I told the griffins to enjoy the evening, thanked them for their tireless work, and left for the palace. There was a steady stream of people going from the palace to the roost carrying varying things. Either supplies I had ordered or some of Bella's things. There were no animals on this road, the griffins probably spooked them. It was clean and neat. The bushes that lined the stone path carried a fragrant flower that smelled nice. I was wondering what to do next when my stomach rumbled. Find Lily, eat dinner, and then get ready for the ball. Hopefully, my armor was fixed so if I got stabbed I had some protection because you know, that apparently was common at noble events.
∞∞∞
Lily and I ate an early dinner. The chefs were busy preparing food for the ball and shooed me out. So I sent in the little starving girl that was skin and bones. My stomach thanked me later. It was some creamy mashed potatoes. I was on my third bowl when the Duke found me.
“One of the cooks mentioned you were here. Busy day for us both from what I hear. Lily is it?” Lily nodded with a shy expression while tucking her chin into her chest. “Why don't you run into the gardens? I have a present for your father. It is there, waiting for him.” Riza said. When Lily was gone he unfurled a note that was on a small piece of paper.
“This was from our King, King Horus. He commends you on your capture of the crown. Gave you the same orders I gave you. Then he commends us both on defending against the traitorous attack. Thanks you for your service to the realm and says he may visit the north for a hunt soon. The note also mentions a reward once the crown reached the Emperor. If I had to guess when he arrives here or Fernlan he will have payment in hand.
“All in all a good note. The crown is now his problem, we got a job well done each. The orders I gave you were no different than what King Horus has decreed. The King is a decent man, a great warrior. You should like him but who knows. Alright come with me, I got one of your dowry presents waiting.”
The Duke and I walked from the dining hall, through a hallway, and out into the back gardens. There was Lily, Trade Master Mont, and the tailor who fitted me yesterday for my current outfit. Wrapped over an armor stand rested an intricate set of full body armor. It started my heart thumping. The helm, chest piece, leggings, gloves, and boots all matched in a perfect woodland pattern. I raced over to it and inspected the gear.
Lily went to talk and I shushed her, I was in the zone and no one was to interrupt me.
The helm came off the stand and into my hands. I saw the first layer was a thin cap. I took it out of the helmet and it smoothly slid over my hair fitting perfectly. I now knew why the tailor had taken so many extra measurements yesterday. I covered my head with the final layer that was thick and sturdy metal. I noticed someone had painted the woodland theme on the metal. It held a facial cover that gave more than enough room for my nose and was attached to a hinge. I pulled the clasp until it locked the cover firmly in place. I had full vision and could easily breathe. My eyes were exposed as was most of my nose but I loved that I didn't have reduced vision. I hardly noticed the weight, either the metal was light or my strength played a role. I jumped up and down then looked sharply left and right. The helmet jostled until I noticed a loose chinstrap at the bottom. I got that secured and the helmet was on tight. The only issue was my hair, other than an odd clumping and needing a cut it was perfect.
I removed the helmet and stripped to my undershorts. Some coughs were noticed but I cared not. I shimmied into the pants first. The first layer was thin padding to protect the skin from the metal. The pants went from right above the hip bone to below the ankles and were secured by a thin belt. Tightly knitted chain mail went over the thin layer. Which was followed by a thicker, tougher, leather layer. This had the pattern for blending imprinted on it.
The chest was a single piece that slid over my head to cover my torso and arms. It followed the same layout as the pants. Thin cover, then chain mail, followed by camouflage thick leather. The thick leather was for slashing protection, the chain mail for slashing and piercing. The boots were fairly standard and would blend in with the forest. The gloves were a thin tan leather, so tight they felt like a second skin. Nicely made but only offered protection from scratches.
I equipped the entire setup and started to warm up. I did some stretches and light exercises. I noticed a few things instantly. My weighted helm was a pain because of my hair, so the hair would have to go when I found time. The next was it was silent. I expected the chain mail to make jingles, clanks, and other metal noises. Finally, while it was oversized slightly for extra movement, it felt tight when I did limber stretches. Well, mainly the chain mail did. I was loose and ready to test the suit of armor out.
I sprinted down the garden path toward the low wall that separated the grounds by themes. I felt the weight but it was manageable. I planted my right foot on the top of the three foot tall wall and spun myself into a backflip. I was unable to stick the landing smoothly but recovered enough to stay on my feet. I was in a long section of short grass with flowering fruit trees. I tore into a dead run feeling grass give way beneath my feet. My agility and strength led me to speeds I normally could only dream of. I loved Vin!
I slowed myself down and trotted back to my awaiting crowd. I thanked the Duke profusely. I told him this was exactly what I needed. He was quietly impressed by my maneuverability and was glad I liked the extra protection. Least he could do for his daughter was to help protect her new husband. The armor I arrived in was simple, its design meant for formations and long marches. This was more for sneaking around the woods on short trips that resulted in violent clashes.
I gave my thanks to the tailor and Trade Merchant Mont. I made sure to inform them both I would need at least one more for Donnie, who I would be sending here soon for a fitting. I took my leave and headed back to my quarters to freshen up.
∞∞∞
A short nap was followed by me dressing in a fancy button up shirt. The button and loops were larger with tight hand stitching. The pants were flowing and roomy. It was not my normal style but I would fit in. It was nice to have another change of clothes. My dirty set was gone, meaning someone had managed to get in my room to clean them while I slept. Seven hells as they say on Vin. I was looking forward to having a dog... well wolf guarding me. Maybe a trap on the door, the evil voice in my head laughed at the implications.
I managed to find the ballroom with relative ease and in good spirits. I saw a platter of food before the entrance and picked at the snacks on the tray. I never knew how busy it was going to get, or if I would get my meal cut short by a knife. I watched as people entered the lively event. No one was announced as people streamed in. It was an hour after dark, meaning I had slept for a while. I ate the entire tray of fried mushrooms in a sweet sauce. They were delicious. A servant scoffed at me when he went to grab the tray for his rounds. Oh well.
I entered the ballroom to a loud... Crack! Crack! “Sir Gryff, Earl of Fernlan, Groom of the Bride Lady Bella. Honored guest of Duke Riza!”
I grumbled then put on a smile and did a wave. During my competing days, crowds had become normal so I was at ease. I strolled across the ballroom floor cursing myself for not entering by leaping the balcony. I probably could have pulled it off. The Duke sat in his chair of honor, I bowed to him, and Lady Rain laughed at my improper form. I deserved that. She sat behind the Duke in the third wife's chair. Only the first and seventh chairs were empty this time. That showed how special the event was.
Bella arrived at my side looking fantastic. She wore a white dress that went to her knees. Her long blonde hair was straight and flowed freely. Around her head was a green crown of stems with no flowers. A single lily in full bloom was over her heart and mild cleavage. She glowed with a radiant beauty while her eyes sparkled with intensity.
She curtsied, the Duke launched into a moving speech and then the festivities erupted anew with joy.
I got to meet her entire large family. The greetings were often rush
ed and chaotic given the noise and sheer volume of people. I was well received. The only person I did not see was Una, which probably meant her earlier antics got her off the welcome list. It was Bella's big day after all. We danced, we snacked, and we sipped our drinks. I kept the wine to a minimum. At one point a lady got so drunk she crawled behind the tablecloth and fell asleep under the table. A few minutes later a man with dark hair and a neckbeard called for a Lady Theresa. I helped him find his drunk wife. That was the most exciting thing that evening.
As the event slowed, and the night drew on Lily asked to go to bed. She asked as her last favor for us to go with her. She was exhausted and pleading. I wanted to say I needed private time with my new wife, but it was Bella who sealed our fate. She conceded to the demand before turning to her dad to make one last request of him.
She asked the Duke for her mother's chair. The one which had sat empty since her birth. He cried at this and I couldn't even blame it on the wine. The duke had avoided it the whole night. His wives consoled him for a moment before he declared that it would be his honor to personally deliver it to the roost first thing in the morning. We bid everyone goodnight and left for Bella's room. Bella and Lily quickly fell asleep while I found a spare blanket and balled the rug fur into a pillow.
∞∞∞
Morning came and I promptly kicked Lily out. I was nice about it but I was a tad cranky. I waited until I no longer heard her footfalls on the other side of the door before I rushed to Bella. I lunged for the bed to hear Bella squeak with delight.
I swooped her gently off the bed with a chuckle and pinned her to the wall. We kissed passionately. I felt her fumble at my shirt buttons then become frustrated. She ripped the shirt open and exposed my hairy chest. Two could play that game. I ripped her thin nightgown in half, then threw her on the bed. Her large, soft breasts bounced perfectly and she grinned at me. I shimmied out of my pants and she flung off her panties.
“Go easy, yet ravish me.” She said with open arms, her nakedness having my penis at full attention.
I got above her and kissed her neck until she clawed at me to get closer. I took my kisses south to the nipples of her tender full breasts. She moaned slightly in pleasure. I kissed down her belly button and continued until I found her little, wet, swollen vagina. I twirled my tongue on her clitoris as I slid a finger into her. I wanted to mount her so bad. So, so bad. I instead pleasured her little pearl while I inserted a second, then a third finger.
“Too much,” she said between moans. Well, I figured she would be tight but the fingers were meant to help give her room for my large throbbing cock.
I didn't fight her on it or explain. I relocated my kisses to her mouth and gently slid my penis partiality into her soft, wet, little pussy. She moaned at first, then discomfort was etched on her face. We proceeded tenderly, and the intense intimacy flowed between us. I never got it all the way in before I finished. The combination of her tightness and the passionate kissing led me to release my seed in her. I shuddered on top of her and gasped in orgasm. She kissed my neck and pulled at my back. I was about to exit when she thrust her hips and plunged me all the way into her. She cried out while biting her lip.
“That was amazing dear husband. I can’t wait to do it again when it hurts less. Every lady who dared to speak of such things said I needed to get you completely in the first time. To begin the adjusting, but I don't think they ever had someone as massive as you. You filled me with all your sperm that I feel it leaking already. I hope we have a boy!” She said and gave me a simple cute kiss.
We were both flushed and I poured us two cups of water from the pitcher. We drank greedily then cleaned up. Her room was spartan and bare. We were a mess, her bed hair fought sex hair to go full crazy hair mode. I had a ruined shirt while she had a brand new fancy riding dress. I held out my arm to her and we went down for breakfast at the dining hall on the first floor.
The two of us ate a quiet breakfast, said goodbye to Lily, then took the path to the roost. It was considerably less populated today. A trio of griffins soared over our heads to land. I noticed they were not hauling anything. The inside of the roost field was bustling with loading teams. Four griffins waited by the female crews for passengers to get on. Once the people were situated, the birds moved to a loading area to get hooked up with goods before flying north. I went to join a line for personnel when Bella took us to the front.
“Hop on Gryff, put yourself and your wife on the back two seats of the saddle. When we take off with the load, if I need to adjust you, please move to a different seat. I am Dina, condemner of my mate’s penis Traz. We still laugh at that joke, it was a good one.” Dina giggled while hitting her left paw into the dirt.
She was a smaller griffin. White feathers with pink tips, her tail swatter also pink. She had a swollen belly that spoke of a recent feast. The griffins were working overtime, I would not be surprised if all the war boar was gone.
“Up you go Lady Bella, take the back seats. This is Dina, we will be riding on her today. Oh wow, look at how much the griffins got moved since last night. Looks like most of the goods and supplies have already left.”
“We prefer to fly at night. It is cooler and we get shot at less. I am on my fourth trip, only the animals left really. If you are settled I am going to move.”
I told her we were, and she walked us over to the loading crew. I saw us approaching a sack with many holes in it that allowed air to flow through. The head worker shouted to a note taker that the monox were being loaded. I didn't hear the little creatures making any noise so I assumed they slept. A clasp locked to the underside of the saddle with a loud snap.
Dina lifted ten feet into the air to get a good feel for the weight, then shot off north with far more speed than Lydia had. Bella, who sat behind me squealed in surprise and tightly gripped my waist. We quickly passed the city walls and got over the river.
“Dina, I have a question. How did the griffins and humans form their bond?”
“It is a long answer but we have a long ride. The Horde invasion portal was immense and spawned by the central equator of the three continents. The mountain ranges where the majority of our species called home were in close proximity to that portal. I remember my old home fondly and wish we had realized sooner what was happening. The Horde poured out in the millions, then the tens of millions with no end in sight. We stuck to our mountain slopes as humanity crumbled before the endless tide.
“When the war came to us we decimated the Horde. They sent countless waves against us in a desperate attempt to take us down.
“I do not say this to seek praise, but we demolished the Horde with ease. We were the perfect counter. When the shamans throw up shields we crashed through them with speed. If a griffin took damage we could distance cast heal.” Dina said with a pause. The sporadic empty farms, the curving river, and endless trees passed below us. I listened intently waiting for her to continue.
“When we are born, we have almost all the elemental auras. We have red, with the spell of basic flame, green with healing, brown with growth, blue with water freeze, white with air gust, purple with increased strength, agility, and dexterity, we are only missing darkness. Darkness is a Horde aura that is the color black, we clump it into unknown magics. Such as portals, nullifiers, and contracts. It wasn't until the end of the war that we realized we could use catalysts. Some believe had we known more of magic in the early days the war would have been won and the portal closed. That is something we must be prepared for in case the peace accords break or for when they end in fifteen years. Do not be surprised if griffins request help with training our kind in advanced magics. Back to the early days of our bond.
“So we fought, and we won all initial battles of the war. It was as if we were designed to decimate the Horde. Yet, the sheer numbers of the Horde would flow around our defenses. There were too many of them and not enough of us. The other issue was we were too spread without a central roost. When they made it to ou
r roosts many young cubs were lost. We decided that allying with the humans was our only hope. We flew to the battlefronts after our children were secured and laid waste to the Horde with a vengeance. The amount of death the Horde suffered was staggering.
“Again overwhelming numbers bypassed well defended cities or armies with griffins in them. The only thing winning the war for the humans was us. The Horde pushed us and the humans further and further south. It was brutal fighting that most thought would end in extermination. A few months before the peace accords humanity was boxed into this zone they control now. Our numbers were no longer too spread out to halt the advance. We bleed the enemy until they sued for peace. In doing so we won and lost. Our home was gone, but we won a new place of honor in the human cities. Roosts dominated every city skyline, and the Griffin King Aves and his council created the prides. The pride system is roughly based on the human noble system. The main reason for the pride was to ensure the spreading of the bloodlines evenly. That and we like to be in small groups at most, unless at war of course. The Horde formed the peace deal to take all our combat abilities out of the equation. Where the humans lost eighty percent plus of their population, we barely lost ten percent. The peace accords extremely limit what we can do, how we can do it, and where we can go. The only positive we saw is we could increase our numbers rapidly. When the accords break, we hope we have the numbers to figure out how to destroy the portal and reclaim Vin.”
“That is incredible. Not that I wish the war was in full swing again, but to see you griffins in action, I bet it was amazing. I have so much to learn.” I said with my arms spread out horizontal flying with the headwind.
Gryff Boxset Page 20