Ascending Legends

[Dragongal]

Arryn looked back at him before grinning and following along after him. It was nice to see him so happy after everything that they'd been through.

 

[BookWyrm]

Dayn led Arryn around to a trail heading out near a ledge before going down the side of the mountain. Below them, nestled between the peak and the river, was a knoll. It took maybe fifteen minutes before Dayn turned to Arryn and said, "Alright, we need to take this kinda slow." He carefully led Arryn a few steps further before stopping just shy of a clearing atop the knoll. In the distance something was circling overhead.

 

[Dragongal]

Arryn glanced at him with intrigue, then continued very slowly, keeping pace with Dayn. She couldn't tell what was circling in the sky, but she assumed it was whatever they were there to see.

 

[BookWyrm]

The shadow grew closer and closer until the shape was flying just barely above the treeline. In just a moment it dove down and landed, it's mottled brown and tan feathers complementing the painted skin, but both palled in comparison to the red tips along it's tail and wings. The hippogriff stamped it's forepaw and bucked, crying out into the air as it's mate came in to land beside it.

 

[Dragongal]

Arryn stared at them in awe and took Dayn's hand. She wasn't about forget that he was the reason she was here. "They're beautiful...."

 

[BookWyrm]

The hippogriffs circled each other, fanning out their wings and mewling quietly before one began to groom the other. "They always return to this area to nest in the summer."

 

[Dragongal]

"They're so sweet. I bet they're as smart as griffins. I wonder...." Arryn paused. Griffins were, in a way, protectors. So were hippogriffs differently evolved or adapted protectors? The Northern griffins were adapted to the cold, rocky biome, but an average griffin, though rare, could live almost anywhere, just in varying amounts. "Do you think I can talk to them?"

 

[BookWyrm]

Dayn mulled over the thought before shrugging. "Maybe. Can only know for sure by trying." He stood slowly before holding out his hand to Arryn. "I'll go with you if you want to try."

 

[Dragongal]

Arryn hesitated a bit, since it was a bit risky, but finally took Dayn's hand and slowly stood up. She'd never worked with a hippogriff, and the fact that she was with Dayn added some risk, but worst case she could throw up a shield.

 

[BookWyrm]

Dayn stepped out of the brush and into the clearing, making sure to put himself slightly in front of Arryn. The hippogriffs turned and looked at the two as they approached. All griffins are noble and proud, Dayn recalled as he thought back over an old children's story. After a couple more steps he bowed slowly, keeping his eyes up just enough to keep watch.

 

[Dragongal]

Arryn followed suit and bowed a bit stiffly while trying to watch them, though she didn't make eye contact. Her body was tense, mostly because she was prepared to cast a shield and run with Dayn if it was needed. Being mauled by a hippogriff wasn't how she wanted to go.

 

[BookWyrm]

The first hippogriff, the male, turned and puffed out his chest, his feathered crest fanning out slightly in interest before he bowed in return. "You might try now." Dayn whispered. "They seem to have accepted us."

 

[Dragongal]

Arryn nodded a bit and slowly straightened. "I am Arryngale Eleran-Braegland, from the North. This is my husband, Sir Dayn Braegland of Riverbend. I am of the griffin line. Can you understand me?" Arryn had completely forgotten to include her own title of "Lady", but she wasn't in the habit of using it just yet.

 

[BookWyrm]

The hippogriff stopped and stared at Arryn, leaning out as he sniffed the air between them. "Yes."

 

[Dragongal]

Arryn sighed with relief. "Wonderful. I am new to this area and wasn't sure. May I know your names...?"

 

[BookWyrm]

"I am Valos. This is Chepi, my mate." The female, Chepi, stepped around and bowed her head. "I didn't think that line existed any longer." Chepi slowly walked over to Arryn and sniffed about her hair and neck.

 

[Dragongal]

Arryn held stock-still. "It has dwindled down, become a recessive trait, from my understanding. Most who have the bloodline don't know about it. It did however stay... prominent in my family." Arryn looked to Dayn. "Mo chroi, their names are Valos and Chepi."

 

[BookWyrm]

Dayn smiled, though he kept his hand placed on the small of Arryn's back as he lingered close. After a moment Chepi touched Arryn's hand with her beak. "You have a peculiar scent. It is...nice."

 

[Dragongal]

Arryn smiled and was willing to take the risk of running her fingers over the top of Chepi's head, since she knew the griffins in the North liked that. "Thank you. It is probably because I am from the North. On another note, I was wondering if you two might know anything about the skinchanger that has been plaguing the area?"

 

[BookWyrm]

Chepi cooed quietly and leaned into Arryn's hand before finally stepping up and rubbing against her. Valos, taking note of Chepi's approval, stepped forward and moved to Arryn's side. "Skinchanger? We left before the last leaves fell, when the air was still warm enough for travel, and just came back today."

 

[Dragongal]

Arryn sighed a bit reluctantly. She didn't want to break this news. "There's a tainted skinchanger. He's been attacking the farms and spreading the plague... Dayn knows more about it than I do."

 

[BookWyrm]

Valos' feathers ruffled before he snorted and pawed at the ground. "Sounds of dark magic." Chepi bobbed her head. "Yes. I do recall dark magic around Samhein." She bent her head down once more and pushed it under Arryn's hand, mewling to try and get Arryn to rub her head again.

 

[Dragongal]

Arryn obediently pet Chepi's head. "Dayn and I took care of those necromancers from Samhein. Now we have to find a way to stop the skinchanger."

 

[BookWyrm]

Chepi chirped and mewled happily until Valos nudged his way over to try and see what his mate was carrying on about. "Just because you killed some necromancers doesn't mean you killed them all." Dayn, seeing an opportunity, leaned over and kissed Arryn's cheek before saying, "I'll be back in a few minutes. Not going far, but I have a surprise."

 

[Dragongal]

Arryn smiled to Dayn and nodded, then reached out and petted Valos's gently. "I know. There has been another necromancer that's been harassing us.... but we are working on taking care of it."