Sevena glanced up as she heard an angry screech come from above. Fletcher had arrived, and he looked about ready to rip something to shreds. She closed her beak to end her Screech so he wouldn't be affected by it. She abruptly felt a weight on her back. It landed heavily, as if it had jumped down from above. She bucked hard and managed to partially dislodge the Vanquisher, but not before he had smashed his weapon down over the mainstay of her left wing. She shrieked as the bone splintered and her wing went limp, dragging against the ground. She ignored it and jumped straight into the air, then somersaulted sharply. The human on her back went flying and hit a tree trunk. He didn't move again. Sevena screeched angrily and slashed with her talons, catching two human, and snapping at another with her beak. Her broken wing slowed her down some, though only marginally. She wished she could fly, but that was her only major restriction. Fletcher, go get help! I can keep them at bay until you return; go! she shouted at him, snipping her beak shut around a neck and shattering the spine.

Sevena winced at the mental screech, watching in awe as Fletcher ripped the remaining two limb from limb. She sat down heavily on her haunches, flicking her ears to show she'd heard. Once he left she turned to her broken wing. She balanced on her hindlegs and held her wing in her forefeet, spreading it across the ground and feeling over the break. She gasped in pain, but swallowed and continued. It was a clean break with no punctured skin, lucky. She laid down on her stomach with her injured wing spread out. The place that the arrow was piercing throbbed painfully. She had half-closed her eyes when Fletcher returned, and was a bit alarmed that she couldn't muster the energy to lift her head. She sluggishly flicked her ears so he knew she'd heard. A shiver went down her spine. She felt cold. How much blood had she lost in the fight from the arrow wound? Apparently quite a bit, because she felt like passing out or going into a deep sleep. She forced her eyes open, though her vision was blurry. Don't...let me...sleep...or...pass out. she slurred tiredly. Already her eyes were drooping again with lethargic fatigue.

Sevena heard wingbeats but couldn't lift her head to look. She heard Fletcher apologize and wondered why, then she felt pain in her side. She jerked and cried out hoarsely, but the pain left quickly as it was healed. She sighed in relief. She opened her eyes a bit and sawFlatcher at her shoulder. She smiled weakly at him, then closed her eyes to rest. She felt her wing being healed as well, and then gentle paws lifting he up, wind ruffling her feathers...She relaxed and let her mind fall into comforting darkness.

Sevena huffed quietly as she heard a voice reassuring her. She shifted a bit more onto her side, then went to sleep.

- - - - - - - - - -

Sam glanced up from the bottom of the pool, listening to Violeta. She swam up to the surface and poked her head out of the water. I'm glad she's alright. As for finding the entrance...That might prove harder than you think. she pondered for a moment, then looked up at the lightning dragoness. Back at my old home on the coast of Surda, I remember telling you that I had a cave. There were tunnels leading from the cave out to the sea, and also above the water for those that didn't want to get wet. I had to navigate and learn their layout in my mind for when I went night time hunting. Perhaps I can help with finding however the Vanquishers are getting in. she offered, her ears perked.

Violeta sighed. Any help you can offer is welcome. If we can keep those vermin out of the valley then we may finally be safe.


Fletcher spent most of the day keeping watch over Sevena. Though he was certain she would be alright now, he refused to leave her side.

OCC: Sorry for the short post. Writer's block.

Sam nodded. I will help however I can. she said firmly.

- - - - - - - - - -

Sevena slept peacefully for most of the day, occasionally stirring enough to shift position. By the time she woke it was late evening. She moved slightly, a bit stiff from being in one place for three hours straight. She cracked open her eyes, taking a deep breath of air. The female gryphon tried to lift her head but still found herself to be weak. Her eyes opened a bit more. Though her vision was blurry, she was able to make out a gryphon-shaped mass beside her. Fletcher? She swallowed, her throat and beak dry. Water, please. she rasped softly, her voice as weak as her body. She tried to move, but she felt like weights held her limbs to the ground. She gave up with an exhausted sigh.

Sevena nodded. She had been a somewhat fast healer, but not to this extreme. Perhaps because Natagath and Violeta had healed and taken care of her. She sighed. I know. Its just hard to resign myself to staying here. When there is a threat that endangers someone I care for, I end it. she said. She lifted her head and tried to get her forefeet underneath her. She stopped, panting, with one foot set in front of her and the other still curled under her body. And I might be awake and alert, but it will be awhile until I can get up or move. she said, and grimaced. She settled back down onto her stomach.

- - - - - - - - - -

Sam mostly stayed silently as they went through the caves. She would occasionally sniff at this or that, but she never found anything. She was pleased when they found a cave with very recent footprints. She looked up at Violeta, smiling wryly, and then Natagath. The Water-Ice dragon nodded in agreement. Yes. But we would need to be careful with how we triggered the rock slide. It would defeat the purpose a bit if one of us was hurt by accident, or even trapped inside. I doubt either of those would actually happen, but it is better to be cautious and have nothing happen than be careless and have one of the three of us injured. she said. She knew they both probably knew this, but she felt better saying it aloud.

Sevena grumbled and shuffled her wings. Her stomach rumbled again, louder. She looked at Fletcher sheepishly. Would you mind bringing me some meat? Something from the kitchens is fine; I know its dangerous to go out alone with the Vanquishers about. she said, and ducked her head with embarrassment. She'd never really liked relying on someone else for her needs, but in this case...she didn't honestly mind that much. She wondered why.

- - - - - - - - - -

Sam blanched as she saw the bodies. She felt bile rising in her throat, but swallowed it back. She looked at Violeta, then Natagath. We should bury them. Properly. They may have been barbarians, but they were still humans. she said quietly.

Sevena smiled and waited for him to return, fidgeting from time to time. She raised her head when he came back and set the sack of meat in front of her. She smiled again and touched his shoulder with his beak in gratitude, her green-flecked-with-gold irises gleaming warmly. Thank you. she said, then bent her head to the sack. She pulled out a piece and swallowed it whole, then started on another.

- - - - - - - - - -

Sam padded outside the cave and looked above the entrance. There was a huge pileup of snow roughly three hundred yards up. She looked at Violeta and Natagath. If I can get up to that drift and melt it somehow, the water it would create might loosen the rocks and mud enough that it will cause a slide, blocking the entrance.

OOC:
Is there actually any snow on the mountain?

OCC: Yes. There are snow caps on the peaks.

IC:

Natagath, Violeta and Sam returned to the entrance of the cave. Violeta suggested, I might be able knock some rocks loose.

She flew up side of the mountain and began looking for loose rocks. She decided to let Sam try first though. Surely an avalanche or something would trigger a rock slide.

Fletcher smiled and waited for Sevena to finish her meal. He laid down on the floor and curled up, resting his head on his front paws. He wondered how long it would be before Iaras showed up. What would he do if he found out Sevena had been injured?

Sam lifted her wings and sprang into the air. She soared up to the drift, studying it to see where it might be weakest. She squinted; there, where the snow was more powdery than the rest. She pulled in her wings and dove, opening her jaws. A wave of heated air poured from her maw, similar to dragon fire but without the flames. It hit the snow and melted almost instantly. It poured down the mountainside to the cave entrance, loosening a few rocks, but otherwise didn't do much. She cursed to herself. Violeta, your go. she called up to the lightning dragoness.

- - - - - - - - - -

Sevena finished the meat quickly and laid down her head. She laid her head on her forefeet, closing her eyes to rest. She opened her eyes, though, after a few moments. What should I tell him? He will be irritated with me. she asked softly. She knew he would know of whom she meant.

Sevena looked at her talons. I've known him for two hundred years, and yet I never saw through the facade. I don't know him at all. she said quietly. She looked up at Fletcher. And why not? I'm the one the Vanquishers saw, not you, Violeta, or even Samantha. That's why Iaras will be angry, because I was seen and attacked when I know better and can do better. she said.

- - - - - - - - - -

Sam nodded. On it! she called back, and beat her wings. She flew up to a large boulder and landed behind it. It was twice as big as she was, but she leaned into it and strained every muscle in her body. Her legs and flanks bulged as she pushed, using strength that she'd built from swimming in the rough waters of the Surdan. The boulder moved, then shifted so suddenly that she almost went tumbling down with it.

Sevena had to smile. She would have to thank Fletcher later. All true, but he will still know something is wrong when I can't stand on my own. He'll be here late tonight or noon tomorrow. That's not enough time for me to recover fully. she said. She sighed and looked outside. It was dark out, but she felt wide awake and had the insane urge to move. She shifted, forcing her forefeet out in front of her and pushing her upper body up. She panted a moment, then lifted her head to look at Fletcher. Can you help me stand, please? Experience has taught me that if I move after being badly injured, at least a little bit, I'm bound to recover faster. she said.

- - - - - - - - - -

Sam prummed with pride, her iridescent-pearl-blue eyes gleaming, and lifted her wings to take off and follow the Pair.

Sevena limped a bit against Fletcher, wincing as her sore muscles stretched. She laid down carefully, and had to smile when Fletcher settled down beside her. She curled into him for warmth as she had for the whole day, laid down her head, and went to sleep.

- - - - - - - - - -

Sam tiredly walked into the dragon keep and settled down for the night. She smiled to herself when she saw Fletcher and Sevena sleeping side by side. They looked good together. She hoped that, if Sevena eventually returned his feelings of affection, that Iaras wouldn't come between them. She curled up into a ball, yawned, and went to sleep.

OCC: Wow, I can't believe nobody has mentioned this yet! This is huge news! http://www.shurtugal.com/

IC: The next day started off as usual. Fletcher got up early and went out to hunt for himself and for Sevena. The gryphon was gone for about an hour and returned with a small gazelle for Sevena to eat. After breakfast was over, Fletcher relaxed with Sevena. She seemed to enjoy his company and Fletcher was happy to be there to support her.

Around midday Violeta contacted everyone mentally.

I think Sevena's friend is here! I can see another gryphon approaching the monastery!

Oh great... Fletcher thought to himself.

Violeta joined the others in the dragon keep and Natagath came in as well holding a spyglass. He walked up to the opening and observed the approaching gryphon through the glass.

OOC:
Oh my gosh! Now I'm syked! I can't wait for it to officially come out!

IC:
Sevena mostly relaxed with Fletcher and Sam for the day, conversing with both of them about Danthuania, occasionally Alagaësia, but mostly Tenya. But then she heard Violeta's call that she saw another gryphon in the distance. If she had been human, all color would have drained from her face until she was as pale as a sheet. As it was, she cringed and shrank away from the entrance into Fletcher. She didn't want to face him. Not now. She felt a light touch on her shoulder and looked to see Samantha brushing her feathers soothingly with her paw. He won't hurt you. We won't let him. said the Water/Ice dragon, her eyes sincere and firm. Sevena nodded and swallowed hard.

- - - - - - - - - -

Iaras approached the monastery almost warily, but he could feel Sevena's mind within its walls, so this must have been where Fletcher stayed. His gold plumage ruffled slightly with the wind as he sped up his flight. Within roughly three minutes he was in landing distance. He banked a bit to the left so he would circle down to the ground. He hovered a moment before lightly touching his hindpaws down and dropping to his forefeet. The golden gryphon stepped forward, noticing a twoleg in a doorway that held a strange device. It looked like one of the elves from Alagaësia. He dipped his head to the elf. Greetings. I'm King Iaras. he said. He looked up, past the elf. He saw Sevena and Fletcher, as well as two dragons he did not recognize.

Iaras nodded in greeting to Violeta and Natagath. I come to Danthuania for mere curiosity. The information I gathered from my sources piqued me. I sent Sevena ahead of me to scout it for places like this. My homeland is very mountainous, so most of my people prefer the cooler temperatures and higher altitudes. he said by means of explanation. His pupils narrowed to slits when he noticed that Fletcher had gotten to his feet and stood slightly in front of Sevena, as if to protect her from something. And the fish-like dragon hadn't given her name either. Sevena also hadn't gotten up at his arrival. You were hurt. he said flatly, staring at the female gryphon. She looked at the ground. Yes, my lord. she murmured. She didn't say how. He huffed out a breath impatiently. Angel, it does not help me learn what hurt you if you will not tell me. he snipped, scowling. He saw she was about to reply when the fish-like dragon got to its paws, strange iridescent-pearl-blue eyes flashing. Enough. Sevena is still weak and needs to rest, not be questioned and intimidated out of her skin. Get out. she snapped. He stared at her in astonishment that she would speak to him in such a way, then dipped his head to her. Very well. I'm tired anyway. I'll be in a cave for the day, resting. he said, and backed out of the room.

- - - - - - - - - -

Sam had felt Sevena begin to almost tremble when Iaras subtly hinted that he wanted to know how she'd been hurt and by what. If Fletcher could be called her best friend, and Violeta and Natagath close friends, then Sevena was also her friend now. And she protected her friends. Her cold temper had taken over and made her get to her paws. She almost couldn't believe she was saying the things she had to a gryphon, and a gryphon King no less. Once Iaras was out of the room, Sevena relaxed a bit, though not much. He will find out. He will ask questions later or when I'm left alone. she said. Sam growled under her breath. Over my dead body. she muttered. The Water/Ice dragon looked up at Fletcher. Why don't you bring Violeta and Natagath up to date while I keep Sevena from hyperventilating. she suggested, then laid down beside the female gryphon and extended a wing over her body.

Iaras laughed as he flicked the torches away from him with a lazy sweep of his wings,"Of course she answers to me. She doesn't have a choice." he said, and smiled. He turned to look at Sevena with fake shock,"You didn't tell him? I'm surprised at you." he said. He laughed at her expression, and returned his gaze to Fletcher,"When a gryphon king gives an order and truly wants it followed without hesitation, a compulsion urges the gryphon he ordered to obey. If the gryphon resists, it only becomes stronger until they carry out the order. No one specifically knows why, but it runs in the royal family." he smiled,"Stand down, or I could order her to kill herself. Or, better yet, to attack you. I'm sure you wouldn't want to kill your new found love." he threatened lightly, inspecting his talons.

- - - - - - - - - -

Sevena found herself trembling as Iaras threatened Fletcher. But it was not with fear, it was rage. Rage that he thought he could come in and control who she loved. Control her. She hissed with anger and unfurled her wings, but the gryphon king speared her with a glare,"Stay where you are." he ordered, and she abruptly felt like her feet were planted into the stone. She tried to move, but found it impossible. She looked at Fletcher, her heart tightening in her chest. She contacted him privately. Don't let him get to you. If you become too enraged to think he will have won. Stay clear minded. she told him.

Iaras grinned,"I want my servant. She is a very loyal one, don't you agree? And quite lovely." he said. He laughed at Fletcher's threat,"I'm the king of Zaflen, a city of which holds a little over five hundred loyal subjects that will kill to protect me. They are all swift and deadly in their intent. And I myself am a very well trained warrior." he said with a smile. He gestured to Sevena,"Come," he ordered,"we are leaving." he said, turning away.

- - - - - - - - - -

Sevena fumed as he talked about her as if she were a thing, a piece of upholstery. She fought against the order, digging her feet in and raking her wings back,"No! I'm staying, you can leave by yourself!" she shouted. He spun to her and lashed out, catching her face with the back of his foot. She twisted to lessen the impact of her landing, but she still slid a few feet. He hissed angrily,"Get up, and come with me." she heard him order. She struggled to her feet, head spinning, and limped toward the entrance. Tears ran from her eyes as she looked at Fletcher. I don't have a choice; I can't resist him. she said softly.

Iaras's grin widened,"Alright. But not now. I want a fair fight, not a brawl with a rage fueled and jealous male." he said, and turned away. Once he was outside, he unfurled his wings and looked back,"Later today, in here. Say your goodbyes." he said coldly, then sprang into the air and flew back to his cave.

- - - - - - - - - -

Once he was gone the compulsion left her, and she ran to Fletcher. I hate him. she said. She nuzzled his shoulder worriedly. Are you sure you want to fight him? He could hurt you so easily. she fretted.

Sevena remained awake the whole time, watching Fletcher as he slept. Her heart contracted with the very possible thought that she might lose him. As he rested, she would occasionally slip him a bit of her energy, for an extra boost. When Natagath arrived to wake Fletcher, she reluctantly got to her feet. Her heart warmed as he nuzzled her and promised his love. She purred and nuzzled him in return, though she didn't speak. She didn't know what to say. She turned and walked out, but she didn't leave, not entirely. She stood at the entrance to watch the fight. Then, also, if Iaras did kill Fletcher, she could kill him in turn. She flinched as Iaras walked past her. She heard him chuckle. She hissed at him, glowering, then looked at Fletcher. Remember, don't let him get to you. He'll try to make you angry so you can't think, then he'll strike.

- - - - - - - - - -

Iaras entered the 'battle room' and stood with his back to the entrance. He unfurled his wings to their full twenty-five foot span before settling them lazily over his sides. Rules and rewards? he said, his voice almost bored.

Iaras smiled, already planning how he would win. He crouched, lifting his wings partially from his back. His eyes lazily roved around the room, as if halfheartedly searching for something he wanted. He crouched down lower and then sprang to the side, twisted so he met the wall with his fee. He sprang again higher with a boost from his wings. This time when he met the wall he twisted sharply and pushed off from it and toward Fletcher. You don't really need your tail, do you. he asked as he landed behind the male gryphon and made to either rip his tail off her rake his talons over his flanks.

Iaras hissed with pain once the younger male gryphon was a safe distance away. There was a nasty slash over his left eye, though the eye itself was unharmed. He turned as Fletcher was getting to his feet. Is that honestly the worst you can do? I've had worse injuries in training. he scoffed. The large gryphon prowled closer, flaring his wings a bit. If he could herd the smaller male into a corner, his victory was guaranteed. He abruptly rushed Fletcher, clashing with him directly. His razor sharp foretalons raked brutally down Fletcher's shoulders and chest, though in return for his attack Iaras felt claws scoring down his underbelly and sides. He pushed Fletcher back, using powerful beats of his wings to drive the smaller gryphon into a wall.

Iaras shrieked as the arrow was shoved into his armpit, deadening his leg. He staggered and almost went down, limping around to face Fletcher. His remaining three legs trembled. He weighed the possibility of him dying and of winning and keeping Sevena. It was a higher that he would die. He could always order Sevena to help him, or attack Fletcher, but he didn't have the energy. He hated himself for it, truly he did, but he backed down. The gryphon king took a step back, dipping his head low to the ground in defeat. You have won. he said tiredly. He limped toward the door, bending his head to pull the arrow out. He stopped in front of Sevena. Her expression was cold. He snorted in her face. You, however, I can still punish. he said softly. For turning your back on me, you are banished from ever returning to Zaflen, and when I become High King, to Tenya. You will never see you family again, so long as you still live. I hope the reward is enough to compensate for your sacrifice. he sneered, then limped past. He felt a small bit of pleasure in seeing her cold expression shatter and for pain to come through. Once he was outside he spread his wings and laboriously flew to his cave to heal before he left.

- - - - - - - - - -

Sevena almost choked from the pain that Iaras's words made, but she swallowed it back. Fletcher needed her, and he looked about ready to collapse. She darted forward and let him lean on her so he didn't fall and injure himself more. She lowered him gently to the floor, then turned to Violeta, worry in her eyes, then back to Fletcher. Where are you hurt? You two were moving so fast I couldn't keep track. she said worriedly, looking him over with a practiced eye.

OCC: Where did Samantha go? Just wondering.

Fletcher closed his eyes, purring softly as Sevena preened his feathers for him. He was happier now than he had ever been before. Now perhaps he could settle down and have a family again. Fletcher nuzzled Sevena shoulder gently and hummed softly. They were both free to enjoy their lives now. Once Fletcher was cleaned up, he spent the rest of the afternoon resting while Natagath cleaned up the mess in the dragon keep.

OOC:
Probably to go hunt so she wouldn't try to kill Iaras.lol

IC:
Sevena was content to preen Fletcher's plumage until it was dry, then rested beside him with her head on his flank. She made sure absolutely nothing disturbed him, not even Sam, who was anxious with worry for him, could get near him without getting through her. Once the dragon keep was cleaned up, she thanked Natagath and moved Fletcher inside. After she had him settled, she left him to rest more while she hunted. While she stalked a buck from the air, she saw Iaras fly overhead, heading north toward the coast. She didn't know if he saw her and she didn't care. She hated him. Hated him for controlling her and for hurting Fletcher. It was perhaps thirty minutes later that she came back with three deer, one for herself and two for him. She entered the dragon keep with all three piled on her back. She twisted and let them drop to the floor, pulling one a bit to the side for her. She nudged the other two toward Fletcher. Here, eat this. I'm sure your hungry. she said, smiling. Iaras is leaving. I saw him go by overhead while I was hunting.