Chapter 13

Night swallowed the city, bringing an ominous darkness as gargantuan clouds gathered overhead. With thunder to shake the very land and cobblestone beneath, the sky itself seemed to open, letting forth a torrential downpour upon Entis below. Lightning crackled and sizzled through the air, a warning for those with wings or airships to seek shelter and wait for it to pass. People down below in the streets found solace under roofs, extended balconies, even the wings of friends as they hastened their path to drier dwellings. Mana lanterns hung about, their golden lights reflecting in the pool that began to gather.

Within Gus’ stables, wooden sword in hand, Arcturus maneuvered across the hay covered floor, illuminated by mana lanterns in the rafters. Sweat dripped across his brow as he clashed weapons with Asterion, a more than capable warrior. Muscles gave a dull ache after going through such rigorous practice, they’d already lifted weights, stretched, and sparred. Such was the way of staying in form, maintaining his prowess. The others had asked him to join a game of cards, but he was never quite good at the game, besides, Asterion was more than willing to test his mettle.

Back and forth they went, a dance of missed swings and clacking of wood. Arcturus knew he was to get a few bruises from the Bull’s powerful strikes, treating the training weapon as though it were a club. Their latest clash kicked up hay to the sound of their grunts intermixed with the scuffle of boot and hoof. The knight pushed Asterion back, nearly knocking over the table the others had gathered cards and coins upon.

“Look where ya going, ya muscle bound twats!” Merlia shook her fist, as Asterion shrugged off his fall, leaping back to push Arcturus away. “Did ya mistake your weapons for brooms when I wasn’t looking?! I’ve seen more grace in a clumsy drunken piper!”

“You waste your time with games of chance. You’re welcome to test yourself against me.” Asterion snorted, smacking aside Arcturus’ blade, “I’d relish the chance to crush a follower of Thor.” His gaze hardened to the weapon in hand, “Even if we use children’s toys.”

“Hey, don’t you go peeking, I saw that!”  Gus barked, swatting Krotos on his yellow beak, getting it clacked in his face in return.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” The gryphon squawked, pulling back, ears stitched to his neck, “Perhaps your eyes are playing tricks on you?”

“Don’t you dare start with that; my eyes are fine; you’re just upset you got caught cheating.”

The catbird sighed with a roll of his eyes, his feathers ruffling as he gave an indignant chirp, “Here I thought it was going to be a fun game of cards, yet again I sit, disappointed.”

“God’s damn it, for the last time Krotos, you can’t play strip poker if you’re naked!”

“Sure, I can.” The gryphon protested, swelling his chest, “I can just get into more seductive poses as we go.”

Gus jammed his finger to the bird’s beak, “You’ll just lose on purpose to tease us all.”

“And where do you end up, legs spread in invitation or butt raised in the air?” Merlia chuckled as the gryphon gave her a salacious coo.

“Maybe you can find out if we play sweet hen.”

Asterion made his move, Arcturus maneuvered out of his savage strike, passing by him, and slapping the minotaur upon his shoulder and thigh. “Looks as though you have to stay vigilant mister Asterion.”

The minotaur wheeled about, brandishing his weapon with a heavy snort. “We should be using real weapons; these are blunt and useless. How can you expect to properly gage my abilities?”

“Real weapons? Do you wish to be cut up that badly?”

“It’s how they get off!” Merlia laughed, “Nothin gets a mino harder than spilling blood, even if it be their own!”

“What a shame.” Krotos shook his head, “Who would pick fighting and being wounded over pleasure? So sad.”

The other’s words fell upon Asterion’s deaf ears as he levied a hardened stare Arcturus’ way, “Back in the Empire of Minos, it is the only way do things. The scars and wounds are a better teacher than most.”

“Sounds brutal, how do you have any fighters left?” Replied Arcturus, adopting a defensive stance as the cleric charged right at him. It took all the paladin’s strength to deflect the minotaur’s own. Asterion became a chaotic whirlwind of strikes, each with the might of his people behind them. Arcturus ducked, weaved and maneuvered; each blow that missed struck the wall with a deafening clack. He was pushed back to the wall, facing down the towering wall of muscle and fur.

“Looks like he’s got ya on the run there Arcturus! I expected more from a paladin!” Gus cackled, moving his hand away from Krotos’ eyes.

Arcturus grunted as he continued his defense, unable to get an opening on the dervish that was Asterion. On his last attack, the bull countered, swatting the blade with a harsh grunt. He miscalculated the amount of strength, wrenching the knight’s blade from his grasp. It clattered to the floor as Asterion raised the tip of his own to Arcturus’ throat.

The bull wore a confident grin, “You are bested. Now retrieve you blade so we can go again.”

He retrieved the blade from the ground and reset himself, composing himself with a breath. Such defeats didn’t linger upon his mind, this was the point of training, to better oneself, never be complacent with your abilities, always improve. Such activities were good for clearing the mind, especially on a day like this with him visiting his families’ graves. The paladin’s thoughts drifted to that heart-weakening place, a cold creeping in with his next few breaths. Though the dragon had been there to pick up the pieces as Arcturus broke, he couldn’t help but think of the time prior when it appeared the dragon had been flirting with him.

Had he been flirting? It was hard to tell between simple teasing and jokes with the beast, ever since they met, he’d been doing these sorts of jests. But in that moment, for a fraction of a time, Arcturus thought he’d experienced all that melting away, honesty in the dragon’s words. But how could that be? How could Veledar be attracted to him, a Lund of all people? His cheeks flushed as he remembered the intense desire and attraction that had spread through his veins like wildfire, making his breath weak.

“How about we train the real way?” Asterion narrowed his gaze, cutting through the man’s thoughts. He plucked an arming sword still within its scabbard from the wall, tossing it to Arcturus, “Or are you weak?”

The knight grits his teeth as he caught the leather clad weapon, “I said it before, you’re mad.”

“Don’t worry human, I won’t harm you too badly.” Asterion thumped this chest, “Our magics can heal any wound we receive, even if I were to take your eye, I could restore it.”

He pulled the weapon from its scabbard with a hiss, good, that meant he didn’t have to hold back. If Asterion wanted to see him fight, then he was going to get it.

“Does that quell your fear?”

“I’m not afraid.”

A pleased grim spread across the horned minotaur’s muzzle, “Excellent. Let us begin.”

They started to circle one another, steel winking in the lantern light as muscles prepared to come to life once more. Krotos cheered at his first victory of the night, but it was lost to the pounding of the knight’s heart in his ear. He wondered when the bull would make his first move, “We fought creatures larger than you in Rothdell.”

“With a team at your side perhaps. Strength in numbers, weak alone, have you ever choked out a wild saber beast? Have you experienced its poisonous claws as it grasped on for life? Have you watched its eyes fade as it died?”

“You waste your time with talk.” Arcturus was the first to engage, advancing forward, his strikes matched by the cleric’s own. The air filled with the clash of steel.

Nerves on edge, breaths quickened as instinct took its hold. Arcturus made his way through these strikes with practiced ease, keeping the bull at arm’s length. Quick footwork and a keen eye were able to predict strikes before they landed. He repaid several slashes with his own, glancing the bull on his shoulder, painting the floor in blood.

“Where be the dragon anyway?” Merlia scoffed, tossing in her hand as Gus laughed, “I have the luck of a black cat dancing under a ladder, I could use someone to beat.” She shook her head before giving Arcturus a knowing grin, “Bet Arcturus would like that.”

“Why is that?” Krotos perked up with a squawk, gathering coins with a sweep of his forearm.

“He’s back up in Lyndis’ room, she felt sorry for the poor thing, guess he was whining about sleeping in the basement.” Gus sighed, “Even after we gave him a dozen blankets and pillows.”

“Oooo, what a poor baby.” The ranger’s reply came, dripping with condescension, “Seems to be mopey about something.”

“He can be depressed?” Krotos fluffed his teal tipped wings, “Someone should give him a big hug.”

Gus gave the catbird a knowing look, “A normal hug Krotos.”

“Of course, a normal hug, what did you think I meant?”

“Knowing you, dozens of things.”

Veledar was moping? Arcturus grimaced as Asterion had not been slowed down by his strike, instead it only invigorated the warrior, filled him with strength. As he navigated the barn, he was once more on the defensive, only able to evade or deflect the cleric’s strikes. Still, thoughts of the dragon would not leave him be, had what he said truly wounded the prideful beast? Did this not stand as more evidence that the beast was truthful?

As they continued their sparring, more and more did he focused on that crimson snout, scales that pressed ever close when they stargazed into the night. How the stories they shared made him smile, the days ever brighter with him by his side. His head fluttered at the confidence that had been displayed in the dragon’s words, wishing to find something more with him. That overpowering sensation was intoxication, attractive, wrapping around his thoughts and not wishing to let go. Part of him wished to be consumed by it, hold the dragon close and never let go. It made his knees weak; what was he considering?

“Grah!”

The minotaur landed more than a glancing blow, cutting a gash along the man’s leg.

“Victory is mine!” Shouted Asterion as Arcturus fell back, managing to not collapse to the floor. Hands on his hips, the bull gave him an amused snort, “It is not wise to be distracted in combat Arcturus. You should do your best to focus on your blood, your opponent’s movements, the thrill of death waiting for you or your foe.”

“I wasn’t!” Arcturus winced, propping himself onto a bale of hay, his flesh was torn, bright crimson rivers gushing down his trousers.

“Arcturus are ya alright?” Merlia shot up, grabbing her bow.

“Fine.” He ignored the tattered flesh, “Asterion got a good hit in was all.”

She gazed at the wound, brow furrowed as fire swelled in her emerald gaze, “What in the nine hells ya blundering oaf. How could ya do that to you him? Looks like you got all the skill of a blindfolded troll trying to thread a needle! Watch yer aim you daft bastard.”

Asterion scoffed, “Stow your mewling girl, we were training, just the minotaur way. He will live and will become stronger for it.”

With a deep breath, Arcturus focused upon his magic within, the one he’d shown to save Veledar’s life back upon the mountain. He pictured his flesh knitting together and the warmth that came from his very depths spreading out to his fingertips. He closed his eyes and willed it to happen, but nothing came. Fingers caressed the edge of the wound, no spark, no light, warmth did not swell, there was nothing but piercing pain. “What in the blazes?” he muttered under his breath.

“Having problems?” Asterion asked, kneeling at the man’s side, resting a hand on his thigh.

“A bit.” Grimaced Arcturus.

“Sit still, your mind is still clouded, weighing you down. You must clear your thoughts before casting such magic, or else, you’ll fail here as you did in combat.”

“Thanks for the reminder.” He grunted as the bull spoke a few words of power.

Golden lights swelled forth from the cleric’s palms, ribbons of magic, twisting and caressing every digit as if it had a mind of its own. Upon touching the man’s rent flesh, the bull’s will was forced upon it, causing it to quiver and tremble, yield in the face of such a command. Pain was dulled, blood staunched its flow as a comforting warmth spread from the cleric’s fingers. Tattered flesh began to grow towards one another, closing the distance until both sides met, erasing what damage had been done. In a matter of breaths, all that remained of the exchange was a cut pair of trousers.

“You are restored.” Asterion said flatly, tapping one of his horns.

“You have my thanks.” Replied Arcturus with a sigh, “Though now I might require a tailor.”

The cleric merely sighed, extending a hand, “Give them to me.”

“Excuse me?” Arcturus’ brow rose.

“I am skilled at mending cloth as well as flesh.”

Such a craft in the hands of a minotaur? One that made their life all about battle and shows of strength? Arcturus had to admit, this was the last place he’d expect such a skill. His disbelief must have been clear on his face cause the cleric continued.

“My favorite things to make are scarves, hats, mittens and sweaters.”

Merlia burst out laughing, “Do ya like making dresses too? With all of them frilly bits?” She proceeded to pose as though she was trying on a dress, “Oooo, big muscley bull man, running through a field of flowers, dress flapping in the wind.” She lowered her voice, placed a hand on her hip and ran the other through her fiery hair, “Oh Korde, does this dress make me look fat? Does it match me wee stockings?” As the bull levied upon her a death glare, the dwarf could only laugh harder.

“Laugh it up dwarf, when next you need of my hands, you shall find yourself without.”

“Right.” She took a sip from her flask, “I’ll get right on that if I get a hole in me sock.”

Arcturus blinked, as the minotaur knelt beside him. “You’re not in jest, are you?”

“I do not jest.” Snorted the bull, rifling through his pouches for a needle and string. “It is a fine skill to have.”

“Same with myself and painting.” He replied, reminded of all the times fellow knights and soldiers wondered why he practiced on the lands they visited. “It comes in handy when I feel the spark to create pictures.” Undoing his boots, he easily slid off his trousers. Cheeks flashed crimson as the gryphon snapped at him, a catcall escaping his beak.

“Now, this is what I was talking about!” Teal tipped crown feathers rose as his tuft tail thumped the floor, “Way to go Arcturus, let’s get this party started! Gus, you never told me about this side of him!”

Gus laughed nervously, rubbing the back of his neck with a smile, “You think this is bad, I think I caught him and Skywing- “He gulped as Arcturus shot him a glare, “Well, perhaps another time.”

“Oh, come on, you can’t leave it like that!” Groaned the catbird, sliding a wing around the man’s shoulder. “Listen here, we’re bonded now as rider and gryphon, that means we share secrets, our deepest ones that we would never tell anyone else.” His talon came to rest on Gus’ chest, cheek joining next, he gave the man an innocent blink of the eyes, one meant to destroy anyone’s resistance, “Please?”

He tapped the gryphon’s beak with a knuckle, “Close, but you won’t seduce me like that again.”

“Always a catch!” Krotos dramatically flopped to the ground, back of his hand on his forehead, “And here I thought were family now!” Tail feathers fluttered as he proceeded to give a fake whimper, “Now I’m going to die.”

Merlia ran her fingers on the table, “Quite the drama queen, isn’t ya?”

He rolled his eyes, “If you’re going to make this hard you could at least promise a delightful climax.”

“No promises.” Gus chortled, going back to his hand, “Now get back up here so I can go back to beating your backside.”

“And he says I’m the lewd one.”

“Oh, you know what I meant.” He rolled his eyes, caressing the gryphon’s feathery neck when he rose to sit on his haunches.

“Maybe.” His eyes flicked to Arcturus, “Spill the beans, what did you do with Skywing?”

Asterion, looked up from his delicate work with a roar, “Gryphon shut your screeching hole! Can you not think about the dagger between your legs for even a moment?”

The gryphon’s ears splayed as he avoided the warrior’s gaze, but under his breath he muttered, “It’s at least a claymore.”

Merlia burst out laughing, nearly falling out of her chair.

Eventually the minotaur completed his work with a huff, tossing the trousers into Arcturus’ lap. He stood, giving Merlia a final glare before marching his way to the door. “Gus, I have need of you. Defeating our paladin and stitching his trousers is hungry work. Accompany me to the larder.”

The guard pat his belly, getting a dull rumble, “I suppose I could get something to eat as well. Think I’m done taking money from Krotos anyway.”

“It’s just not my lucky night.” The gryphon’s ears pinned, nipping the man on his sleeve.

“For that, you’ll be lucky if you get your evening massage.”

“Hah, you’d never hold that back.” The gryphon ruffled the feathers on his chest with a fore talon, “You love sliding your fingers through them, scratching my chest, tickling my ears, rubbing my flank.” He warbled in amusement as the guard scoffed and slammed the stable door, “He’s going to tend to me later.”

Pride wasn’t the only thing wounded as Arcturus fished through his bags for his book of spells. While Merlia and Krotos traded some amusing anecdotes from their kin, the paladin was busy at work trying to figure out what he’d done wrong. He opened the page that detailed the lay on hands, the ability that he’d saved Veledar’s life with, he’d performed it before without even knowing how to do it. How could it work then when he was ignorant but not now? His brow stitched together as his eyes lingered on the runes, taking note of the sketch of a hand with fingers spread wide.

Focus on the healing, picture it in your mind, feel the magic flow through you. This was what the passage was talking about, but he’d done all that! He rubbed his forehead, gritting his teeth, how could he come all the way here and have his powers failing him? As a pit formed in his stomach, he could only think of Veledar, currently sulking in Lyndis’ room, all because of him.

“You failed him too, somehow.” Arcturus said softly, staring at his hands, picturing the crimson dragon’s kind snout. The one that had only wanted to grow closer to him, or was it just a game for the beast, to see if he could bed a knight? He shook his head as he could envision himself massaging down the dragon’s flank, pressing in at individual scales, forcing pleased sighs from his scaled lips. The paladin’s cheeks blushed at such thoughts, this was more than merely wanting to give a friend a massage, it was as if he…no that had to be impossible right?

“Don’t try and look so sad!” Krotos said with a comforting coo, as a blanket of grey and blue feathers swept around Arcturus and held him tight. Krotos, it seemed, in the knight’s distraction had slunk over and enveloped him with his wings. Powerful muscles held the man between his fore talons, squishing the knight into a sea of warm feathers. “I’m here for you, don’t worry your pretty human head. Krotos has you.”

It was comforting to be sure, where he could close his eyes and let his troubles wash away. He’d experienced it many times in his years, though from a gryphon he hardly knew, it was a bit awkward. Arcturus blinked, “Is something wrong Krotos?” He managed to say, spitting out a feather in his mouth.

“Don’t like gryphon hugs?” Krotos tilted his head, beak nearly touching the man’s nose.

He blushed, “Of course, but…this is rather surprising.”

The gryphon pulled back, extending his wings for support. Rearing up he held the human fast, shaking back and forth and tightening his grip, “Don’t worry, this is what I’ve been trained for, take comfort in my feathers.”

“I don’t need comforting, let me down!” He tried to squirm, pressing his hands into the gryphon’s chest, but Krotos held firm, “It was only a cut, is this how you act around Gus?” The image would have made him laugh; the man unable to escape this over affectionate gryphon’s grasp if it were not him in the current predicament.

He was forced to endure minutes of Krotos cooing and chirping, stroking his head as the gryphon insisted upon trying to put an end to what ailed him. He was placed down, his brow furrowed, the gryphon sitting upon his hinds with a pleased look on his curved beak.

“There we are, nice and calm, hugs are the cure for most things, especially from gryphons. That’s what mother always says.”

“She have any other sayings?” Arcturus brushed himself off.

“That nothing clears the head than a good hard mounting.”

“Your mother said this…to you?”

Krotos tossed back his head with an amused chirp, “When your parents run a program for human and gryphon relationships. You’d be amazed what sex does for a connection.”

With a roll of his eyes, he planted himself back to the hay, “I had a friend with the same motto.”

“A gryphon?” The gryphon leaned in with a teasing crack of the beak, one ear splayed, “And do I know them?”

“You have my thanks for the hug, but nothing else is needed.” Arcturus found his place in the book of spells once more.

“What’s that you’re reading, I love magic!” His beak thrust down to touch the page, eyes traveling about the parchment, “What does it say? Is this some sort of paladin magic you can do?”

“Not at the moment.” Arcturus frowned, hating to admit it, “Asterion thinks it’s because I’m in turmoil.”

“See, you were in need of hugs!” Krotos happily grinned, ears perked, “Might I offer you another way to relieve this turmoil.”

“What pray tell would that be?”

His eyes gleamed with desire as he slid his flank around the man, nibbling at his shoulder, “I bet, in all that stuffy armor and rules, you’re just waiting to blow off some stress. How about this, you and I go back to my nest, and you figure out how fluffy a gryphon’s tail can be.” He chortled as Arcturus’ cheeks burned crimson, squeezing the man’s butt gently with a hand, “Or if that’s not what suits you, I can always have you screeching for me as I show you how hard a gryphon can get.”

The man blinked, for a moment not believing that had happened. The lustful look in this catbird’s eye, the tentative flick of the tail, the talon on his butt, this indeed was a truthful request. Arcturus entertained it for a moment before shaking his head, squeezing the bridge of his nose, “While the offer is appreciated, I know how fluffy your kin’s tails can be. That won’t exactly help me.”

“And why not?” The gryphon looked insulted, “Am I not pretty enough?” He wheeled around, striking a pose with his wing’s half folded, “Is my butt not the tastiest damn thing you ever saw? Is this not plump and alluring?” He spread open his lion like legs, giving the man an unobstructed view what lay between them, “Look at it, look at them and tell me they wouldn’t look good slapping your backside!”

“No.” Arcturus avoided looking where he was intended.

“Oh, right.” The gryphon pulled back, talon on his beak as he reset himself, “Cause your eye falls on the dragon, gotcha.”

“And you thought now was a time to make a pass at me?”

Krotos shrugged, “Yes? Sex relieves a bunch of different ailments, I imagine after a romp with me, your entire quest would have been stress free!”

Arcturus buried his nose back into his book, paying no mind to whatever this was. Now was not the time. However, to his surprise, this did not just deflate the overzealous gryphon and pin his ears, but it dragged him back over with apologetic whine.

“I apologize if you’re not used to such forwardness. I was merely trying to help.”

The honest words reached him, he could respect that, “It’s alright gryphon, I’m not offended.” He laid a hand on the gryphon’s cheek, “I just forgot was all how casual your kind treats such things. Thank you, I imagine a one-night fling with you would do wonders.”

The gryphon nodded, “If you need me…I mean for anything…not just for a good pounding, or if you do, just come looking, I’ll give a listen.” With a chirp Krotos trotted for the door, his belly’s rumble giving no illusion of where he was off to.  “Merlia, you coming?”

“In a minute.” Barked the dwarf, sweeping her winnings into her pouch. She blew the gryphon a kiss.

“More dwarf taming later?” Krotos shook his haunches, giving her a lustful lick of his beak.

“You can try.” Merlia laughed as the gryphon slid on out into the street.

The ranger sat down on a bale of hay, pulling a pipe from her pouches, it was a thin bit of mahogany engraved with thick, golden dwarvish runes. The opening was in the shape of a golden dragonhead with gleaming emerald eyes. “You have something on the mind?”

He didn’t reply at first, too consumed by what the day had brought. The grave, Veledar’s attraction, it left his head spinning on what truly he felt and wanted. “Nothing, I can handle my own.”

She searched him up and down before taking out a match and lightning a bit of tobacco she shoved into the pipe’s opening, she took a deep puff, a look of content washing over her, “You know what you remind me of?”

“Some charming story I imagine?”

“A story about an ole dwarf miner way back. See, he went through the roads of Galdun, where there is rumored to be a great treasure, buried by a dwarven king. See, this miner was smart, able bodied, crude as a gryphon. He hacked away at rock and stone, not reading the signs ever properly, no matter where he dug. He would eventually return to his clan a failure.”

“Does this story have a happy ending?”

“Not really, but it’s relevant. See another dwarf came along, looking for said bounty.” She beamed, after taking a long puff, “The treasure that the first miner was looking for? Was right under his beard the entire time.”

What little patience Arcturus had finally caved, “Merlia if you have a point to make, do so. I need to figure out the problem to my magic if I wish to be more help to Crimson Sky. I’d like to be able to heal and blind people before we go back into combat.”

She was a reflection of himself, brow furrowed, eyes tired but filled with fire. Up she stood, squaring off against him, her arms crossed, “That be it, I’m done. It was cute for the longest time, but I’ve had me fill.”

“Fill of what?”

“The will they won’t they stuff, waiting for nature to take its course. By thunder, its time nature needed a kick up the bum.” She brandished a smirk, “You find the dragon the sweetest thing, don’t ya? You want to hold him and give his snoot a good kissing.”

“What? Come now, that would be silly.” Arcturus dismissed her, averting his gaze, “I think of him as a friend. One that I’ve given my word on returning his book. I don’t have time for- “

“Course ya have time, yer just being dumb.” She placed her hands on her hips, “We got all our lives. Arcturus, I know you’re bad at reading things right in front of ya, but the beastie has the eye for you. You just got to be brave enough to grab him by the horns.”

“No that…” His words failed as Veledar’s comments came to him, he had expressed desire, it wasn’t a joke. His cheeks flushed, his insides fluttered as though hundreds of birds were within, “He mentioned it today, but said he was teasing.”

“Oh, he’s not teasing. I’ve seen that eye in a few creatures in me time. His heart burns for ya like the forges of the ole dwarven city of Glittenmire. So, what did you tell him?”

“The truth.” Arcturus rubbed the back of his neck, his thoughts unraveling by the moment, trying to piece together his feelings. “That he is indeed handsome and has an inspiring confidence and natural charisma that draws people to his side. That his shade of crimson is very beautiful and that I wished to paint him. That is all.”

She scoffed, “If that be so, why are you blushing like a wee lad wishing to bed his first woman?”

“Can I not keep anything to myself around here?” He groaned, unwilling to look her in her pride filled eyes.

 “Not on my watch.” She grinned, “But ya said you had problems with spells. Now, if I’m not wrong, you said they work on your belief and codes, right?” When he nodded, she merely took another puff of her pipe, “Isn’t one of your oaths to not tell lies?”

“I didn’t- “

“Tell me about this dragon then. This just a friend of yours of course.”

“He…” His thoughts started to drift, back to that scaled face that made his heart weak. The eyes that shimmered in the sunlight gave him strength when it was gone. Warbles, trills, growls and even his chuffs were music to his ears, ever wanting to hear more. His heart skipped a beat, imagining himself resting a hand on those scaled cheeks, holding him close, having a sense of belonging he’d ever dreamed of. It was like a cloud had been lifted from him, that he could finally see clearly. There was no denying it as he swooned at the idea of the dragon. It had been years since he had felt this alive, happy with someone else, the last time he felt like this was with… his family. Eyes widened, “Oh gods Merlia…” He whispered before turning back to her, “I think I fancy him something awful.”

“There we are the first step!” She cheered, clapping her hands together, “Now just git yer ole bum up and go tell him…ooo I know you’re going to be all so sweeter then me mum’s cherry tarts.”

The paladin just shook his head at the realization, he couldn’t fall for someone so swift, so soon, not for them to be possibly snatched away again in a moment’s notice. “I don’t know if I’m ready.” He said flatly as the ranger had started whimsically going on about how they would be smooching and decorating his horns. Then she stopped, eyes steeled, like he had slapped her.

“What blazing excuses you got? You like him, he likes you, get to it then!” She jammed her fingers together if they were making out, even adding soft moans for affect.

He gave a heavy sigh, his heart sinking, knowing he’d felt just like this years ago for two other people, “I’ve done this all before, don’t you see?” With a breath he was not here in the stables but staring at the flaming wreckage of his home. In the crackling of the fire, he could hear Selina’s screams, begging for his protection that would not come. “I don’t think I can create something only for it to be all snatched away in the blink of eye.”

“And what? Ya just going to sulk around all the time?” When he didn’t meet her gaze the dwarf’s fire dimmed, her voice came calm and kind, “Arcturus.” She laid a hand on his thigh, “You can’t wrap yourself in that armor all the time, hiding from the world. You’d be surviving yea, but you got to live. If you’re not going to do that, what’s the point in getting up every day? Trust me, I know.”

Across her face, Merlia wavered, eyes twin seas of understanding, “Ya can’t go and hide lad, ya got to meet it head on, with a skull of stone. I can tell ye, having someone to hold and share life’s wonders with is the meaning of our existence. I’d say that’s worth risking yourself each time.”

At first his words failed, grasping her meaning, the images of his previous life playing before him. He recalled Selina’s smile as they shared a spring picnic, in a breath they were laughing as she beat him in chess. His heart trembled as he remembered holding her as they pranced about a summer field, rolling in flowers to watch the clouds drift by. Together they had been perfect, a bliss that he’d never experienced before. She had always been there to keep his head level, set him straight when he’d falter, be his reason to live. How his heart burned for her and his son. He grimaced as these memories brought Skywing back into the fold, laughing and chirping as they chased Geoffrey around. They had been one big happy family; he longed to feel that whole again.

“You know I’m right.”

“But… should I move on so hastily?” His heart ached, the images fading away, “If I forget her Merlia…If I love again and move on, then…she’s truly gone.”

Her hand moved to his shoulder as she looked him in the eye, “You listen here, would your wife want you to be sitting around blubbering away? Would she want to see you a shell of yourself, weeping and hallowed drifting about in misery? If you were her, would you want her to find love again? Have a reason for living?”

No words came, she was right of course. It still didn’t make it more appealing.

“That’s what I thought, yer dainty lass loved you something awful.” Merlia sighed, “And she’d want ya to be happy, find a new sweetheart to fill you with strength, carry ya when you’re weak. Which, you’re in luck, he’s not fully grown and can carry ya already.”

“Merlia… he’s a dragon. One that’s flirting and wishing to court an once dragon hunter?”

She barked out a laugh “Sounds like one of those tales people love to read about.”

Ever did his heart quicken as the excuses all burned away under such scrutiny. This idea was not sounding as crazy. His heart trembled, oh gods, he did want it. He did want to experience the joy of waking up, hand on the scaled face of his lover as the morning light leaked through the windows to touch them. He wished to feel his warmth, hear his breath, have his paws folded around him and held tight. Cheeks burned as he accepted it, not only in words but deep down, he wanted him more than anything else.

Merlia clasped him on the back, “There we are, you’re getting it now! Now, best go tells him before I do!”

“You wouldn’t!” He gasped.

“By thunder I would.” She grinned, “You won’t like it when I do though, you’ll be made out to the thirstiest, sluttiest of gryphon whores that ever graced the preeners.” She swelled up her chest, doing her best impression of him, “Oh we Veledar, bend me over and pound me to the sheets so hard I won’t remember anything else.” Her laughter was endearing, but there was truth in her words.

“You’ve left me no choice.” He rose, closing the book with a clap. Despite how inside his flesh was burning over what was to come, he was going to have to do it. He eyed beyond the stable wall, imaging where Veledar waited for their future. He took a deep breath, composing himself.

“You’ll be fine. Trust ole Merlia, she won’t lead ya wrong.” She clapped him on the backside with an honest smile.

He gave her a nod, “You…have my gratitude for making it clear.”

“Don’t mention it.” She coughed, “Now, go off and be kissing, I have to fine our wee princess.”

“To share a drink?” He raised a brow as he gathered his pack.

“No, but perhaps.” She sighed, “I went and lost the bet, ended up having to tell ya.”

“How much did you lose?”

“Does it matter?” She gave the man a wink, “Some things are more important than coin.”

“Like helping friends.”

“Helping them find happiness.” She sighed, stepping forth into the rain, gone with a merry whistle.

Arcturus slung his pack over his shoulder, gathering the last of his courage. If this was the path before him, he was going to take it.

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

The distance to the dragon’s room seemed to take hours, every step in slow motion. Palms were sweaty, his breaths came in short bursts, doubt kept flickering in his guts. He swallowed hard, why was he so worried? He eyed the simple wooden door, all he had to do was open it, embrace the future ahead with no regrets… a future with Veledar holding him.

What if the dragon said no? Was Merlia playing with him, ready for a good laugh? He had faced down mages with terrible spells, gigantic constructs, stood his ground against evil dragons and this gave him pause? His heart quivered, indeed, for this could be a strike far worse than death. It would change his life forever. Didn’t he wish to be happy? To sample life’s greatest joy once more? He pictured the dragon holding him tight, eyes dazzling with desire and kindness, a paw on his back to hold him firm. He was safe, secure, right where he belonged. With a deep breath he stilled his quivering nerves and opened the door.

There he was, waiting on the gryphon sized bed, sprawled out on his belly atop the red and gold sheets. Mana lantern lit on a dresser, it painted the dragon’s crimson and red-orange scales with a comforting, golden hue. “Finally, you open the door, I was wondering when you were going to come in.” He rumbled in amusement as the knight carried through, closing it behind him. “Have fun wrestling around with the bull?”

Arcturus gulped, this bit of teasing between them had become more common at this point, but it now felt like a weight was bearing down on his chest. For a moment he caught a flicker of nervousness not from him, but the dragon, he was uneasy as well? It made things easier.

“Why are you troubled?” Veledar flicked his tail with a growl, eying the door, “Did you lose to Asterion again? I will bite that bull should you wish it.”

“None of that.”

“Ah, so dinner or something. Go tell Merlia that I don’t wish to play her game of cards. Possibly losing coin. What a terrible game.”

“I wanted to talk to you. Something that I think has been unsaid for quite some time.”

What irritation lingered on Veledar’s face died when they locked eyes, frills trembled with anticipation. “And…what would that be?”

Words failed him as courage faltered, his insecurities hounding him. He pushed through, he’d not let them hold hm back. Not when something great was at his fingertips. “You ever been nervous of something you want, but afraid of what the answer might be?” He padded across the floor, placing himself at the dragon’s midsection, resting a hand on a crimson scaled paw.

“I’m not afraid of anything, but there are times I’ve been puzzled.”

“Such as?”

“You’re standing before me.” Sapphire eyes took him in.

This was it, “I was untruthful to you today.”

“Let me guess.” The dragon rolled his eyes, “You’re not a paladin.”

“No.”

“That you can sprout wings and fly this entire time.”

Without a chance for the dragon to speak again, he grabbed his head and dragged him into a kiss. Their lips met; the scale strange but not unwelcome against his skin. He closed his eyes, experiencing the warmth, a great relief falling off him. When he chanced a look as the dragon chuffed, he noticed that he too had his eyes closed. The knight pulled back, a silence resting between them as their eyes met.

“I think I fancy you. Not just as a friend.”

“That is clear, subtle you are not Arcturus.” Veledar replied with amusement flickering in his gaze, his next breath ruffling the man’s hair.

“Look, these last few months, the ones with you at my side? They have been the greatest of my life. Before you came, it was like I was a hallowed shell, drifting along but not alive. You carried me off that ship and lit something within, bringing joy and smiles to every waking day since. You’re sometimes silly, arrogant, full of yourself, selfish, and stubborn. But I see you for who you really are underneath your scales and pride, inside you lie a noble and kindhearted being. You give me strength to carry on and cast a spell of comfort and protection around me I’ve not felt in ages. I look to you and wish to impress you, dazzle you, be what you desire to have. I wake up every day and glad that I’m alive.” He pressed forward, caressing the scales of the dragon’s forepaw, still Veledar didn’t pull away when he rested a hand on his cheek, “I was frightened early on what this road might hold, afraid of what I would lose. I’m not afraid now, I want to see where this goes, what twists it takes, how a dragon even goes about something like courting.” The last part came with a nervous laugh.

There was a silence between them as the tension built, the paladin’s feelings weighing upon the air like a heavy fog. The knight’s fears were cast away as the dragon pulled back his head with an affectionate chuff, a paw raised to pull Arcturus towards him, so he was nestled against his chest. Inches from his nose he continued with a pleased, playful growl, “Do not be ashamed Arcturus, you deserve the greatest of things, of which you have found it. It is only natural that you have an attraction to me, for you have studied my kind since you were small. I too share an eye for things rare and valuable, qualities that cannot so easily be duplicated. To you, I see all those things, one of the greatest humans I have known.” He pressed forward and nuzzled at his side, “As I say, I like to acquire baubles, treasures, trinkets. I have wished to acquire your heart for some time, when you proved your commitment to me on the mountain.”

“You thanked Bahamut- “

“I remember.” He growled softly, resting his cheek against Arcturus own, “But it was your willpower, your drive, your desire to save my life that moved me so. I knew then that you were special, that it would pain me if you were not mine, that whatever path we took it would be forged together.”

Oh, he was blushing profusely now, his whole insides burning as he was held within the dragon’s affectionate gaze, nothing mattering in those sapphire pools. They seemed to cast a spell, pulling the pair together, lips parting for another kiss. This time the dragon tilted his head, easily resting his maw on either side of Arcturus’ head, snaking his tongue through the man’s lips.

He swooned, tasting the dragon’s hot, bumpy tongue, intrigued instead of repulsed. Hands caressed the beasts jaw as pleased snorts left him, a happy thump of his tail signally his enjoyment of holding Arcturus prisoner as they jousted with their tongues. The knight let himself go, casting off doubt, regret, worry and enjoying the delight of being held ever so close, his heart starting to race, head spinning, every intoxicating grunt or groan, nothing mattered save the beast connected to him.

For minutes they continued unabated, human and dragon connected most passionately, filling the air with their pleasure filled grunts. When they parted there was a soft chuckle, a strand of saliva connected the pair.

“Did I do that right?” Veledar said softly with a pleased growl, “I’ve only read about it in books.”

“I’ll say.” Arcturus stammered out a reply, “Why so much tongue?”

“They don’t swap tongues? I thought that was expected.”

“I suppose they can be.”

“You liked it didn’t you.” Teased the dragon with a warble, sliding his tongue along Arcturus’ face.”

As he leaned against the dragon’s scaled chest, he was overcome with relief, comfort and wonderment. Years of doubt, emptiness and despair were lost within the next beat of Veledar’s heart. Paws sealed him in, caressed his back, there was no escape, nor did he wish to.

“Arcturus, I’ve been waiting for this for so long.”

“I know.” He mumbled, eyes closed, “I’m sorry for keeping you waiting.”

“No matter, it means we get to make up for lost time.” Veledar softly replied, caressing Arcturus jaw with a paw before planting another mind shattering kiss, lasting for as many minutes as before.

The heat of his paw, the taste of his tongue, it was all overpowering. It was dominant, Arcturus was swept away, fingers pressing against scales as passion ran through their veins. It had been ages since this had overtaken him, that sense of right, belonging, he wanted nothing more than this dragon. He moaned and let himself fall under his sway. Minutes passed or hours? He cared little as his entire world existed of what he could touch. He’d forgotten what this had been like, he wanted it, desired it, when they parted, he was smiling, gazing deeply into those kind, enchanting eyes. It mattered little that he was a dragon, all that dwelled within those sapphire pools was that of a soul he could fall in love with.

He grasped the underside of Veledar’s jaw as he applied another kiss, still recovering from the domineering embrace that robbed him of all sense. With every passing moment, heat built within, thoughts drifted to more carnal, passion swelled as the air was fraught with their desires.

“Veledar.” he said, flushed and panting with overpowering need. “I went to slay a dragon, but instead I’ve fallen for him completely.”

“It wasn’t easy.” The dragon playfully rumbled, ruffling the man’s hair, “You fought well, held your own, but my beauty has no equal, and my persistence is legendary. It was a forgone conclusion I would have you in my paws.” He gave the man a tender nuzzles, “But I’d be lying if I didn’t say my heart burned with the fires of the nine hells for you.” The dragon growled, his eyes hooding, “Oh Arcturus, you have caught yourself the grandest dragon of them all, such a prodigious feat deserves a reward, don’t you think?”

Eyes drifted along the dragon’s scaled flank, caressing every scale it found, following that road until it reached between his hinds. What the human saw there made his cheeks burn red like fire. He found his chin caressed by a scaled paw, the dragon giving him a domineering rumble.

“That’s right, it’s all for you.” Veledar growled, “I know what you want it, I can feel it, pure as your soul.” He pushed Arcturus down onto the bed with a paw, pleased at the coming groan, “I think Arcturus, that it’s about time I added you to my hoard.”

** * * * * * * * *

Sorry for the delay, holidays had me busy more than anything else. Hope everyone had good holidays and wonderful times with your family!

Thank you for following along with the story, humoring this rewrite of book 3 for publishing. As we continue, older readers will see more of how the story changes, as we see here, Arcturus and Veledar sharing their feelings with each other sooner.

If you like my work and feel like tossing in some dosh to support me, my patreon can be found here: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=371744
here I post wips of art, comic and writing before i post them anywhere else.

If you want to hang out and chat, my telegram can be found here: https://t.me/+bFP5zAI4UIWBIGX2