//------------------------------// // Chapter 12 // Story: Realms of Magic: The Realm of the Gryphons // by TheEighthDayofNight //------------------------------// After a filling breakfast, and a chance to speak with some of his elves, Kathranis was back with Aquila, and Valan, along with Huron and to his surprise, Riven. The bulky elf hadn’t spoken much during the morning meal, but he had attached himself to Kathranis’ side as soon as the elf had announced that he would be going into the city. His elves were free to explore, with Aquila’s guards allocating each a small allowance of the local currency. Most split off into smaller groups, seizing their first taste of civilized freedom as soon as they had money, and though he noticed gryphon guards pealing off to follow them, Kathranis thought nothing of it. No doubt it was merely a way to offer directions or guidance in the new city. Dranidal watched over their group with all of the subtly she could muster, though knowing her position as Aquila’s bodyguard, that was somewhat limited. The other gryphon guards, however, had the subtly of a brick. Three followed behind their group at a dozen paces in plainclothes that “concealed” their weapons, while two more walked ahead of the group, always managing to stay inside eavesdropping range. If Aquila, or Valan cared, they didn’t show it, keeping up their normal conversation as they walked. “So,” Aquila said to Kathranis. “I was thinking we can start by getting you a cloak, and maybe some nicer clothes, then maybe do some sight seeing, grab lunch, then have a trip to the bathes before dinner.” Kathranis frowned and looked down. “What’s wrong with what I wear?” “You’re wearing your armor,” Aquila stated, as if the problem was obvious. “Don’t you ever want to take it off? Wear something more comfortable?” Kathranis shrugged and looked to Huron, who matched his gesture. He then looked to Aquila and smiled. “My armor is comfortable. Aside from my tunic and other undergarments, it’s what I always wear.” The gryphoness sighed and shook her head, rubbing her eyes with her fingers. “Of course you do.” Dranidal smiled at Kathranis. “Traditionally, armor is only worn when battle is intended. To do otherwise is to show fear in one’s house.” “Basically, everyone who doesn’t know you thinks all of you elves are cowards,” Valan yawned. “Zefuris has been stomping out all kind of rumors, but well, nobles are going to keep running their beaks about things they don’t understand. Bunch of dusty old featherheads.” Dranidal shot the young gryphon a glare. “My prince, I would recommend not speaking so flagrantly about your soon-to-be allies. The nobles of Gryphnoia may feed into the gossip mill more than is appropriate, but that is hardly a reason to risk offending them.” Valan shot her a tired look. “If I had my way, we’d clean those old buzzards out of the castle. All they do is rattle sabers, eat our food, and cause problems. They talk and talk about how great they are in battle, and how legendary they used to be,” he spread his hands, “but where are they when the fighting starts? Still here, still rattling sabers and trying to bad mouth our allies.” Dranidal’s eyes flicked to Kathranis. “Technically the elves are not yet so my Prince, but still…” “I disagree,” Valan snapped. “Why are we hosting them if they’re not our allies? Why give them allowances? Why did Dad say; and I quote, that the ball was for “those greedy backst-” Aquila smacked him with a wing, then growled her next words. “That was said in private idiot, now shut your beak before one of the rats in the walls hears you!” Valan shrank and glanced around, before mumbling a chastened “sorry”. Aquila rolled her eyes, and their walk fell into silence as they left the castle corridors and into the courtyard leading to the front gate. There, as if waiting for them to appear, stood the tall sentinel that was Zefuris. Decked out in the impressive armor he had worn when had come to Kathranis’ rescue, the gryphon turned their way as they approached. Beside him stood a much shorter gryphon in similar, but far less decorated armor. Instead of a shine, the armor was dull, as if it was cheap. Aquila let out a sigh and rolled her eyes, then slipped into a smile and a skip as they approached. “Hello Zefuris, and why the show of force today?” The tall gryphon looked impassive as he answered. “King Stonetalon wants to ensure we have no infiltration incidents. With all the dignitaries visiting,” his eyes flicked momentarily to Kathranis, “as well as human-like allies scattering about the city, he thought it best to make sure nobody got hurt.” Kathranis smiled. “You’ll have no problems from my people. They know better than to draw steel over petty insults or bar fights.” “It’s not your people acting aggressively King Stonetalon is worried about,” Zefuris said. “Surely hatred against humans isn’t that severe,” Kathranis said with a smile. “I was welcomed in short order.” He grinned at Valan, who blushed and looked away in embarrassment. “With a notable exception or two of course.” Zefuris cleared his throat and looked to Aquila, who’s smile looked somewhat false as she looked to Kathranis. “Certain… events have happened recently,” she said. “While word about your elves has begun spreading, some are more skeptical than others… and some just refuse to listen at all.” Her eyes flicked back to Zefuris. “But if Dad put the guards out, then there shouldn’t be trouble. I just hope your elves don’t try to lose their tails.” Kathranis snorted at the idea, then on second thought, realized that such a thing was not unlikely. He glanced toward Huron and Riven, who both sighed and nodded before sprinting off into the city to find Fordred, who had started the day early with Deyenidal. The wizard would be the most able to contact everyone at once. Knowing the situation would be well taken care of, Kathranis offered a smile to the dully-clad gryphon. “And I suppose you must be our additional tail for the day?” He offered his hand, which the gryphon nervously accepted, weakly clasping forearms before stepping back behind Zefuris. Both Kathranis and the dull-clad gryphon received slight glares, from Zefuris and Aquila respectively. The gryphon put on a weak smile, trying not to look anywhere as he mumbled a greeting. “Pleasure to meet you,” he said, his voice low. “As it is to meet you my friend,” Kathranis replied brightly. “Are you another friend of Aquila’s?” The gryphoness in question immediately pushed between them, visibly irritated. “Errol is a friend that everyone should well recognize.” Her words were hissed at Zefuris, who merely scowled silently in reply. Aquila’s eyes then shifted to Errol, who shied away. “Weren’t you seeing that lovely guard, Asteria? I had thought you went through the traditional mating chase and everything!” Errol shrank away further. “I… I had… but my father said…” “Your father has more feathers than he has brains, and if you haven’t noticed, he doesn’t have a nestmate anymore,” Aquila cut in. “Don’t take his advice when it comes to love, and don’t put yourself in a mate-seeking environment when you already have a nice, strong mate who loves you. Now shoo, I already have guards, and I don’t need more!” Errol looked to Zefuris for permission, and the large soldier gryphon gave it with a sigh, head shake, and a hand wave. The smaller gryphon smiled ever so slightly, then gave Aquila a nod. “Thank you Princess.” He then slipped away, flapping with what Kathranis imagined was excitement as he sprinted toward the castle. The elf let out a slight chuckle and rested his hands on his scimitar hilts. “Ah, the young always do get so confused when it comes to love.” A snort followed his light laughter. “I’m just glad that arranged marriages were not popular in elvish culture. It only seems to complicate things.” “Tell me about it,” Aquila grumbled. Her eyes flicked to Zefuris. “So, we’re going into town, partly because Valan owes Shadowsong a new cloak, but also because it’s Shadowsong’s first time in Stonetalon Peak, so I’m going to be his expert guide.” Her eyes narrowed. “Are we going to have anymore problems with that?” Zefuris shot another look Kathranis’ way, one which the elf ignored, electing to look up into the clear blue sky. His eyes then shifted back to Aquila, who stared back with a challenging look. The heavily armored gryphon sighed and rubbed his forehead with his fingers. “No princess, we will not. I trust Dranidal to keep a careful eye on the lot of you.” Aquila smiled and her wing flapped out, wrapping around Kathranis and dragging him closer. “Good,” she stated smartly. “Then we’ll be off. You can find us in the baths for lunch.” Zefuris nodded as they began moving past him. “Make sure to be back before sundown,” Zefuris called. “And no taverns! I don’t want to rescue you from another bar fight!” Aquila waved a hand in reply, then they were in the caste gate, leaving toward the city. At a glance, Kathranis could tell that the stone was well fortified, and well kept. While not the largest fortifications he had ever seen, they certainly looked like they did their job, and they were tightly manned, with gryphons patrolling every section in sight. Then his eyes turned outward, and he got his first look at Stonetalon Peak. The city wasn’t terribly large, but nor was it small. It was perhaps two-thirds the size of Waterdeep, with its docks being the smallest section. Near the boundary sat another stone wall, this one also dotted with moving figures on patrol. Drawing his eye back to the see found two watchtowers on either end of the small harbor, and several small sailing vessels entered and departed the port leisurely, no doubt a result of the slight breeze rustling through the air. Kathranis then looked back to the town itself. “So, where are we headed?” Aquila slumped slightly. “Shoot, I was hoping you would be more impressed.” Kathranis smiled at her. “I should be offended Princess; did you take me as some kind of wild-man who’s never seen a city before?” “Kind of,” the gryphoness muttered, turning away. She turned back and let out a sigh as she nudged Valan into the lead. “Can you blame me though? We found you in the middle of the forest, and you worship a nature goddess! Isn’t all of this construction antithetical to you?” Kathranis’ smile didn’t diminish as Dranidal cast a reproachful look toward Aquila. “Actually Princess, Blademaster Shadowsong mentioned last night that he found importance in the balance between the natural and civilized.” “I knew that!” Aquila quickly chirped, drawing a snicker from Valan, earning the younger gryphon a slap on the back of his head. Faced with no help from those around her, and Kathranis’ still grinning expression, Aquila crossed her arms and pouted, pointedly looking away. “I was listening, I just… forgot. It’s all too new.” Kathranis laughed and nudged her lightly with his elbow. “It’s alright Princess, I know that my beliefs can seem dull, and that I can drone on when I’m impassioned. I’ll try to keep my talk on the subject to the minimal.” “Don’t do that!” Aquila squawked, her voice tinged with alarm. “I want to learn everything about you Shadowsong, I just forgot for a moment, that’s all.” Her wings flickered and flapped, as if she wanted to pull him close. Kathranis rolled his eyes, but stepped closer, offering himself up and into her embrace. The gryphoness purred as she hugged him tight. “Thank you for your fast forgiveness my friend,” Aquila said. “And I apologize, I will try to keep better track of your words. It’s just so new, that some of the smaller details slip to the wayside.” Kathranis shrugged, still smiling as they moved toward town, where streets were filled with milling gryphons. “I don’t mind a lost detail or two Princess, they’re only important to me and any potential convert-ees.” He noticed a flash of alarm in her eyes, and he waved his hand. “Don’t worry, Lady Sylvanus has not yet called for any kind of priesthood, but for any who show interest in her teachings, I am happy to share. You have my word, however, that I will not go out of my way to begin preaching in the streets quite yet.” Aquila chuckled nervously, and Kathranis noticed her eyes shift around as they started nearing other gryphons. “I’ll hold you to that Shadowsong. Just… remember what I said earlier, okay?” “You mentioned that your mother is a high priestess of Harmony,” Kathranis said. “Perhaps you could introduce this matter to her on my behalf. If the two of us can sit down and have a serious discussion, we can likely clear the air in no time.” Dranidal nodded, clicking her tongue. “A proper address to these new “gods” of yours would soothe feathers before they could even be ruffled.” She looked to Aquila. “I believe the idea has some merit Princess, and if they could talk before this week’s prayer a public address could do wonders to make sure no ill will or harm is spread based on rumor.” “Could you send a messenger then?” Aquila asked. “Just something asking Mom if she and I can talk tonight. Showing Shadowsong around the city takes precedence for the moment.” Dranidal offered a slight bow. “Indeed my lady, I will see it done before sunhigh.” Aquila rubbed her hands together and grinned, smiling at the sunny streets. “Excellent. Hopefully this will be as easy as you believe Shadowsong, but for now, shopping! Where should we start?” “We’re going to Gryph’s,” Valan stated, his tone brooking no debate. “Shadowsong needs a cloak, and he will have one immediately.” Aquila scooted forward and decided to argue anyway, spinning around and walking backward in front of him. “Absolutely not, we’re not taking him near that place! You heard Zefuris, no drinking!” “I didn’t say we were going to the tavern part,” Valan snapped. “We’ll go to the shop straightaway. Strybe should be expecting me anyway, so we’ll get in and get this done quickly.” “Quickly?” Aquila squawked. “This isn’t about quick, this is about getting Shadowsong properly acquainted with the city! Taking him to your squalid little drinking hole-” “Flap off,” Valan cut in. “I’ve seen you drink at Gryphs too, and if you think that Dad doesn’t know-” Kathranis tuned out the pair as they began to bicker in earnest. He could remember a time that his and Huron’s arguments were as venomous as the pair of young gryphons, and he also knew that it came from a place of love, vicious though it was. He instead focused on what he could see. The crowds of gryphons parted easily before the loudly bickering pair, but if the common gryphons cared about the squabbling nobles, they didn’t show it. Some even smiled, seemingly happy with the sight of the pair going at each other. A few whispering pairs were visible, but Kathranis quickly noticed a different trend in the gryphons they passed. Perhaps it was his shorter stature, or his pale skin in a sea of brown and gray feathers, or perhaps it was even the weapons that swayed lightly on his hip, but eyes found their way to his back as he walked beside Dranidal. Smiles vanished, replaced with suspicion in most cases, and outright hostility in others. Whispering pairs formed far more often, and eyes always found a way to glare sharply at him as he passed. To occupy his hands, Kathranis clasped them behind his back, and he met as many glares as he could with a kind, open smile. He had nothing to hide, and felt no reason to fear, and he believed firmly that if he could demonstrate that, most gryphons would at very least ignore him as someone normal. As they continued to walk, and gryphons continued to stare, Kathranis leaned slightly over to Dranidal. “I must express some small measure of confusion. While I understand that humans exist in this world, and that my kin and I look somewhat similar, that alone shouldn’t promote this level of attention. What else has occurred to draw such suspicion?” Dranidal side-eyed him for a moment, then looked forward again. “I am afraid I cannot reveal that to you Master Shadowsong. King Terran himself wishes to detail certain… events, in his own time. Rest assured, however, that none shall make moves again you or your kin. You are safe in our care.” Though she finished the statement with a soft, earnest smile, Kathranis’ pride couldn’t help but be rubbed the wrong way. He didn’t need protection, or to feel safe, he needed information. He certainly didn’t like the implication that he was being babysat. The scimitars on his hip weren’t for show after all. Before he could express his irritation, however, Aquila drifted back to his side, a bright, infectious smile on her beak. “We’re going to stop by my tailor first,” she chirped, sending a triumphant look toward Valan, who pouted and muttered under his breath. “A cloak is important for you Shadowsong, but you need clothes!” Kathranis couldn’t help but get caught up in her chipper tone, somewhat forgetting his question about the hostility of the common gryphons. “If it will help make a better impression, a set or two couldn’t hurt, but as I said before, I am perfectly comfortable in my armor. I have worn it, and it alone for many years without consequence. It suits me as well as any plain tunic.” Aquila snorted, flapping a wing at Dranidal as if he had told some great joke. “A tunic he says.” Her eyes glittered with mirth as she grinned at him. “Shadowsong, I’m going to get you properly outfitted in some of the best looking, and most comfortable clothes in all of Gryphonia, if not the world. By the time Brown Coat is through with you, nobody will even question your place in Dad’s court.” “My place?” Kathranis echoed. His question was outright ignored as Aquila seized his collar and dragged him close, forcing him to hug her. Though the motion was at first loose with confusion, his grip soon tightened and he had to force himself not to scream with panic as a single flap of her wings sent them into the air. Luckily they didn’t fly too high, only above the rooftops. As Aquila wheeled them above the city, she looked down and grinned at Kathranis’ panicked expression. “First time flying Shadowsong?” she shouted. “Outside of a balloon, yes!” Kathranis shouted back, clinging on harder as his fingers threatened to slip. Aquila laughed and her arms held him tight, just before she tucked her wings in and did a small spin, fully throwing Kathranis’ sense of where the ground was. The gryphoness recovered from the spin instantly and flapped again to gain height before leveling off. Before Kathranis could recover, however, her wings again tightened to her body, and they rocketed toward the ground. This time he couldn’t help himself, Kathranis let out a shout of alarm as he managed to get a good glimpse of the fast approaching pavement. Aquila laughed in his ear, then suddenly, with a final flap of her wings, halted their descent and landed on her feet. Her laughter only increased in volume as Kathranis staggered away and did his best not to throw up his finely prepared breakfast. He merely stared at the flagstones of the street, counting the cracks in them as he found control of both his still panicky instincts, and his roiling gut. In, hold, out. In, hold, out. Kathranis thought. He used the mantra to his advantage, targeting his breathing as he would in any stressful situation. Breath control was the first ingredient to calm after all. Aquila’s laughter quickly tapered off at his continued silence, and she approached his back, rubbing it softly. “Are you alright Shadowsong?” she asked, concern clear in her voice. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have taken the landing so fast, I just thought…” Kathranis waved her apology away, smiling over his shoulder as he continued working on his breath control. “I’m fine… Princess...just… surprised me, is all.” “Are you sure?” she asked, clearly not believing his words. “It was fast landing, and then there was the spin-” Kathranis waved her away again. “It was…. exhilarating,” he said, straightening as his stomach began to calm. “A surprise to be sure.” “And not an appropriate one,” Dranidal said, her tone disappointed as she and Valan landed. The gryphoness straightened as Aquila shrank beneath her disapproving gaze. “Princess, I would have expected you to be wiser when it came to pranking a foreign dignitary. You should have asked Master Shadowsong if he was comfortable with flight, and only then taken him on a leisurely journey to our destination. He should certainly not have been subjected to a demonstration of your acrobatic skills like some kind of jester.” “I’m fine, really,” Kathranis assured, smoothing his hair back into place. He smiled as he found the job quite easy, his hair tie still holding his black locks tight. “Who can’t take a small prank orchestrated in good fun?” He showed his best supportive smile to Aquila, who perked up slightly, only to shrink again as Valan shook his head and snorted. “Sorry Shadowsong, but no. She ruined what was obviously your first flight. I love a good prank like anyone else, but you don’t do flight pranks on friends, especially not flightless ones. Even I know that.” He shot a smug grin at Aquila. “Looks like I’m not the one who screwed up royally today.” “Let’s just go inside,” Aquila said quickly. “Brown Coat likes closing early.” Valan’s grin widened slightly, but he didn’t press the point, entering the shop that Aquila had brought them to. Dranidal entered next, leaving Kathranis alone with Aquila. The elf’s smile softened as Aquila crossed her arms and looked away in shame. Her wings bunched tighter around her body, and even as he stepped closer, she refused to meet his eyes. He began to speak, going so far as to pronounce the ‘P’ in princess, then decided that being a bit informal would be far more comforting. “Aquila,” he said, placing a hand on her shoulder. “I am not in any way, shape or form angry with you. It was a funny prank. Had Huron, or Secil been here, they would have been rolling on the street.” Aquila rubbed at her eye with the heel of her hand. “I’m sorry anyway Shadowsong. Dranidal and Valan were right, that was stupid, and I broke so many rules, and ruined your first flight. I should have thought my prank through, and for the fact that I didn’t, I’m sorry.” She bowed her head. “I know you say you’re not angry, but I hope you can forgive me anyway.” Kathranis sighed, and for some reason, his hand moved up her shoulder to her cheek, where his thumb rubbed affectionately. Aquila’s smile finally made an appearance, and she leaned into his hand. “I forgive you,” Kathranis said softly. “But only so long as you don’t attempt to pay me back in any form. It was funny, and technically I have been flying before, so you haven’t ruined my first flight.” He chuckled. “Especially given that I could barely see when we were flying.” He began to withdraw his hand, but Aquila caught it, her eyes flickering with amusement, gratefulness, and… something else. He didn’t know what it was, but it didn’t matter, as Aquila acted on her returned mirth. “Then no promises Shadowsong, because you’ve never been flying until a gryphon has taken you flying.” Her thumb rubbed across the back of his hand as their eyes locked. Kathranis found himself getting lost in Aquila’s emerald eyes as she continued. “I’ll arrange something in a few days and take you on a proper first flight, alright?” Kathranis nodded dumbly, unable to speak as he floundered in a sea of shining green. That floundering quickly became drowning as Aquila giggled, then leaned down and gave him a peck on his cheek. “Good,” she whispered as she pulled away. His brain had no time to misfire as Aquila grabbed hold of his wrist and yanked him forward. “Now come on! Let’s get you dressed properly!” ***** Kathranis frowned, turning this way and that before the quartet of mirrors, showing his every side easily. They had been in the shop of Aquila’s friend; a crimson furred pegasus named Brown Coat. The mare had been all excited energy when she had spotted him, had gone so far so to jump the counter to see him up close. With little more than squeal of joy she had yanked him into a back room and had set to work, somehow keeping him pinned on the platform centered in the mirrors as she flitted about the shop, bringing back dozens of pieces for him to try on. Luckily he, with Aquila’s help, was able to guide the mare away from some of the more colorful pieces, instead focusing her efforts on the clothes dyed in muted reds, browns, blacks, and greens. The pegasus, though slightly disappointed that she didn’t get to dress him up like a peacock, adapted quickly, finding numerous pieces in Kathranis’ desired colors that fit him well. That had confused him at first, and when questioned about the near-perfect fits, Brown Coat had laughed the question off, as if the answer was common knowledge. Only at his continued confusion had she answered. “It’s my special talent,” the pegasus said with a smile, turning her leg. A slit in her dress allowed sight line to her rump, which, once Kathranis had stopped blushing, had shown a rather large image in the shape of a measuring tape. The elf had then gotten a closer look, asking; “And what am I looking at?” “My purpose mark!” Brown Coat answered, as if it was obvious. “It’s the same mark all ponies get when they discover their destined talent.” “Destined?” Kathranis echoed, shifting his eyes away from the strange mark. “As in per-determined?” Brown Coat shrugged. “I wouldn’t know. You’d probably have to ask a mage about that.” Her muzzle sharpened into a grin. “Now, enough delays from you. We’ve got work to do.” That led to the present, where Kathranis was determining whether or not he liked the finely tailored set of black and brown leathers Brown Coat had thrown at him. Though nice in appearance, they were a bit stiff, paling in comparison with the soft leather of his armor. Also, they were quite tight in certain areas, which, while having minimum effect on his gait, made his steps back and forth a bit stiff. Kathranis frowned at a mirror showing off the tight leather framing his rump. “I’m not too sure about this set. It’s tight in a way that I’m not sure is appropriate.” Valan snorted. “What are you on about Shadowsong? I’d kill to look that good in casual leathers. You don’t even have a tail to get in the way. Ladies are going to faint at your passing, and you’ll be lucky to last a week without one of them taking you off to rock their bed.” His beak curled into a grin. “You’re going to drown in tail.” Aquila hardily slapped her brother, her beak in a scowl. “Shadowsong isn’t like you Valan, his goal isn’t to plow every hole in Stonetalon Peak.” Her beak turned into a smile, and she blushed as she glanced the elf’s way, notable at his lower half. “That being said, you look very good Shadowsong. I think the fit is perfect.” Kathranis winced and tugged at his breeches. “Does it need to be so tight? I can hardly move, let alone fight in these!” Aquila laughed, while Brown Coat made a horrified expression. “You’re not supposed to fight in them!” Aquila said. “You’re supposed to look professional, and handsome. We’ll get you some relaxation clothes next, but we’re definitely buying you this.” She stood and paced around Kathranis. “Though I think he needs something nice over the tunic. The depth is needed to off-set the muted colors.” Brown Coat nodded. “I was thinking the same thing.” Her hands seized a short crimson jacket, and she passed it to Kathranis. The elf put it on, with the mare quickly coming behind him to help smooth out the wrinkles and ensure he was wearing it properly. Kathranis clasped his hands behind his back and turned slightly, appreciating how the jacket didn’t go too low below his belt line. “I quiet like this addition,” Kathranis noted. “Thank you Lady Brown Coat. Seeing as I still don’t have a cloak, it will be useful in keeping me warm.” He heard the smack of a hand meeting face, as well as a gasp from Brown Coat. “Master Shadowsong, while I appreciate your generous application of title, this jacket is not for wearing in the cold, it is for style!” Kathranis’ smile fell slightly. “I suppose that’s why this lacks buttons.” Aquila snorted. “Shadowsong is used to living in caves and eating grubs Brown Coat, don’t worry about his opinions. This set is great, and the jacket is just the right touch of color to bring it together, as well as tuck away that shapely butt of his.” When Kathranis shot her a look, she winked. “Just enough for a tease left out. It’ll make the ladies work for the privilege of taking that jacket off.” As Kathranis did his best impression of a beet, a knock came from the shop door. Valan let out a loud groan and got to his feet. “Finally!” He jabbed a finger at Aquila. “Your turn is up, and you’re done using Shadowsong as a dress-up doll. He’s got enough sets to hold his own in court.” The finger shifted to Kathranis, then quickly dropped as a flush of embarrassment appeared on Valan’s face. “Master Shadowsong, I sent a runner to my friend at Gryph’s. If you could change back into your armor, then we can get you a new cloak that meets all the demands you put on your old one.” Kathranis smiled and nodded. “Then I’ll get changed, and just a note good Prince; please do not call me ‘Master’ Shadowsong.” Valan coughed into his hand and bowed. “Of course Shadowsong. I’ll just… go get Gryph.” The young male left the fitting room, leaving Kathranis alone with Aquila and Brown Coat. He smiled at them both, as one glared at the door Valan had just left through. “Are we finished ladies?” Kathranis asked. “I have no desire to step on any toes, but I am eager to get a new cloak.” His eyes flickered over to Brown Coat. “I hope you do not mind our use of your shop.” Brown Coat matched his smile and waved him away. “Oh its more than fine Master Shadowsong, Gryph and I are good friends, what with us both serving one of the royals and whatnot.” She sighed dreamily and looked to the ceiling. “Despite his rough edges, Gryph is the one gryphon in this city that actually gets me.” Aquila gagged silently, while Kathranis smiled on, saying nothing about the pegasus’ melodrama. He began to change, with Brown Coat dipping in to pick up and carefully fold his new clothes. Out of the corner of his eye, the elf noticed Aquila pass the pegasus a hefty coin purse, and Brown Coat began packing the carefully folded clothes in a small chest. Aquila’s eyes flicked over to meet Kathranis’ sideward gaze, and she smiled. “While you boys play with your coats, I’m going to do some further shopping with Brown Coat. Just be finished by noon, alright? I’d like to get to the bathes early.” Kathranis gave her a slight bow. “Of course Princess. If Gryph’s wares are as good as Valan seems to indicate, this shouldn’t take long at all. My cloak was merely old and familiar, not particularly special.” Aquila cocked an eyebrow. “Really? I’m surprised to hear it wasn’t divinely inspired, or passed down through the generations as some mystical artifact. Woe is you to be stuck with some simple piece of cloth.” Kathranis chuckled. “Huron has said the same in the past, but what can I say? The gods seem to bestow me a great many gifts.” His smile dimmed lightly. “But perhaps that is only back payment for a lifetime of trials.” He closed his eyes and shook his head, just as quickly letting his smile return to full as he looked up to Aquila. “Or maybe I am merely lucky. I met you after all.” Brown Coat dropped a pair of pants mid-fold, drawing Kathranis’ eyes away from the suddenly crimson Aquila. The elf blinked and moved toward the pegasus, offering her his new jacket. “Are you alright Lady Brown Coat?” The pegasus snatched up the fallen pants, then snatched away the jacket. “Fine!” she answered quickly. “Please, get changed. We’ll leave you to your privacy.” She grabbed Aquila’s arm and dragged her out of the room, the gryphoness still unblinking, her mouth agape. Kathranis stared after them for a moment, unsure if he had said something to anger the pair. Combing over his words, he found nothing terribly amiss. He glanced down at his well-fitted clothes looking for anything amiss there. When nothing appeared, he merely shrugged, taking the pegasus’ declaration for privacy at face value. Taking off his new clothes took longer than slipping back into his ever-comfortable armor, which took mere moments. He had endless hours of practice slipping into his armor, could put it on in seconds if the need demanded it. Fortunately, this was not one of those times, though Kathranis was finishing up when Valan led his friend into the changing room. The gryphon Kathranis could only assume was Gryph was as tall as Zefuris, and just as well built. The tunic he wore was tight, leaving nothing to the imagination, and his arms seemed to strain the almost too-small arm holes in the shirt. Instead of a dour, suspicious demeanor like the guard gryphon, Gryph’s beak immediately shifted into a broad smile, and he dropped the chest from his back, extending a hand as the heavy thing thudded to the floor. “Pleased to meet you Master Shadowsong, I am Gryph, and I hear you need a new cloak?” Kathranis finished buckling on his swordbelt with one hand, while shaking the gryphon’s hand with the either. “That I do. The other was sacrificed to help Prince Valan escape from a fire.” Gryph laughed. “Don’t be so modest Master Shadowsong, the court nobles will eat you alive!” His tail latched onto one of the straps holding the chest closed, and he dragged it around as he spoke. “You earned a life-debt from the heir to the throne! Those vultures will pick your bones clean if you do anything but live to the legend. But you’ve come to the best, so we can at least make you look the part of legendary hero.” Gryph placed a foot on the chest, and with a simple kick, it fell open, with display drawers expanding out from it before their eyes. At a glance, Kathranis could tell that some of the cloaks the gryphon had prepared were far above in quality to the one he had lost. Unlike Brown Coat, Gryph seemed to know exactly what his customer wanted, and a muted rainbow of colors met the elf’s eyes. Kathranis looked up from the chest to find Gryph still grinning broadly, the knowledge that he had reeled the elf in hook, line, and sinker apparent in his eyes. “So Master Shadowsong, which one do you like?” ***** Kathranis had a bright smile on his face as they re-entered the castle. Though only for a few short days, he had missed the comfortable weight of a heavy cloak on his shoulders, and his new forest green cloak worked just as well, if not better than his old one. He needed to take a trip to a forest with Secil, go on a good, old-fashioned hunt to really ensure he could blend with with the trees. Aquila trailed behind him with Brown Coat, who was pulling a small carriage full of goods the gryphoness had purchased. While a couple of the chests contained the wares he had tried on, the rest were filled with things Aquila had assured him that he would like in the future. He had several new appointments with Brown Coat over the coming days to full comb through her gathered garments. The pegasus had followed them from her shop once he had finished getting his cloak from Gryph, an experience which had taken him an embarrassingly long time. The gryphon had just offered so many choices! Just among the non-magical cloaks there had been a dozen options, each with different weights, pocket options, and materials. Some were made for protecting the wearer from heat, others for cold. Then came the magical cloaks, which included all of the benefits of their non-magical counterparts, as well as unique additions. One had a broach that imbued the cloak with heat, making it extra effective against the cold. Another allowed the user to become essentially invisible, blending with the shadows in a way that couldn’t be matched with traditional means. The cloak Kahtranis had chosen was deep green, and was enchanted to be immune to burning. It just wouldn’t do to lose a second cloak to the same method as the first, and the enchantment would help him in any potential duels with wizards. Magic-slingers did like their fire. Gryph had commended him on the choice, and with some coin courtesy of Valan, the gryphon had handed over the brilliant cloak. Kathranis had taken no time in putting it on, could still feel the sigh of comfort and relief that had left his chest once it was around his shoulders. Their groups had seperated after that, with Valan and Gryph going into the city for other buisness while Aquila, Kathranis, and Brown Coat returning to the castle. “Drop everything off in my room,” Aquila told Brown Coat as they entered the castle proper. “Dranidal can escort you to the bathes once you’re done.” The pegasus offered her a bow, followed almost instantly with a lightning fast wink. Kathranis only barely caught the gesture, wondered briefly what conspiracy was transpiring between the pegasus tailor and the gryphon princess. He then shook himself free of his speculating, mentally chastising himself for prying, even if only in his own head, in Aquila’s personal matters. As the gryphoness looked his way with a flushed smile, he tried to return it with as non-prying a grin as he could manage. Her family had already done him countless favors, and he jumped to suspicion without good cause? What was he becoming, a Thayan? Eager to hide away his unknown shame, Kathranis spoke up. “So Princess, these bathes of yours. I assume they’re thermal heated?” “Very clever Shadowsong,” Aquila said. “Yes, the royal bathes are one of three bathhouses in the city with geo-thermal heating. The other two are for the commoners.” “And there are only three bathhouses for the entire city?” Kathranis asked. “Stonetalon Peak is no Waterdeep, but surely that can’t be enough for everyone.” “There are smaller bathhouses” Aquila admitted as they turned into a hallway that lacked the deep blue carpets the rest of the castle corridors seemed to be covered with. “But they’re either privately owned, or they’re fueled by coal, occasionally dragon stones. The water temperature isn’t as consistent, so while they’re good in a pinch, most gryphs use the public houses once or twice a week.” Kathranis thought on that for a moment, then shrugged. He had spent weeks on the road without a proper bath, and when the time to bathe did come, it was usually in a cold stream. No doubt gryphons had a similar practice for when they were properly dirty. They passed through the simple double doors and entered into a room that barely fit into the definition of bath-’house’. Bath oasis was a far more apt description. Three pools of steamy water filled the room, with the central, and largest one, being so big that Kathranis could barely see the other end through the haze of steam. One of the smaller pools was already occupied by Fordred and Deyenidal. Unlike what was quickly becoming the norm, it was Fordred who was impressing Deyenidal, his fingers flicking and sending small bursts of fire into the air, the steam quick to snuff out the flames. Once the fire had dimmed, Kathranis averted his eyes, filled with awareness that the couple were in fact, naked. Aquila noticed his averted gaze, and she giggled. “It’s a bathhouse Shadowsong, we’re all going to be naked.” “That may be true,” Kathranis said. “But that doesn’t mean its polite to stare.” Aquila giggled and elbowed his ribs. “Don’t be so bashful once your in the water. Now get undressed. We only have an hour or two reserved before Mom brings in her prayer circle for their afternoon song.” “They sing in a bathhouse?” Kathranis asked, unclasping his cloak. “Seems an odd place for a choir.” He heard Aquila giggle at his words, but he had no time to ponder the she-gryphon’s laughter. She had been wearing far less than he was, and she had stripped quickly. Clad in nothing but her fur, the gryphoness let out a squawk of joy before taking a running jump into the central pool. Kathranis chuckled as water splashed on his armor, but he knew that a little water wouldn’t hurt anything. He moved to one of the benches along the wall and carefully took off his armor, starting with his sword belt and ending with his boots. Once all of that was taken care of, the elf stripped off his tunic, which had begun to cling to his chest due to the steamy nature of the room. As he peeled the cloth over his head, the first sight that reached his eyes from the momentary blackness was Aquila staring at him with all the interest of a hungry shark. Kathranis carefully folded his tunic and set it down on the bench atop his armor. “I’m fairly certain watching someone undress is not polite in any culture,” he joked. Aquila snorted, and bubbles rose in the water around her beak before she fully surfaced, her eyes never leaving his baring body. “It’s nothing I haven’t seen before Shadowsong,” she replied, putting her hands on her hips. Kathranis stopped undressing and met her eyes, spreading his hands. “Still, what would the rumors say?” Aquila rolled her eyes and turned away. “Fine you prissy little pegasus, I won’t look. Hurry up though, time’s wasting, and Mom will be here all too soon.” “Soon indeed,” Scylla replied smoothly as she stalked into the room, Zefuris in-tow. The soldier-gryphon’s eyes narrowed as he scanned the bathhouse, his gaze evntually coming to a stop on Kathranis. “Where is Prince Valan? He is to be at your side at all times.” “I gave him permission to take care of some business that would have wasted my time,” Kathranis responded, the words coached to him by Aquila on their walk back. “Princess Aquila promised a visit to the bathhouse, and I didn’t want to delay because the good Prince needed clothes of his mended.” His eyes flicked momentarily to Aquila, who grinned and gave him the slightest nod she could manage. Zefuris grunted as Kathranis’ eyes flicked back to him. “Fine, but be wary Master Shadowsong. If Valan is found wanting in honoring his debt…” “The only one who can find him wanting is me, or his father,” Kathranis cut in. “I do not find him wanting, and I have the impression that seeing as the Prince slept at my side last night, his father will not either. The King does not seem so hot-tempered, unless you suggest otherwise? Having more experience with him and all…” Zefuris shrank slightly as Scylla regarded him with an even look. “Of course not,” he said quickly. “I’m just making sure. Prince Valan has a history with shirking duties.” “Well then thank you for checking in, but all is well,” Kathranis said. “Valan has been nothing but helpful, and has already honored his word to replace my cloak.” He motioned to the dark green cloth folded beneath his armor. “It is far and above better what I had before, and it’s even enchanted against fire, so if I need to save the Prince again, it won’t burn.” “Very good Master Shadowsong,” Scylla said, saving Zefuris from having to further save face. “I’m glad that my son has finally begun stepping into his maturity. Please continue your bath with Aquila, I am here merely because I wished to relax before our afternoon prayers.” Kathranis gave her a slight bow. “Of course good Queen, I will try to stay quiet, as to not interrupt.” Scylla’s beak faintly morphed into a smile as she looked to Aquila. “Do keep Master Shadowsong happy Aquila, he has good manners.” Her smile vanished and she looked toward an empty corner of the room. “Unlike so many around here,” she finished, her voice at a mutter. Aquila chuckled, and her eyes drifted back to Kathranis. “C’mon Shadowsong. Lose the pants and get in here.” Kathranis chuckled and shook his head as he continued to undress. His pants, then his undergarments came off in short order, and the elf quickly slipped into the surprisingly deep water, moving toward the center of the pool where Aquila was paddling idly about. As soon as he had, Aquila’s eyes took on a mischievous look. She vanished beneath the water, then just as quickly reappeared behind him, wrapping her arms around his chest and plunging him back into the water. Once they were both below the surface, she let go, allowing him to swim up to grab some air. Kathranis surfaced and rubbed the water from his eyes quickly, kicking his legs to keep him afloat, as well as to help keep his arms free. Aquila surfaced after he did, a smug grin on her face. Kathranis splashed the water in her direction. His aim was true, the water smacking her in the face. Aquila’s eyes lit up with playful rage, and the water war between the pair began.