Pledged in Blood: Chapter Fifty-Two (Patreon)

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Chapter Fifty Two

Custard

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A strange sense of accomplishment settled over me when I released Ayrah’s hand and withdrew my paw. An entire city had just witnessed a dragon shaking hands with human. They had all heard us speak about cooperation, about sharing wealth and resources. They watched me sign an agreement of the sort of people had not known with humans since long before the birth of any modern nation. I felt as if I had just fulfilled a tiny little fragment of Melakar’s dream.

I had made peace, with humans. True enough, it was peace only with a single city. But even that was a peace we did not have only days earlier. Yet, I knew the credit was hardly mine to take. Melakar and Ayrah had been laying the groundwork for this for years, I was certain of it. Tonight, I would have Ayrah confirm that, but the clues were all around me. The accord, nearly ready to sign. Pictures and poses Ayrah had already planned. A great cathedral financed by Melakar. Half a city who already called him friend. It was as if I’d simply flown the shortest, final leg of a very long journey.

I would not dream of taken the credit for this accomplishment away from Melakar, and yet, an accomplishment it remained. It was going to take a while just for it to settle in on me what we had achieved here. And as time passed, and the images we created on this day became the memories of future generations, I desperately hoped the true architect of this would never be forgotten.

“It should be him in these pictures.” I spoke my thoughts aloud before I could stop myself.

The pained look that crossed Ayrah’s face told me she agreed, despite our friendship. “It was meant to be.” She managed a wistful smile. “I’m sure you guessed as much.” Ayrah quickly held up a hand. “But that’s not to take anything away from what you’ve done, Ella, or what you’re becoming. To both our peoples.”

“Perhaps.” I licked my muzzle, gazing at the distant crowd. “Nonetheless, it should have been him giving the speech about trust. Or…whatever he might have said. His speech would have been better, I am certain.”

“Nonsense.” Ayrah gave my foreleg a gentle swat. “His speech would have bored them to tears. Half the crowd would have left before we’d even signed the damn accord.”

I laughed, shrugging my wings. “Perhaps so.” I watched the photographers packing up their equipment. “You said those pictures will be displayed in some kind of publication?”

Ayrah opened her mouth to reply, only to think better of whatever she was about to say. She’d probably been about to correct me, or explain exactly what format the pictures would take. Instead, she decided to neither. “That’s correct, Ella. Over the next few days.”

“Then you should have some of your photos of him placed in those publications, too.” I tilted my head, flattening back my ears. “Assuming such a thing is possible.”

Ayrah brightened up a little. ‘Oh! That’s a great idea, Ella. I don’t know exactly how difficult that would be, but some of the original negative plates might be stored, somewhere. Otherwise perhaps they could replicate them another way. And we should…” She swallowed, furrowing her eye ridges. That pain that contorted her face, twisted her voice as well. “We should run some obituaries for him, too. I’ll have someone write up a few articles about him, and all he did for the city.”

I shifted my weight, my heart suddenly sitting uneasy in my chest. “I do not want his contributions to be forgotten. If you and he have working on this…” He waved a wing at the city beyond us. “Peace deal, as it were, for as long as it seems? Then your people should know. Your historians should know and archive his role, that he will always be remembered amongst your people.” I sighed, my head hanging. “Give him a fancy title, too. Something like, Melakar the Peacemaker.”

Ayrah leaned her head against me, stroking my scales. “He’d have loved that.”

“Yes,” I said, gently hugging her. “He would have.” In time, we parted, and I settled onto my haunches again. “So what now?” I waved a paw at the mass of people still edging the plaza. “Are there more formalities to undertake? Must I speak to them again?”

Ayrah chuckled, shaking her head. “Not today. Believe it or not, I’m trying to ease you into this whole, visiting royalty role.”

“Thank you for that,” I said, swishing my tail back and forth across the heavily trod grass. “While I am growing ever so slowly accustomed to being surrounded by so many humans, there remains a limit on my comforts. Not to mention that I fear I have already exhausted all I have to say to them.” I smiled, a melancholy sort of smile. “You and Melakar were always gifted with better and more plentiful words than I. Melakar could talk endlessly, to anyone, without ever tiring of it, and you?” My grin widened as I peered down at Ayrah. “When last I knew you, you could have sold the sky itself to a bird. And now? Now you’ve got an entire city hanging on your every word, cheering your every triumph and booing your every enemy. Melakar used to say, you’d have had a home in the theater. I see now what he means.”

Ayrah crossed her arms, grinning. “I seem to remember he had to explain to you what a theater was, after that.”

I shrugged my wings. “How the hell was I supposed to know that? Though once explained, it was not that foreign a concept. Dragons used to tell stories through performance, upon the Queen’s Dias. Mostly before my time, of course. Anyway, now that I’ve seen you speaking to your subjects? I can tell that Melakar was right. You’ve got these people tied around your finger. It is quiteimpressive.”

Ayrah fetched her coat, and laughed as she shoved her arms into the sleeves. “Thank you! Turns out, the line between theater and politics is a thin one indeed.”

“So, it would seem.” I gazed again across the gathered crowd. “I still hope to hear just how you’ve earned such a place for yourself. This is quite a jump in status for someone who once described made a living with thievery.” I flicked my tail tip. “I am eager to hear how you managed it.”

“And I’d hoped we might have a chance to broach that very subject tonight.” Ayrah scowled as she buttoned up her coat. “Unfortunately, I may find myself busy.” She paused, halfway up the front of her coat, sighing. “Oh, screw it. We’ll still spend the night together as we’d planned. I’m sure Nemos can handle everything else, if he needs too. It’s not as if I’m required to make every little decision, at every possible moment.”

“Speaking of which.” I tilted my head, staring down at Ayrah. “Earlier you hinted that he was busy dealing with new security developments.” I extended a wing towards the artillery batteries placed atop the fortified stone buildings lining the rectangular plaza. “The birds and I could not help but notice that your weaponry has been repositioned, and his absence continues. I can only assume those two things are related.”

Ayrah finished buttoning up her coat in silence. When she was finished, she glanced up at the cannons. “You’d assume correctly. Honestly, if Nemos was in charge, he wouldn’t even want me wandering the town, let alone holding big events. But…” She gestured between us. “You and I have a limited time in which to make something important happen, and I wasn’t about to give that up. However, as much as it pains me…” Her scowl deepened, and she lowered her voice. “You may want to cut your trip here a little shorter for now, just in case. Purchase your supplies and everything you need, and I’ll fill you in on Melakar the best I can in the next couple days. Then head home to your valley, take care of all your villages, and when things have settled down again, you can return and we can hammer out something more serious.” She adjusted her coat, then shoved her hands into its fur-lined pockets. “Gods, it’s cold out today.”

“It will likely be colder still after the weather changes. The deepest cold often follows the snow.” I looked at the sky again, watching the glacially paced passage of high, feathery clouds. “What is happening, Ayrah?”

“Nothing I’m comfortable or willing to discuss out in public.” Ayrah turned towards the gryphons, walking away. “Hopefully, it’s just more posturing, and paranoia. But there’s a chance things get ugly.”

I padded after her, flattening back my spines. “Ugly, how?”

Ayrah spoke without looking back at me. “I think you know exactly what I’m talking about, Ella.”

“You fear your enemies are planning an attack?” I snapped my jaws, cutting off her reply. “If you expect violence, then why should I leave? You may require my assistance.”

Ayrah halted, whirling around on me. “Which is exactly why I’m suggesting you leave sooner than later! Whatever happens?” She shook her finger at me. “It isn’t your fight.”

“Of course it is!” I drew myself up, arching my neck. “You are my friend.” Fire and fury blossomed in my heart, an angry eruption spilling over into my blood. “If you are attacked, I will defend you.”

“Which is why you need to go home as soon as possible!” She grit her teeth, glaring at me. “Not that I’m saying we are going to be attacked, but if we are-”

“Then I will assist you.” I dropped onto my haunches, curling my tail. “The matter is closed.”

“No, Ella, it isn’t.” Ayrah balled her hands up into fists. “You’re trying to build an empire, aren’t you? You need friends, not enemies. Joining a battle between bitter foes isn’t going to do anything but earn your newborn empire its own deadly adversary! You do not want to begin your reign as Queen by making a lifelong enemy of one of the most powerful nations on continent.”

“No, I don’t.” I shook my head. “Of course, I don’t. But if they were invading the lands of a dear friend, they are already my enemy. They are-”

Ayrah slapped her hand down between my nostrils, just hard enough to sting, and shut me up. “You can’t do this, Ella. You can’t be this impulsive warrior, anymore. I know your heart is in the right place, but you’ve already forgotten what you learned last night.”

I growled at her, not enough to frighten her, just enough to make it clear I did not appreciate her rough treatment. “What are you talking about?”

“Your son.” Ayrah withdrew her hand, coldness in her voice. “Shevar is where your son lives, remember? Do you want to begin your reign by declaring war on your own son’s adopted home?”

All the prideful fire inside me died in an instant, withering away into cold uncertainty. “No.” I swallowed, my ears drooping. “Of course not. He has…he has enough reasons to hate me.”

Ayrah sighed, shaking her head. “I’m sure he doesn’t hate you. But he does live in Shevar. Not inside the city, but close enough to visit it from time, to time.”

“With Melakar.” I squeezed my eyes shut. Cold talons raked my spine.

Ayrah dropped her voice to a whisper. “Melakar was trying to make inroads with that city, just as he was here. And Vevorek’s reputation was making it easier for him. You said yourself, there’s another dragon in that picture. For all we know, Shevar might be more openly welcoming to dragons. You don’t want to throw that away, Ella.”

“But…are they not your enemies?” I swallowed, opening my eyes again.

“They’re Diandrios’s enemies.” Ayrah touched me again, this time to brush her fingers lightly along my jaw. “But they don’t have to be your enemies, Ella. It doesn’t have to be us, or them. At least, not for you. Not for dragons.” Ayrah shook her head, wincing. “Melakar was so certain of that. That’s part of the reason he spent so much time going back and forth. Trying to make it clear to their armies that while he wanted to be their friend, he refused to back one side over the other. That’s why you have to be gone in a few days, Ella, just in case.”

I nuzzled at her hand, sighing against her palm. “You are making it sound increasingly like you expect an attack.”

Ayrah shook her head. “I’m not going to talk about it out here. But…theoretically, if we were attacked, you wouldn’t have to pick a side, if you weren’t here.”

I growled again, lashing my tail against the flattened grass. “And if I am here?” I tossed my head. “I take your side, and defend your people, and while your city will see me as a hero, my son’s adoptive home will see my empire as an enemy to be attacked alongside you. Is that about the gist of it?”

“That’s part of it.” Ayrah stroked my muzzle again, still speaking softly. “Or, if you take no action, then best scenario? The citizens of Tivos think you’re a coward. Your future empire will have that much more trouble convincing people you’re a faithful ally, if you’ve already proven you refuse to defend your new friends.” She grimaced, pulling her hand back. “Worst case scenario? They start to think you’re complicit. If we were attacked by our enemies, right after you mysterious arrived, and you did nothing to help defend us? That’ll start some rumors, at the least.”

I shook myself, snarling under my breath. “Would they not also think the same thing, should you be attacked shortly after I departed?”

Ayrah only shrugged. “Honestly, I think that would be easier for me to manage. No one expects you to be here for long. I’ve already made it clear to the people that you will only be here for a few days, or so. Plus, if Shevar attacked right after, it would also make it look as if they’d been waiting for you to depart, so they don’t have to worry about dealing with an angry dragon. If anything, I think I could spin that in your favor. Make you look even more dangerous, and an even more valuable ally.”

“You quite enjoy ‘spinning’ things, don’t you?” I cocked my head, kneading my forepaws against the ground. “I must say, I find your politics frustratingly convoluted. Can I not defend my friends, without immediately making myself the enemy of an entire country? Of my son’s home?”

“You’d better get used to that sort of dilemma, Ella.” Ayrah turned away again, resuming her walk back towards the gryphons. “Rulers of nations have to maintain that kind of balancing act on a daily basis. Hell, that’s kid stuff compared to the bigger decisions you’ll have to make some day. Besides, don’t act as if all your old warring dragon clans didn’t have complicated alliances and politics.” She glanced back over her shoulder, a hint of a smile on her face. “Remember, I actually listened to Melakar’s lectures.”

I rose to my paws, following after her. “Then you should know that things were simply for us. Wars between clans were known, and understood. If any allied clan member was visiting during an attack, they would be expected to defend themselves along with everyone else. Doing so would not automatically make them an enemy of the attacking clan. Fault is given to the attacker, not the defender.”

Ayrah laughed, waving me off. “Yes, yes, it all sounds very complicated in practice. But somehow, I doubt it ever actually worked out that way.”

“Well…” I glanced at my paws. “In truth, that was all long before my time. But the point remains. If Shevar attacks you while I am here, I should be allowed to assist in your defense, considering that I would also be under attack. Doing so should not make me their nation’s enemy, no matter how many of their invaders I slay.”

“If only it were that simple, Ella.” Ayrah shook her head. “But it never is. Especially once you involve politicians and rulers, emotion and pride, and everything else. You saw how worked up people get about bitter enemies. Those people were damn near in a frenzy as soon as I brought up Shevar. I assure you, it’s the same way on the other side.”

I lowered my head to nudge her back with my muzzle. “I saw you whipping them into a frenzy, anyway.”

A hint of consternation crossed Ayrah’s face. “It’s a useful tactic, from time to time. And I assure you it’s the same way in Shevar. If they hear some dragon queen killed their brave soldiers, they’ll want your damn head on a pike, and any chance of your empire and theirs calling one another friend is gonna go up in flames.” She rubbed her hands together, blowing into them. “No pun intended.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Dragons?” Ayrah shoved her hands back into her pockets. “Flames? Nevermind.”

“Oh.” I scrunched my muzzle, pinning my ears. “That kind of word play.”

The gryphons, Nesh, and Lir awaited us inside the roped off area. As we approached, the guards quickly moved aside the small barricades to make way for Ayrah and me. They were all engrossed in casual conversation, laughing with one another. When they saw us approaching, they greeted us, and Blue Jay trotted out to meet.

“Say, I don’t suppose there’s any chance of us getting something to eat soon, is there?” He offered a big, open-beaked grin. “I’m absolutely starving!”

Sparrow called out from behind him. “Don’t listen to him, he just wants a drink!”

“That too!” Blue Jay splayed his forelegs, lowering his head as if in humble plea. But while his head was lowered, his eyes shifted, glancing up at Ayrah, his words little more than a whisper. “I saw you two looking at the anti-air batteries. They appear to be ranged out nearly to the river, now. So? How bad is it?”

“Not here.” Ayrah matched his soft tone. “When we’re back home, in private.”

“That bad, huh?” Blue Jay slowly lifted his head. “In that case, I will have to take you up on that offer for a drink.”

Ayrah grit her teeth. “I hadn’t offered one, yet.”

“No, you haven’t.” Blue Jay turned away from her, tail feathers sliding across her coat. “But I’ve a sneaking suspicion your man Nemos is going to ask Sparrow and I to do our jobs, for you. The least you could do is compensate us.”

Ayrah snorted, folding her arms. “I suppose that depends if you still consider yourself to be Legionnaires in the service of Diandrios, or not. Because if you are, I can order you to do it. If you’re not?” She glanced up at me. “I suppose I’ll have to bribe you with alcohol.”

“Can’t it be both?” Blue Jay chirruped, padding back to the enclosure. “I’ve good news, and bad news, my dear Sparrow!”

Sparrow clicked her beak. “I’ve ears, you know.” She swiveled them back and forth as if to show them off. “They work, and everything.” She glanced at Ayrah. “And yes, we are still Legionnaires. Though, I’d hope you’d only be asking for recon.”

Ayrah nodded. “I don’t know what Nemos has in mind, but I’m sure as hell not asking any of you to go into combat.” She held her hands up. “And these are all big ifs, anyway.”

Just as Nesh started to open his mouth, I spoke up, cutting off whatever he meant to say. “In the interests of allowing Ayrah to keep what little sanity she has left, let us refrain from asking her any further questions about the situation until we have returned to Melakar’s former house. And, before we do that, I concur with Blue Jay. Food is required.”

“Alright.” Ayrah glanced around at everyone else. “I assume no one’s going to object to getting some late lunch?” She turned back towards Blue Jay. “Maybe a drink for the lush-bird, but I think perhaps I’ll save the celebration for tonight.”

Blue Jay shook himself, warbling his displeasure. “I am not a lush! Simply because I enjoy spending time in the taverns does not make me a drunkard.”

Nesh stared him down, pursing his lips. “Bit of a gray area, really.” He waggled his hand. “Depends how much time you actually spend in the taverns.”

“Too much!” Sparrow nipped at Blue Jay’s neck feathers. “You’d think his various disciplinary punishments would have dissuaded him from spending all his free time getting drunk, but alas, you’d be wrong.”

Blue Jay tossed his head. “It dissuaded me from drinking on duty, anyway, is that not enough?”

“It would be…” Sparrow flared up her crown feathers, her ears splayed out in smug grin. “If it in fact, had. But it didn’t.”

“I do not drink on duty!” Blue Jay stomped a forepaw, only to relent, and amend himself. “At least, not as much as I used to.”

“My point exactly.” Sparrow bumped her hips against Blue Jay, then strode past him, brushing her feathers his. “Now, where are we going this time, that he definitely won’t be drinking at?”

Blue Jay reached out and plucked a single, long plume free from her tail. She yelped, jumped, and glared at him over her wings. He flicked the feather at her. “I shall drink as much as I like, because we are not on duty.”

Sparrow slapped her tail across his face. “Not yet, anyway.” She cast a Ayrah a suspicious look. “But we’ll leave that subject alone, for now, as requested.” She perked her ears up. “So, where to?”

“Think we’ll visit a bakery, actually.” Ayrah signaled to her guards, and they quickly made room for our entourage to start leaving the plaza. “Another of Melakar’s favorite places.” She smiled, slowly shaking her head. “It’s a place he wanted to share with you someday, Ella. And more importantly, they’re used to dealing with dragons. They’re not very big, but they do have an open patio area you can all fit into.”

Ayrah beckoned some of her soldiers nearer. She told them of our destination, and gave them instructions to see that the roads along the way were secured. When they hurried off to fulfill her orders, Ayrah swirled a finger in the air. Her personal bodyguards moved in around us, returning to their increasingly familiar escort positions.

“So, what is a bakery?” I snorted at her, mostly ignoring the heavily armed men closing in on us. By now, I’d grown somewhat accustomed to their presence. “What manner of food do they have?”

“They make a lot of pastries and pies, both sweet, and savory.” When all her men were in position, Ayrah started across the plaza. “And before you ask, yes, plenty of them are filled with meats.”

I snorted at her. “There had better be. I do not plan to feed entirely on…” I scrunched up my muzzle. “Dry pastry crusts.”

Nesh laughed as he joined me, striding alongside my forelegs. “I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised you know what pasties and pastry crusts are. But no, Ella, I assure you they don’t sell things that are just the crusts.”

I arched my neck to regard my newly minted ambassador. “I also do not want ones that are only filled with mushy roots.”

Nesh furrowed his eye ridges. “Mushy roots?”

Ayrah replied without looking back. “She means potatoes, carrots, parsnips, that sort of thing.”

“Vegetables?” Nesh scratched his chin. “I suppose, technically, those particular vegetables are the root of the plant, but-”

“And they turn to mush when you cook them.” I lashed my tail. “I do not wish to eat root mush baked into a dry crust.”

Nesh just rolled his eyes. “I’ll be sure to inform them of your special request, then.”

The crowds that surrounded the plaza earlier in the day had ebbed, somewhat. We left the park by crossing the same street we had earlier. Though the throngs of people were thinner, soldiers on horseback still patrolled the barricades. As we passed them by, scattered cheers rang out. I was uncertain if they were cheering for their ruler, her guest, or for the historic achievement they had made together. Their jubilation raised my spirits either way. Ayrah waved to them, and when she suggested I do the same, I need no further encouragement. I paused long enough to lift a forepaw and wave it about in imitation of Ayrah’s gesture. Then I set it down, and used my wing to make a broader such act.

Once the central courtyard and all their government buildings were well behind us, the crowds continued to disperse. Though we followed main roads, they were emptier than any other time so far. Perhaps it was simply because so many people had already turned out to see me, and now returned home. Or maybe they were busy with their jobs, and employments. Or, I thought, maybe the novelty of a dragon in their midst had already worn off. Either way, I did not mind. After the constant din buzzing around the plaza, my ears appreciated the quiet.

Our destination awaited in an older district, closer to the great walls that encircled the city. Here, more buildings were made of wood than stone. No fancy gas lamps lined the roads, just the older oil and wick variety. Further along, even those were few and far between. The cobblestones beneath my paws were ancient and worn smooth, often separated by muddy patches of earth. Towering trees rose above the shops and houses. Their thick trunks, gnarled bark, and twisting boughs spoke of an age older than the city. They were the lucky ones, I assumed, the only survivors of the forest’s decimation that first built this place. Where once their kin grew alongside them, now there were lines of emerald hedges, studded with ruby-hued berries, seemingly unbothered by the frigid winter temperatures.

My ears swiveled towards the distant sound of burbling, splashing water. A small, but swiftly flowing stream wound through this part of town, likely a tributary of the much larger river nearby. I caught occasional glimpses of it between walls and hedgerows, where sunlight glittered off sparkling water, and little, blue-painted bridges spanned its banks. The sounds grew louder ahead of us, and as we turned a bend in the cobbled road, I spied a great waterwheel a little further down the street.

The waterwheel was painted a cheery golden hue, and was attached to red and white checkered silo with a domed roof. Nearby was a two-story building with white walls, and black framework, along with decorative shutters in the same gold as the waterwheel. Sloped, thatched straw made up its roof. Smoke rose from the trio of chimneys protruding from it. A collection of tables and chairs were strewn about its back patio, enclosed by old, lichen encrusted wall that ran alongside the little river. The soldiers that already stood guard around the place told me that was our destination.

I refrained from mentioning the obvious, and simply let Ayrah lead us onwards. The wind shifted, and when the breeze hit us, it brought with it a delectable bevy of scents both familiar and exotic. I smelled freshly baked bread and sweet rolls, roasting meats, candied fruits, and myriad other sweet and savor things I could not immediately identify. The aromas brought a great rumble to my belly, and I knew at once I should have trusted Ayrah’s choice in food. For all the differences in approaches and attitudes Melakar and I might have had, he was still a dragon. And if one dragon had enjoyed eating here, surely they all would.

Nearer the building, I saw their sign out front. It referred to the place simply as, The Sweetest Roll. The sign contained a depiction of the main building, its waterwheel and its little silo, only in the picture, they were painted to look like decadent frosted treats. Several other signs advertised what I assumed were some of their most popular foods. One listed more kinds of bread than I ever knew existed. Another spoke of all manner of meats wrapped inside pastries, and another of sweeter confections. Finally, a few words in particular caught my eye.

Fresh custard.

I smiled, pointing it out to Nesh. “Look what they have.”

Nesh chuckled, nodding. “So that’s why the old boy liked this place.”

“If you’re talking about the custard,” Ayrah said, glancing back. “It’s exquisite.”

“It had damn well better be.” I snorted, flicking my tail. “Melakar wouldn’t stop mentioning it in his notes, back home. It was exceedingly hard to figure out where he’d been spending his time, and what he’d been doing, because he just kept rambling about how delicious custard is.”

Ayrah laughed, turning off the road and onto the smaller, dirt footpath that led to the front of the bakery. “Of all the marvels of modern society that dragon got to experience, I think custard must have been in his top three.”

Nesh crossed his arms. “Custard is neither modern, nor a marvel of society.”

“Well, we know that Nesh.” Ayrah walked backwards a few steps, smiling at us. “But you’d never have convinced Melakar of it.”

We walked along an elegant fence, designed to look as if it was made woven willow boughs. Soon the path diverged. One direction led to the bakery’s front entrance, and bright golden awnings. The other passed through an arched gateway in the fence. Just beyond it was a long corridor-like trellis, wreathed heavily in ancient, woody vines. This time of year, only their thorns remained. The path wound through the trellis, and around to the flag-stone lined patio out back, near the creek. Ayrah pushed the gate open, and held it for Nesh and Lir. They followed her through. There was no way I was going to fit through a human-sized gate, let alone a decorative tunnel, so I simply hopped over the fence. The gryphons did the same, and together we followed the trellis on the outside.

Several servers hurried out to start moving furniture aside, but as soon as Ayrah reached the patio area, she shooed them away. “Now, now,” she said, gently. “It’s not your job to move tables around. We can handle that part. Thank you, though. Do let Miya know we’re here.” Then she glanced at Nesh. “Give me a hand, will you? May as well make ourselves useful.”

Nesh assisted Ayrah in moving most of the tables out of the way to clear enough room for the gryphons and me. They left a few tables behind, with chairs for themselves placed around one, and the other spaced a little further away. Lir dragged over a chair of her own, smaller than the rest but with taller legs, designed to allow urd’thin to sit at the same height as humans. As they worked, I pondered why Ayrah let staff and soldiers move the furniture around at Jero’s place, but did not do so here. I could not help but think she might simply be trying to take her mind off her ever-growing list of worries.

The gryphons and I settled ourselves around the spare table. Though it was a little low by dragon standards, it would certainly do for food and drink. While we waited for whoever Miya was, I gazed around. From the patio, I had an excellent view of the river. It cascaded through its own miniature ravine, with steep banks equal parts stone and moss. The water poured across time-smoothed stones, sloshing and burbling. A small wall edged the patio area, likely to prevent people from toppling down the sharp and slippery incline and into the water. The wall was composed of uneven, roughhewn limestone bricks, dappled with yellowy lichens.

A little way upstream was the waterwheel. It churned endlessly, its movements slow and even. Water poured anew from each blue paddle as it broke from the surface, only to plunge beneath it again a few moments later. The wheel’s turning rotated upon a long metal spoke that vanished inside the red and white silo-styled building. I knew enough about human inventions to understand it was probably used for milling grain, in the past. Whether it was still useful or merely decoration now, I did not know.

Glass windows with decorative, copper framework lined the back of the bakery’s lower story. I lowered my head to try and peer inside. Warm light spilled out, and left the window panes glowing. I was still able to make out an immense kitchen, with a bevy of stone hearths and cooling racks filled with more delicious looking things than I could count. Pots, pans, kettles, metal sheets, and all sorts of other cooking implements hung in long lines. Nearly a dozen workers scrambled about, working dough, mixing ingredients, putting things into ovens, removing cooked dishes, and so on. A woman in clothing the color of fresh cream walked back and forth, giving everyone orders.

Soon, the woman in charge went to the back doors. She opened them, and emerged into the cold air. For a few long, silent moments, she just stared at me. I resisted the urge to stare back at her, and observed her through my peripheral vision best I could. She was much older than Ayrah, with her gray hair done up tightly atop her head. Wrinkles decorated her countenance, yet the wistful smile that slowly took hold of her expression told me they were earned as much through mirth as through her advancing years. Eventually, she approached us, dusting off her hands upon her clothing. The white flour that covered them nearly vanished against her equally white apron and blouse. I wondered if that was why she wore such colors.

“So, you’re her, huh?” The woman strode up as if she’d spent nearly a lifetime conversing with dragons. She looked me up and down, her smile growing. “He said you were bigger than him, but he didn’t say you were this impressive a creature. And when he said you were strikingly beautiful?” Her eyes drifted to the silver stripes upon my limbs, and the red markings on my face and wings. “Well, that part he got right, at least.”

“Alright, Miya,” Ayrah said, laughing. “Take it down a notch. Her Majesty here isn’t paying the bill, you don’t need to sweettalk her.”

“The hell I don’t.” Miya’s smile never left her face. “You only get one chance to impress royalty, let alone dragon royalty.”

Nesh cleared his throat in playful interruption. “I see someone’s heard the rumors that dragons appreciate compliments.”

Miya clasped her hands together. “Well, you could never flatter the last one enough, so I can only assume this one’s the same.” She lifted her gaze to my face, and finally, her smile fell away. Sorrow clouded her eyes, and I knew then, that she had considered Melakar a friend. The playfulness dropped from her voice, replaced by a pained sincerity. “I am ever so sorry for your loss, your Majesty.”

The genuine hurt in her words squeezed my heart. I swallowed against the tightening of my throat, lowering my head in appreciation of her sympathy. “Thank you. It is…still a raw wound, but…it will heal in time.”

“It will.” The woman bowed her head in return. “For the most part. My name is Miya, your Majesty. I had the pleasure of speaking with your Melakar on quite a few occasions.”

I lifted my head again, tilting it. “Then by all rights, you may call me Ella.” I glanced down at Nesh. “Everyone else I have come to know, does.”

“At least in informal settings,” Nesh said, waggling a finger.

“Certainly.” Miya straightened up. “And thank you. This is about as informal a place as you’ll find in Tivos, I’d like to think. We were one of the first to serve a dragon, after all. A fact I’d like to think is because I pride myself on being so welcoming. And not just because my patio was one of the few places the mayor here could fit him.” Miya laughed to herself, glancing at the gryphons. “Hello, my friends. You’re going to be the first gryphons I’ve had the pleasure of serving. I do hope you enjoy yourself.”

Blue Jay puffed himself up. “I’m certainly enjoying the early hospitality, at least. Thank you for having us.”

“Yes,” I said, doing my best to act as I imagined a respectful monarch should. “Thank you for accommodating us. I know my arrival…” I stretched a wing to gesture at all the nearby soldiers, careful not to knock anything over. “Must be quite a disruption to your regular services, and customers.”

“Oh, it certainly is!” Miya laughed, and her mischievous smile returned, now focused upon Ayrah. “But our lovely mayor here has exceptionally deep pockets, and she’ll more than make up for any lost revenue.” She sharpened her tone ever so slightly. “Won’t she?”

Ayrah rolled her eyes. “She always does.” She twisted around in her chair to face me. “That’s why Miya’s really so welcoming, Ella. The more exotic her visitors, the more money she makes off their presence.”

“Oh, nonsense, dear.” Miya waved her hand. “I’m welcoming because it’s the proper way to treat someone with peaceful intent. Anyone with peaceful intent. Dragons included. Hell.” She thumped a finger against Ayrah’s table. “We could have Shevarrians here, and if they were here peacefully? I’d happily serve them.”

Ayrah folded her arms, her voice flat. “You’d happily collect hazard pay for all the soldiers I’d have to post here for their protection, anyway.”

Miya clucked her tongue. “No, no, no. That’s just an added benefit of being so kindhearted. Now!” She spun towards the gryphons and I, clasping her hands. “It’s a cold day, so how about some hot drinks? We’ll warm up those bellies and those chilly paws. What’s your pleasure?”

“What would Melakar have ordered, on a day such as this?” I curled my tail around my paws.

“If he was here at night? Hot cider, with rum, and whiskey. But this time of day?” Miya considered it a moment. “He’d grown quite partial to our house blend coffee. We get our beans from the free lands of the Broken Teeth. You know, across the sea? Then we roast them ourselves.”

Nesh gave a low whistle. “Do you really? Those must be incredibly expensive to import.”

Ayrah snorted. “She does not. They’re from coastal mountains of this continent, and-”

“And they’re indistinguishable from coffees straight from the Broken Teeth!” Miya didn’t look away from me, even as she sniped back at Ayrah. “Especially the way Melakar liked it. With double sugar, and half cream, relative to the size of the portion, of course. Now, I’ll bring you some of that, but I’ll bring you some tea, and hot chocolate as well.”

“Hot chocolate?” I licked my muzzle at the sound of it. “I am vaguely familiar with the substance, but I have not had it in liquid form.”

“Oh, you’ll adore it.” Miya turned her constant smile to the gryphons. “And for our feathered friends?”

Sparrow spoke up first. “Tea, please. Black tea, if you have it.”

“Of course, we do.” Miya chuckled to herself. “We’ve black, green, red, urd’thin, gnoll, and a number of other varieties.”

Sparrow glanced over at Lir. “Have you have the urd’thin tea here?”

“Sure have.” Lir perked her ears up. “She gets it from the same supplier as the Tea Tree, and-”

“And I tweak the blend ever so slightly,” Miya said, winking at Lir. “I like it with a hint more herbal bitterness than they serve at the Tea Tree, but if you prefer a touch more sweetness, I recommend it with honey.”

Sparrow clicked her beak. “That sounds lovely, then.”

“Certainly, dear.” Miya tilted her head. “Do you take cream, or anything else?”

“No, thank you.” Sparrow shook her head, then nudged Blue Jay with her beak. “You’d probably like the coffee Ella’s getting.”

Blue Jay warbled. “I was just thinking that. I’d like the same coffee our scaly friend is having, prepared the same way, but…” He ruffled his wings. “I believe I heard the word whiskey a moment ago?”

Miya arched a brow. “Would you like that coffee fortified?”

Blue Jay’s beak parted in happy gryphon grin. “I certainly would.”

“And how fortified, dear?”

“Extremely.” He swatted his tail against Sparrow, who heaved a mock sigh.

“Good bird.” Miya turned to the other table. “And for her mayorship? Your usual?”

Ayrah shook her head. “Not this time. No alcohol for me, just yet. I’ll have the coffee they’re having, but for me, half sweet and double cream.”

“Certainly!” Miya nodded, then waited for Nesh and Lir.

Lir hooked her fingers behind her head, leaning back. “Cider for me, thanks.”

Nesh leaned towards the bakery’s owner. “Did you say, gnoll tea?”

“That I did.” Miya bounced on the balls of her feet. “Ever had it?”

“I have not.” Nesh steepled his fingers. “How does it compare to the other varieties?”

“It’s verystrong.” Miya clucked her tongue. “So much so that it’s rarely to people’s tastes unless they sweeten it, or add cream. It includes thistle, dandelion, cinnamon, cloves, cinder bark, and a mixture of wild teas grown in bogs out in the frontier, where the gnolls live. Half of our current mixture is smoked, as well.”

Nesh licked his lips. “That sounds fascinating. I consider myself a bit of a tea connoisseur, so feel as though I’ve got to try it. I do like a good, strong tea, so I think I’ll enjoy it.”

“Very well!” Miya waggled her fingers. “If it’s not to your liking, we’ll make you something that is. Alright then, back in a moment with those drinks. We’ll bring you menus, as well.”

As Miya hurried back into the warmth of her bakery, I turned my head to address Ayrah. “I rather like this one.”

“Yeah, she’s great.” Ayrah laughed to herself, a nostalgic sort of laughter. “She and I have always taken to giving each other shit, but it’s only ever in good fun. She was the same with Melakar. I think he used to come here for the company as much as for the drinks and the custard.”

I licked my muzzle, murmuring to myself. “Yes, I can see why she would have been his favored custard mistress.”

Nesh scrunched his face. “I’m really not sure that’s a term you want to use, Ella.”

I tilted my head. “Why not?”

Lir shifted in her seat, a grin parting her muzzle. “Kinda sounds like the name of a dirty book about an unfaithful baker.” She waved a hand through the air as if illustrating a title. “The Custard Mistress.”

I snorted my amusement, thumping my tail. “If that were the case, I suspect Melekar would have already added that one to his collection.” I drummed fingers against the ground. “Nesh, what is custard, anyway?”

Nesh leaned back in his chair. “It’s a mixture made with milk and eggs, generally. There’s several types, both sweet and savory. Melakar’s preference, I presume, was for the sweet varieties served as desserts.”

Ayrah nodded. “You would presume correctly.”

“Then that is the type I wish to try.” I sat up a little straighter, arching my neck. “I shall ask The Custard Mistress to bring me whatever she used to serve Melakar.”

“Now it sounds like the sequel.” Lir made the same broad gesture. “Return of the Custard Mistress! This time, she’s serving custard, and servicing a dragon!”

“Oh, lord.” Nesh rubbed his forehead, fighting back laughter. “This story’s getting sleazier and sleazier.”

Blue Jay ruffled up his feathers. “I don’t know, I rather like where this is going.”

Nesh rolled his eyes. “My point exactly.”

Miya soon returned, carrying a wooden platter laden with cups and mugs. Several of her workers followed behind her, carrying larger vessels. Miya distributed drinks to the bipeds, while the workers set down the teas and coffees that the gryphons and I had ordered. As promised, they also brought us a variety of other beverages to try. The workers retreated as soon as the various drinking vessels were delivered. Steam wafted from everything in wispy coils, filling the air with a multitude of delightful scenes. I lowered my head towards the large drinking bowl of coffee set before me, only for Miya to stick her hand between my snout and the mug.

“Careful now,” she said, withdrawing her head when I lifted my muzzle. “It’s very hot. Let it cool a moment.” She glanced around at the others. “That goes for all of you. If you scald your tongue, you won’t be able to enjoy the best drinks in the city.”

Nesh crossed his arms, chuckling. He glanced at Ayrah. “She’s already made her sales, and yet she’s still trying to impress us.”

Miya clasped her hands, offering an innocent smile. “Always promote yourself, I always say.”

Ayrah gave her a blank stare. “I’ve never once heard you say that.”

“And I’ve never once heard you say we don’t serve the best drinks you’ve ever had.” Miya turned away from the mayor, still smiling.

Ayrah waved her off. “Bullshit. I used to tell you exactly that whenever you tried to tell Melakar-”

“What’s that, dear?” Miya cupped a hand to an ear. “Speak up, won’t you, your Mayorship? These old ears don’t work as well as they used to.”

Ayrah picked up her coffee mug, blowing away the steam. “Only cause you’ve got selective hearing.”

I tilted my head, gazing down at the older human. “You were Melakar’s custard mistress, were you not?”

Nesh groaned, putting a hand over his face.

“His custard mistress?” Miya quirked a furry eye ridge, then smiled. “Oh, I like the sound of that. The Custard Mistress. Oughta put that on my sign out front!”

Lir cackled, a slightly barking sound.

Miya gave her a funny look, but otherwise ignored the urd’thin’s laughter. “Yes, Ella, I did serve Melakar an awful lot of custard over the years. Why do you ask, would you care to sample some yourself? We make the best custard in the city, you know.”

A smile twitched across my lips, parting my muzzle ever so slightly. “Yes, I’m certain that you do. I would like to try it, yes.” I waggled a paw in the air. “I have never sampled it before, and so I would greatly enjoy tasting what left Melakar so enraptured. Whatever variety was his favorite, that is what I would like to eat.”

Miya offered a little bow. “Absolutely, my dear dragon. And would you like that for your dessert, or do you plan to have something else to eat, first?”

Nesh swiveled around in his chair to face me. “Custard’s not usually a meal, Ella. Why don’t you have something more substantial first?”

Ayrah sipped her coffee, sighing in satisfaction. “Melakar used to love some of the meat pies here.” She set her mug down, glancing at Miya. “Bring us anything you have that Melakar and I would have ordered.” She turned her attention towards the gryphons. “Special requests?”

Blue Jay shook his head, and Sparrow spoke for them both. “We shall trust your judgement.”

“Very well!” Miya tucked her empty platter under her arm. “I’ll bring you a little of everything we’ve got left. And then? Plenty of custard for the dragon.”

“And one more thing,” Nesh said, smirking up at me. “Her Majesty Ellamyriss has made it quite clear that she refuses to be served any ‘root mush in dry pasty crust’. So leave that behind, if you would.”

Miya arched her brows, but her little smile told me she understood it to be an inside joke. She offered a very exaggerated bow. “Certainly.”

As Miya departed, I returned my attention to my drink. I sniffed at it, and found the bittersweet aroma oddly enticing. When I was sure it was cool enough to taste, I carefully lapped up a few mouthfuls. The taste was quite unusual, the bitterness and roasted flavors of the drink balanced by all the added sweetness, and blended with the smoothness of the cream. I could not recall tasting anything quite like it, and yet I found it quiet enjoyable.

“This is quite good,” I said, after drinking a little more.

“As is this gnoll tea, somewhat surprisingly.” Nesh took another sip, savoring it. “It straddles the line between medicinal and celebratory.” He swished some around in his mouth, then smiled after swallowing. “It’s like something a grandmother might give you when you’re sick, or make for you on a cold, winter holiday.”

Sparrow tasted her own tea, and gave a happy little trill. “This is delightful, too. Miya might talk herself up, but it seems she delivers what she promises.”

Blue Jay was the next to sample his coffee, and shortly after gave his own warble of approval. “Oh, that’s damn good coffee, I don’t care where it’s really from.”

Sparrow nipped at his wing feathers. “Can you even taste the coffee with all that booze, in there?”

Blue Jay only smiled at her, his head tilted. “Am I supposed to?”

Sparrow tossed her head, buffeting him with her wing.

Ayrah and Lir did not especially remark on their drinks, though I imagined each had been here enough times they already knew exactly what they were getting. While we waited on the food, the gryphons and I sampled the other beverages they’d brought us. The teas and ciders were tasty, but I found the hot chocolate especially enjoyable. Chocolate itself was a rare treat, as I’d had it only rarely when merchants and other travelers occasionally it through the valley. I’d certainly never had it in liquid form. I found myself enjoying it about as much as the coffee, and was soon alternating between them. Even without tasting their food, or custard, it was easy to see why Melakar was once fond of this place.

I imagined him seated here, at one of the low tables, drinking coffee. In my head, I saw him using an oversized human mug, which he clutched in both forepaws and tipped back to his muzzle. I even imagined him with a little red scarf tied around the base of his neck, its frayed ends fluttering in the breeze. The mental image made me smile, but I kept it to myself. Some pictures that formed in my head were only ever meant for me.

Miya and her workers soon returned once again, this time bearing trays heaped with food. They quicky divvied up the trays contents across the table. As soon as everything was set before us, the workers scurried away again with only a brief, muttered greeting and a quick, nervous bow. Some humans, I thought, would simply never be comfortable around dragons. In some cities, perhaps having friendly gryphons present as well would have helped put their minds at ease. But in Tivos, it was clear that gryphons, however friendly, were as foreign and unusual to them as dragons. Then again, thanks to Melakar’s frequent visits, if anything the gryphons were even more foreign. I briefly wondered if it was Sparrow and Blue Jay the workers were truly nervous to be around.

Miya walked us through everything on offer, naming more dishes than I could possibly keep up with. There were large cuts of roasted meats, wrapped up in pastry shells, then baked, sliced, and served with a rich berry sauce. There were pies of all shapes and sizes, filled with mixtures of beef and onions, lamb and mint, and a variety of vegetables I was assured were not ‘root mush.’ Hearty stews were served inside hollowed out loaves of freshly baked bread. Roasted vegetables were presented on platters, alongside pitchers of gravy and more sauces. More types of bread than I’d ever imagined were served with everything, from light and fluffy rolls, to dark, robust loaves covered in seeds and grains, to thick slices of breads stuffed with preserved fruits.

It was clear Miya had learned how to feed a dragon, because there was more than enough for everyone. I made a point to try everything offered, even the tidbits which I could already tell I might not enjoy. As expected, I found anything with meat in it to be my favorites. However, due to Nesh’s suggestion, I also discovered that dipping the bread inthe gravy made it quite delectable, despite the messiness. I also found myself forced to admit that the fruit-bread was in fact, delicious.

By the time we were finished, there was still food left to spare. I could have eaten more, as I suspected could the birds, but with custard yet to come, I did not wish to overstuff myself. It would be difficult for me to enjoy Melakar’s favored treat if I was too full to comfortably consume anything else. Miya returned to soak in our praise of her delectable treats, and to see if anyone wished for other desserts besides custard. Ayrah suggested she bring a variety of things once again, a fact which must have had Miya’s coin purse rejoicing.

All the remaining food was returned to the kitchen. Miya promised to have it packed up for us to take back to my temporary home, so that we’d have something to snack on later. I thought that an excellent idea. Given the events of the last few days, along with the conversations we intended to in private, once we were home, I doubted I would have the strength to venture back out into the city again until the following morning. Before long, a train of workers was carrying little wicker boxers to some of the soldiers. Apparently, they had been nominated to carry our leftovers. I hoped they would not find the task too insulting.

As we waited for the dessert to arrive, Nesh turned towards Ayrah, his face slightly twisted up. “Say, Ayrah?”

She pivoted towards him. “Yes?”

“Did Melakar eat custard often?” He leaned forward, furrowing his eye ridges. “Or only once in a great while?”

Ayrah shrugged. “Often enough, I suppose. Why?”

“Just curious.” Nesh glanced between Ayrah and me a few times. Then he lowered his voice, as if somehow thinking I could not still overhear the conversation happening right next to me. “Did he ever have any, you know…” He waggled his fingers. “Digestive problems?”

Ayrah only chuckled. “Not that I’m aware of.”

“Why would he?” I arched my neck to peer down at Nesh. “Does this custard your people eat often cause you illness?”

“Not exactly.” Nesh pursed his lips. “But it’s made with milk, and milk sometimes causes…” He trailed off, glancing down along my body. “Issues. Intestinal, shall we say.”

I cocked my head. “But are not mammals required to drink milk?”

“As babies, yes.” Nesh ran a hand back through his hair. “But as we get older, some people have trouble digesting it. More to the point, it’s something you dragons would ever naturally consume.” He held his hands up, chuckling. “Before Lir or Blue Jay make a crude joke, I’m only looking out for your health. I wouldn’t want you to make yourself sick.”

Ayrah clapped him on the shoulder. “You’re a good ambassador to look out for her Majesty like that. But for what it’s worth, as far as I know, Melakar never had any trouble eating or drinking milk, or things made with it.”

“Good!” Nesh looked up at me again. “You should be fine, Ella. You dragons do seem to have iron-clad digestive systems. Just take it easy on the custard, alright?”

I lifted my frills. “I rather doubt that is going to happen, Nesh.”

Nesh heaved an exaggerated sigh. “No, I thought not. But I had to try.”

It did not take long for Miya and her servants to return with platters heaped with delights. Several of them were crammed with pastries and cakes, treats with which I was vaguely familiar. Each dessert was explained as it was set down on the tables. There were cakes of flavors, pastries filled with sweetened cream, cookies dusted with sugar, pies filled with fruit, and rectangular slices of something layered with fruits, creams, and other fillings. Finally, an immense bowl of something yellow-hued was set before me. Sugar and spices decorated it in swirling lines.

Miya bowed her head. “Your Custard, Your Majesty.”

I lowered my head, sniffing it. Though I detected hints of the milk and eggs Nesh said were part of it, the overriding aromas were sweet, like rich cream poured across gently seared sugar and vanilla. I poked it with a single finger, and found it soft, almost squishy. I glanced over at Nesh, my head slightly tilted.

“It’s a bit like blood jelly, isn’t it?”

Nesh paled slightly, scowling. “I’ve no idea, Ella, but that’s one way to put me off custard.”

Miya bounced on her toes, smirking at my ambassador. “You know, Melakar mentioned something like that, too. Perhaps we should add some red color to it, some raspberry syrup perhaps, convince our scaly visitors its made with blood.” She glanced up at me. “Or I suppose we could add actual pork’s blood to it, if you prefer.”

Nesh groaned, putting a hand over his face. “Miya, please. I’d like to at least try and enjoy your desserts.”

Ayrah thumped him on the shoulder. “What, you’ve never had blood sausage?”

“I have, but that’s different.” Nesh selected a small cake filled with strawberries and icing. “Cooked into a sausage is one thing. Poured into a custard is…” He trailed off, staring at the strawberries in his cake. “Nevermind.” He glanced over at me. “Ella, try your custard.”

I licked the yellowy stuff from my finger, and found its sweetness enjoyable. But such a small amount was more of a tease than a taste, so I shoved my muzzle into the bowl and lapped up several large mouthfuls of it. This time I had fuller taste of it, and found its thick, vanilla-tinted sweetness utterly delightful. The spices sprinted atop it added hints of balancing savory notes for extra depth. I rumbled my enjoyment, and continued to lap it up.

Nesh ate his little cake, and licked icing from his fingers. He grinned at me as I continued to devour the custard. “Enjoying it, Ella?”

“Shush, Nesh,” I said before mouthfuls. “The custard.”

“I shall take that as a yes.” He picked up a cookie, and took a bite. “Just don’t eat it too fast, or…” Nesh trailed off as he chewed. After swallowing it, he said, “You’re not going to listen to a word I say, are you?”

I paused long enough to glance his way, licking my muzzle. “I only listen to custard now.”

Miya laughed, clasping her heads. “As any wise person should. I shall leave you to it, then.”

Not long after she departed, I was already licking the bowl clean. It was easy to see why Melakar had become so entranced with the stuff. Sweet foods were rare among dragons, as we did not refine sugars and fruits were usually eaten only on special occasions, or as part of preserved foods and drinks. We also did not partake in milk, and eggs were usually just eaten by industrious hatchling out hunting birds. The tastes and textures of this custard were entirely new, and utterly delightful.

I pushed the bowl towards Nesh as soon it was empty. Everyone else was still partaking in the various other treats, but I only wanted one thing. “Nesh.” I bumped the bowl against him. “More.”

“Ella, I think you’ve-”

“Nesh.” I spoke his name with greater urgency. “More!”

Nesh’s mouth twisted into a scowl. “I really don’t think.”

“Nesh.” I rested my chin against his head, pressing the bowl against his chest. “More.”

He heaved a great, exhausted sounding sigh. “Oh, very well.” Nesh wriggled his way out from under my muzzle, and carried the bowl towards the back door. “Does anyone else want some?”

“Birds!” I glanced at the gryphons, licking my muzzle. “Have you tasted this before?”

“Yes, Ella,” Sparrow said, chirping laughter. “We’ve had custard.”

“More for me, then.” I stretched my neck to give her ears a lick.

Sparrow splayed her ears beneath my affection, but did not pull away. “Just don’t eat too much of it. You wouldn’t want to make yourself sick.”

“Your concern is noted.” I gave her one more lick, then pulled my head back.

“Why don’t I get licks like that?” Blue Jay popped a slice of something made up of layers of pastry crust and custard into his beak.

I snorted at him. “Because I don’t like you as much as her.”

“That doesn’t seem fair.” Blue Jay rustled his wings. “I’m not the one who started off calling you demon, you know.”

“It’s reverse psychology.” Ayrah leaned back in her chair, grinning. “The more you want her affection, the less likely she is to give it to you.” She gestured at Sparrow when the female gryphon rearranged the plumage around her ears. “And vice versa.”

Nesh returned carrying the bowl of custard in both arms. “Alright, Ella. Like it or not, this is the last you’re getting today.” He set the bowl down before me, dusting off his hands. “Because she’s all out of it, now.”

“Very well.” I grumbled under my breath, but in truth I doubted I could fit much more food inside me as it was.

I took my time with his batch, eating it slowly to savor its velvety texture, and vanilla sweetness. As I enjoyed it, I imagined Melakar seated across from me, with a bowl of his own. Normally we might have shared such a treat in our time together, but in this case we’d have both wanted our own full portion. In my head, he extoled its deliciousness to me, and then lectured me on how it was made. I ignored him, for the most part, focused on my dessert. But just the thought of being lectured about it made me smile. Where once such discourses annoyed me, now I longed to hear just one more of them. As I licked clean my bowl, the image of Melakar dissipated back into the ether from whence it came.

I sighed, suddenly wistful, and pushed the bowl away. “I miss him.”

“I know, Ella.” Nesh patted my forepaw. “I know.”

“We all miss him,” Ayrah said, smiling at me from the table. “Everyone who knew him. Tonight, I think, we’ll celebrate his life, and all the happy times we had with him.”

“I should like that.” I gazed around the area, and envisioned Melakar returning here time and again. I imagined him sitting at a different place each time. One day he would have watched the creek. Another he’d have fixated on the bakery’s interior, watching the goings on through the large windows. Another time he’d just observed the turning of the waterwheel, and questioned Miya about the milling of grain. A little smile crossed my muzzle. “I can only imagine all the many observations he would have made. They would have bored me to tears, and yet, now my heart aches just to hear his boring mutterings one more time.”

“Yeah.” Ayrah idly worked her coffee mug between her hands. “I know the feeling.”

“Not me,” Lir said, fighting back a sniffle. She wiped her eyes, and looked away. “I’m glad I don’t have to put up with all his annoying requests, anymore.”

“Sure you are, Lir.” Ayrah set her mug down, leaning over to hug Lir around her shoulders.

Whilst we commiserated, Miya returned to the patio. As she approached, she looked between us, discerning what we’d been discussing. “He used to sit right over there.” She pointed nearby us, to a space with a very clear line of sight into the bakery’s windows. “Watching us cook everything.”

I chuckled, allowing myself a mental picture of Melakar doing just that. “I imagined he might do so. Though I also thought he might sit somewhere different each time, just to enjoy different views.”

Miya nodded. “He did the first few times. Afterwards, he usually wanted to watch us cook. Can’t say as it’s something I ever imagined would fascinate a dragon.”

“For most dragons, it would not.” I traced a claw tip around the edges of the custard bowl. “But Melakar was certainly not like most dragons.”

“Probably for the best.” Miya waved a hand towards the workers inside. “I’m sure you’ve noticed how wary they are around you. You’ll have to trust me when I say, even that is a huge improvement from the first time Melakar settled his big scaly ass down here. I had to carry everything out myself, the others were too afraid to approach him. Even with the soldiers. But there was something about him that just…” She shrugged. “Set people at ease, as soon as he spoke with them. Easy-going is not a descriptor I’d have ever imagined applying to a dragon, and yet he was. I suspect if he was more like other dragons, he’d have never found himself so easily accepted here.”

Ayrah chuckled, finishing off her coffee. “There was nothing easy about it, I assure you.”

“Oh, I know, I know.” Miya tilted her head towards me. “But what I mean is, if this one showed up first, instead? You’d still be fighting tooth and nail just to get the people to believe she wasn’t a threat.”

I snarled, though I intended it playfully. “Oh, dear Miya, I absolutely am a threat.” When Miya only arched a single eye ridge, my wings sagged. “I just proved your point, didn’t I.”

Miya made a show of looking me over. “That you did. There’s just something more…dragonly about you.” She held her hands up. “And I mean that with no disrespect towards Melakar, and certainly none towards…” She waggled her fingers at me. “Her imposing Majesty, here. But something about Melakar made you feel as if you could sit down, have a cup of tea with him, and play a friendly game. But you?” She clucked her tongue. “You make me think if the game went against you, you wouldn’t just flip the board over, you’d light it on fire.”

I flexed my wings, offering her a toothy smile. “Only if I felt you’d cheated.”

“Exactly.” Miya laughed, moving forward to put a hand upon my shoulder without asking. “Not that I mind having you here. What’s life without a little fear and excitement?”

I glanced down at her hand, but did not ask her to remove it. “I hope I do not genuinely frighten you. I certainly mean you, and your city, no harm.”

“Not at all, Ella.” Miya patted my scales. “But if you were the first dragon I’d met? I might have pissed myself, just a little.”

I laughed at that, thumping my tail against the patio. “Let us all be thankful then, for Melakar and his calming influence.” I glanced over at Ayrah. “But I am certain Ayrah played a very large part in helping Melakar find acceptance here, as well.”

Miya flashed her a smile, and a wink. “That she did. But I’d rather give the dragon the credit.”

Ayrah flourished her hand. “I shall take the acknowledgement as a victory, just the same.”

I licked my nose, tilting my head back to stare up at the sky. The clouds were increasing, with more swirls painted across the sky like icy feathers. In the distance, the cloud covered thickened further, darkened by its own depth. Perhaps the snow and ice I smelt on the wind was coming even sooner than I expected. I sighed, my wings sagging just a little. “You are right, however. Melakar was certainly the perfect dragon to visit this city, first. I can only hope to build upon the great things he’s already achieved.”

“You’re alreadybuilding on them, Ella.” Ayrah slowly stood up, stretching her back. “We should be on our way, if everyone’s ready. Or if you’d rather another drink, that’s alright too.”

“No,” I said, slowly pushing myself up onto all fours. “I wish to return home, now.” I tapped a claw tip against the patio. “Or at least, to Melakar’s home. We can always have more drink delivered there, I am certain.”

“That we can.” Ayrah adjusted her coat while the others finished off their drinks and treats. “We’ll see what Melakar left sitting around, and then we’ll order some deliveries for whatever anyone else wants, make sure you’re covered for the duration of your stay.”

I bowed my head to her. “Thank you, Ayrah.” Then I turned my attention to our host, and offered her a far more formal bow. I dropped my chest to the earth, and them brushed my muzzle against the ground as well. “And thank you, Miya, for your great hospitality.” Such hospitality to someone she would have once rightfully feared was worthy of great respect. I hoped she had learned enough from Melakar to understand the deeper meaning of my gesture. “Everything was delightful, and I eagerly anticipate visiting your establishment again in the future.”

“It’s been my pleasure, Ella.” Miya returned the bow with a stiff, formal movement, draping an arm across her cream-colored clothing. “And might I add…” Her tone became a stilted and formal as her movements. “That was very diplomatically spoken, your Majesty.” A hint of mirth danced in her eyes as she straightened up. “Keep trying, and you’ll be speaking just like him in no time.”

I snorted as I rose back up. “Gods, I sure as hell hope I’m never quite that boring.”

Nesh joined me at my shoulder, patting my scales. “Just because the old boy was well spoken, and enjoyed enriching his own knowledge hardly makes him boring.”

I glanced down at him, curling my neck. “You’re only saying that because he’s a dragon. If a human were to speak so…” I waved a paw. “Diplomatically, as Miya put it, all the time. And were to constantly spend his time reading books, and researching obscure information, lecturing about history and this and that…” I tilted my head head. “Actually, Nesh, in that case, he’d be you.”

Nesh poked my nose with a single finger. “I shall take that as a very high compliment. Even if I’m come to the conclusion that you and I have vastly different definitions of boring.”

“I don’t suppose we’re going to get any not-boring stories tonight, are we?” Blue Jay stretched his wings after rising up, brushing his feathers across my scales. “I’d love to hear some stories about-”

“We all know the sort of stories you’d to hear!” Sparrow snapped her beak at him. “But I assure you, Ella has no interest in regaling you with bawdy tales of her private and intimate moments with Melakar.”

Nesh crossed his arms, muttering under his breath. “I wouldn’t be so sure.”

I laughed, shrugging my wings. “Maybe just a funny one, if something comes to mind. But don’t get your hopes up. Now, come along.” I bid farewell to Miya, and then took the lead in returning to the road, forcing Ayrah and the others to scramble to get back into positions. “If there is nothing else of importance for me to attend today, then I should like to get drunk in Melakar’s honor.”