is new, I’m alone in our quarters with an alluring specimen of a human.” The gryphon gave her a throaty purr, “I think today we might need more celebration.”

“Then I know just what breakfast we can get. I think it calls for more than summon biscuits and berries.”

His tongue stuck out as he shivered, “Anything to break from that, yes please. Will it be something I like?”

“Of that I have no doubt my gryphon. I do believe you like them, though you can be flaky on the subject.”

Feathery head tilted, his eyes widened as gears began to turn, “You don’t mean.”

“Moonbuns! Think I spotted them from a local vender the other day. True, I could summon the things, but we know how bland they taste in comparison to the real thing.”

In a series of pleased chirps and kisses, it was a miracle the future queen got any of her dressing done. As it was, they engaged in a series of kisses when she went for the door, only for her to wind up in the bed with her affectionate mate. There they were for a good portion of the next hour, celebrating in the most carnal of manners. The sounds that came from their door would have blushed even a minotaur’s cheek. By its end both emerged from the room with pleased expressions on their faces, as if they’d gotten away with some crime.

“See?” He nuzzled at her hair, “Wonderful start to the day.”

“Alright fine.” She kissed his beak, still tingling from the afterglow, “I’ll admit, I could do to wake up like that every morning.”

“Your wish is my command my love.” He replied with a grin.

Down the steps they crept, the morning light creeping through the scattered windows. How many of these were actual ones? Nivra held fast the railing, uncertain how Florimel had decided to redecorate. He’d been changing it almost every morning since their arrival. How, she wasn’t certain, but he’d of course play it off as though he was just as surprised. Flinging a fur lined cloak onto herself to add layers, she and Voidwing went to front door, or at least she hoped it still was. Waiting for them was the wizard already, all smiles.

“Early morning Florimel?” Voidwing warbled, tail flicking, “Wonderful start of the day for us.” His haunch playfully nudged at Nivra, earning him a gentle smack upon his flank.

Florimel could only beam, like a proud father. “Ah yes, I figured I would get up to sample the local cuisine as well. Harric has been bugging me about the milk, and Carric is doing nothing but shouting curses into my ears. Frankly this only validates they are trying to kill me. Honestly, I need a break from their antics.”

“A…Break from your familiars?” Nivra chortled in disbelief, “You can’t mean to-“

“Oh, they’re quite chatty.” He tapped his forehead, “Course most of the chatter is up here, day in and out, can’t get a moment of rest! Speaking of which, mind if I accompany you two?”

This would be the perfect opportunity to get Florimel to her lonesome. Perhaps ask some questions that had been hounding at her mind. To Voidwing she dragged him away, excusing herself and leaving the wizard to whistle away.

“If this is about him coming along, I don’t see no harm in it.” Voidwing chirped, “He’s weird, but I rather like him.”

“I wanted to get him alone, if you don’t mind. Ask him if he’s what I suspect.”

“A story teller?” Voidwing whispered, eyes wide and ears splayed. “Come now Nivra, you’ve said they’re children stories.”

“Yes, I know it’s silly, but think about it.” She leaned around the corner to spy the wizard, turning a watch to dust within his fingers and reforming it. No words, no hand motions, just the spell. “I’ve never seen spells like that. Think about where we found him, stranded on some grand extradimensional vault. I have to know Voidy.”

He chirped in protest, “But alone? If he is what you think, would it not be better to have me at your side?”

She sighed, “If he is what I think, it wouldn’t matter how many people I brought. He could snap them away with a finger.” Her hands found his cheeks, trying to coax him through the distain he had for her request. “Listen. If anyone comes here for messages, we’ll need you here anyway.”

“But what about Axton? Couldn’t he do that?”

“Of course he could, but its probably safer to have you here with him than to leave him alone. With the guardians going after Lumarians, I wouldn’t be surprised if they lift him as well.”

He fluffed up his feathers, voice dripping with concern, “And of yourself? You haven’t even prepared your spells today.”

“And whose fault was that?” She stroked his beak, splaying his ears. “If the guardians give us trouble, you’ve seen what the old man can do.” She laughed, “He’d probably turn them into newts or something. Really give them a tale worth telling.”

“About how they got better?”

She shrugged, “Do you trust me Softpaws?”

Voidwing shifted on his white hind, opening and closing his beak without a sound several times. His resistance might have held for anyone else, but not for her. With a sigh he caressed her tenderly, “Just be safe.”

“Of course.” She smooched his beak, breaking away to tell Florimel the good news. “More the merrier. Just Voidwing is going to stay here and watch the tower.”

“Good thinking.” Florimel stroked his beard, “Don’t worry young gryphon, I’ll get one of those buttery gryphon shaped ones for you.”

“They have them?”

“If not, I’ll make them!” He chuckled, a fur lined cloak appearing out of thin air to cover him from head to foot. With a laugh he slung an arm around Nivra as she approached, “I hear the moonbuns here are absolutely do die for….NO HARRIC I WILL NOT BE LITERALLY DYING FOR THEM, IT’S AN EXPRESSION. LEARN THE INS AND OUTS OF COMMON FOR GODS SAKE.”

The morning air was cold and crisp, icy daggers being dragged against her flesh. Nivra held fast her robes, till her knuckles turned white, thankful that beneath all these furs, onlookers might not recognize her. She’d always heard Lumara had the worst winters, but out here? She was not so certain. Out to the sunlit city her eyes did shift, having to squint to protect her from glinting light off any icy surface.

While Nivra started to descend with a tentative step, hugging her robes, Florimel was of a different mind. The old wizard was taking in deep breaths with an infectious smile, arms spread wide as he let the morning winds flutter his cloak and beard behind him.  “Come now Nivra! Let it go, feel the wind on your face! Live a little! Is this weather not wonderous?”

She scoffed and eyed the fridged spears that dangled from the snow-covered roofs, “And catch a death of a cold? You and I have various opinions on what is wonderous.”

“Suit yourself, simply means for me.”

Upon the streets many folks did tread. Races young and old, furry and those having to clutch tight their thick garments. They clung together with concerned looks, the threat of undead about their whispered speech. Nivra was practically invisible to them, another face in the crowds. It was Florimel strutting beside her whistling away that drew the gawking attention of many wolven and humans. As they passed the fourth trio of people that did a double take, the old man stroked his beard with a hint of suspicion.

“Have these people not seen an old man before? Nivra, what are the chances that they might have been infiltrated by a swarm of dopplegangers? Wouldn’t that be neat? Throw the campaign into chaos, but neat none the less.”

“I do believe that would be terrifying.” She replied as he averted his gaze, seemingly content to have the attention span of a toddler. She dragged him down an ally when he welcomed another family, loud and blusterous. “Bundling up and trying to keep a low profile don’t work when you a blustering about as you do.” She hissed.

“I never agreed to that!” He replied in a huff, “If that were the case, I’m certain I’d not have-“

“Didn’t you think your cats were trying to kill you?”

“Harric and Carric?” He asked, before chuckling to himself “Course, course, minds so full of things, it often wonders.”

For a moment she was dumbstruck, this was the man she thought to be a storyteller? She shook her head with a groan, praying that this was still all an act. She pulled him from alley to alley, careful to not be seen by too many people. When they’d hidden down their fourth ally, devoid of people, she decided to ask her questions. She had to know, “Florimel, question, why do you stick around in such times? No one is keeping you here, binding your hands. You’re free to go whenever you fancy.”

“Course I could, but where is the fun in that? Waking up and wondering where you are and who you’ll meet is half the fun! My, if you pulled your nose out of a book and relaxed, you’d see all that this world has to offer!”

She rolled her eyes, he was starting to sound more like the druids of the wood elven territory, or like Fremra. “You’re quite the free spirit for a wizard.”

“Well learned my dear. Besides, one can read about people and places from charts and figures, but real life is so much more beautiful!” He took a deep breath, “They breath, they tumble about, fall in love! They get hurt, sing! All beautiful structures in a chaos sort of way.”

 “Sure you’re not Fremra in disguise, pulling my leg?”

“If I were, that would be most amusing! How would I even fit into these clothes?” He turned to her with a raised brow, “Why do you say that?”

“You and her, seem to share an amount of…silliness about them.”

“Ah, so you’re saying she’s copying me.” He swelled his chest, nose high, “They do say flattery is the highest form of praise! Though it boggles the mind why, see I fixed her harp for her the other day. I know she claimed to not be cross, but I could see it in the way she flicked her tail! That girl is very vengeful.”

“Her? Revenge? Now you’re sounding mad.”

“Madder than the princess looking to better her nation?” He chuckled, a twinkle in his eye, “Or the paladin that tossed everything away for a dragon? For a dragon that found a greater treasure, finally overcoming his insecurities and being what inspired him? Perhaps the warrior that sought to seek redemption and managed to find it. There is madness in all of what we do. It just takes the brave to see that madness to an end.” He paused for a moment to gaze across the street, an aura of seriousness setting about him. With a breath the mage was gone, replaced with a stoic visage, “If only the others could see. Think of this as living and breathing, instead of facts, figures and ink upon a page.”

“Are you a storyteller?” She blurted out without meaning, cheeks blushing as he lent her a wandering eye. “Oh, curses I said that aloud. Look, you do the most bizarre magic that I’ve ever seen. You hardly move your hands at times, don’t say the words. We found you in a magical vault, and it’s been one mystery after the other. Or you’re a crazed old man that doesn’t know what he’s doing.”

There was silence for a moment as the wind swept through their alley. Not a soul was around as Florimel’s gaze flicked from her to their surroundings. With a breath he stood tall, arms folded behind him, a power came to his eyes. One not of this plane, but ancient, before time, it settled it’s sight upon her. His answer almost made her jaw go slack, “Clever one of you to suspect such a thing. Most wouldn’t believe in children’s stories.”

“You’re pulling my leg, surely.” She tried to play off his admission as a joke, yet he stood resolute, “Or you’re not.”

“I’m not. Does that frighten you?”

“I’ll admit, it’s strange to just hear the blatant admission. If you were anyone else, I’d suspect this was an act to swindle me.” She shook her head, still trying to wrap her head around it, “Your people were said to do whatever they wished at the blink of an eye. That your powers were greater than the gods themselves, given to them when you brought them here.” It was hard to stop herself from trembling, choosing to instead hold tight her staff. “Why the old man act?”

“You don’t like it?” He rubbed his beard, “Unfortunate, most seem too rather like it.”

So many questions rattled inside her head as she began to pace. How could one prepare themselves for this moment? Clerics claimed to be able to speak with the gods but offered little proof. Yet here, was someone that helped the gods create this very plane. Dozens of books and theories came running faster than she could speak to them, a childish glee twisting through her. Yet she calmed herself with a breath, “Can you help us?”

“No.”

How could that be? “No?”

“That is what I said.”

“But you can do anything! Be anyone, do whatever you wished.” He nodded to each word, “You could snap away this army in the blink of an eye. Turn Dreadflame into a newt!”

“True, all of that I could do. But that is against the rules of which we put in place.” He laid a hand upon the alley wall, sighing as he caressed the stone, “We gave this world to you and your gods. We are but observers, cataloguing every precious moment that has transpired. From a little mouse crawling from its den to the mighty dragons still clinging to this world. Spread before us is the hopes and dreams of so many wonderous peoples. Their wars, their sacrifices, defeats, and triumphs. If we were to interfere it would ruin this beauty, ruin their meaning. In the end you must succeed or fail on your own merits, not ours.”

“Then why help me with the spell?” She countered, “That seems rather interfering, casting the fear and seeding the inspiration.”

“Was that though?” He chuckled, gesturing for her to follow, “I do believe you just needed a little…nudge in the right direction.”

With the obvious question out of the way, and his refusal, her heart darkened. “Do you know what will happen to this place? What fate will befall my allies?” At first, he didn’t respond.

“We gave that up a long while ago.” He replied grimly, “It makes it rather dull when you can see everything that happens.”

“Don’t insult me, I know the dragon which calls himself the Emperor, he can predict the-“

To her he frowned, “Yes, but we also gave a being he could not predict. One placed near the end of his little crusade, the slightest bit of chaos, unraveling all his plans and schemes. To see what would prevail, his vile nature or the goodness that dwells within this world.”

She paused, “To you, we are like a play. We dance and sing for your enjoyment, while those around suffer and die. I must implore you again to-“

“I wont any more than I have.” He sighed, caressing his hood. “Soon the hour will fall where you will be tested. When the shadow of Tiamat’s wings will grip this city in darkness and despair. Look for the light within each of you, hold it swift, never relinquish your grip. For only that will give you the strength to hold onto what you hold dear.”

Nivra growled, “Is your name even Florimel?”

“Of all the stories and lies that I’ve told, that wasn’t one of them.”

Tighten did her brow as she beheld this mythical figure, resembling more as an apathetic researcher. “Then Florimel, it would appear as though we have little more to discuss. You refuse to help myself, my kinsman, and that of my friends. I see no more use for you to continue this charade, I will not stand here dancing for your amusement. If you have any respect for myself and the others, begone.”

“Very well, my dear, but know, I’m routing for Veledar and the others. They are precious to me.” With a gentle nod and wink he disappeared, all in a shower of snow. “Just make it a story worth remembering.”

She was left, staring at empty air, blinking. Had she just imagined his company? After a few steps the reality sunk in. That had been one of the rarest moments in all of history, she’d stood next to a Storyteller, or at least one mage gone mad enough to think himself as one. Eyes widened. She’d scolded him and insisted that he leave. Cupping her lips, thoughts racing, she carried on with her errand in silence. She just hoped that she’d not gone and made a terrible mistake.

** ** ** ** **

Still recovering from her crisis, Nivra found her way into the market square. It was rife with life, despite the looming threat of undead within their borders. Folks of different races from wolven, elf and dwarf rummaged around through the many different shops still offering freshly baked bread and pastries. Their smells wafted through the air, of berries, cinnamon, powdered sugar, it made the young princess’ mouth water at the prospect. Distant chimes could be heard just above the dull roar of conversation and wagon wheel clacks, marking the start of the next hour.

Spying the sign of a place she’d found earlier that week, Nivra slipped inside with no trouble. It was a diminutive place hidden a few streets off the main clear area, with a tiny sign of a smiling teal dragon in the window. Inside it was well lit, bursting with so many smells that the young mage nearly collapsed, no doubt to start shoving the wall-to-wall pastries in her pockets.

Her head swiveled over the golden-brown confections of different shapes and fruits slathered on them. Sauces of drugan root, bread of futargan leaf, even a crème puff in the shape of a dragon (with blueberry eyes) caught her eye. Of course, she was going to get them, reward the others for all the trouble they’d endured this far. She padded her way to where the lead baker was, a female wolven with auburn fur, dirtied with flour. Clad in an apron equally as dirty, the woman smiled and waved to her, ears perked.

“Oh, there you were. Was wondering when I was to be seeing you again.”

“I’m just surprised you haven’t left yet.” She did her best to conceal her Lumarian accent, best not ruin this wolven’s good nature.

“Oh, you know us, have to take this place from our cold dead fingers.” The wolf growled playfully, gesturing to a spear that rested against the far wall, just barely in sight. “Figure I still know how to jab away with that. Husband by my side? I feel bad for the damned zombies!”

To have the spirits of this woman. Though perhaps this was the spirit that got them all in the trouble to begin with. Nivra smiled and gestured to the things that she wanted as she procured a bamboo box in which to store it all. She made a point to gesture to at least four moonbuns, buttered, puffy bread in the shape of a crescent. Her stomach growled, earning a knowing smile from this furred woman. The queen blushed, “Haven’t had a real breakfast for awhile now. Trust me, this will be a delight.”

“You honor me miss. Sure, about this one?” She waggled the creme puff dragon, “It’s awfully sweet.”

She nodded as the woman placed it inside, closing the box and wrapping it with an aquamarine bow. Outside she caught sight of numerous people huddled close, walking by loudly speaking about some sort of excitement. She must have shown a bit of interest, cause the wolven was chuckling.

It was then that a duo of customers did enter. An elven woman with olive skin, clad only in a thin layer of leathers and furs. At her side was Alonso of the ruby guardians, a thick cloak about him that seemed to add another inch to his frame. The elven woman found Nivra and strode forth with purpose, greeting the wolven woman with a wave.

For a moment Nivra was confused about this woman, before recognizing who it was. “Fremra?” She asked as the woman came to her.

“So, you like this place as well?” She mused, as the wolven got for her the regular. “Here you’ve gone and done me a favor, I thought we were going to have to chase you down all morning!”

She doubted that very much. The dragoness seemed to have a clever knack of knowing what was going on within the city’s walls. While her mind still lingered upon Florimel, what to say to the others, she told Fremra about their testing with the magical spell. “We just need a way to mass produce it’s affects to the others. We’ll need a list of things, but importantly, a great big golden bowl for every cast.”

“Oh delightful. Though that is not why we’re here.” Her laugh did turn stern as she gestured to Alonso. “Our brave knight here has chosen his side.”

The knight bowed his head. “Excuse me your majesty. I know that your people and mine have not shared many things. That others will call you demon or blood thirsty bitch. I’ve seen the corruption within our ranks, bore witness to Arcturus’ deeds and seen the lies they wish to impose upon him. I can’t allow them to get away with what they’ve done. The trial of which they speak, the one to hold you accountable? They are going to be having it within the next few hours.”

“Then we need to get back to the tower.”

“Agreed.” Fremra nodded, “Just let me go gather some things, I’ll meet up with you later.”

** ** ** ** ** ** **

Without arguing, Nivra snatched her purchases and practically raced out the shop, Fremra and Alonso on her heels. Having the trial already? Clearly someone in the guardians had caught wind of their schemes, deciding to move up this sham of a judicial process. With what speed she could muster she marched her way back to the wizard’s tower. If she was going to be any use at all for the day, she had spells to memorize and commit to memory. Already her mind was ablaze with brief teleporting spells, fireballs, fog clouds, dozens of others to be used in utility of what might turn into a daring rescue. Up the steps of the tower, she slammed open the door, stomping her way back into their quarters and tossing the box of breakfast assortments onto one of the tables. It was then that she noticed, the others were having some sort of meeting.

Veledar was proud in center in the middle of the room, taking up almost the entirety of it with his true size. He was sitting on his hinds, a piece of chalk in hand, having found or summoned up a chalkboard that he’d proceeded to draw all sorts of lines and letters upon. He was hissing and spouting out a plan to Krotos, Merlia and Voidwing, who looked all rather pleased with themselves. The board was a tangled mess of lines, circles and crossed marks.

“Alright, they have Arcturus along one of these narrow channels, the Lumarians at this here spot below the port. There are several other spots, but this is the most likely.” Veledar tapped an X with a circle around it, “Its going to take all our skill and magical might to overcome these fools. Krotos, do you still have your clothing from ladies’ night at the bar?”

“Course I do.” The gryphon chirped, fluffing up his feathers, “Why would I not keep something that freeing and attractive.”

“You kept the drag from that night?” Merlia burst out laughing, “You know by ladies’ night they didn’t mean you had to be a lady you know!”

“Still doesn’t change how marvelous I looked in it.” Snapped the blue gryphon.

The dragon rumbled, frills fluttering in delight, “Then we can use that. You can seduce the guards so that we might slip inside without raising the alarm. Once inside I’ll put to sleep any directly within, find one of them and get into a round of aggressive negotiations.”

“What if they are not into gryphons.” Voidwing raised his wing.

“Oh, come now lad, don’t be daft, everyone is into gryphons.” Merlia chuckled, joined by Krotos’ nod of approval.

“No, he’s right.” Veledar grumbled, adding a few squiggly lines to his plan, “If the guards are not into it, we’ll need you to create a distraction.”

“Kick em in the balls.” Merlia smirked, “Always works for me, but ya got to make sure ya do it the ole dwarven way.”

“What’s the dwarven way?” Voidwing tilted his head, only getting a mischievous grin.

“Really, really hard lad. Like a two headed tox wiggler has got ye leg.”

Veledar jabbed at the board, “Right, with the guards either seduced or clutching their balls, we can barge our way through. Sleep those within and interrogate-“

“What if the sleep spell fails.” Krotos added, making the dragon growl and thump his tail.

“Then we’ll have to do something that Asterion wishes he would be here for. We’ll hit them so hard and fast, they’ll never see us coming.” He growled and cut off Krotos as the gryphon went to wink, “No.”

“Oh, come on, that was an easy one!”

Merlia just thumped her chest, “Hah! Been itching for a fight anyway. Don’t get me wrong, seducing, kicking in the balls be great, but nothin compares to pounded a man’s face in with me fists or arrows. Dese guardians be hitting us where the sun don’t shine for a few days now, bout time we clap their cheeks back.”

“While I appreciate the enthusiasm.” Warned the dragon with a growl. “No killing.”

“Why the hell not?”

The dragon rolled his eyes, “Though I know they probably deserve it, I’d rather not hear the lecture that Arcturus will lay upon me. Trust me, I love the man, but I’d rather devour a whole bowl of dragonbane.”

The dwarf crossed her arms, in a huff. “By thunder, you lot take all the fun out of it.”

“You can always just shoot them in the knee with your arrows.” Voidwing said sweetly with a smile, causing it to spread to the trying to look angry dwarf.

“Damn’t gryphon you be right. Their knees are going to get penetrated ever the harder!”

“Do whatever you want, just no killing.” Growled Veledar, “Arcturus says most of them are on our side, it’s just a select few ruling over them.”

Alonso cleared his throat, “Of that I can concur.” In a series of gasps, squawks and flared frills, the ruby guardian had four sets of narrowed, suspicious eyes upon him. “I take it my presence isn’t welcome?”

“You can say that lad.” Merlia growled, holding tight her bow, “Better get ta speakin before I turn yer knees to pincushions. Or the boys have their way with ya.” She tossed her hair and gestured to Krotos, who merely gave a warning squawk.

“Calm down, Alonso means no harm.” Nivra interrupted, “He is on our side.”

“Alonso?” Veledar hissed, eyes never straying from the man. “You promised to protect my mate, and yet he was tortured in your people’s care.”

The knight seemed aghast as the dragon advanced upon him, color draining from his face. “They have? That did not reach my ears!”

“Lies!” The dragon’s nostrils flared as he towered above, “I should make you experience what he’s endured.”

“Hold on.” Nivra was between them, hand on the dragon’s chest. She stared him down, “How are you sure Arcturus was tortured?”

The dragon scoffed, “Just a bit of bond stuff, keep up Nivra.”

“Alright, you can’t just say bond stuff and expect me to get it.”

“It’s really not that hard to grasp Nivra. Thanks to our connection I can communicate mentally with him.”

“Oh.” She blinked, that would be handy of a trick. “Could you help communicate with him now?”

“I can’t.” He growled, “It requires a great deal of focus. One that I can’t achieve on my own.”

“And drugs.” Krotos chirped, “Lots and lots of drugs. Ones that make him vomit.”

Veledar thumped his tail with a hiss, “And keep talking about my embarrassment and I’ll make sure the next time I vomit, it shall be upon your feathers.”

“I’d like to see you try!”

The princess shook her head and announced that she brought breakfast for them. What was supposed to be a great morning was already a headache. Snatching a moonbun she tossed herself into one of the couches, pouring herself a cup of morning coffee. It stilled the mind as the others gobbled away at their chosen treats, even Alonso accepted the offerings without question. He ate alone however, none willing to draw to close to the ruby guardian. Nivra chewed away, wondering how she would tell them. Would any even believe she’d met a god?

“Hey, this is surprisingly delightful!” Veledar warbled, ripping into the cremepuff and spilling white crème all over the floor. “The heads a bit off though, the tail is the wrong shape. Delicious though!”

“Hey, where is Florimel?” Voidwing placed himself down beside her, munching upon one of the golden moonbuns. His ears splayed as she tried to figure out what to tell, how to not sound positively mad. “Did he finally leave?”

“Yes.” She breathed hard, resting a hand upon his neck. “Better places to be, greater sights to see.”

“Course, he be smart lass.” Merlia scoffed, kicking up her feet. “Though I don’t know if we’re better off without the fool.”

“He was a storyteller.”

The room went silent, breathing stopped. Not a soul took another bite as they glanced to her as though she were mad. Cheeks blushed; the princess squirmed.

“Look, I’m not mad.”

“You just sound mad.” Veledar clicked his tongue, “It’s totally different.”

“You’re mocking me!”

“No one’s mocking you Nivra.” Krotos chirped, “If you say you saw a child’s story character, who am I do judge if you’re completely sane or not.”

“Alright the lot of you, I’m not crazy.” She furrowed her brow, searching all over their faces. “The crazed man was an act. You’ve seen his power, what he could do! How it went against everything I know about magic! Look me in the eye and say you didn’t think something was off about him? So why not this? In the end it doesn’t matter, he went and popped off without us, insisting we live or die by our own merits.” She was clenching her fists; her voice had risen. When had she stood up? With a sigh she sat down upon Voidwing, finding comfort in his embrace and kind chirp. “I may have made the mistake and told him to depart. I didn’t think he’d actually listen.”

With the knowledge came murmuring and questions between the gryphons and the dwarf. Was she telling the truth? Did it matter? Veledar was having none of it. The dragon got their attention with a snarl, thumping his tail so hard upon the wood that several vials slipped their holders and shattered against the floor.

“I don’t care if Nivra went and found Bahamut herself. Even if this Florimel was a storyteller, it doesn’t help us at all. Arcturus and the others are held captive, of which we must go back to our plan if we wish to rescue him and the others tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow?” Alonso perked up, “You won’t have until then.”

“Of course, we do.” Scoffed the Dragon. “Arcturus already told me all of what your people have in store. Force a confession out of him that Nivra was to blame for everything.”

She’d forgotten in all the silliness. As Alonso explained his information came from a fellow wolven guardian, she raced to snatch her spellbook.

The dragon’s eyes widened in horror, his frills pinning to his snout. “You mean to tell me, the plan that I’ve been going over for the past few hours before coming here was a waste of time?”

“That’s what it sounds like lad.” Merlia replied, taking another bite of her moonbun. She snorted as the dragon snarled, knocking over his chalkboard with flaring nostrils.

“Then it would appear as though our brilliant plan was all for naught.”

“I’m proud of you lad! You said ours!”

“Oh gods, I’m being corrupted. Help, I’m sharing credit now.” The dragon growled and shook his head, “Then we can’t wait. I hate to say this, but we have to act now. Damned these guardians and showing no respect for any draconic aided plans.”

“Eh, I like improvising anyway.” Merlia scoffed, accompanying Veledar to the door, tossing her bow over her back.

“What are the lot of you doing?” Nivra yelled.

“Leaving to go rescue Arcturus from his blackmail.” Huffed Veledar, swishing his tail, “Have you been listening? We cannot wait, grab your cloak and let’s go.”

“Oh, it can certainly wait, and it should!” She thrust a finger to her spell book. “I have spells to prepare, give me an hour to get ready and we can depart for whatever sneaky plan you have brewing between your horns.”

“Oh, I believe the time for sneaking around is finished. I’m going to blast my way into that place, like I should have done before.” Veledar clenched his paw, eyes narrowed, “And none shall keep my Umraadi from me this day.” As Alonso gulped the dragon groaned, waggling a wing, “We’ll try to not kill anyone.”

“And I’ll go to the where the trial is being held.”

“What?” His frills were fluttering as he snapped to her, the others sharing the same sentiment.

“Lass, you can’t be solving this with words!” Merlia thumped her fist on her knee, “That’s these bastard’s alley! We got to hit them where it hurts!”

“Like right between the legs!” Krotos added.

Nivra rolled her eyes, “Yes but I’m sure there is a reason that I’m not being called upon to attend. I imagine whatever evidence they have against me can be waved away with my talents. I will ensure that will happen.”

“And…What about the captives?” Voidwing asked, tilting his head, “They mentioned they were holding them hostage.”

“I do believe that’s where you come in?” Nivra smirked, arms crossed as looks of ill intent spread about them all. “You make sure that they have no captives.”

Veledar warbled, “Then get ready my minions. It would appear we have a party to crash.”

“I don’t think their actions count as a form of entertainment.” Merlia remarked.

He smirked, “Ah, but seeing them fail will be oh so entertaining to me.”