//------------------------------//
// Chapter Five: Pukwudgies, Timberwolves, and Cockatrice’s oh my! Part 2 
// Story: Stream of Silver, Heart of Gold 
// by RadBunny 
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Gallus backed away cautiously as the three imposing Timberwolves stared him down, slowly starting to circle the young gryphon. Their bodies composed of dark wood held together with ethereal green magic, the creatures were clearly hungry for something.
Most likely him.

He needed a weapon. Desperately looking around, Gallus only spied sticks about as long as his forearm- hardly big enough to do any damage.
Still backing up, Gallus briefly glanced back to see that he was only five tail-lengths from the clearing edge. He grabbed a small rock- sending it hurtling at the nearest wolf and causing it to back up ever so slightly.
That would have to do. 
Turning tail and dashing back to the camp, Gallus made it without feeling any sharp teeth sink into his hindquarters, but barely. Skidded to a stop next to the fire, Gallus saw the wolves pausing just outside the fire’s light. Made of dry wood, the creatures had an inherent fear of the crackling flames. An increasing wind whipped the long-reaching branches over the meadow into a pre-storm frenzy; if they tried to fly for it, there'd be a good chance they'd hit a snag. The actual fall wouldn't be bad, but the grounded many-toothed occupants would certainly be. 

Looking to his left, Gallus expected to see Silverstream bolting back as well-
Instead, his jaw dropped in amazement.

Staring down three other wolves, the young hippogriff had a rather large stick in her right claw as she reared on her hind legs. One of the wolves lunged at her, and with a rather fearsome yell Silverstream swung the weapon with both claws, shattering the wooden head of the Timberwolf with the blow. 

Despite her limbs shaking, Silverstream swung again- this time taking off the front left leg of a second wolf as it dared to get too close. The other one circled slightly to cut her off from Gallus as he called out.
“Silver! I-hold on!” He called out, but even after picking up a flaming log from the fire, the three wolves stopped him from getting any closer to her.
Clearly the predators wanted to separate them and pick them off.

Another angry cry sounded from behind the wolves, and Gallus saw Silverstream swing again, this time obliterating the flimsy front-half of the first attacker, it having hastily reformed and tried again.
“Will you all just GO. AWAY!” She screeched, another blow whacking off yet another limb of an attacker.

It was a fleeting thought, but one that Gallus would be hard pressed to forget. Seeing Silverstream fight off these wolves-
Covered in dirt, grime and sweat, Silver bared her beak at the three nearest wolves who promptly stepped back a few paces. Gone was the cowering Seapony hiding from an illusion in a distant cave, instead, a hippogriff warrior stared down the three wolves and readied another swing.
She’s gorgeous. 

His adoring thoughts were cut short by the other three wolves padding closer, and the gryphon promptly chucked the flaming log-
“Silver! Heads up! Fire for you!”
I mean, it feels like my heart is on fire, but in this case I mean literally.

Picking up another flaming piece of wood, Gallus saw his original throw had been perfect, the log landing next to the hippogriff. The sight of fire caused her three wolves to back off even more. They clearly were having second thoughts.

Gallus looked down and saw there were only a few pieces remaining in the hastily built fire- not enough to throw many more.
Hmmm.
Keeping his eyes on the wolves, Gallus exchanged his current weapon for a smaller piece that was still aflame-

And that’s when the first wolf jumped at him.
Time seemed to stretch, and for a moment Gallus saw the forest vanish, stone walls rising on either side of him.
Griffinstone.
The image of the Timberwolf was replaced by that of their more deadly cousin; the Ice Wolf. Held together with powerful blue magic and having bodies composed of solid ice, they were harder to shatter and send running. Barely out of the  hatchling stage, Gallus had chosen a spot to shelter for the night rather poorly; on the outskirts of town.
It was only the arrival of a passing gryphon that had send the ice wolf with its tail between its legs, shattered with a blow of a wooden staff.
There’s no rescuer this time though. 

Gallus’ eyes narrowed, a surprising amount of raw anger building in his frame. No, there wasn’t a rescuer; but he wasn’t a helpless hatchling either. Not anymore.
Letting out a screech, he rocketed his left fist towards the Timberwolf’s head.
The set of claws holding on to the still flaming wood.

With an abrupt SNAP, the wolf’s head exploded in a shower of wood and embers, the creature scrambling back to the tree line with a high pitch keen.
Apparently they really didn’t like fire.

Gallus let out a growl as he took a few steps towards the two wolves. They backed up briefly, and then one tried to lunge once again. Swinging the ember-coated weapon, Gallus slammed the wood into the side of the creature head, sending the wolf off to the side in a flailing heap. As it got up, the wolf looked to the gryphon and then to Silverstream, starting to move towards the unsuspecting hippogriff from behind her. 
The protective surge that flooded his frame was enough to cause Gallus’ heart to skip a few beats. The gryphon’s eyes narrowed as another scene sprang to his memory. 

An ice wolf stalking a gryphon hatchling, and all he had was a piece of jagged metal.
A primal surge of energy enveloped Gallus as he snatched a rock from the fire ring, promptly launching himself towards the offending wolf. Swinging the stone down with a brutal blow, he sent the weapon slamming into the wolf’s shoulder, splintering the wood into splinters.

With a high pitched yelp, the Timberwolf scrambled out from under Gallus, dashing into the woods as it slowly re-formed. With its partner now beating a hasty retreat, the lone Timberwolf looked to Gallus, and then promptly trotted off. The other three Timberwolves that had been harassing Silverstream were nowhere to be seen, and the hippogriff happily bounded over to Gallus to wrap him up in a hug.

“YOU’RE OK!” She squealed, burying her head in his neck feathers affectionately.

“I was worried about you too Silver.” Gallus admitted, hugging her back. As Silverstream let out a happy hum, the gryphon caught sight of one of his clawed hands as the strange energy that had clouded his vision began to fade.
His claws were shaking.
That’s…odd.


Silverstream let him go with a wide grin, picking up a large stick at her side.
“I like this branch, glad I found it when I did! Sticks are awesome!” She remarked happily, prompting Gallus to grin.

“You were amazing! I’ve never seen someone hold their own like that against THREE wolves! Like, WHOA!” Gallus’ wings flared out in enthusiasm, prompting Silverstream to blush and trace the ground with a claw.

“Where did you learn to do that?” He asked, stocking the fire back up with some nearby smaller sticks.

“Well, being royalty and all that, we had to take a basic combat course, and have private lessons in case we got kidnapped or something.” Silver explained, still a bit pinker than normal at Gallus’ exclamation. 

A roll of thunder echoed across the darkening sky, prompting Gallus to gesture to the edge of the clearing
“We should probably get some dry wood still- together this time?” He suggested as they both walked to gather what large pieces they could find. 
They had barely gotten a small pile underneath the tent when large raindrops began to fall, prompting a quick huddle inside. They had managed to prop both tents halfway open, two single tents becoming a semi-normal sized one.

Appropriate music (click)

“Well, at least we have food and water.” Gallus quipped, fishing out their supplies and looking at the shredded sleeping bags.
“It’ll barely make a single decent blanket I think. Ah well.”

Silverstream let out a happy giggle around a mouthful of pastry-like food, scooting closer to lean against the gryphon.
“Not too bad I think. That was TOTALLY awesome when you punched that Timberwolf by the way! Like, it was a tiny bit scary, but WHOA!” The hippogriff exclaimed, her own wings now flaring as she spoke. Gallus couldn’t help but let out a sheepish chuckle, shrugging his shoulders.

“Thanks, I’m just glad it worked though. You were incredible though. And wow, totally beautiful too-”
The gryphon’s eyes widened as his mouth decided to move faster than his brain, cheeks starting to tinge purple.

“…Really?” Silverstream’s uncharacteristically soft and gentle whisper reached his ears.

“I wouldn’t have said it if I didn’t mean it.” Gallus replied, looking over to see Silverstream’s eyes shimmering with affection.
“N-no guy has ever said that about me. Not like that.” She whispered, looking to the ground briefly before back to Gallus.

“What do you mean ‘like that?’ He asked, both curious and rather stunned nobody had said such a thing.

Silverstream let out a slight laugh, gesturing to her dirt-covered feathers and fur.
“It’s always been nobles at gatherings and such. A passing thing only meant to be polite or gain favor. Never like it’s meant seriously, always rehearsed and such. But right now, I mean, I’m covered in dirt and leaves! H-how can I be-?”

Gallus let out a sight and promptly reached over to rest a palm against Silver’s cheek, to which the hippogriff let out a shaky breath. 
“Dirt and leaves don’t change it at all. And if you doubt that, I’ll be sure to remind you.” Gallus replied, a gentle smile on his face. “I think they add to it actually. Regally gorgeous without the leaves, and a warrior princess with the dirt addition.”

Now the gryphon could feel Silver’s cheeks heating up against his palm- not that he minded. Not a single word he said had been untruthful in the slightest.
“Not quite a princess b-but, thank you Gallus.” She whispered, eyes still damp as he rubbed her cheek with a talon.

“Anytime. We probably should get everything set for tonight though.” He mused, still grinning at seeing the putty-like hippogriff leaning into his claws.

“Mmmmm. Probably.”
Gallus then blushed as he realized how exactly they’d be staying warm. 
Not that he was about to complain. But it was a new thing
A very, very new thing.
A strange knot formed in the gryphon’s chest, and he did his best to not let it show as he placed his claws on the tent floor.

“Gallus?”

Of course he failed. Silver always seemed to know…

“Just, thoughts. Past things.” His wings dropped slightly as Silver scooted next to him.

“I know there’s a ton you haven’t shared, and that’s ok.” She whispered, reaching over to give his claws a squeeze. “You’ve been there for me, so whenever you want to tell me, I’ll be listening.” 
Seeing Silver’s hopeful gaze prompted the knot in Gallus’ chest to tighten further, and all he could do was return the gesture by squeezing her claws.
“T-thanks Silver.” He whispered, the warm knot in his chest slowly moving upwards towards his eyes.
Nobody was ever there for me. Not until my friends.
Not until you.

Silverstream must have noticed the gryphon’s eye getting damp with burning tears, because she sat up and looked at him curiously.
“Gallus? You ok?” She asked softly.
His only response was to wrap his arms around her in a genuine hug, taking a shaky breath. She knew of course; but it was so much harder to admit to himself the simple fact.
Underneath the sarcasm, the snarkiness, and standoffish demeanor…
All I’ve wanted is this.

“I could never realize how much I wanted something until I actually had it.” Gallus whispered, tightening his hug as Silverstream returned the gesture. It was a logical progression, but in terms of feelings, a very significant realization.

When Gallus pulled back slightly to rest a set of claws on Silverstream’s cheek, her captivating purple eyes looking back at him with genuine warmth. 

As he felt her move slightly in his touch, Gallus had a frantic back and forth take place in his mind.
The gryphon knew what he wanted to do, something that had been on his mind for a good month.
And yet there was the fear- the ‘what if…’
After all she’s done for you, you really think she wouldn’t-?

Shutting down the doubts in his mind as best he could, Gallus leaned forward and pulled Silverstream in for a kiss.
Gryphon kissing was a tricky thing to say the least. While they had semi-flexible beaks, a kiss with such things was an all or nothing affair. If one party didn’t want such a gesture, all they had to do was close their beak as a painful reminder to the other, or turn away.

The hippogriff’s body stiffened in surprise as their beaks met, her eyes widening briefly-
And then yanked Gallus closer to return the kiss with such fierceness that the gryphon thought his ribs would break from the pounding of his heart. 

Warmth spread from the top of his head to the tip of his tail, returning the loving gesture as best as he knew how. The happy shiver that ran through Silverstream’s body as they hugged each other close brought him no small amount of joy, the two finally separating to lock gazes briefly.
“I-I, um…” Any intelligent thoughts completely flatlined in Gallus’ mind, but thankfully Silverstream simply giggled and gave him another hug. 

“Y’know, if you don’t know what to saaaaay, you can always just do that again-MMMF!”

To his credit, the cheeky gryphon couldn’t pass up that opportunity. The fact the additional kiss made Silverstream blush and fluff out slightly was just an added bonus.

“I think I get why ponies and such do this often.” Gallus remarked, pulling away briefly to smile at his special somegriff.

“Mmmmm.” Silverstream’s gaze looked like the affectionate stupor she had whenever he brushed against her cheek, except the genuine smile on her face sent warmth flooding through Gallus’ frame.

Third time’s the charm.
Looking into Silverstream’s eyes, Gallus pulled her close into another fiery kiss, ending by pressing his cheek against hers. Words rose in his throat- but stopped just short of his beak. 
I’ll tell her. But not now. Not yet.

The gryphon simply enjoyed Silverstream’s touch for a good minute, ever minute movement she made to snuggle up closer setting his heart on fire. To have someone want that…

Silverstream pulled back slightly, wiping away the few tears that traced their way down Gallus’ cheek. She had never mentioned it around the others, nor given any indication she found it odd.
If anything, the loving look in her eyes got even more intense at such moments, an unspoken understanding at the emotions that tugged at his heart and spilled from the gryphon’s eyes.

As if words would spoil the moment, the pair dragged the remains of the sleeping bags over and lay down next to each other. Huddling close, the two fell asleep leaning on the other’s shoulder, the tattered remains of the sleeping bags draped over their backs. 
-----
Gallus yawned, snuggling further under the warm blanket. 
Best blanket ever. It’s heavy, warm-what is that sleeping bag made of? And why is there a rhythmic-
The gryphon’s eyes snapped open as he realized exactly what the blanket composed of, or rather, who.
Despite the warm lump in his throat, he was not going to tear up just because of-
Ugh.
And to think, Gallus had been so naïve in accepting that after the years of pain, he had no more tears to cry. How wrong he had been.
They never left, just froze. And Silverstream…
Her hugs were certainly warm enough to thaw ice. Literally or figuratively apparently.

Silverstream let out a yawn, burrowing into Gallus’ back neck fur with a mumble before lifting her head.
“Bwa? Huh. Morning….”

“Morning. I guess my blanket can talk after all.” Gallus chuckled from under her, prompting a squeak.

“I-I-”

“Silver. I’m not complaining at all.”

She let out a frustrated MMMF into his shoulder, then getting up and stretching.
“Well not my fault you’re so cozy. I could have stayed there alllllllll morning!” She chirped happily, prompting Gallus to sigh with a rather goofy grin on his face.

“Saaaaame. We should try to find the others though.”

“Yea, we should-WAIT WHAT?”

Gallus was already packing up the shredded sleeping back and undoing the other tent pegs, looking back at Silver a smile.
“What are you waiting for?” 
His cheeky comment prompted a frustrated sigh- or at least the attempt at such. The kiss on his cheek let the gryphon know Silverstream had definitely heard that remark, and most certainly approved.

After breaking down their camp and eating a quick breakfast, the two were back trotting on the dirt path, hopefully towards their friends. Silverstream was all smiles as she hopped along at his side, something that almost always pulled Gallus’ thoughts away from the darker places in his mind. 

Gallus then froze as a soft clucking reached his ears.
You have got to be kidding me.
Sure enough, a composite creature waddled out in front of them, complete with the head of a chicken and the lower half and wings of a reptile.
He heard Silver gasp, prompting the Cockatrice to look directly at them.
It was a choice he made without even thinking, limbs moving swiftly before they froze completely. Spreading his wings, the gryphon glared at the offending creature, blocking Silver’s face from its view. 
Surprisingly, being turned to stone didn’t feel so bad. It was like being in a blizzard, getting colder and colder. It started at the tips of his claws, and quickly moved up his legs. The powerful magic had begun to creep up his chest when a strange sound drew Gallus’ attention.

THUNK

Apparently the sound of a stone hitting the head of a chicken produces a rather hollow clunking noise, because the Cockatrice stumbled around instantly, falling over a few times at the impact. After a few confused clucks, it wobbled away into the forest, Silverstream already primed for another throw. The magic faded from Gallus’ body, and he almost collapsed as feeling returned to his frame.
“Whew. Thanks Silver.” He sighed in relief, flexing his claws. “Now, back to finding our friends?” His words faded as the gryphon saw Silverstream staring at him. “What?”

“You stood in front of me, to block its magic.” Silverstream stated, a tumult of emotions swirling behind her eyes.

“Well yeah? Of course I did.” Gallus replied, shrugging his wings. Why wouldn’t he?

There was a flash of something deeper behind Silver’s purple eyes, something that took Gallus’ breath away. What it was, he wasn’t sure, but it had enough power to make her eyes damp for the briefest of moments.
“T-thank you.” She whispered, giving him a nuzzle on the cheek before continuing onwards.
What was that about? Perhaps I’ll find out eventually, but now, we need to find everyone.

After walking for another few minutes in silence, Gallus paused.
“Did I hear Smolder laugh evilly?” 
On taking a leftmost path, the gryphon saw a familiar group of individuals huddled around a morning fire.

On seeing the pair stumble into the campground, the four individuals jumped to their feet.
“Whoa! We thought you guys went home or something. You were out here all night?!” Sandbar exclaimed as Smolder got a rather devious look on her face.

“Yona just glad all friends are here now! Still a day or two of camping fun!” The yak proclaimed happily.

“Uh huh. You sure you two didn’t sneak off on purpose?” Smolder asked sarcastically, prompting Gallus to roll his eyes. He had been expecting that remark of course.

“Nah. We just got lost. It was pretty great actually. Explored, made a fire, but it was still FREEZING! Had to sleep together to say warm!” 

Gallus’ eyes widened at Silverstream’s words, and he resisted the urge to smack his face into the nearest tree. Dragging a set of claws down the side of his face in exasperation, Gallus looked at the four shocked faces staring at Silver and himself. 
And there goes my pride. Phrasing, Silver. 

“Our sleeping bags got shredded and it was rather cold.” Gallus explained with a deadpanned expression.

His words prompted a few different exclamations, the looks changing from shock to affirmation.
“Oh, that’s smart! It’s a good survival strategy!” Ocellus exclaimed, Yona nodding as well.

“Is what Yaks do if caught in blizzard! Huddle together in warm bundle. Then can outlast snow!” She proclaimed.

Smolder simply raised an eyebrow and sighed. She certainly seemed rather put out from being denied the plethora of jokes that had been available, mainly due the supportive response.
“Well glad you didn’t freeze at least.” She muttered.

Then hopping forward to sit on one of the log benches, Silverstream stretched her wings briefly.
“It was honestly ok, other than the Pukwudgies, Timberwolves and Cockatrice’s!”

Ocellus was the first to speak, with a soft “Oh my…”

The other three then chimed in as one voice;
“THE WHAT?!”