The entire village had trickled in to congregate on the western fields. There was cheering and gasps of awes at the piled meat. The good mood was contagious and converted those who normally were somber. As people went to thank me I excused myself from the situation and grabbed Donnie.
“Let’s go clean up so people who want to thank us don't have to hold their noses as they do so. Go grab some soap out of the supplies from Cern and meet me at the creek. Lyna!” I shouted. Donnie took off. I walked away from the group and toward the creek.
“Yes Sir Gryff, how may I help you?” She peeled herself out of the crowd and made her way over to me.
“I need to bathe, where did you set the fish trap so I can do so in the current behind it?” I asked her.
“I will most certainly help you bathe.” She said in a loud sultry voice. I was going to fight her on it, then gave in. My ace in the hole... maybe not the best analogy... Was making his way from the supplies.
“I will help too!” Pipi shouted.
“Me also!” Micka rejoiced.
I saw Velia roll her eyes as she gave out orders to the villagers for the feast tonight.
“Not you Micka sorry. Nothing against you, just Donnie is coming also because he stinks more than I do. I may have soaked him in boar blood and gore on accident. Send someone appropriate to clean him though please.” I said.
“Ha, my boy is barely sixteen. I will clean him myself since there is no fun to be had with this bath. As if he needs a woman caring for him that is not his mother.” She said defiantly.
I pulled her close to me so Donnie couldn't hear. Lyna and Pipi leaned in to listen. Of course, they would. “He killed his first orc today. If you insist on cleaning him it may knock him back down a peg which is your right as a mother, please consider allowing someone else is all I ask. I promise no funny business will happen while I am there.”
All three women mutter an “oh”. Donnie knew we were talking about him and stood a few feet away waiting for the conversation to end. Poor Micka, her eyes formed tears and she gave me a nod. There was sadness but joy as well. Her boy was becoming a man, and she had to let go.
“I forgot Donnie, I need to help Velia, and I will send over one of the girls your age to help get that mess out of your hair. Maybe, Mina, she seems smitten by you and probably would volunteer.”
With that said she broke off from our group and we continued to the creek. The water here was moving much faster than yesterday. I tossed my armor off and stripped naked quickly. I knew the water was only a few feet deep but I did a cannonball anyway. Donnie got naked before the ladies and dunked himself in. Lyna's red hair was a tangled mess and when she got naked I got to see her full form from the front. She had small breasts with big nipples and her red pubic hair hid her lady lips. I felt sad when I saw her hip and rib bones. Yet I was glad to see her belly was swollen from the sudden increase in food. She was all smiles as she gave me a lustful gaze with her bright blue eyes. Lyna did a strut as she made her way into the water. Pipi gave her butt cheek a light slap.
I expected Donnie to be shy around the naked woman but he handed her one of the two soap bars without any hint of lust or being nervous. If I had to guess it was because he thought of her as a mom figure.
Pipi wasn't as seductive as Lyna was. She got naked fast and raced into the water. This time I did see Donnie give extra attention. I shrugged, Pipi was gorgeous, one of the few women with nice breasts while still skinny, and the hottest woman I knew. It was only natural for Donnie to be interested. With that said the situation was still awkward and I wanted it to be over. I dunked my head under the water and used my nails to dig the dirt out of my hair. When I stood the ladies worked the soap into my sweat, blood, and gore covered body.
They had moved onto my hair when a girl of around fifteen reached the creek edge and undressed. She got into the water and went to Donnie. They said a shy awkward hi to each other than she started cleaning his hair with the soap. Wait... Didn't he say a girl named Mina said he snored earlier today?
“No funny business you two,” I warned them not even wanting to think about the subject. I whispered to Pipi and Lyna. “Let’s hurry this up before I get in trouble with Micka, I see the way they are looking at each other.”
We got nice and freshly clean. The ladies asked for a wash of their backs, which I did. Then I took my kilt and scrubbed it as good as could. Same with my boots. When everything was done, it was dinner time. I pulled my kilt on then helped the ladies out of the water who each proceeded to plant a kiss on my cheek for being a gentleman. Donnie and Mina finished up and giggled away toward the fire pit. When they were gone I was tempted to get back in the water and play with the girls. Then my stomach rumbled when it caught wind of the cooking boar. Even the lustful ladies ditched the sex idea and pulled me toward the food.
“Hold up Gryff, we need to talk. Sorry Lyna, you already got your turn.”
Lyna frowned and then left the two of us alone.
“I need you to listen for a minute. Velia, Micka, and I have come to a... understanding. Yes, understanding works here. Lyna did many things we could not do to keep our group fed. Over the years we all became indebted to her for her... sacrifices.” Pipi said choosing her words carefully.
I think I had an idea where this conversation was leading. I listened attentively and gathered pine straw. Pipi did so as well and continued to talk.
“She collected in on her favors and forced us to test you at the well. Now she is hanging off your side, yet still plans to try to visit Jak tonight in case you do not choose her. The agreement between Velia, Micka, and I is that we would indeed be interested in attaching ourselves to you. Yet, Lyna will not be our sister wife. We recommend when you see the Duke you ask to resettle some refugees. Lyna will be one of them.
“Did you know the Duke has nine wives? Nine, and he is only a Duke. I cannot fathom how many wives you will end up.” Pipi said with a serious tone.
“Only a Duke? And why would I have more? I crave the soft touch of a woman but marriage has never been something I considered. I am only...” I almost said eighteen but I caught myself. “Twenty eight.”
“You Sir Gryff, can speak to griffins and have the purple aura. Both are things told in stories about men long since dead. You will be sought out as much as the Emperor is my guess. Please know Velia has sent me to tell you this, and I think it is the right decision. She will be our matriarch for your triangle of your Fernlan wives. Assuming you accept all three of us. The rest of the village single ladies have been notified and should give you space now. Well, besides Lyna. Unless you get her moved, it will become a problem. If you haven't noticed Velia is very much in charge.”
“I have noticed. I will be honest Pipi, I have a feeling everything you are telling me is vital. I am just really, really, hungry.” I said to her as my stomach grumbled loudly. “How about you tell me about yourself as we walk toward the food.”
She smiled brightly and I found my eyes shift from her face to her firm bust outlined perfectly by her wet shirt. A small wave of her hand by her face returned my gaze. “Men! Well, let me start with I was born south of Lakeland in a different mighty river city. Swiftstone which is ruled by Duke Alkin is a majestic city surrounded by swift waters that encase it in a mighty river moat. The whole outer wall is made of white marble stone from a quarry not far away. I grew up there until I was fifteen. As with most other women, my father decided it was time to marry me off. I got lucky that my father was a knight in Duke Aklin's army. He knew other young knights and by that winter I was married to Sir Watt. My dead husband was a good man. I gave him a son, little Vern, the four year old who follows me around.
“Two years ago the Duke called his banner men to arms as the war turned south. Both figuratively and literally. We were losing cities and territory rapidly and panic caused even the most cautious of nobles to send forth
their troops. Vern and I followed behind the army with the camp supporters. He forbid me from going further north than here in Fernlan. Many a camp follower who did go past Fernlan never returned. Including my Sir Watt.” Pipi said with sadness.
We were close to the fire now and cooking food. I saw others wave us forward but Pipi tugged on my arm holding me back. She had set her bundle of pine straw down and I did the same.
“I like to take walks and talk. I enjoy nice jewelry and kind words. I always wanted to be a candle maker and enjoy fishing. I want more children, at least three more, and I will never stray if we do couple. I can accept that you are a man of import and will represent your family... our family... with prestige, class, and honor. I can also work on Vern to ensure he listens and minds you. Assuming you treat us fairly.”
I placed a hand on her arm. Then kissed her gently on the forehead.
“I never whor... sold myself out for our survival. Yet, I did sell off everything we owned, including Sir Watt's weapon and armor that were returned to me. I used those funds to keep this group of orphans and widows fed and clothed. This was my favors cashed in. I want you to note how I did not deceive you or force you into anything you did not want. I hope you got to learn about me as more than a pretty face and a nice pair of tits.” Pipi finished with a grin. She folded into my chest and I enclosed her in a hug. After a nice long sigh, we moved over to the festivities.
Everyone was in high spirits. I ate with gusto trying to tamper my hunger. I ate too much... My rock hard abs were ballooned into a very full belly. After eating I did a full rotation of saying hi and accepting gratitude from all the assembled villagers. Dennis pulled out an instrument I did not recognize and played music. The beat was fast and people quickly cleared a space to dance.
I watched with a smile and felt Velia hook an arm around mine and lean against me.
“It is so nice to see them all so happy. I take it Pipi had a talk with you?” She asked as people frolicked in front of us. The last of the sunshine had faded behind the horizon and the flickering flames illuminated the scene.
“She did, I am learning more and more each day. If we ever... No... Now. Let us go for a walk, I have been wanting to learn more about you. Who you are, what you desire, and what makes you happy. Pipi reminded me that sometimes life is short and things will pass you by if you don't make time for them. She will make a man very happy one day.” I said to her and we walked away from the fire.
“Oh, so that man is not you?” Velia opined.
We got far enough away from the feast that I felt I could talk freely.
“Probably, I do want to do naughty things to her. That would mean Lyna would have to go though. Which I understand. I am not tied to her or desire her the way I do you. You are my anchor here. My go to girl whom I instantly felt I could trust. Lyna is not that, and I will do what was recommended to me tomorrow.”
“Thank you. The decision was not easy but it will be best for everyone we think. Now about me. You know my history so let me tell you about my likes. I always wanted to be a teacher and I try to do so now but there is only limited time. I love to read by candlelight, be it story or instructional. I enjoy a glass of dark wine but despise being drunk and out of control. I also do not like men who get drunk often. An event or special occasion sure, one too many is fine. Outside of that, I find I drunk idiots repulsive.
“I always wanted a house full of sons for my charming husband. I dreamed that husband would give me little gifts often and be there when I got sad. I enjoy tending to animals and for a while worked on farmer Parka fields. I always wanted to breed horses, but horses became food after the peace accords.
“When things get naughty I enjoy a light spanking and dirty talk. I stay quiet though. I also do not mind the touch of another woman and have coupled with Pipi, but prefer men. Back door is exit only, but I am okay with most anything else,” Velia said shyly. She was blushing red.
I looked over my shoulder seeing we were far enough away from the group. I pushed her against the tree, being mindful of my strength and kissed her deeply. She returned the kiss with a lustful passion. I felt her hands grab my ass. I thought she was going to stop me when I felt my belt come undone. The kissing increased until it became sloppy. Her hand slid around to my front now that my kilt hit the dirt. She was about to grab my throbbing boner when a scream pierced the night.
“Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!”
“Unreal,” I muttered. Velia was already gone running back to the fire. I, of course, had to redo my belt and get my kilt on. I sprinted with my fast speed to catch up to her. Before I got to her I saw what the scream was about.
All around the villagers were griffins, I did a count and there were thirteen including Lydia. The villagers had frozen with fright but the griffins eyed the boar still cooking.
“Greetings Gryff, it is I Lirkon. I am sorry to intrude but we have an urgent crisis. Baron Liffa, unable to fulfill his quota of food to the Horde this month has ordered us to be butchered. Our water tonight was poisoned, but we figured it out. We have nowhere to go and I went to see how my mate was doing when I smelt the war boar. I am not certain how well you know, but we griffins love war boar. We really love war boar. It is sooooooooooooo good. I was supposed to be the only one who came, but once they caught the smell I couldn't stop the whole pride from arriving. Sorry. We have not eaten in days. May we please have some? Please! ”
“Please! ” “Please! ” “Please! ” “Please! ” “Please! ” “Please! ” “Please! ”
All the different voices of the griffins talking in my head overwhelmed me. The whole situation overwhelmed me.
“Enough!” my roaring demand silenced the griffins.
“Tonight has been a night of celebration and thanks for good food and company. I will not spoil that by turning away those in need. There is a fresh orc body over there, save the important parts and what is left of the cooked boar is yours to eat. Also, Lydia said you griffins digest unripe smelons with no issues. So eat! Eat to your stomachs content! I welcome you!” I shouted at them and the villagers.
“Fernlan welcomes you,” Elan proclaimed echoing my sentiment.
Velia grabbed my arm. “What does this mean? What happened?”
“Baron Liffa needs to be removed from Cern, and we recently took in twelve more refugee griffins. I am exhausted and will worry about it tomorrow. I am going to go collect pine straw so when I sleep the ground doesn't chill me so badly tonight. I look forward to cuddling with you later.” I said.
I gave her kiss and walked away as the griffins quickly reduced our food supply I had worked so hard to build up. I wondered how I would solve this new problem... Add it to the list.
CHAPTER 6
I awoke to the morning sunshine with a big yawn. The soft pine needles I had spent hours after the feast collecting proved very comfortable. So comfy I overslept a bit. I got up and stretched. All around the half shed griffins slept.
The whole area seemed busier and crowded. A breakfast meal of boar was already roasting over a flame. Velia was ordering people about for the start of the day when our eyes meet we waved at each other. I went to the potty pits to do my morning thing.
I looked over the griffins on my way back to find Lirkon. I was trying to find a big set of balls, white feathers with blue tips, and a purple tail swatter. Found him. I went over to the mighty sleeping beast and poked him in the side. My first thought was to nudge his head but then I realized this way it was harder to kill me if he thought I was a threat.
“Good morning sleepyhead,” I said to Lirkon.
“So full, so tired. Why bother me Gryff. Did Lydia not explain that we griffins require very little food if we stay inactive and that if we eat a large meal it makes us almost useless .”
“Lydia and I will be leaving soon. You need to know your orders before I go.” I told him trying to sound co
nfident.
“Our orders ?”
“Yes, things are different here than Cern.” The massive head lifted and gave me a long look as if to scold me ‘with keep saying dumb things’. “Whoever drew our boundary lines for this village's safe zone left a decent amount of room to expand. I need you and those who ate my food last night to help me. A favor for a favor. I request every tree that does not bear fruit picked from the earth. You are to neatly stack the trees over there by the western boundary where the creek enters. If you finish before I return or find the time, run a claw down the trees to remove the braches. If you finish that and I am still gone, go into the village and every condemned building is to be torn down. The remains placed in a separate pile on the other side of the creek.”
“What does condemned mean ?” Lirkon asked.
“It means something is deemed unfit for use.”
“Hey Traz ,” Lirkon said to a different griffin who lifted his head and looked at us. “Dina complained so much this month we have to condemn your penis !”
Traz snorted in reply while a wave of cackling griffin laughter rumbled from the giants. Who knew griffins told jokes.
“Alright human Gryff, we find such manual labor beneath us. Yet, things have changed and it is time for us to adapt. We are now a pride without a home, and you did not have to harbor us or feed us as you did last night. For this, we will do as you ask. As long as the trades are fair we will be open to further deals. ” Lirkon said.
Every griffin looked my way, gave a nod then went back to sleep.
“Take care Lirkon. Lydia, I will be back shortly after I get myself ready for travel. If you need anything now is the time to ask.
“I am ready and when you return we will fly south for Lakeland, ” Lydia said to me.
I walked away to find Velia, but Donnie found me instead. Lily was following behind him with eager eyes. Before Donnie could say anything Lily interrupted.
Gryff The Griffin Rider Page 12
