Scales and Honor: Darkened Skies

  Chapter 8: Roselake

  The entering of Roselake was a rather simple affair if you disregard the utter looks of surprise that lingered on each guard’s face in the torchlight. Hushed whispers were exchanged as vigiliant eyes drifted from each weary and worn person among the caravan. For what seemed like eternity they stood there, not a word being shared to the beaten and bloodied survivors below. In the end they had looked to Veledar, his great eyes shining with cerulean fire, and a low growl that hung in the night. Arcturus had watched their bravery they wore evaporate, and the gates were opened with hardly a fuss.

  The weary town had shuffled in as humans on direwolf back had greeted them. The soldiers had led them through the near pristine looking streets, the sounds of wooden wheels clacking on stone filling the air. Arcturus had worn the same expression as the survivors, the toll of what their plan had cost them weighing heavily on his shoulders. He rubbed the dragon below him’s scales as he tried to not think about the screams and death they had just escaped from. They had been dropped off at a section of a field of well cut grass before a lengthy building with symbols of the sun carved into the wooden beams that lined it. The guards had instructed them they could stay here, before the church of Deipneus the gryphon aspect of life. No one was in a condition to argue, the wagons had been circled, blankets snatched firmly from packs, and soon everyone had found sleep despite the loses they had suffered. Arcturus had settled down with his dragon, caressing and offering sweet words that fought against the encroaching cold. It was not till in the morning after words had been said about the lost did they get a moment alone with one another.

  *

  “Will you watch what you’re doing? You’re not tending to some stink horse you know. You’re being given the chance to touch my glorious scales human!” Veledar’s voice radiated it’s usual smugness as he smirked with pleased eyes, smacking his tail against the pond contained within the town. The splash startled some brown birds that had been floating along minding their business. The sun was shining overhead, sparkling off the dragon’s wet scales and making them look like dazzling rubies. Arcturus had a dark blue cloth soaked with water and absolutely covered pink soapy suds and had it pressed up against dragon who was splayed out on his back. He had been rubbing away the grim and muck that had practically coated every inch of his radiate mate. He himself was only in his charcoal pants, and linen black shirt. Everything else had been left ashore with his friends or with the caravan and guarded by Shandalar while she studied her books.

  “Oh, excuse me my brightness. Didn’t think you’d complain so much about getting rid of the mold beneath your glorious scales.” He pressed down against the area where his mate’s left forelimb met his scaled torso. “Thought you’d be happy it was getting done at all!”

  “Oh, I’m glad you’re doing it, believe me human. But you should be instructed on how to please me. You’re a reflection of me now. Can’t have anyone saying you’re less than perfect at things. So,mind your touch, and make sure to get each lovely inch of me with your hands.” The red parted his maw into a smile, his frills fluttery softly. His quick smile soon faded as a chuckle worked its way up his throat and he laid his head back into the shallow waters with thwack and a splash. The cool liquid sprayed Arcturus before the dragon wiggled his tail, stirring the water back and forth with each movement.

  “Hey!” Arcturus giggled, moving to be on the dragon’s firm chest like it was a horse to be ridden. His cloth followed every one of the dragon’s segmented armored chest, scrubbing his way to the other forelimb. “Do you want to be clean or play around in the water?”

  Veledar rose his head, smirking as he cocked his head to the side. “Can’t it be both? I kind of enjoy watching you squirm with me.” The smirk turned lewd as a flicker of mischief came to life in his cerulean eyes.

  “Oh, shush that snout of yours you lewd thing. Can’t have that lewd activity happening out here.” The human blushed, making sure to circle the limb now being held in his hands. “We can always do that sort of thing later.” He gestured with his neck to the carts nearby and the curious townsfolk that had gathered to get a good look at the red dragon that had saved the incoming town. Each human, wolven, or elf wore a look of utter surprise as they stood, transfixed to the dragon getting bathed by the human on top of him. “I don’t think they can believe their eyes. It’s like you’ve grown three heads or something ridiculous like that.”

  “Well how can they not? I am the great scaled hero that swooped down to deliver a town from the unholy claws of an enemy most foul.I do say they’re probably creating lines in a song just for me. Maybe even a sonnet.”

  “Probably a whole damn play if you got your way.”

  “Oh, there would be several plays my dearest paladin, not simply one to contain my magnificence.” The dragon waved his claw with a sigh. “Don’t worry though, you’d be in all of them, right by my side. Where of course you belong.” The dragon purred, making sure to caress the human’s side with a tender claw reserved for lovers.

  He grabbed hold of the dragon’s digits, running the scaled appendage carefully through the cloth and making sure to get each one. “How sweet of you to think of me during your egotistical escapades. It truly warms my heart and makes it throb for no one else but you.” Arcturus gave a heavy sigh as he continued his work, “Course that crowd could also be gawking about the absurdity of a human giving you a bath.” He chuckled as he wiped away at his dragon’s talons. He smirked as the sensation of tending to his dragon’s claws could not seem anything but intimate, perhaps that’s why the dragon had asked for this. Arcturus dunked the cloth into the water, reapplying some moisture to wipe away the thick, sweet smelling frothy bubbles that now dotted the dragon’s scales. Like pink bushes that had sprouted over a red countryside. It smelled of lilacs, something Veledar had insisted he wanted to try as they had passed a cart with an overly sized vendor with a shirt one size to small. The human pulled his back straight, looking at the vast expanse of dragon he still had to wash. He looked down to his cloth held within his hands and realized how long this was going to take. “Why in Bahamut’s grace didn’t you shrink to make this easier for me?” He laughed, sliding his hand along the dragon’s armored neck.

  “And deny you the proper path?” The dragon rumbled, closing his eyes as a purr radiated between Arcturus’ thighs. “You have said that you should hardly take the easy path my dear paladin.” The red’s tail wiggled, and he released a pleased groan loudly as the human dabbed away at the underside of his jaw. His paws twitched and batted at the air as breaths came quicker.

  “I bet they are also fascinated how this proud and noble beast could be reduced to a purring, rumbling heap by a simple bath. Perhaps this is a way to best you all the time?” His cloth lapped at the dragon’s chin. Earning him another rumble and splash of a tail behind him. He didn’t move as Veledar’s other claw rose from the water to stroke and knead his waist and back.

  “I would…imagine so…Not like I mind the attention.” The dragon snapped his jaws at the air at a phantom prey, a heavy sigh escaping his maw.

  “Course you wouldn’t.” He left the dragon’s neck to the dragon’s groaning disapproval, a promise he would return later to please his mate when they were finished. He pushed the claw away that tried to keep him in place. “You can hold me after Veledar. You wanted your bath, so you’re getting your damned bath!” He turned around, resting against the dragon’s belly as he scrubbed his lover’s lower sections with a bit of elbow grease. He tried to not laugh as Veledar’s hinds twitched and trembled with each stroke of his scales, or how little soft trills escaped his mate’s maw every few moments.

  “You know…If you wanted to.” The dragon’s tail swished through the water, stirring up the liquid something fierce as a lewd spike crossed through the human’s mind. It was enough to make him stop his dedicated care.

  “I’ll cut you off right there mate. Not in front of an audience, and you best not be sprouting your tower during the bath.”

  “Wouldn’t be able to help it if I did. I have a handsome human who is tending to me in a most delightful and intimate of ways. One who makes my heart beat strongly against my chest. How could I not raise when he nears an area that I know he loves to worship?”

  “Damn’t.” Arcturus laughed, rubbing at the dragon’s stomach. “Why do you have to be so sweet at times. Fine. Don’t blame me though if the ladies and men go gawking and pointing at your spear if it decides to sprout outside of your control.”

  “Then they will get something to look fondly about. Even have moments of intense jealously build within their chests at how you get that all to yourself.”

  “Oh, look at that. Your smugness is kicking in.” He hands worked their way towards Veledar’s outstretched hindleg. He made it to the pads, laughing as the dragon tried to pull away.

  “Stop trying to tickle me!” The dragon hissed, his tail thumping the water.

  Arcturus held up a hand, shielding his face from the spray of liquid. “Not trying to!” He held firm, not relenting his grip like steel on his lover’s hind leg as if he was an unruly stallion that needed to be broken in. “Got to clean…Your…Damn…hinds!”

  “Fiiiiiine.” Veledar froze, his tail swishing playfully beneath him. “But make it quick. I can’t guarantee that I won’t squirm.”

  “Look at that. My dragon squirming because of me.” He spun his head around to see that the dragon had his teeth clenched. He was sucking in air as if to fight off a fit of laughter that was building in his chest.

  “It happens a lot, so shut your little mouth…Now hurry if you’d please.” The dragon’s frills twitched as his whole body tensed.

  “Unbelievable.” Arcturus parted the paw with the water, shifting his cleaning to the other one and ignoring the slight pink that was cresting from his mate’s tan scales. He eyed the tapered head with a chuckle, casting a grin back to the dragon. Veledar seemed to know what was up, his tongue licking his scales with a mischievous look in his eyes.

  “See something you like human?”

  “We both know I like it, just remember what I said about you sprouting for all to see.” He scrubbed away the grime close to his lover’s slit, ignoring the snickering hissy laughter coming from behind him. He wished the morning could have been easily wiped away like the grime. The sorrow filled cries coming to mind of children who would never lay eyes on their parent lost within the nights harrowing last charge. That part was always the hardest to do he imagine. He remembered how during his time in the army the long nights he would spent writing letters to spouses, unsure of what he could possibly say about their lost loved ones. It had always left a void within his heart that ached at him for days, at least he had Veledar here now to fight off the cold.

  From the pelvis he moved to the other leg, getting another round of dragon laughter as he bathed each toe. By the time he had scrubbed his way down to the dragon’s tail his mate was nearly out of breath, his scales almost shivering as he tried to contain his composure.

  “Going for another round of pleasing my tail, are you? I thought you said we had an audience to think of!”

  “Can you cease your lewd thoughts? I’m starting to think this wasn’t bout the bath at all! You just wanted me to ride you, so you could hope something lewd would happen because of it!”

  “Not entirely.” The dragon looked away with a snort. “I did have to get the grime off, and you were the one who promised me you’d do it. We both know how much a man of your word you are. Although.” The dragon grinned, his cerulean spheres filling with lust. “If there wasn’t an audience, I would have gripped you round the waist right now and sawed you up and down on my cock until you were gasping and knotted firmly against my scales. Possibly even weakly moaning my name as I filled you with my white treasure you crave.”

  Blood rushed to his cheeks as he stared into those cerulean spheres, the dragon’s promise being made with a long swipe of his tongue against his lips. Arcturus’ body shivered as he longed for such a moment. Perhaps later when they were alone they could enact his lover’s wishes. “ I know you would dragon. Makes my heart flutter something awful. Though you best be careful, people will think you started sprouting blue feathers you keep speaking with such a twisted tongue.”

  “Pffff.” The dragon snorted, wiggling his tail and nearly smacking a green scaled fish that happened to swim too close. “I’m much better than that kittybird anyway.” He rose his neck, growling in the back of his throat until he was scant inches away from Arcturus’ lips. The pleasing scent of a summer’s fire wafted into the human’s nose and practically forced him to caress and scratch at the dragon’s chin. “Thank you for washing me Arcturus. It will really show off my radiance for all to see. That you my human are a diligent knight for his Lord and master.” The dragon grinned at the last part, his frills twitching with a cheeky lick across the human’s less then amused face.

  Arcturus knew the dragon was kidding, the way the sun glinted in his cerulean eyes giving it away But that didn’t stop the man from playing along or teasing him. “You know, my lord.” He chuckled, scooping up a rather large collection of pink bubbles as he caressed the dragon’s snout.

  “What is it my delightful knight?” Veledar closed his eyes softly, giving him another passionate lick. “You may tell your lord anything.”

  “For one claiming to be my overlord, you sure are acting like my pet right now!” He plopped the fluffy bubbles onto Veledar’s snout, laughing as the dragon wrinkled his snout and pulled it back in surprise. The dragon nearly went cross eyed as he tried to glare at the pink growth on his nose. Veledar tried blowing it off with some air, glaring at the poofy thing before pawing it off with his dripping claws.

  “You tricked me!” He stuck out his pink tongue as Arcturus continued his cackling. The dragon now had soap dripping from his snout, pink rivers added to the beautiful red scales.

  “I suppose I did! You were quite easy to get as well!”

  “With your sweet kisses.” The dragon’s eyes narrowed playfully, a tail slap being Arcturus’ only warning. He let out a yelp as Veledar grabbed him around his chest with claws made of iron. The dragon’s snout advanced on him like an army, and teeth found his skin. He gasped and squirmed as the dragon nipped at him and held him firm.

  “Hey!” He tried to smack away the dragon’s snout, but it wasn’t enough. He only got a stronger grip in response and another nip for his troubles. He was left grasping at Veledar’s head, groaning as his mate nipped at him relentlessly. Each tease of his teeth sending shivers and weak sounds moaning from the human’s mouth.

  “Apologize human.” Veledar nipped again, earning a giggle from the strong warrior. “Or I shall keep making you like this before our crowd. Imagine their view of the paladin reduced to a snickering child as his dragon nips at him. Most unbecoming wouldn’t you say?” He rose his head only to show off his many rows of sparkling teeth, one that might have frightened any other man, but Arcturus returned his dragon’s stare.

  “Oh, you horrible dragon.” He dramatically held a hand to his head. “Whatever shall I do?” He squirmed in his dragon’s tight grip, but the smirking thing held him firm.

  “Give in of course? Another contest won by yours truly, just as it always shall be.”

  “Because I’m a mere human?”

  “Don’t mix my words Arcturus. Mighty and above the rest your kin you may be, but you’re not a dragon. The sting of his words was only lessoned by an affectionate tongue that lapped at his face. Though what I must say. What a specimen you are.”

  “Fine.” He sighed, his hand cupping and catching Veledar’s chin. “I’m sorry my dragon for tricking you, and making you look rather foolish. Especially in front of all your adoring fans.” He gestured to the people gawking at the dragon and paladin dead center of a mass of large bubbles. “For tarnishing your fierce and strong presence.”

  Veledar purred, giving a parting lick before offering his neck. “Now back to your cleaning male. Then I can return the favor.” He sunk his head back into the water with a pleased rumble as Arcturus learned forward and pressed his hands to those warm scales. He worked his way back down to the tail, enjoying the rumbles of delight radiating from his mate’s chest. They warmed his heat and let him know how much a good job he was doing. If the sound wasn’t enough he could always look to his mate’s trembling paws or the warmth in his heart that he could identify was bliss. His hands grabbed firm his lovers large tail and worked the cloth in circular motions as his thoughts once more drifted from his mate to the undead outside. How odd that such a large contingent of shambling horrors could not sweep aside this town. If not for the fact they had been moving things would have gone much worse for them. Though with Veledar’s help he might not have been too certain they would have gone down quietly.

  He admired the thin knicks and scars left by arrows and swords, little evidences of the dragon’s battles made in their name. He remembered telling the guards of the undead presence, that they should be more prepared with more guards, numerous weapons. The man had only laughed and pointed to several cannons that lined the walls Their onyx barrels pointed out from the gate with balls of steel resting in a pyramid shape beside them. The guards had assured him that with their weapons on watch, and the rifles they had, that the undead posed no threat whatsoever. Arcturus had bit his lip and nodded before departing for the pond with his dragon. It wasn’t his place to take over for the town after all.

  “I know you are in love with my scales, and especially with the dragon who bears them. Maybe even lust after me more than a knight should, but can you not get transfixed with their beauty? “ Veledar’s growly chuckle drew his attention from his thoughts to his hands. He had been massaging the same armored part of his tail. “I do have things to do other than delight in your loving affections and touches.”

  Arcturus turned around to the smug dragon who was giving him a cheery smile, his paws held up and bent cutely as his frills fluttered back and forth as if they had a mind of their own. “Oh, sorry my oh so beautiful dragon who clearly has better things to do. I was simply captivated by such beauty that it near brought tears to my eyes.”

  The red dragon snorted, his head tilting to the side as he grinned. “I know you’re playing along.” He rose his head, settling it closer to Arcturus with a rumble. “But I still love that you do.” The dragon snuck in a kiss, one that nearly made the human topple off backwards off the affectionate dragon’s tail.

  “Watch it!” He smacked him with a hearty laugh, struggling to hold himself as Veledar nosed at his chest again. “

  “Perhaps I would like you to be polishing my scales all day. Then when you’re finished with that task, you may polish another part of me.” The dragon grinned lewdly, making Arcturus’ cheeks flush as blood rushed to his skin.

  He scrubbed the dragon down, it was hard to not meet his radiant pools, be captivated and nod in his agreement. He resisted with a quick kiss and slid off the dragon to a rumbling groan and splashing of water as the dragon righted himself to all fours. Water ran from him in copious amounts, like little rivers flowing down a mighty red mountain into the pond below.

  “Suppose I have to wait for that later I hmmm?” He rose his scaled head, refolding his wings against his back as he worked a kink out of his serpentine neck.

  “That you would be most correct my dragon.” Arcturus smiled, sloshing through the pond water with his left hand on his dragon’s armored shoulder. His clothes were dripping wet at this point and hugging his body tightly. He reminded himself to ask one of his friends for a quick spell to dry his clothes with a snap of their claws or fingers. That way he didn’t have to spend the rest of the day like this. He eyed the gathering of people that seemed to have increased in number since last he checked. When he had peered over when they started the bath there had only been a small group of people, maybe a dozen at max. However, what was there now was a proper crowd of several dozen. They were not looking to the dragon like he thought they would have been, something he imagined Veledar would be somewhat sour about, but instead they were pushing and nearly stampeding their way towards the town square. They carried banners, flags, lights, and even great large flowers of the brightest red Arcturus had ever seen. Each wolven or human bore a smile, laughing and joking in uncontained glee that filled the air with a roar of delight. The wolves the rode whined to the other as carts clacked against the cobblestone. The smell of pumpkin mixed with cinnamon filled the air, wrapping its way into his nostrils and pulling the man almost as if by an invisible wire.

  “Do you think we missed something good?” He gestured to the large cart of brown scaled kobolds all covered in a multitude of clothing that seemed to be every color imaginable. They carried drums of animal skins pulled tight over surfaces, bags full to the brim with knick knacks of all sorts. They were pulled by two reptilian creatures on two legs with strong swaying tails and rows of sharpened teeth and dark grey scales of their own. These creatures were bound by straps from their teeth laden jaws to a couple kobolds sitting on the cart’s front, smiling and seemingly humming a pleasing tune to one another.

  “Possibly.” The dragon’s voice trailed off as his snout followed the crowd like a hunter on the prowl. “It certainly pulls at the interest beneath my scales. Have you ever been to Drenedar? It seems that they are celebrating something.” The dragon’s eye ridges seemed to stitch together as his eyes found the strips of banners held within little claws and hands. Flickers of flames seemed to ignite in those sapphire-like eyes, a harsh snort soon following. “Hopefully they erect those at a suitable height this time.” The dragon rose a claw to caress his horns, wincing in a phantom pain.

  “Worry not my drake. For I shall of course give those that hang them too low a thorough tongue lashing. Course you could watch your horns as well.” The human snickered as he recalled the dragon getting his head stuck in Deet. The encounter ending poorly for the shredded banner that wrapped its way round the dragon’s head. “Hey!” He shouted in surprise as the dragon’s teeth nipped at him again. “I was being honest!”

  “Yes and mind your tongue my wonderful human. Your tongue may be as sharp as that fancy metal stick you carry, but my teeth are just if not sharper.” Veledar growled playfully, his tail thrashing aside a wave of water with a great splash. Several children that had decided to wade into the pond shrieked in laughter at having been utterly soaked.

  “Hey Crimson!” Came a voice brimming with laughter. With a quick glance it revealed to be from Krotos, who was glancing over from his resting place on a large sand colored rock. He was lazily spread out and enjoying the sun’s rays that would occasionally peak out from the many soft clouds that dotted the sky. “With that soap bubble on you, you certainly completed the image of the paladin’s pet! Perhaps we should get you a collar!”

  Arcturus couldn’t help it, he felt a snicker rise from his insides, radiate through his throat. He tried to stifle it with a snort, but he failed. He covered his mouth as he blushed, laughter tickling his sides. The idea of Veledar being a cute little pet was too funny of an image, especially since they had just-

  The dragon eyed him, pulling away from his touch with wounded eyes.

  “Ah..I’m sorry my mate.”

  A coy smile crossed Veledar’s snout, seconds before he splashed a claw down into the water, dousing Arcturus with a wave of cold water. “Oh, look at that human. You were simply on fire and I had to put you out.”

  Arcturus chuckled, spitting out some of the liquid that managed to sneak its way into his mouth. He supposed he had earned that one.

  “Oh, look at that human. You were simply on fire and I had to put you out.” Veledar stopped his strides, casting an intense glare to Krotos, who seemed to be out of breath, collapsed on his side with his wings draped out.

  “Awk, Awk awk!” Krotos’ tail smacked the grass as Arcturus wiped the water from his eyes. He was glad he did because he got a front row view of Veledar splashing his frilled tail with such force to send a torrent of water to soak the laughing kitty bird. Krotos laughter instantly ceased, an angry squawk sounding out in surprise as his feathers flared up. The navy gryphon glared at the dragon, doing his best to flash him a rather rude gesture with his claws.

  “There gryphon! Now you can get to cleaning instead of your taunting of me and my mate!” Veledar grinned as the bird had started his preening with a series of angry mumbles.

  “Where was I? Oh yes.” The red dragon smirked, happily trotting to the shore and leaving Arcturus to clamber after him.

  “Can I at least get a presdigitation spell to dry myself! So, I’m not chilled to the bone?” He shouted over the loud splashes.

  The dragon stopped, flicking water from his scales with a violent shake. His eyes filled with a glint of mischief as Arcturus waded over to him. His tail swished, playfully so as if he was up to no good. “ I see how it is now.” He looked away with a risen head with a grin. “You ask things of me after you wound me with that sword like tongue of yours? After you laughed and wounded my pride?” Veledar slunk over to the grass, chest swelling with each step. ‘Why should I grant your request? Should your reward for such deeds be to remain wet?” His frills fluttered as his statement hung in the air, begging to be challenged. So, Arcturus was ready to push at the dragon’s defenses.

  “Because you love me.” He grinned, raising a hand to caress the red’s jaw. He chuckled as the dragon nuzzled into his touch a sigh of delight passing through his maw.

  “You think that will…” The dragon paused, his pompous voice stalling with the next teasing of the human’s careful fingers. Veledar grumbled, kneading the dirt with his claws as Arcturus watched the battle fighting in that scaled head. “Get you out of-”

  “Yes. I think in this particular situation it will.”

  “Think again!” Veledar retracted his head, snapping it down like lightning to nip at Arcturus’ rear.

  “Hey!” He nearly jumped, going to smack the cheeky red but it was too late.

  “Consider that my revenge Arcturus!” Veledar cackled, spinning around and his tail almost catching the human’s leg and pulling him to the ground. “The staying wet bit is just a parting gift!” The dragon scampered off to the crowds with a swaying tail.

  “I hope you get your horn stuck on something!” He shouted as he saw the dragon peak back at him with a head curl.

  “What was that? Too busy going to enjoy myself!” The dragon strode into the crowd, which parted for him like water as he followed the rowdy people. If a dragon was among them they seemed to not care, none of their cheer was lost.

  Arcturus shivered, a cold breeze biting his skin as if he were back on the mountains overlooking the forest of despair. He held his arms against him, chuckling as Krotos ceased his preening if only to get up and shake the water free from his feathers and fur like some great oversized dog. The gryphon fixed on him an intense stare with fluffed up feathers.

  “Poke fun at the dragon again?” Lyndis strode over in her casual grey linen shirt and charcoal colored pants. Her green sash flapped along her thighs as she rose a hand, clasping Arcturus on the shoulder with a warm smile. “And look it here.” She clicked her tongue as her eyes went down to the human’s boots and back to his eyes. “You know Arc it’s only the girls that are supposed to get wet. Not the boys.” She traced a glyph in the air, purple sparks flying off to wrap around the human in a small whirlwind of light. It prickled and danced over his skin, providing a soothing sensation of warmth. It was like he was bathing on a beach to a temperate sea. He sighed as his clothes dried before his very eyes, the water evaporating with a snap of a finger.

  “Very funny.” He gestured to the dragon who grew smaller by the minute. “Had myself a chuckle and earned a splash of water as my reward. Part of me almost wishes that he will actually get one of those horns of his intertwined with a banner.”

  “Well if you ask me. I think you very well earned your little watery revenge. You both know better then to go poking at our glorious and resplendent overlord while he is within water distance. You’re just asking for bleedin trouble.”

  “Oh, don’t you start on that too.” He watched a smirk tug at her lips.

  “He covered me with water as well!” Krotos squawked angrily, running a few feathers through his beak.

  “Right, cause you’re a bleeding saint all the time who doesn’t deserve a little push back?” The half-elf strode over to the gryph, tapping his beak with a grin. “If I had to guess, you of anyone else deserved this little splash of water.”

  “Little?” He pulled back his head with a clack of his beak and thrashing his tail. “Did you not see the gigantic wave of water he sent my way? If you had, you would know it certainly was anything but little! Besides.” The gryphon clicked his beak as he snapped it towards Arcturus. “Go ahead and tell her Arc, how your unruly dragon decided to douse me as though I was a wild flame!”

  Arcturus made a motion to keep his mouth shut, earning him a series of loud irritated chirps as the navy gryphon ruffled up his feathers and tossed daggers with his eyes.

  “I shall remember this human the next time your eyes wonder to my balls and you ask to fondle them. I shall deny your request with an angry squawk and tail smack!” The bird’s voice came, a playful fury lingering in his words.

  “The horror!” Arcturus feigned surprise, holding a palm to his mouth. “Whatever shall I do being denied the right to fondle our gryphon’s sack? What shall I do?”

  “I think you might die. ” Lyndis turned to him, copying his action. “That isn’t a way to live.” She lowered her head shaking it from side to side. “I call your share of the loot!” She shot up, thrusting a finger to the surprised gryphon.

  “See at least you both ge-“ Krotos’ ears pinned back against his head as his eyes narrowed. “Your messing with me. That’s the heavy tone of sarcasm lacing your pleasing words.” He stuck out his tongue.

  “I think he’s onto us.” Lyndis nudged the human with a laugh. “The scribes will tell of this day for years to come. Probably write a few hundred tomes on the subject.” She paused, staring into Krotos’ eyes. There was a lingering pause between them as Arcturus counted the moments in his head. “Yes, gryphon we’re playing with you. Meet you in the festivities ya? Should be good if you focken remember to stay dry.”

  Krotos gave her a chirp, flicking a droplet of water at her with a smack of his claw. Lyndis pulled Arcturus out of the way, guiding him towards the busy streets with an infectious laugh.

  Arcturus had to take a step back as a series of dark grey scaled lizard riding kobolds came running by, their claws clacking on the stone to their rapid pace.

  “Come on Talos, we need to set up shop!” Came the high tone of a bronze scaled female in dark brown leathers. She gestured to a dark grey scaled one right behind her on a cart.

  “Don’t worry Vishta! We will be alright. The warmbloods are not so quick that they lose interest in minitishs like you.”

  The one called Vishta put two of her claws together, thrusting them back at the grinning grey kobold. “At least I’m not a vorta!” She huffed up her snout, bidding her lizard to ride off into the crowd, leaving the cart born Kobold shaking his snout.

  “So what kind of festival is this?” He took a spot among the slow walking townsfolk, watching as some on ladders affixed their banners to low hanging roofs. Strung up vines covered in bright crimson flowers. “Veledar was interested in it as well, though he seems to have scampered off to be lost within the thick of it now.”

  “Or tripping over a wagon and sticking ya arse with the focken bill.”

  “Or that.” Arcturus picked his head up, trying to catch a glimpse of his dragon. Though he tried his hardest, it seemed the dragon had managed to slip out of sight quite easily.

  “People round here call this festival of lotah ahvost. It is a time to celebrate the harvest and changing of seasons. It’s to honor the elven god Creteres and carry his blessing to all the food to come. Though…” She laughed as a series of kobolds unfolded a cart and pulled drawers lined with potions from the wooden surface. “The kobolds are a new addition I must admit.”

  The body of the cart sprung open with doors, appearing like a cabinet filled to the brim with crystalline bottles of all colors. There was a Kobold dressed in dark golden robes that strode to the front with a cane longer than his dark green scaled body. He thrust the cane up towards sign that read “Reztiks potions.” The writing looked to have been done by a claw and was at an odd angle, possibly even done by the kobold himself. “Come get potions warmbloods! Can cure diseases, fight poisons, some even make you better in trousers! Come get potions for good price!” The kobold yelled, drawing several people from the crowd with eager faces and intrigued eyes.

  “Who knew that there could be so many round these parts.” Lyndis muttered, her head scanning every inch of the street.

  Now that she mentioned it, the buggers were everywhere. On every porch, near every wagon, on the corners of each street. Everywhere you looked you caught a dark color of scales. Each snout bore bright eyes and smiles to the happy townsfolk. It was almost as if an enchantment had been cast on everyone with the amount of good cheer that was getting tossed around. “Perhaps there’s a nest or den around here?”

  “Perhaps. Though that wouldn’t explain how happy they are, considering the undead army they had right to their south.” Lyndis’ voice lingered as they passed a wolven offering magic to the crowd in the form of presdigitations. Sparks to dazzle, little illusions to make kids pull at parent’s legs and point. “Don’t any of these people know that there is any army so close to them? That all this could be burned away or ripped from them by snapping teeth? How can they be so damn happy?”

  “Well.” Arcturus wrapped his arm around the increasingly trouble faced rogue. “I don’t know about this, but lot. But perhaps it is something to hold onto that fights away the fear? We had this one in group in the army for the king that always brought a deck of cards during the down time. They would laugh and smile away every time they played no matter what had just happened.” He grinned as a wolf passed by, the smell of musky fur lingering in the air as his wolven rider placed a rather large straw hat on his brown furred head.

  “I guess.” Lyndia shrugged. “But what happened to that bunch of happy fools you just went on about?”

  “Well.” Arcturus winced, side stepping some horse droppings on the street. “They’re dead now. Magic swept them away with some water. The bastards cracked and crumbled against a stone wall.”

  “Lords above, you didn’t need to go into bleeding detail about their deaths! A simple “They died” would have been enough to get the point across! Now I can’t stop thinking bout that nasty crack ya focken clanky bastard!”

  “Sorry bout that. Got carried away I suppose.” His voice trailed away as he scanned the crowd that had started to part and move around a red-faced man wearing simple brown clothing complete with a belt and boots. He was picking up cabbages that had fallen out of his overturned worn, dark wooden cart. He was spouting something awful about a clumsy red dragon knocking over the damned thing. Arcturus turned away, whistling innocently as people had already stopped to help the poor man.

  “Looks like our brightness struck again.” Lyndis pointed out the cabbage man as they strode passed. “Surprised the town is still standing with how long he’s been on the loose upon the populace.”

  His eyes drifted from that man to a gold shirt wearing human on the other side of the street selling different wares of armors. Chainmail, leather, to full on plate mail. “He’s getting better I suppose.” He came to a stop as he noticed a cart that contained books of all sizes and shapes on makeshift shelves. Everything else lost its splendor as he began to stride over, his hands brushing gently over his pouch laden with coins. He was greeted by a kobold with stone grey scales and a simple green linen shirt. The little lizard rolled up his sleeves, one being a tad longer than the other as he peered up with his dull yellow eyes.

  “You want to buy a book hu-man?” The merchant’s scratchy voice filled the air.

  “Depends.” He rubbed his scruffy beard, noticing that there were no identification marks on the spines. “What are you selling?”

  “Blank books!” The kobold shouted gleefully, nearly jumping in delight as his claws traced the multicolored spines. “Can write and fill them to your hearts content!”

  “You know.” Lyndis chuckled, sliding over and crossing her arms. “People like to read the bleeding books rather than write them. Seems like a point is lost if you’re buying a bank one.”

  “Why not? They sell parchment to write on!” The kobold thrust a claw up. “Blank book make it easier for you!”

  Arcturus stepped forward, the smell of the pages wafting to his nose. It always tickled his senses cracking open a good book. His fingers found a dull red spine with golden stripes stitched into the hardcover. He plucked it carefully, mind already going to the grin of his dragon that brought with it a wave of soul warming heat. True the bastard had been a bit cheeky, but he always was looking for ways to make sure he knew he cared. “How much?” He snapped his head, the merchant and Lyndis dropping their conversation of proper salesmanship.

  “What?” The lizard cocked his head to the side, his eyes gazing up into Arcturus’ own before going to the book held within his hands. “You want to buy that book?” His demeanor instantly brightened as the paladin gave him a quick nod. Lyndis seemed to vanish from the lizard’s thoughts as he left her, clasping his claws together with a smile. “Excellent choice hu-man! That will be just ten silver pieces and it can be yours!”

  He dove a have into his pouch, tossing the kobold a gold coin and told him to keep the rest. He smiled as the lizard squeaked in surprise, his snout almost touching the ground as he bowed.

  “Why thank you hu-man. Would you perhaps like wrapping?” He held up his claws, a second kobold popping out from the cart with mossy yellow scales and a smile. In her claws she held a thick brown looking material pulled tight between her two claws.

  “Thanks. I appreciate the gesture, but I will have to respectfully decline. He might just rip the damn book in the process if I hide it like that.” He laughed, stashing the book into his pack before waving to the man and striding off into the crowd.

  “It was a gift wasn’t it?” Lyndis poked his shoulder as they passed carts full of gathered plants, tomatoes, pumpkins, peppers, squash, even one with applies tickled as his nose with their pleasing aroma. He spotted Feku with a wicker basket, rifling through a cart of multicolored fruit with a wagging tail.

  “So, what if it is?” His stomach growled, almost making him double over as his thoughts went to his warm meals.

  “I can only guess who it’s for I suppose, o-charmer of dragons. Not surprising really. You two seem so sweet on each other.” She pointed out a large mirror hanging just inside a door of a shop with a large windchime hanging outside. “I’d have gotten our red brightness a mirror or some scale polish. Really drive that resplendence home.”

  “We already talked about the mirror. The dragon doesn’t want to stand in front of something all day. Insisted that I should paint him instead.” He side stepped a group of running children, shouting and cheering as they held up little blue flags with the symbol of a gryphon stitched into the fabric. He made a mental note to tell Krotos. Would certainly tickle the bird’s feathers at gryphon adoring fans.

  “Did he say what he wanted you to paint?” She rose a brow, a lewd smirk creasing her face. “Certain regions that he wanted no doubt?”

  “Yes.” He groaned, holding the bridge of his nose as he recalled that conversation in the cave. He waved off her loud cackles. “He did say something about that alright?”

  “Oh certainly of course he did!” She grabbed at her side. “The one thing I can say about the dragon is his predictability that I can count on him to maintain that level of smugness in the face of anything.”

  “Yea, but he’s got a good heart.” He shrugged.

  “Oh, no doubt about that.” She punched his shoulder playfully, “Otherwise we wouldn’t keep him around eh? Though…” She placed her hand to her chin. “He might be too handsome for you to let go methinks?” She ribbed him with her elbow, his cheeks starting to redden as he looked away, searching around for anything to draw his mind from his friends prodding. To his relief came the sound of music to drown out his cackling rogue’s jaunts. The dull roar of the crowd getting drowned by the pleasing notes of a nearby kobold band of minstrels.

  Woodwind instruments cleared the air as Arcturus made it a point to quickly shuffle closer towards them. He chuckled at Lyndis’ brief glare of irritation, before it turned into one of realization. Townsfolk were dancing to the upbeat tune. Everyone soon had a partner and began to swish and sway, some even spinning the other as they tapped their feet and boots to the notes. He found himself transfixed with a clapping hand to the sounds, as the rhythm worked its way through his ears and into his heart.

  “Come on clanky. Let’s see if you can actually dance!” Lyndis suddenly laughed, grabbing his hands and dragging him to the mass of dancing mortals. She was much more agile than him, swaying her body to the cacophony of pleasing notes as she guided his hands to her waist. Instinct long forgotten came back to his mind as he glided around with her, all the happy people forgotten as he focused on their movements.

  “And here I was, thinking you could only whoo dragons now.” She snarled, thrusting a finger to his chest as they whirled around the ground.

  “Oh, you know me. Man of many talents.” He grinned, spinning her around on her toes, heart beating faster as if to mimic the drum pounding away. He found himself cheering and hollering with the crowd, the weariness and dreary of the previous day being drummed right out of his head. They let the sights and sounds wrap around him as they danced for an extended amount of time. They only stopped when the kobold’s notes started to tire and the band took a break for their lunch, much to the crowds disappointing groans.

  ‘You did good!” Lyndis laughed, wrapping an arm around his back as they strode away with large smiles. “Better than a clanky git shoulda’ been.” She suddenly pulled her head back, brow raised. Her eyes drifted from his boots and back again. “Did the dragon put a hop in your step when I wasn’t looking?”

  Arcturus looked away, thoughts drifting to the pleasing scales, his growly laughter. The smell of a summer’s fire pressed up close as he was held within those strong and caring paws. Ones that made him feel safe, wanted, and loved above all else. “He certainly knows how to do that.” He sighed in delight, part of him wishing the red scaled brightness was right here so he could hug him. He glanced over to the band, that had taken seats on chairs, gobbling up bread and cheeses, the sharp scents poking at his nose. “Was always into dancing though. If you remember I did dance with the red dragon in the forest.”

  “Oh, the early days.” Lyndis sighed, looking off into the sky as if the memories could be contained there within the clouds. “When we could tell you two were teasing that delightful line of being together or not.” She lipped an around him, pointing to a collection of larger booths that had stuffed animals hanging by their backs. “Look!” She gasped, voice brimming with excitement. “They have games here as well, I didn’t know that!” The princess’ voice had taken on a child like wonder that made the paladin giggle in the back of his throat. They admired the cloth animals of all different varieties. He saw horses, wolves, cats, foxes, and an occasional crab. But what most stood out where the hand made dragons sitting comfortably above the rest, keeping watch over their stuffed brethren with button eyes. “Want to try it out? I bet I’m hats at it. Would be good to get the mind off on. You know.” She gave him a wink, tilting her neck towards the booth.”

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  He returned the gesture, letting out a sigh. “Well I did say to try and keep busy.” He shrugged, watching as Asterion strode happily by through the sea of people, his arms filled with knitting supplies and ropes of cloth to work with. The warrior seemed to be lost in his thoughts, not even looking over as people moved out of his way.

  So, with a steady stride they passed a wolven family purchasing a blueberry pie, the alluring scent almost making him stop and buying one of the steaming concoctions for Lyndis and he to share. The cart they were after was a rather large thing, made from sturdy, maroon colored wood. Vibrant yellow banners hung from the sides decorated with animals of all sorts. It was a dwarf that greeted them, thumbing to the wooden cut outs of grey skinned zombie heads that were painted with a red dot between their eyes. The man’s eyes filled with joy as he strummed his waist length beard braided with beads.

  “Did ya come ta test yer mettle and skill with a blade?” The man chuckled, pulling out three daggers with bright red handles. “All it takes is a few pieces of copper an good aim!” A smile creased the brown bearded dwarf as he wiped his fingers on his well-kept green shirt and brown slacks. “An if ya get a bullseyes ya win a price. One of the stuffed animals ya see here! Made em meself!”

  “Oi! What about me!” Came a loud cry from behind the booth, making the dwarf smile and face flush red. “Are ya taken credit for all me work husband?”

  “Well a wee bit from me. Me ole sweet love helped with most of de work. Especially the dragons!”

  Arcturus shrugged, he had tried this sort of game as a child and even briefly before joining the army. He counted out some coin and plinked them right into the dwarf’s rough palms. He grabbed the three daggers, feeling the smooth surface in his hand. It was hard to not feel a tremor of excitement as he eyed the grey wood before him. “Okay. I’m ready.” He beamed as the targets started to move back and forth. This was going to be easy, after all he had just got done going through waves and waves of the real thing outside the town. How hard would it be to hit simple wooden targets with a tossed blade? He weighed the blade, spinning it through his fingers and sighing at the cold steel. His eyes widened as a black bar drifted out over the targets. It appeared to be made from wood and suspended by a thin wire he hadn’t noticed before.

  “What was that?’ He laughed, thumbing the handle as he prepared to toss the weapon.

  “Just a way to make it a wee bit interestin. Especially with you adventurer folks running around.” The dwarf chuckled, counting the coin in his palm with a grin.

  “Problem Arcturus?” Lyndis nudged him. “I don’t think a paladin of Bahamut would have much problem with a challenge?” Her competitive spirit seemingly eating away at him as he stared intently at the targets. He felt his own begin to stir to life, an extinguished fire started to spark and grow warm.

  With a yell he let the black bar go by again, timing his throw. He took a breath, throwing the dagger with reasonable force.

  Easy.

  At the last moment a second bar of wood slid out from behind the first one and moving more quickly. It blocked the blade with a dull smack as the steel sunk into the wood. “No way.” He groaned, remembering why he hated these things as a boy. Nights of plenty of wasted coin came to mind.

  “First toss is a dud! Thought a mighty knight such as yerself would throw better than me old mum! Course she’s’ back home with mummies rot, bless her strong heart.”

  Arcturus breathed a heavy exhale and cleared his mind with the dwarves taunting tone. He stretched out his arm, eying the target with renewed purpose. “That’s fine, just a warm-up throw tis all. And I do offer my condolences to the gran. Mummy rot tends to turn those afflicted with it to ash.”

  Lyndis snickers as the dwarf shut his mouth, face flushing as he pointed to the targets.

  “Jus get back to it den. Show us what yer made of human.”

  “Don’t worry. I most certainly intend to.” He wound back his arm as he pictured his target, minding the quick back and forth of the black sections of wood that would scurry on by like a spooked animal. He bit his lips as he saw an opening and capitalized on it. The dagger sailed back passed the first block, sped passed the second, and completely missed the target. Instead the knight’s blade sunk deep into the wood behind the target.

  Damnt

  His ears reddened as he twirled his final dagger, holding his hand to silence Lyndis’ snicker filled words. “I got it…Don’t worry.”

  “Don’t look like ya do lad. I bet da girl is going ta trounce ya something awful. Make ya beg for ya mum.” The dwarf held his stomach, letting out a belly jiggling laugh.

  “Unlikely dwarf.” He grumbled, “But I suppose you need something to play the fool.” Arcturus loosed the final dagger, this time swerving passed the two wooden beams and hitting the red dot on the zombie’s head. The wooden cutout cracked away and clanked to the ground in a loud ear twitching crack. “That would not be me however.”

  “What in bonnie blazes ya do that for? “ The dwarf threw up his hands, bounding to inspect the broken wood and splinters. “Ya suppose to lob it ya sword swinging tart! Not hurl it wit all ya strength!”

  “Suppose I forgot.” Arcturus smirked, “With all the taunting being tossed around. Surprised that I could manage even that.” He pointed to a red stuffed dragon with blue buttons for eyes. “I’ll take the red one if you’d please.”

  With flames in his darkened pools the dwarf grabbed the red dragon with a grumble and practically shoved it into Arcturus’ hands. “Yer not be allowed here anymore. Ya wreck somethings awful.”

  “Like dat cabbage cart over dere. That was da red dragon dat came wit cha!” The female voice shouted as Lyndis offered her payment to try.

  Arcturus stashed the dragon in his pack, wondering if Veledar would trill from the cute thing that bore his likeness.

  “Feast your eyes on this Arc.” Lyndis spun around to flash him her gleaming teeth as she fanned out the blades. Sunlight caught the metal with a brief flash. “No brute force required. You just need…some…finesse.” She turned only once towards the targets, flinging each dagger with blinding speed that to Arcturus was as a blur. Each knife sailed through the air, seeking out its target without impedance from the black wooden bars. They struck three different zombie targets, each sharpened tip hitting dead center against the red dot. The half-elf smirked, crossing her arms and gesturing to her deed.

  “Well I’ll be.” The dwarf rubbed his eyes. His face only got redder as his brow soon scrunched up. “You’re not playing either. I don’t know if it’s dumb luck or ya cheated, but I can’t handle ya winning each time!”

  “Then don’t open your cart if you can’t stand my skill dwarf.” She giggled, picking out a green, blue, and black dragon from the rows of animals. She received the same grumbles and forceful shove from the stewing dwarf. She just smiled, laughing as they walked away clutching their prizes like it was the most well valued treasure.

  “Why did you even take all of them.” He laughed, pointing to the rogue who was struggling to contain her winning within her arms. “You don’t even need all those.”

  “That isn’t the bloody point.” She laughed, struggling to contain all three within her arms. Lyndis repositioned the dragons in her arms to better hold them “It was more of a matter of proving I was good at it.” She smirked, handing off the blue dragon to a running human child. The little boy clutched at it with bright green eyes widening in surprise. He uttered a quick thank you miss!” Before scampering off in disbelief. Seeing this display several more children scampered over, eyes following Lyndis with rapt attention.

  The paladin’s heart warmed at the display as a little girl no older than ten locked eyes with the black dragon held within the half-elves grasp. The rogue spied this too, quickly slipping through the crowd to hand it to the smiling human child. The girl’s amber eyes lit up in delight as her hands clasped together, nearly bouncing in joy as Lyndis held out the stuffed animal. The girl rose her hand slowly, pulling it close against her chest the moment she had it within her fingers. She mashed the stuffed creature up against her face, nuzzling her cheek against its fluffy snout.

  “Thank you kind miss!” The girl cried, clutching the dragon as if it were the most important thing in the entire world. “I’ll take care of him every day, and make sure he’s nice and pretty. Call him my little Valyrym I will!” The girl’s face lit up in joy as Lyndis patted her head softly. “I’ll love him too!”

  “I’m certain he’ll love you back.” The rogue smiled as the girl’s apparent mother called from the crowd, hands to her lips.

  “Amaleen!” The woman’s voice broke through the crowd’s sounds easily. Like a sword going through an unprotected chest.

  “Coming mother!’ The girl called back, giving Lyndis a quit courteous curtsy before bounding away, her braided black hair thrashing against her soft blue dress.

  “Valyrym?” Arcturus crossed his arms, watching the child reunite with her mother, holding up the black dragon for the woman to see and pointing to Lyndis with a gigantic smile. One that seemed to dominate her face and spread to the mother’s lips. “That’s a rather strange name for a dragon.”

  “I’d let her call it whatever she wants dearest Arc. Who are you to judge the name of mighty dragons? Are you not friends with one named Veledar? I take it some would find that name equally as silly at times.”

  “It’s not a silly name. It is quite respectable.” He looked away from the rogue’s teasing eyes, her hand on her hip. “Besides, you were rather good with children it seems. Almost like you would want one of your own running around one day.”

  “Oh please.” She smacked the playing knight with an open palm on his shoulder. “Don’t want any of those things bloody crawling along till I’m good and ready. So much to see before that happens anyway.”

  “Still though.” He cast his eyes away from the departing pair, drifting to the amused looking rogue. “Good to see children happy. Even in times such as this. Almost puts my mind at ease with the undead lurking outside the walls.”

  Lyndis’ flashed a scowl towards the towering walls, a sneer forming on her lips. “Not that my parents are focken doing anything bout it. It’s like they are content to sit there while our people are devoured and taken advantage of!”

  Arcturus guided her away from the crowds with a gentle touch as her face grew red, and her fist raised and shook against the air. Within her eyes was a flame he had not seen often glinting behind those amber spheres, one that brimmed with a fury she usually reserved for his people’s own actions.

  “Where are the Pegasus knights? Where is the army? And what the ever loving fock is going on?” She cast him a stare, blackened pools begging to be filled with an answer. He wished he had the answers for her. Something to put her troubled mind at peace.

  He only had a calm voice, and a pat to help her along. “We shall find these things out in time. I can’t say when and I can’t say how, but we must keep looking. That’s the best I can offer you. We’re safe for the moment, not something lots of others can say right now. I already chatted with the guards about the subject. They seem to think with their weapons they can hold the undead at bay, and by the way the boney bastards are not approaching they seem to have the same idea.”

  “What’d the guards say exactly?” Her flames fluttering for a moment.

  “Nothing much really. Only what I just mentioned.” He sighed, watching her sudden hope of getting something fade away.

  She brushed his hand away, her eyes looking passed him as if staring off into oblivion. “How long till that little safety of theirs leaves though? Those skeletons? Those zombies? They are very patient, and don’t need food or sleep to keep them going, they can outwait you if they want.” She bit her lip, starting up her walk down the street once more with Arcturus right in tow. “They won’t stay out there forever though…And when they get in. People are going to be screaming and running in terror…Just look at Stathmore.”

  She did have a point, as much as he hated to accept that grim outlook of the events. He needed to keep her spirits up though, something to keep the darkness at bay for a tad longer. So, when she dipped her head and looked right into the cobblestone he picked up the pace and wrapped a hand around her shoulders. Like a protective wall he pulled her close. “We have to keep the spirits up princess. We reach Struport with our mission, get our task completed and set our sights on this problem. Even stop by the palace of your folks if need be.” He held out his hands gesturing to some phantom towering castle on the horizon. One with many towers and offshoots that Veledar could leap to at his leisure. “Though your parents might be a tad upset about the red dragon walking the halls.”

  “He will be hard pressed to fit.” She laughed, a smile coming to her face. “We don’t make everything oversized to accommodate gryphons here.” She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath as if to calm the fluttering of her heart. “Right..focus..No sense in losing my bloody head now. Not after we’ve come so far.” She opened her eyes, giving him a slight nod. “Thanks for the pep talk as it were..Been needed them something awful nowadays.”

  “Tis nothing, that’s what we’re here for is it not? Not just to pull each other’s asses out of the fire now and again.”

  “Or to be humped by a lewd red dragon.”

  “Sometimes that too.” They laughed together, drawing some looks from parents that quickly pulled their children away. As if the two cackling mortals were some sort of hooligans that were out for no good reasons. They traversed the crowd of cheering people, snagging some roasted meat on a stick from a nearby vendor. Lyndis had explained it was roasted thicket shifters, apparently a close cousin to displacer beasts that hid within tall grass and awaited their prey. He had shrugged and sampled the steaming meat on a stick that glistened in the sun as steam lazily coiled up from its seared crimson surface. It was tender and juicy and with tad of punch as he bit down and savored the taste that greeted his taste buds. It wasn’t like what he was used to, but it didn’t matter. He found himself munching away as she laughed at how fast he devoured it.

  After their bellies were full and drink had quenched their thirst they enjoyed a telling of a story through puppets put on for the crowds by a group of colorfully dressed wolven with tribal symbols stitched into earth brown clothing. The tale they spun was of a pup and his family and their journey across the deserts to the far west of Rothdell. How they fought tooth and claw from oasis to life sustaining oasis, surviving on what little food and water they had. They had been beset by spirits, terrible monsters, and even the occasional dragon to the gasps of the crowd. Not of an aggressive one, but one that had lent her claws to the struggling family with a kind wing. The story ended like those typically do, with the family returning home. They were scared and beaten but they were alive and grown much through the journey. Arcturus had tipped the storytellers, placing a few silver coins in a basket close to the makeshift wooden stage that looked to be able to fold and be packed away at a moments notice. He wished such stories had been around his country when he was a lad, to brighten and cheer his mind of all the villainous dragon stories that permeated his lands.

  The wolven thanked him with a series of loud howls and wagging fluffy tails. One of them even telling the pair when they would be next putting on a show for them to enjoy. Arcturus was even certain that one of the females had made a pass at him with a lewd glint in her pale blue eyes. He had laughed it off and accompanied Lyndis further down the near pristine streets of her people. He admired the woodwork as they passed a potion shop. The wooden beams looked to have been shaped out of wood with magic rather then cut into planks and nailed. The darkened surface was twisted and curved in areas some even spiraling out to make a makeshift tower. On its surface were elven runes, scratched into it as if done by a sharpened set of claws.

  He held out a hand, placing it on the smooth wood. It was a little cool to the touch and sent little sparks up his fingers, and for a fraction of a second he thought he felt a heartbeat from the wood, as if the structure beneath his palm was alive. He looked up to the knots buried within it, almost feeling as though the structure was looking at him, staring into his soul. Shivers rippled across his skin as the air seemed to thicken with his next breath.

  “First time looking at elven architecture?” Lyndis chuckled, voice pulling him from his trance as he lowered his arm and was led away by a gentle tug of her hands around his own. “Strange. It almost felt like the thing was…Alive.”

  “I’ve actually heard that story many more times than you can possibly count. Believe it or not there is the idea that the druids talk to the spirits within the wood and get permission to move them. They then weave and bend the wood to their liking, making sure to not dispose of the spirit in the process.

  “is that true?” The idea tickled his brain, almost making him feel guilty for when they cut down trees without care for houses. He peaked a glance back to the now disappearing building, almost lost among the others that dwarfed it in size.

  “Have to ask a druid that one.” Lyndis shrugged, “Just a simple arcane trickster here at your service.”

  “Oh yes.” He smirked. “Just a simple rogue who happens to be a princess in disguise.”

  “Oh, but don’t go blabbing that around or we’ll start a fucken riot as they try to please me.” She placed a hand to her chest, back straightening. Her voice took on an elegant high-pitched tone. “OH, lady Lyndis what do you require? Come shop from me princess finest in the land! Will you kiss my baby princess? Perhaps bless me son and his lover’s union?” She rose a brow and gestured to his lingering expression. “Arc you best not. Better not let that dragon of yours corrupt you with his influence.”

  “Don’t worry.” He waved off her concern with a laugh. “I’d rather hate to start one of those.”

  She relaxed, swishing her cloak behind her. “Thought for a moment that part of him might have transferred into you. We both know with how much he humps ya. Was worried that part of him might have been orgasmed into ya. I almost considered checking you for scales!” She let out a hearty laugh that shook her shoulders and made her appear to be an almost exact imitation of their dwarven ranger. “Or…” She wheezed, wiping a tear from her eyes with a flick of her finger. “That you would be growing his egg inside of ya.”

  “Don’t think that’s how it works.” He grumbled, his hand shot up to caress the back of his neck as his cheeks flushed something awful. Pleasing nights came to mind filled with carnal acts of delight with his dragonic mate. “Besides, I’m in him sometime as well.”

  “Oh yea? Like when? All I hear is how you moan like a dragoness in heat when he’s mounting you. Might even adore that knot of his buried in ya. Kinda of hard to miss when he’s snarling in bliss as he cums.” She tossed him a smirk, folding her arms with knowing eyes.

  “What?” He shrugged his voice lowered, “I like being humped by him.”

  “I can tell!”

  “I mean it’s not that hard to figure out.” Arcturus mumbled, the dragon’s half parting smile coming to mind. “not with him talking about it all the damn time.”

  “Yea, proud of that isn’t he?” She nudged him playfully as his red cheeks only burned hotter. “Just another sign that he loves ya. I see it in those eyes of his. The way he acts around you. He’s almost a different bleedin dragon under those crimson scales.” She gave a final resounding laugh, placing her hands on the back of her head and intertwining her fingers. “You two make an awfully cute couple.”

  “Uh…Thanks for that. Good to know that we. Provide a level of cuteness for you that you like.” He coughed as silence found its way between them, the rogue’s eyes drifting to the sky and lingered among the clouds that lazily drifted by on a breeze. He had seen her do this often during their journey, especially when she thought she was alone. She would brush he hair from her face or roll that green scale around her neck between her fingers as if it fought back what troubled behind her eyes.

  “Mind going to him again?” His eyes lowering to her hands and back to the cloud filled sky.

  “Yea.” She exhaled heavily, not even trying to hide the discomfort with a joke or playful dismissive wave.

  “Well, how’d the dreams go last night? Did you happen to finally make contact after all this time?”

  “Sort of…In a way. I saw him through a fog, all hazy and his scales dulled.” She held up a hand, spreading her fingers wide and slowly rocking it back and forth as she brought it towards her chest at a snail’s pace. “There he bleedin was, right outside my reach and unable to hear me. No matter what I yelled it didn’t get his attention…But I could feel him, his desperation, his fear.” She sucked in her breath, knuckles tightening to look like fresh snow. “He was tumbling next through a void, then there was this flash of golden light with this deep voice all around us. Hurt my ears something awful. ”

  “Deep voice?” Arcturus rose a brow, as curiosity peaked its head. They shifted from one side of the street to another to avoid the busy crowds.

  “Yes, was the strangest thing. It whispered away at my ears, making them tingle. Though at the same time it was deep and echoed all around me. Couldn’t make it out, sounded like hisses ever so often punctuated with a growl or snarl. It then was deep and booming and sent shivers down my spine. I felt terror fill his and my heart as they raced. Threatened to burst from our chests.” Lyndis’ breath quickened as her skin visible trembled, and fingers clutched at her chest, wincing at a phantom pain. “I hope whatever this was is just a dream. As if he is actually going through that…I’d be beside myself with worry.” She shifted her weight, stopping to lean up against a wooden building with a groan.

  He leaned up besidet her, letting a sigh pass his lips as he struggled for an answer. He stroked his chin softly, “Perhaps something is tampering with the amulet you two share. That this spell does weird things and separates you two,.” He gave her a warm smile, clasping a hand gently on her shivering shoulder. “I’m sure he’s alright, just like you are. You must keep holding in there. Perhaps we can even have Shandalar investigate the amulet? She always seems to work wonders with any magic you toss her pointed ears.”

  “You think?” She held up the green scale, dangling the piece of jewelry before her eye. The sun hit the slow rotating surface, making it look vibrant and alive. Almost as if she had just plucked the scale right from the viridian dragon. She let it dangle a few moments more, her eyes seemingly transfixed by its simple motion.

  He nodded, “Never let me down so far, why would she start now?”

  “Think I might take the elf on that offer. Would certainly put an end to the anxiety lingering in my focken heart.” She let the scale fall to thump against her chest, a sigh passing her lips before a smile tugged at her, then grew to dominate her face. “After I enjoy a pitcher or two with our resident dwarf and gryphon. I’ve been meaning to drink them both under the table the moment we got my country.” She placed a finger to her chin, gazing to the rooftops as if in deep thought. “You ever try dragon’s milk Arcturus?”

  “Dragon’s what?’ He cocked his head at the odd name. “Last I remember dragons don’t produce milk, and the only white liquid they actually produce is…well…I’ve certainly tasted my share.”

  “Not that you lewd bastard!” She punched him with a grin. “We really need to get ya out of thinking bout those ridges that adorn your dragon’s cock yer so sweet on! I meant the bleeding drink ya clanky son of a wyvern! It’s called Dragon’s milk, dark brown, froths in your cup something fierce.” She held up two fingers and held them just apart by scant inches. Hint of almond and vanilla dashed in there to warm your tongue. Lights up the taste buds something wonderful. Feels like pure bliss just went down your throat.” She crossed her arms, holding her head up high as she swelled her chest in pride. “Can even knock a grown gryphon right on their arse!”

  He didn’t know many drinks that could boast to do that. Not even in the seediest taverns in Entis. He gave her a polite nod, “Must be quite the drink if it can do that.” He pictured Skywing and his tiger striped flanks wobbling through the tavern, claiming the drink had not affected him. The white fur and black feathers gryphon would topple over chairs, crack tables, and collapse to the floor with a limp thump of his tiger tail. He chuckled as he realized that this was Veledar’s level of destruction, and it made his coin purse hurt. Course that happened when the beast was sober. He shivered, not wanting to imagine what damage he could wreck while intoxicated on that level. “Better not tell Veledar about it, have trouble enough as it is keeping him out of trouble when he’s not on the sauce.”

  “Oh, if we gave it to him we’d be sure to get all the innocent bystanders out of the focken way. Probably to the next town over, to avoid the destruction and potential lewdness that would follow.”

  “Or the fourth town over.” He nudged her, both breaking into shrieking laughter once more. They had hardly noticed that they nearly bumped into Krotos and Merlia, both who had suddenly stopped with confused expressions on their faces.

  “Miss something good did we?” Merlia chuckled as Krotos’ head tilted to the side, a small chirp leaving his beak. “Must have been ta leave ya two cackling away like a bunch of Rothdellian shriekers.”

  “Nothing too bad I can rightly assure you, just imagining the dragon here drunk on his ass stumbling through the town is all. His tail all swishing away, scaring all manner of things away.” Lyndis thumbed to Arcturus’ chest, a smirk on her lips. “How bout you two? Havn’t seen you for the most of the day. Anything good? Where are you off to that has you looking so pleased with one another?” She gestured to the lingering smirk present on Krotos’ half parted beak as the gryphon’s crown feathers extended one by one.

  “Well…We might not be cackling away like a couple of mad men, but we been havin our fun havn’t we?” She snickered, running her hands down Krotos’ neck and earning herself a brief chirp of happiness that left his left ear twitching as he leaned into the touch. “We’re off to vistt the brothel actually. Figure we sample a good drink and hump da night away, ain’t that right handsome blue balled gryphon boy?”

  Krotos nodded, a pleased look glimmering in his eyes as his tail swayed playfully behind him. “You will certainly get a good look of them.” He splayed his ears, his beak widening further. “But they have gryphons here! Saw some of the hens ruffling feathers as we strolled by earlier.”

  “And I wanted to try and see what it’s like ta sample a few gryphons at the same time.” The dwarf grinned lewdly, cracking her knuckles. “Put the ole stamina to good use after dese hard fought days.” She nudged Krotos with a hearty laugh. “Try not ta have yer sheath plump up before we git dere boyo, we got lots of gryphs ta play with!”

  “I can contain myself woman, don’t you worry. There will be plenty of gryphon to go around.” Krotos nipped at her bum, the dwarf letting out a giggle as her cheeks flushed red.

  “Yes yes.” Arcturus laughed, waving his friends to go carry on their activities elsewhere. “Go and have your fun, hump the day away.

  “What? Ya got a wee bit of a problem Arc? We didn’t exactly have the time that you and da dragon got on the road. So, excuse meh if we want to get rid of some of our built-up tension. You know release our poor gryphon of his weighty burdens between his leg.”

  “I can second that statement.” Krotos stamped his claw against the ground, a lewd glint in his eye. “Course I would never turn the opportunity to spill my-“

  “We know.” Lyndis cut him with a laugh, the gryphon devolving into a series of awks. They said little else except Krotos nipping at Merlia once more as they scampered off, vowing to hump her till she could not walk in the morning.

  “Well that just happened.” Lyndis rose a brow, watching the gryphon’s tail sway. She rolled her eyes as he tilted his head back, giving them both a wink as he flashed them his fuzzy blue balls. Arcturus sighed as he stared at the taught package that almost seemed to be a swollen purse. Each orb bounced in time with the gryphon’s step and was rather hypnotizing to gander at.

  “He really does want us to look doesn’t he.” Arcturus shook his head with a chuckle, a certain pair of white orbs coming to mind.

  “Gryphons. They make Veledar look like a literal saint in comparison. Anyway.” She wrapped her arm around Arcturus’ shoulders, leading him down a crowded street, a plan lurking behind her eyes. “Care for a drink paladin? Something to wash away the mental image of our red-haired dwarf screaming as she writhes in bliss under a firmly thrusting gryphon?”

  “Why give the gryphon all the trouble, when Veledar does the same thing?”

  “Cause the sodding gryphon is in everyone’s face about it. Meanwhile your red dragon only seems to have the hots for you as far as I can tell.”

  “Actually, if you recall.” He laughed, pointing at her nose. “The bath incident from earlier. If I was not mistaken. On the road he offered for you to join the festivities.”

  “True, but that was just him being smug, Ya didn’t see him flashing me his rod with a bleeding smile did ya? Or gesturing to his slit with his eyes like he wants you to pay special attention to it? That is reserved for you, you lucky bastard.”

  “It can be quite the nice sight.” He mumbled, blushing as she gave him knowing eyes.

  “Course now that’s settled, get your mind off the humpin paladin, or that cock of your lovers. Focus on the drink, the drink with a very lewd name! Which may not possibly help” She held out her arm, gesturing the buildings with a wave.

  “Yea, cause that’s so much better isn’t it?” He replied, his voice brimming with sarcasm. He looked to the streets, were kobolds sprouted like little weeds. Everywhere he looked there were the little scaled beings running around like whirlwinds, filling the air with their joyous growls, shouts, or cheers.

  “It is actually. I know gryphon culture can be too much in your face for my tastes, but that’s how it tis I suppose.” She moved out of the way, several of the scaled humanoids running down the street with gleaming eyes. “I would have probably seen more gryphons humping out in the open if we stayed in Entis longer wouldn’t I?” She rolled her eyes. “Been under a gryphon if we stayed for even longer.”

  “Not at all actually. Krotos is just the extreme, most other gryphons I know have been rather reserved in the whole issue. While sex is very casual practice among them, they have been known to be respectful of others. Though they will probably not turn down any downright attention. They even use sex as a bonding ritual though among friends and allies. Skywing was never like how our resident gryphon was, even at his most raunchy!”

  “The strong and powerful Skywing? Your old flame before your wife?.” Lyndis sighed, “The tiger gryphon from the forest with the obsidian feathers? The one who let you go after your mate after some kind words and paw massage?”

  “I was cleaning his pads, he rather hated them dirty for your information. Nothing lewd happened, no matter what Krotos told you.”

  “She rose a brow was he looked away, his face reddening. “You shared company with this gryphon didn’t you? Partook in a few shares of bonding rituals with him?”

  “Perhaps.” He growled, thinking back to the lonely nights kept warm by that loyal gryphon. “Always a good time. One of my closest friends.”

  “Besides the one that was trying to kill us if I recall. The bloke with the black armor and twisted sword? The one calling himself the greatest adventure in all of Lumara?” Lyndis thumbed at her chest with a grin. “I Think our little operation in Entis proved that smug bastard a thing or two who the best is at their job, and you can bet they won’t be remembering Garroth, the man who can swing a sword slightly better than your next bloke.” She held up her hand, “No offense of course to you. You do fine with your protective magic…And much better sword swinging.”

  “I’ll try to not take it too personally.”

  “Now off of focken pricks, and back to these sexy times with this said gryphon.” Lyndis leaned in against him offering a raised brow. “Did you take him for your own? Or did you find yourself pressed to his nest and mounted like a hen?”

  “I thought you said our chat was going to try and get my mind off of rods while we walked?” He tilted his head, making the rogue roll her eyes. “Not go right back into talking about them!”

  “You caught me!” She held up her hands, “Changed my damned mind! Now tell me about the gryphon on human action you bastard!”

  “Gentlemen never tells.” He chuckled, holding up a finger to his lips and miming as if to lock a chest. “Especially with what goes on in such nest, and who was mounting who.”

  “Course you answer that way. Mark my words I will find this secret out!” They started to around the corner when she let out a loud shout, jabbing her finger into his chest. “AHA! I can see it in your cheeks Arc, you played that mighty gryphon’s hen!” She punched his shoulder, several kobolds snapping their snouts in shock at the rough display of friendship.

  Arcturus coughed, gesturing to the street as his cheeks only got hotter as Lyndis devolved into cackles. His eyes fell to each small scaly head that they passed. He could not help but notice one race was missing from the plethora that they had seen. “Where are all the Siigonis?” He scanned around, finding not a single scaled humanoid that stood over three feet tall. I see plenty of kobold, but none of the scaly gits that make up a third of your country!”

  “just because we have them you expect them to be in every bleedin village across the land?” She waved dismissively as they passed some water troughs filled to the brim with sparkling water, dire wolves lapping away at the water with wagging tails.

  “No.” He rubbed the back of his neck as thick musk of wolf wafted to his nose. It wasn’t bad, something he could get used to if exposed for long. It hung in the air something heavy and reminded him of the way horses smelled. “Just figured to see at least some of them. We got plenty of the little lizards, thought just some balance was in order.”

  “Well can’t blame ya for thinking that.” She smiled, glancing from little head to little head. “Maybe this village is too far for them, or perhaps they are intimidated by the little lizards running between our legs!”

  As if on cue, two kobolds went running by, chasing after a giggle human boy. They were smaller than the adults and appeared to be smiling in their pursuit. “My candle!” One kobold shouted out in glee, making Arcturus step out of the way to avoid putting an end to their little game.

  It was not until they rounded the next corner till Lyndis pointed to their destination with an excited tone. One that left her rapidly thrusting her finger and tugging at his arm. The inn stood before them with a dark wooden roof covered in signs of wear. Windows of all shapes lined each wall, colored glass instead of the usual clear kind. The doors were closed shut, but the muffled roar of happy patrons and rousing music could be heard from within. A sign hung proudly out from the entrance, the picture of a gleaming green scaled kobold painted on the surface. Above the picture was the name “Mischievous Kobold.” Spelled in dark crimson paint Pleasing aromas of malt twisted with a small hint of earthiness teased at his senses. Working around his nostrils and bringing a trickle of delight across his skin. His tongue started to writhe inside his mouth, as if whispering sweet words to his mind for something to grace it. If this was just a muted version of what waited for him inside his mouth was going to be in heaven.

  “Just one drink.” He held up a finger to the giggling rogue, “Don’t want to be stumbling my way out of there like some sort of drunkard.”

  “Can’t have another one of those in our group, can we?” She mused, waving her hand. “The dwarf and gryphon are simply too many as is. But tell me oh sir knight of dragon most red. How will we ever get the mental image of our fine friends lost within the pleasured filled screeches of gryphon prostitutes?” She feigned horror, placing a hand to her chest and letting out a quivering whine that lingered in the air. “Think of the children!”

  “What children are you-“

  “Shut yer trap, yer overthinking it!” Lyndis tugged at his arm, quickly scampering up the front steps and pushing open the doors with a groan of the wood.

  The sounds from before suddenly burst forth like a broken dam, filling their ears with a cacophony of pleased mortals enjoying one too many drinks. Wolven marfs came mixed with kobold’s chittering laugher placed between the clinking of mugs clacking together. The musky scent of many people wafted out from the tavern mixed with that same damp earthen smell that wrapped around the flower and vine covered beams that crisscrossed the ceiling. Every curved wooden chair was full, all the circular tables covered in plates topped with steaming food, mugs filled with frothy drinks, and joyous customers laughing back and forth.

  Lyndis grabbed his hand, leading him through the packed tavern floor and towards the long wooden bar table that dominated the back of the place. There were at least four seats left empty as an olive skinned human poured drinks into dull grey mugs, laughing away with his rowdy customers. The man’s brown eyes looked to them, a perfect reflection of the drinks he served.

  ‘What be yer poison?” The man smiled his eyes glinting in the tavern light, running a finger across his dark grey smock. He had to practically yell over the near deafening sound of rowdy patrons. They hooped and hollered with howls and hisses for a group of mismatched clothing clad kobolds. One of their number wore a blue cotton sweater, holding a violin as his fellow lizards pulled out various other instruments. Music soon filled the air, the inn’s patrons getting quieter to make space for the pleasing sounds. Arcturus’ thoughts soon drifted to more pleasing days long behind him.

  “Ya going ta stand there dumbstruck or order sir clanky?” Lyndis laughed, nudging him in the side before she flung herself into an open chair. She set her elbows on the table, resting her arms against the bar.

  “Dragon’s milk for me.” He chuckled, staring into the patient bartender’s face. The man looked to them for a moment, his face twisting into deep thought as he tapped his chin.

  “Ever seen you twos around dese parts? You look very familiar.”

  “Not really. New to these parts anyway.” Lyndis thumbed to Arcturus. “Came in with the dragon we did. Thought it was the talk of the town.”

  “Well people did mention some bleedin folks came in with a horned dragon. Just didn’t know the specifics is all.” The man grabbed a tankard, bending over to a barrel keg as Arcturus took a seat onto the wooden stool. The man pulled back a metal lever, letting out a creak and spilling a dark almond drink into the cup that frothed white foam to the surface. “Here ya go.” The bartender smiled, placing the tankard onto the wood with a thud. “That’ll be ten pieces of copper.”

  He tossed the man the coins, grabbing the handle and bringing the drink to his nose. He took a deep whiff of the concoction, a sweet almost seducing smell tugged at his nostrils. He would have to remind himself to possibly grab a few bottles of this if he were able to.

  “Not everyday that someone comes with a dragon to here. They happen to be sort of a rarity wherever you go.” The man shifted to Lyndis, the word elven frost wine blurting from her mouth. The half-elf already shoving the coin into the man’s rough palms.

  She practically melted in her seat as the chilly concoction was placed into her waiting hands.

  Arcturus held up his tankard with a grin, good cheer swirling around his thoughts. She met his eyes, a smile on her lips, clinking her own tankard with sloshing blue liquid against his.

  “It was a hard trip getting here, probably harder one ahead of us. But I’d not rather do it without you or the rest of our friends.” She slapped her knee, her shoulders bouncing as she laughed. “Even that smug dragon that you call a mate. He is the focken best.”

  He just nodded, pressing the mug to his lips and getting his first taste of the appetizing drink. His tongue bristled with almond. Vanilla came next, like a warm tide, whispering encouraging words and offering a promise of more. He was left gasping in delight when he pulled the tankard away, licking the froth clinging to his lips. “Wow.” He exclaimed, mind tingling as he met the rogue’s knowing amber spheres.

  “I Know right?” She mused, slurping her own drink. “Better than that slop you had up in Entis ain’t it?”

  He found himself nodding as he returned for another taste.

  “Course ya had some things up there that were better. Like that gryphon’s delight drink, you got. The roasted direboar and that sautéed roc breast. The rest though?” The woman waved her hand with a look of disgust crossing her brow. “You can spread to the bleedin wind.”

  “What about Veledar’s lair?” He leaned back, nursing at his drink.

  “Doesn’t count that was summoned up by dragon’s magic.”

  “Fair enough I suppose, but what about Mary’s cooking? You said it was fantastic!”

  “Exception to the rule.” The rogue looked away to the kobolds, the sweater wearing one having taken to dancing on one of the many tables.

  “What about the humming bird tavern?” He pressed further, sensing her growing weakness.

  She turned to him with a sigh, her tankard getting placed on the bar. He was met with a withering glance as her eyes narrowed. “Any place that’s open that focken late and near by tastes great. Now stop your trying to prove me wrong before you actually do!”

  “Oh, so I am winning!” He laughed, slurping down practically half of the mind effecting drink with his next round of gulping. He could feel it already starting to work its effect on him, like a small tug on the base of his skull as everything become bubblier. He sighed at the slight buzz, watching the kobold band as several; patrons couldn’t contain themselves and started dancing along to the tune with a series of tempo inducing taps from the others. This was the life, this is what they needed. Especially after the narrowing past few weeks filled with death and fighting. To just sit here relaxing away with no foe to fight no trouble to tease at the mind. Just a pleasing time. The only thing that would make this perfect might be the lack of the crowd. Maybe a cold wind to nip at the skin and have him push up against his warm dragon that would cast it away. Roaring fire before them as Veledar curled his body around him like a fortress. This however did the job.

  They enjoyed the infectious music, the cheerful patrons, and simply relaxed while talking about dragon qualities. Lyndis had gone on about how greens and what he thought a proper gift was for one. He just suggested a statue or something. Perhaps a valuable bauble from the heart.

  “What was the book about?” She had asked, “It is neither of those things.” Punching his shoulder as she teased him. “Why get your red overlord that?”

  He offered her a knowing chuckle, one that conveyed a secret he wished to withhold. “Don’t worry.” He smirked, finishing off his drink with a smacking of his lips. “You will see in time.” He held up a finger.” After I tell the dragon, so you can stop your asking and just stew on the possibilities within your head.”

  “Oh, great. Now your taking after him now. That’s just bloody wonderful. Can’t wait to have two smug, pompous, and clumsy oafs wondering around with us. Will you be making a set of armor for him as well?”

  Like a sign from the gods there was a loud shout outside that pierced the walls and made the band suddenly cease their playing. By the sounds of the muffled words, it sounded like the owner of a cart had his things tipped over and onto the street.

  “My cabbages!” Came the voice again, no longer muffled but a loud shriek.

  “Well. That’s all the time we got.” Arcturus sighed, setting down his tankard. His spine tingled as he heard the next voice to follow, just like he knew it was going to be there. How could it not after all?

  “Well that’s what you get for putting the cart in my path human. What’d you expect to happen?” Came Veledar’s loud voice, the inn suddenly whispering back and forth of what was going on. Someone creeped over without a word, cracking open the door to peer outside. “My mate will pay for any damages to your frightful looking cart. Are you sure it wasn’t missing a wheel before you flung it at my forepaws like some maniac? I mean that’s where your fruit belong right?”

  “They’re vegetables you red scaled beast. Cabbages are not fruit!”

  Arcturus sighed as Lyndis cackled like a mad-woman, setting her drink down and striding next to him clutching at her sides and out of breath. They moved through the crowd that had started to gather from the inn’s doorway, everyone trying to get a good look of what was unfolding just outside. When the last pair parted for the human he was faced with the turned over cart from the cabbage salesman from before. His wooden cart was broken and twisted with splinters covering the ground. His cabbage once saved was now strewn across the street in large green chunks, like someone was trying to plant more to grow. Veledar was staring down at the red-faced man, sitting on his haunches with his tail curled around them both, tapping away at the stone.

  “And don’t give me this my mate business!” The bravest merchant that Arcturus ever saw thrust a finger towards the red dragon’s nose. “You got wings dat ya can use to bloody fly off whenever ya damn well please!”

  The dragon snorted, rolling his eyes to make it painfully obvious as people gathering around them as if this was the most exciting thing that they had seen all day. They nearly made a ring of steel that Arcturus had to wedge his way through.

  “Well, how much for this dreadful looking cart. The one that looks like you were just about to lose it anyway.”

  The man’s eyes widened as if he didn’t expect the dragon to ask. He rose his fingers, counting off them slowly with a series of mumbles. “Fifty gold pieces for the whole lot!” He shouted, thrusting his palms outward to Veledar’s eyes.

  “Fifty?” The dragon pulled his head back with widened eyes. “That can’t possibly be the price, you’re pulling my tail human!”

  “Fine ten gold pieces it is!”

  Veledar looked away, holding up his foreclaw to seemingly inspect his claws. “I’m beginning to think that you shoved your cart on purpose!”

  “I certainly did not! You tripped over the damn thing as it was just sitting there!”

  “Well, I’m not paying over five gold pieces for your rotten looking vegetables and horrible cart. And trust me my red faced human, I’m annoyed at having to pay that ludicrous price. He returned his foreclaw to the cobblestone with a snort and tap of his tail.

  “What’s going on here you two?” Arcturus finally managed to shout in a brassy voice, parting the last two mortals and striding over to the squabbling pair.

  “Arcturus!” Veledar’s face instantly brightened, the daggers he had been staring at the merchant fading away into nothing. The dragon shifted on his haunches, gesturing to the merchant with a wave of his claws. “This cabbage vendor pushed his cart in front of me to trip. Then he claims that you should be the one to pay for it.”

  “I said you dragon!” The man shook his fist, earning another roll of Veledar’s eyes.

  “Anyway, I then tripped, falling onto my chest in a most undignified fashion. One that makes me want to charge him instead. One of the greatest injustices that I have ever suffered.” The dragon placed a claw to his chest.

  He eyed Veledar’s expression with a sense of skepticism. He glanced to the merchant who was now glaring at him instead. “Ten gold you said?” The man nodded, and Arcturus shoved that amount into his greedy out-stretched palms. “Sorry about the mess.”

  “Just keep that thing of yours on a leash. Lest it go destroying everything in sight.” The man spat, giving Veledar a stare brimmed with hatred.

  Arcturus frowned as Veledar’s eyes narrowed. He could see the flames already swirling around In those darkened slits. “Ah.” He stepped between the two, swallowing down his distaste for such a comment. “This beast of mine felled hundred of undead with his breath and claws and saved an entire town from being devoured. I’m sorry that your wretched cart was knocked over and destroyed but that is no reason for going about insulting him. Besides.” He rested his hand on Veledar’s snout, which had slunk to his shoulder. “He has very sharp teeth and flames that can burn a man to cinders, perhaps if you don’t know him you should mind your sharp tongue. You know what they say about sleeping dragons no? He turned to Veledar with a softened voice. “What was he said my mate. That you were like my pet? To be on a leash and ordered around?”

  Veledar nodded, a slight growl radiating from his throat as his tail thrashed onto the ground with an audible smack.

  The man’s color drained from his face faster than a rock tossed from a cliff. His hand’s trembled beneath the dragon’s intense glare. He audibly gulped and rubbed the back of his neck, looking down at his boots. “Perhaps I misspoke about the whole thing. Accidents happen o’ course and ya did pay for the damage.” The cherry faced man shifted his weight side to side, “Sorry bout the fuss…and the words.”

  “Thank you human.” Veledar growled, “Next time don’t go pushing carts in front of dragons who are minding their business being brave and resplendent.”

  The man shut his mouth, crouching low to start picking up his scattered cargo as the crowd dispersed with a series of groans. It was almost as if they had wanted a fight to break out.

  “I had that handled you know.” Veledar guided him away with his tail, his snout nuzzling into his chest. “Didn’t need you to swoop in and save me.”

  “Right.” Lyndis laughed, patting the dragon’s side. “Looked like you didn’t need any help at all with that.”

  “Perhaps you should even watch where you were going. Then maybe you wouldn-Hey!” Arcturus flinched as the dragon nipped at his bottom. He went to smack him, but the dragon had already pulled his head away with a chuckle. “You know.” He tapped the dragon’s chest with a laugh. “You’re going to make me destitute with the number of things you destroy.

  “That is the part that amuses me human. It’s not your coin I’m promising away. It technically is mine.” The dragon rose his head, swelling his chest as his placed his foreclaw carefully on the ground. “For your gold is mine, as mine is yours.”

  “So how does the “My mate will pay for damages.” Thing supposed to work?” He scratched the dragon’s chin, earning a pleased warble.

  “Oh, spare me that smug…smile of yours. We both know it makes the humans more agreeable if I offer a fellow human to pay for the damages.”

  “Course it would make them more agreeable your brightness if ya didn’t go focken crashin into their carts every few minutes.” Lyndis chuckled, glancing back to the inn.” Might start to think it’s a hobby of yours.”

  “Well, it certainly is not.” Veledar snorted, his frills fluttering on either side of his head.

  “Then what where you doing today my silly dragon? I’ve had quite the day with Lyndis here while you scurry about and knocking over that man’s cart on two separate occasions.” Arcturus cast Veledar a warm smile, happily guiding the dragon’s snout with a hand to stare into his eyes.

  “You know me clever little human. I was off…Gathering things, information.” The dragon held up a claw, turning to inspect the talons with a smirk tugging at his snout. “This and that. Getting gifts for the less fortunate, kissing babies. You know, all the heroic stuff in the stories.”

  “Stuff and things?” Arcturus rose a brow, watching the dragon’s eyes shimmer with a hint of mischief. “Sounds like you’re up to something.”

  “Perhaps.” The red dragon looked away with a playful swish of his tail and shifting of his weight. “You will have to accompany me to find out, won’t you?”

  He crossed his arms, watching the dragon’s snout for any sign of what he was really up to. He didn’t see any deception or plotting that could be lingering within those happy looking blue slits. Not even a tremor was shared through their bond that could tip him off to some prank.

  “He wants to take you on a date!” Lyndis gasped, snapping her hands to her mouth. “That’s so focken Cut-“

  “Enough out of you.” Veledar growled cutting her off with an extended wing. The rouge just burst out into giggling laughter, smacking the soft membrane with the palm of her hands.

  “Confirmed it! Dragon’s embarrassed!”

  “Silence you harpy.” Veledar slunk his head over his wing, “Before I make you unable to eat again.”

  “THAT WAS WHAT YOU WERE DOING?” She gasped, smacking his wing again. I practically starved that day you red scaled buffoon!”

  Arcturus was left surprised as the red argued back and forth in a hissing fit of laughter. “A date?” He chuckled at the idea of the red taking him on one. Not that it wasn’t unwanted or unheard of, but simply because he had never heard of dragons doing such a thing. He stood in shock that it was Veledar of all people asking for this. His hands fell to his side as cerulean eyes locked onto his, and a moment of pure content passed between the two without a sound. He extended a hand, brushing the dragon’s cheek tenderly when it was offered. “What did you have in that scaled head of yours?” He smiled, warmth spreading to his heart as Veledar nuzzled affectionately into his palm.

  “Place I heard about today.” The dragon pulled back with a grin, face brimming with energy. He was practically bouncing on his paws with growly purrs. “Has a bunch of stones that when the sun hits it makes the hills sing.”

  That was an expression, a dwarven one at that. Arcturus sighed, clenching his nose ridge with his fingers as he shook his head. “I think that might be just an expression my brightness.”

  “Nonsense.” Slippery tongue met human face, causing Arcturus to half-heartily push away from the pinkish organ. “So how about it Arcturus?” The dragon cocked his head to the side, his frills twitching softly.

  He couldn’t resist the dragon’s good cheer. He could feel it rippling against him getting stronger with each moment they stayed looking into each other’s eyes. He peered over to Lyndis who was already rolling her eyes.

  “I don’t mind if you go you daft fool. Go on yer date with the dragon. Have fun, kiss, fly around.” She tapped Veledar on the snout with a quick laugh. “Just don’t ride him too hard Veledar. We want our knight to be able to walk tomorrow.:

  “No promises of that.” Veledar growled lustily in the back of his throat. “He does bring out something fierce in me. The urge to feel him squirm and knotted to me is almost irresistible.” He cast his eyes to Arcturus, a lewd flicker coming to them that made the human’s cheek blush something fierce. He imagined if someone where to touch them they would be set aflame.

  “Lead a horse to water they say.” Lyndis sighed, thrusting a thumb back towards the mischievous kobold. “I’m going to enjoy myself. Maybe look around why things are so quiet around here.” Her eyes followed a rowdy gang of humans and wolven roaring with laughter. “Figuratively speaking of course.”

  “Just don’t take it too hard. We’re supposed to relax princess. Or have you forgotten with that drink you swallowed down earlier?” Veledar scoffed, flicking his tail. “Shouldn’t be leaping at ghosts.”

  “I’m not wet behind the ears dragon! So don’t worry your paws none.”

  “Come then.” Veledar nosed at the human’s chest, nearly knocking him over.

  “Hey!” His hands latched onto the dragon’s scales, catching his fall. “What has you so impatient? You’re acting like a child!”

  “Or a dragon who knows to go where we want we need to leave now.” The dragon’s eyes shifted to the sun, an exhale tickling Arcturus’ chest. The human held firm, fighting the tingle that threatened to summon a spasm of giggles. Veledar only smirked, clearly loving the twisting of Arcturus’ face and the trembling of his hands. “Now come my paladin. Hop onto my back, we can go get my harness and let us be off to the sky.”

  “Any ideas what he wants to show me?” He turned to Lyndis, who only shrugged.

  “Could be anything round here. Never quite sure with him. If you want my guess, It’s either a full-length mirror, a statue of him, or his bloody dripping cock.”

  “No Lyndis.” Veledar groaned, “While those things are nice. Especially the last one. That is not what I have in mind to show my mate here. It is a secret that shall remain hidden beneath my armored scales.”

  “Fine. Keep your dragon secrets.” Arcturus rubbed the red’s snout and pushed him away to climb up onto the dragon’s back. He clutched hard around Veledar’s neck, wishing he had the harness. “You said we were going to grab your harness before we head out to wherever it is your bringing me?”

  “Most certainly I did human.” The dragon, cooed. “You have to check on Shandalar anyway, see how she’s doing guarding our things.”

  “Is it something I would like?” He settled his weight as Veledar rose, unfolding his wings wide.

  “Arcturus.” Veledar arced his neck, peaking back with a lone sapphire eye. His maw was parted into a smile. “I heard humans love this place. And I’m sure that one that appreciates beauty like me will simply adore it.”

  “It’s nothing lewd is it?” He leaned back, crossing his arms. He gave the dragon a long stare that ended up with a snapping of jaws and a rumbling chuckle.

  “No, my mate. Do I look like the gryphon? It’s not always lewd thoughts that cross my mind…Although..:

  “Hey!

  “Calm yourself human.” Veledar sighed, “It’s not particularly known for its lewdness. Now can you cease your questions until we get there? Can you find the mental fortitude to wait?” The dragon’s eye ridge rose, a test flap making Arcturus cling to his mate.

  “I can.” He sighed, taking in the scent of his scales. “Show me this surprise that has you acting so cute.”

  “Certainly!” The dragon trilled, thrashing his tail and tensing his muscles. “Lyndis!” He snapped his snout down to the chuckling half-elf.

  “Just go you blood oaf and leave me!” She shouted.

  “Very well!” Veledar pounded his wings, bounding into the sky with a mighty flap. The wind battered against them as they rose in a spiral above Roselake. Arcturus let out a cheer as the joy of flight radiated from their hearts for all to hear. The dragon banked his wing, setting his sights for the clearing where the caravan had rested for the evening. “Arcturus?” Veledar’ arched his head back with inquisitive eyes.

  “Yes?” His fingers held tighter, as despite the dragon’s care it was a tad bumpy.

  The dragon turned his head, flashing him a lewd grin. “Do you still happen to have that rope in your pack?”