Chapter Fourteen: Taking A Breath
As Galen formally stated his piece, Skystar couldn’t help but mentally giggle. Formality was such an odd thing, but she fully understood why this was necessary. A formal welcome to a nation, for both the immediate and future viewers, would do wonders for relations between them.
I think our personal relations are much more stable, thankfully.
Taking his claws, Skystar bowed with a slight flare of her wings, a playful twinkle in her eye as she nodded.
“I’m honored to be here, Prince Galen, and I look forward to learning more about this beautiful kingdom.”
One of the gryphons present gave a thumbs up, the rest of the crew dispersing as Galen shook his head with a grin.
“I think I could have made the message clear by just kissing you, but formalities and all that.”
The cheeky look Skystar shot his way had Galen’s feathers fluffing, the Princess gently nudging his shoulder. A group of Ashen was visible making their way towards the ship, traversing the long walk along the docks with ease.
“Don’t tempt me, mister. But first let’s get you checked out. Then I’d like to see your home.”
Galen nodded, not able to resist a brief nuzzle to her cheek.
“I thought I’ve been checked out plenty?” he whispered, prompting a glare from the blushing hippogriff.
“Oh my gosh, Galen. Really?”
The gryphon’s feathers fluffed slightly, the hint of a blush on his face as he turned to nod to the approaching individuals.
“I take it you’re here to escort me to the main medical wing?” he smoothly asked the collection of two gryphons, a pony, and kirin.
“If you’d follow us, Sir.” One of the gryphon’s remarked, clad in a simple breastplate like his fellows.
“Here to make sure I don’t keel over?”
The guard grinned, nodding briefly as another beckoned towards Skystar.
“Princess, if you’ll follow me...”
She shook her head firmly.
“Nope. Where he goes, I go.” Skystar stated, scooting closer to slide under Galen’s wing, prompting an immediate and rather amused grin from the Prince.
“Uh…sir?”
Galen shrugged, taking the opportunity to give Skystar a kiss on the headfeathers with a sigh.
“Eh. They’ll find out soon enough about the whole special somegriff thing anyhow, so why not now. But yes, she is fully free to go where I go. She’s been keeping me alive for the past few days regardless, so I’d say she’s above and beyond the whole ‘security risk’ issue.”
Half of the guards looked utterly perplexed, while the other half simply smiled, nodding in acknowledgement.
“Understood, Sir. If you’ll both follow us, we want to get you cleared as healthy as soon as possible.”
Making their way down the dock, Skystar couldn’t help but blush slightly as Galen bounced happily alongside her.
“Was that really necessary?” she asked softly.
“Sort of. Better than a formal and sudden announcement at this point, although I’m sure that will come soon. I’m pretty sure there’s already rumors floating about, so this would ease those before the actual news.”
Skystar nodded, the logic making sense-
“And I just wanted to give you another kiss, even if it was on your lovely headfeathers.”
Of course you did…and now my cheeks are burning again. Ugh.
Skystar’s head was on a swivel as they traveled through the castle. The neat stone walls were decorated with numerous paintings, stained glass windows, and even large tapestries- all of which Galen promised to fill her in on later. The medical wing was crafted of dark blue crystal, soft white lights glowing from inset ceiling fixtures as they were ushered through into a back room.
Tac came in with a wave, this time having donned a neat white smock as he held a strange ball of crystals over Galen.
“Now I can give you a proper bill of health with all of this, instead of the tools we have on the ship, as advanced as they are.” he remarked after a moment, then nodding as the crystals chimed a few soft notes.
“And there it is. Completely clear of infection, but you will be slightly weak for a few hours. Welcome back, Prince Galen. I’d recommend you rest for the remainder of the day, but you should be able to be out and about tomorrow with no problems.”
Nodding thankfully to the medic, Galen sighed and gestured to the guards.
“I’ll be heading to my quarters, and I’ll show Skystar the guest room as well. I’ll be taking it easy for a day, but I’m sure the council members want a report. I’ll fill them in shortly, but please have a status report of Mount Aris waiting for me as soon as possible.”
Skystar gave her gryphon’s claws a thankful squeeze; Galen returning the gesture.
He hasn’t forgotten about my home, even amid all that’s going on.
The guards led them from the medical wing to a long staircase, Galen letting out a grumble as they trotted up higher.
“Why the grumbles? Stairs are so good for you!” Skystar quipped, hopping up the red carpeted stone easily and grinning at him.
“Hush you…”
“It’s great for your leeeeegs.”
“Skystar, so help me…”
“And your thiiiiiiiighs.”
The guards were still sporting amused grins, the fact Galen was bantering back and forth apparently a new occurrence for them all.
“Almost theeeeere!”
Now panting at the top of the few stories-tall stairwell, Galen glared at Skystar with a gasp.
“You…are lucky, I’m-”
“You’re what? Not like you’re out of shape…obviously. Just making the climb a bit more fun!”
The mischievous gleam in Skystar’s gaze as her eyes flickered over the gryphon’s fit frame was apparently enough to shut Galen up, eyes wide in surprise.
Oooooh. Flustered Galen is fun.
Walking down a tapestry-rich hallway, Galen pushed open two large, dark-wooden doors and sighed happily.
“Home sweet home…” he sighed, gesturing to the spacious room.
For a prince’s residence, it was surprisingly simple yet elegant. A large bed stood nestled against the back-left corner, the dark and worn wood matching the cabinets and desk that stood to the right of the door. Maps were tacked across the wall nearest to the desk, and a side hall to the left opened up into a gryphon-sized bath and shower. Dark blue drapes were hung across a window on the left wall, and a series of crystal lights glowed happily from their hung positions in the ceiling as a bookshelf nestled itself against a wall, stuffed with various tomes.
“It’s nice! Feels…lived in, homey, but well-kept. I never did think you’d have a pompous room or something.” Skystar mused as Galen grinned.
“It just never fit, and I figure if I’m comfortable, why have even more stuff I wouldn’t use? Oh! Right. The guest quarters…Chalice? Can you show Skystar where those are at? The ones nearest to me please.” Galen asked, gesturing to a pony guard who promptly saluted.
“Of course, Sir. Oh, and I was told to deliver a message. Your crew is well and on their way; they’ll be here tomorrow. Your Highness? Follow me please.”
The Ashen pony trotted along, leading Skystar down two separate hallways to a neatly furnished guest suite. Similarly furnished with some paintings and a dark wood furniture, the room was a bit more professional with a small desk and completely stocked bathroom.
“Thank you, um, Chalice.” Skystar remarked, looking around and nodding approvingly. The hippogriff then glanced back to the guard with a gentle smile.
“If you can let Galen know I’ll be over there in a bit? I think we both have a couple of days-worth of grime to wash out.” She remarked, the pony nodding as he trotted off down the hallway.
Walking into the shower, Skystar experimented with a few of the crystal water settings…
“Oh my gosh. Hot. Water.” She groaned, sitting down with a grin.
Galen shook his feathers slightly, a long shower both clearing his head and leaving that always-pleasant ‘I’m-clean-and-presentable’ feeling. Apparently Skystar was going to do the same, and no reason not to. A few days in the jungle…
But now back home, safe and sound.
A knock then sounded at the door.
Sky?
“Come in.”
Instead, a familiar green Kirin entered, a troubled look on her face.
“Ley? What is-oh. Is this the Mount Aris report?” he asked, eliciting a simple nod.
“Well Skystar should be here shortly; I’m sure she’ll want to hear it. Thank you.”
“Hear what?”
Galen’s ears perked up as Skystar’s voice rang out, the hippogriff poking her head in.
“Come on in, Sky. Ley has the Mount Aris update. I don’t know how good or bad it is.”
Skystar nodded, and promptly walked over to nuzzle Galen’s shoulder.
“Ah…alright.”
“Ley?” Galen prompted, the kirin nodding. Her voice wasn’t as jarring as the previous times, the sing-song tone filing their minds as well as their ears.
“The Golden Cult has taken over much of Mount Aris, and the inhabitants have fled to Seaquestria. Casualties are light, mainly because the Golden are purposefully not killing. In a disturbing development, your uncle, Galen, has moved from old Anthracite to Mount Aris, acting as their nexus. However, the royal palace is still intact and heavily defended. Queen Novo remains there, but her sister’s family was safely evacuated. We do not know how long the palace will hold, however. That is all we have been able to ascertain.” the kirin reported calmly, her voice carrying an undertone of regret.
Galen’s heart turned to lead, the gryphon leaning on Skystar for a moment.
“So, it can be done in one fell swoop then? Everything in one final push.” The prince whispered, prompting a grave nod from the kirin.
“Make the preparations Ley, please. We will need to move quickly. Make sure the fleet, and the Revelation is ready to deploy, and ensure every combat unit is activated. I want my rangers to be able to deploy within minutes, should the palace fall.”
Ley nodded, vanishing with a flash as Galen turned to wrap his arms around Skystar. Burying his head into her feathers, the gryphon took a shaky breath, the hippogriff’s embrace holding him close.
Closing his eyes for a moment, Galen let his mind drift, reveling in the comfort only an affectionate touch could provide. The fact Skystar began to nuzzle his head feathers nearly brought the Prince to tears, as though she knew exactly what he needed.
Her.
After a few moments, Galen finally pulled back ever so slightly, despite wanting nothing more than to rest in her arms for hours.
“That news is a bit rough to hear. I’m glad your family is safe though. W-we’ll be able to help your mother as well. It’s why I have the Rangers on standby. They’re my most elite group and should be able to handle a-any…”
Skystar shook her head simply, a sad smile edging onto her beak. She scooted a bit closer to hug Galen again, resting her head on top of his.
“That’s not the news that’s upsetting you though. It’s ok if you don’t want to talk about it right now tough. My family is fine, and that’s what was worrying me most.”
Galen shook his head, resisting the nearly indomitable urge to just ignore it all
One last thing…
“My uncle, at the palace. Freeing your home and avenging my family can be done in one operation, and maybe even confronting the root of the Golden Cult. It’s both exhilarating and absolutely terrifying. I’ve been on this path for twenty years, Sky. I know what I want to come after it’s done, but it’s still a scary thing, to be done with one part of your life.”
“And what do you want come after it’s done? Are you looking forward to it? Surely it’s a good thing?”
Galen couldn’t help but chuckle, reaching up to rest a set of talons on Skystar’s cheek. “It’s a very, very good thing.”
Skystar was only able to squeak out one word, feather quickly puffing up at the affectionate look in Galen's eyes.
“Ooooh…”
A loving kiss was Galen’s reply, then letting out a happy sigh as Skystar’s arms mirrored his own, wrapping around his torso to pull the gryphon close.
“I am not planning on anything else tonight. I just wanted to spend the evening with you, if you’d like.” Galen whispered. “I can’t handle talking politics or plans right now, as much as the council will want an update.”
“Then don’t. I’d love to spend the evening with you. I don’t know if it’ll be as exciting as our breakfast date though.” Skystar mused, Galen chuckling at her words.
“Perhaps not, but I hope some kisses will make up for that. As long as I’m with you though…”
The gryphon was caught off guard as Skystar yanked him close, the passionate kiss making his fur and feathers stand on end as the hippogriff ran a set of claws through his headfeathers.
Galen knew a blush was making his cheeks burn, but he couldn’t care less as he kissed Skystar back, enjoying the happy ‘eep’ that slipped from her beak.
I love you, Skystar. I think I can finally admit that fully to myself.
I just hope I can have the courage to let you know soon.
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And then they F
ed!
9679942
Really hope the Mount Aris thing isnt a distraction so a Golden Squad cant get into Ashen and leave an Egg.
9679942
I am gonna say too soon. Buuut it might happen *wink wink* *nudge nudge*
9681157 9679942
Generally speaking, Prince/Princess shenanigans wouldn't be happening; simply due to the ethics of royals. (As opposed to nobles which could vary.) Soooooo have to burst that bubble. I don't write that into stories anyhow for multiple reasons.
There is a little typo there "him him"
It was a great chapter, cant wait for the rest of the chapters.
Will gallus be seen in this story, like around the time they get to mount Aris?
9681380
Fixed, thank you!
Gallus/Silverstream won't be making an appearance in this story though.
SO. MUCH. CUTE!! >:3
Though I have the feelling that this is a "calm before the storm" type chapter.
I can't wait for the next chapter!
9679942
9681157
Hehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehhehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehhehehehehehehheheheheheheheheh maybe
But no, definitely not.
9682604
Oh, would I do thaaaaat?
....just going to have and see!
9681596
<Welp, at least there will be more FLORF in the story
I'm writing this at a much more reasonable midnight as opposed to my average 2-3 am scedual. Other than two spelling errors, theres nothing I feel the need to point out about this chapter specifically.
Kneel? I think that's what was trying to be said.
If you're looking for more things that you frequently do or repeat in your writing then I have a bit extra to say. This chapter had you describing how Skystar and Galan felt when messing with each other as having fluffed feathers or having "v much floof" four times. Now don't get me wrong, fluffy and floof are probably some of the best words ever created, it's up there with "uwu" in terms of greatness, but it shows up about as often as the moments themselves. And when you don't say that you usually seem to go with "there cheeks turned bright red (usually a reference to a tomato is made)", "they turned an adorable shade of [insert colour here]", or "they let out a soft 'eep'". To be fair, that's four different lines I've seen be used so the average reader probably doesn't notice it or doesn't care. Long story short, I look way too into things.
I just realized that I started that paragraph with "I have a bit more to say". I think I said my bit so I'm off, stay safe, sleep tight, and don't get too hot.
-T
P.S. I see the -RB your putting in your stuff now, wonder where you got that idea...
9682720
Don't gimme that SASS, rabbit man!
Chapter 18 of Prison of Ice with Silver Keys (great story btw guys) is entitled CALM BEFORE THE STORM!
9682987
*clap* *clap* *clap*
Precisely.
9684127
Well, it's an improvement!
Aaaaah thank you! I am trying to not have repetitious bits, so many thanks for bringing that to my attention!
....only on formal longer things will I sign it
I've done that on and off on Author descriptions; but you did give me the idea for that if replying with a lengthy bit.
Credit due!
9684249
You know, when this is all over, I hope we get to see another slice of life fic of Galen and Skystar together like in Streams of silver, Hearts of gold. :)
9689488
Like a Sequel? As of now I've got no more plans for these two after this story.
Yes, very important, this is.
Ooh, it's under siege?
I like scenes where at the perfect moment, reinforcements arrive to break the siege. I hope it doesn't need to come down to that, of course, but it's epic.
9713279
Okay. I love ships, sailing ships, airships, spaceships, you name it. Revelation? Sounds like a badass fricking ship. Am many excites.
10232650
Oh I loved writing that part. I won't give any spoilers...but....
I'm enjoying incorporating steampunk/arcane tech into my stories- that applies to the current one I'm writing too. Helps with the books I want to write as well!
I'm sorry but this cannot stand! (bookshelf nestled itself against a wall, stuffed with various tombs.) [ Tomes ] now back to reading.
10545161
Darnit. Unfortunately spellcheck won't catch that -_-* Thank you!