“We’re here to see Cree,” he answers simply, not at all perturbed by the way they’re speaking to him.
“She only wants to see the female,” the other massive male grunts out, and Wekun nods once and steps aside.
He gives me a thumbs up, which does nothing to calm my sudden nerves at all. I have no idea who this gryphon is other than she’s the boss around here. I feel like Zeph or the other two would be better choices to ask her to join us in our fight to defeat Lazza and the Vow, but for some reason, it seems this task has now officially fallen to me.
Yay.
I shrug and give myself the old pep talk standby of what the hell, here goes nothing as I pass Wekun and follow the two ripped gryphon guards past several tents before they open the flap to an especially large one and gesture for me to go in. I walk in confidently, and Pigeon gives me an approving nod. I figure it’s best to come off like a badass bitch when meeting other badass bitches, so I hold my head high and take in the space.
It’s immediately clear that this is not the leader’s quarters, but more of a meeting room. There’s a large table that currently has a map spread on it, and Cree and several others are standing around the table, pouring over the details on the rolled out parchment. There are braziers with small fires set in each corner of the room, but the flames that flicker inside of them are green. I suspect they’ve been magicked in some way to provide heat without burning down the fabric of the tent they’re positioned next to, but what do I know, maybe fire in this place is always green.
Cree looks up, and her aubergine-colored eyes land on me. “Ah, I was wondering when I’d get to meet the infamous Bond Breaker,” she comments, running her eyes over me.
Clearly, gossip travels fast in this camp too. I’ve not formally introduced who I am or where I come from to anyone in either place, and yet it seems to be common knowledge nonetheless. I’m not sure if I have Nadi to thank for announcing my existence or Wekun, but it’s obvious I’m being discussed in many circles, and judging by some of the looks I’ve gotten while moseying around camp, not all of it’s good.
“We’ll discuss this later,” she dictates to the others gathered around the table, and they all nod and immediately leave.
She’s not terse, simply commanding, in every sense of the word. She has that same air about her from when I saw her in action with Zeph, Ryn, and Treno the first night we arrived. She is not to be fucked with, and I find myself wondering how I can develop a similar countenance.
I imagine her mates wouldn’t question her worth or loyalty. They’re probably crawling all over themselves to keep such a powerful female happy.
“It’s nice to meet you. I’m Falon,” I offer.
I have to consciously remind myself that handshaking isn’t a thing here, so instead of offering my palm to her in greeting, I lace my fingers together behind my back and wait.
“Falon...interesting, and what brings you to me on this piss soaked morning?” she asks, a hint of amusement in her tone.
I have no idea if it’s my name or my presence that’s entertaining her, so I just keep it moving. “I’m sure you’re already aware of why I’ve arrived in the camp, and that I’m hoping to find help to fight Lazza and break the Vow once and for all.”
“I am aware that you spoke with the Ouphe before you came here, and that they denied your request for help.”
I study Cree for a moment. Her words imply some level of insult in my not coming to her first, but her tone is even and very matter-of-fact. I’m not sure if I should be reading between the lines or taking her at face value. Pigeon sits up and studies her too. I decide I can’t be bothered with games or trying to figure out if one’s being played right now.
“The Ouphe were worried about how any help they offered could be perceived by the Gryphons,” I explain. “I hadn’t thought about that before speaking with them, but after listening to the discussion this morning, I agree that there’s too much negative history between the Ouphe and the Gryphons for them to really be of any help. The leader is going to work on finding out if they have any materials that might point me in the right direction as far as figuring out how to break the Vow, but that will be the gist of their contribution to our efforts.”
“Our efforts?” Cree asks, and it reminds me of the Ouphe that questioned Wekun in a similar way.
“My efforts, alongside Zeph, Ryn, and Treno’s,” I correct.
“Yes, that’s right, you did come with quite the collection of powerful males. Many a female have been preening.”
I try not to roll my eyes and grunt out a tell them good luck with that. Cree watches me like a hawk, studying me and my reactions, but I have no idea to what end.
“Would that bother you, if the Syta and two Alterns entertained the females of this camp?” she asks smoothly, and I once again have no idea what the game is here.
I look to Pigeon, but she seems just as intrigued and confused.
“I don’t own them; it’s up to them how they choose to spend their time here. I won’t speak on their behalf one way or the other.”
Cree nods and then waves at the guards standing just
