Kleptomania

Astral Ace stretches out from his curled up spot by the fire, glancing to the smaller griffon sitting across from him. "Mmm... okay- I think we're going to have to put a cork in this 'preening' explanation. As much as I want to know more- and I did ask, so it's kind of on me for backing out- but I'm getting too hungry to focus on anything. I think I've got a good place in mind, as long as you don't mind something on the heavy side for dinner." He gets to all fours, offering a hoof to Alder. Alder looks up (and up) at the enormous unicorn and offers a gentle smile, accepting the offered hoof and getting to all fours himself. He takes a couple moments to respond, seemingly distracted by the stallion. Which, all things considered, isn't a difficult proposition.

Alder's not short by Equestrian standards. While he was the shortest griffon in the Frostclaw clan by a good margin and shorter than most griffons his age in general, he still stood a bit taller than the average stallion. Astral, on the other hand, dwarfed him. The stallion was simply enormous, standing twice as tall as the griffon did he towered over all but the very tallest. The only ponies comparable were apparently the princesses, though Alder had hardly had a chance to compare them or anything. It had something to do with bloodlines, the unicorn noble being descended from alicorns himself. But, Alder didn't really know how all that worked out. What he did know was the stallion was huge, strong, handsome... and to his surprise, intelligent, charismatic, and kind. He wasn't what Alder had come to expect from a noble; far from it, in fact. Sure, he seemed to have something of an ego, and apparently had a reputation for being lazy... but, he didn't mind a bit of ego in the right circumstances. And, he didn't really seem to be lazy, so much as he didn't care to apply himself. Which, oddly enough, seems to have changed recently...
Astral sees the griffon's expression grow a bit distant, and chuckles softly to himself. He's more than aware what kind of effect he has on most, male or female. All the same, it never stops being amusing to see someone bask in his presence... and it definitely never hurts~. "Still awestruck after three weeks of dating, and three months of knowing me? That's cute, Alder~." He remarks, carefully stroking the griffon's head. His voice seems to snap the griffon out of his daze, and he leans happily into the stallion's hoofstroke, like a cat might.

"Mm... mhmm! F-Forgive me, it must be annoying." Alder remarks, swishing his lengthy tail back and forth in a bit of embarrassment. He doesn't lean out of the stroking though, allowing Astral to continue. It's more than a little surprising for the unicorn, but it also gives him an equally surprising amount of satisfaction. When he first met the griffon he was emotionally muted, cold, and somewhat skittish when it came to physical contact. Now that they're a lot more... intimate, together, it seems like that's changed. They still don't get really up close and personal all that often, and the makeout session or two they've had haven't gone on too long, but... he's making progress. It feels nice; working towards building trust and closeness, and being rewarded with more hooves-on time with the gorgeous, lithe little griffon. "B-But! Yes, I would be more than happy for heavier faire. Having to work more to keep my figure in check is a small price to pay for the meals you lavish me with."

"Mmm- that's what I was hoping to hear! And don't sell yourself short Alder, you wouldn't look bad with a little more weight on you." He remarks, trotting over to his standing mirror to give himself a once-over and make sure he looks as good as he ought to, and... pauses a moment. He almost doesn't notice it at first, focusing more on his mane and tail, and his coat- but his necklace is gone. The stallion has a beautiful platinum necklace, with a large ruby set in the center, and it's just... gone. Behind him in the mirror, he can see his boyfriend looking at him in concern. "My... my necklace is gone. I could have swore I was wearing it this afternoon. No, I know I was. Was it... did the clasp break? Maybe it's in the house somewhere." He says, growing somewhat concerned. It's not like him to not pay attention to something like that...

Alder reads the stallion's body language, and frowns a little in concern. He sheepishly reaches into his pack and retrieves the necklace, presenting it to Astral Ace. "U-Uhm, here. S-Sorry about that." He remarks, looking a little embarrassed.

Astral's expression brightens as Alder presents the necklace, and he starts to thank him for finding it- before stopping and looking at the griffon a little closer... and frowning. "I didn't 'lose' this, did I?" He asks, his expression taking on a bit more of a dejected, somewhat accusatory glare. "Alder. Why did you have this on you?" He asks, stepping a little closer. The griffon's expression flashes with fear as the towering stature of the unicorn combined with his expression turns the situation into something much scarier than it was just moments before. A part of him feels bad, seeing the look of fear on his boyfriend's face. But the rest... anger, betrayal. "Was that all this was? I knew you were a performer, but I didn't realize that included acting."
Alder hurriedly shakes his head and backs up slightly, falling on to his haunches and squeaking as Astral steps forwards again, eating up the space he'd made scooting away. "N-No! P-Please, Astral Ace, understand! I-I did not mean any harm by it!" He tries to explain, his wings flapping awkwardly as the fight-or-flight instinct in his head solidly jammed into flight. The area's relatively confined, and the stallion's between him and the door. "I-It is not what it looks like, I promise! P-Please, just let me explain!" He chirps, his breathing quickening as his adrenaline runs high.

"Not what it looks like? I want... I want to think it isn't what it looks like. You have a good reason for this,  right?" He remarks, lightly stamping a hoof down. He regrets it a little, seeing the griffon jump in fright and the panic set into his eyes even harder, but... he's too upset right now to stop himself. Please, just be something reasonable. Be something he can brush off.

"I-It... i-it is..." the griffon tries to explain, choking and gasping for air a little as he tries to keep himself calm enough to explain. "I-I... I-I have a compulsion. I-I do not know how to explain it. I do not mean to keep what I take, I just... I-I just have to take things. I always give them back. I always return things I take, I promise! I-I do it all the time back at Moon Camp..."

"You just have to do it, huh? You were going to give it back?" He says bitterly, adding an acidic-sounding laugh to the end of it. "Do you think I'm that stupid? Do you have that little respect for me, that you'd try an excuse as weak as that?" He remarks, shaking his head. He advances a step closer, now looming over the griffon. His expression is angrier, and the angle clearly has the effect you'd expect; the griffon looks on the verge of tears, balling up slightly. The unicorn steps to the side, giving the griffon free space to leave. The anger drains away briefly,  replaced by a deep melancholy. "I... I thought this meant more than you. Thought... I, meant more to you. Just... get out. Go back the Moon Camp." He hears the griffon start to speak up, start to explain he's being genuine and honest. He doesn't want to hear it, and stamps a hoof for emphasis, before repeating himself. "Get. Out."

It doesn't take Alder long to comply- bolting from the house with a choked sob, struggling with the Astral-sized door for a moment or two, and slipping out. The unicorn stares at the slightly ajar door, and... sighs. He's a lot of things right now; upset, angry, betrayed, bitter... and he doesn't feel any better for having watched that. He trudges over to the door, slamming it shut. He looks briefly to the coat rack where Alder's... scarf, remains. He can't bring himself to touch it. Even looking at it makes his heart sink and his stomach turn. He's a mess of emotions right now, and only getting worse by the moment as his composure begins to falter. Appetite ruined, he stalks back to the fireplace and settles down to brood.

===Later...===

The stallion hasn't moved much in the past few hours, only stepping into the pantry to grab something he could eat without much work. He's still as much of an emotional wreck as he was when he caught Alder... stealing. He still doesn't understand. They seemed so good together, he seemed so sweet and genuine. Was it really an act? Was it all some elaborate charade to steal from him? It had to be, as much as he hates thinking that way. He hates that it's the only thing that makes sense. He's only ever sampled vapid mares or stallions that were interested in his body, his money, or his status. Alder was... he'd been different. Difficult to get, for starters, which made the chase more appealing. But what he got for that chase... someone sweet. Emotional. Vulnerable. Passionate. Complicated... someone he could open up to.

*knock knock knock*

He looks up from the fire- still going, between his idle prodding and a steady supply of firewood- upon hearing a knock at the door. He ignores it for a moment, trying to decide who it could be. It sounds like a hoof... a second, more insistent knock. "I'm coming. Please, a moment." He calls out, setting the poker aside and getting to all fours. He trots to the door slowly and looks through the peephole to see... Scarlet Melody? That's the name, right? The camp leader, and... Alder's 'older sister'. Right. So much of him wants to leave the door be and return to the fire. He doesn't want to face what she has to say. He can hardly take his own thoughts right now, but... she hasn't done anything. She looks more concerned than angry. He opens the door and peers down at her, grunting a little. "Miss Melody- you'll have to forgive the bluntness, but I'm in no mood to host guests tonight. If you're here for the scarf, I haven't touched it. I'm no thief." He adds, a sting that he immediately regrets. "I... forgive me. I'm in a sour mood, but you've done nothing to deserve that talk. Come in, please. We can... have some tea, and talk."

He watches as the Saddle Arabian takes the remarks- the barbs, the dour mood, his absolutely horrid appearance- without so much as a flinch. She curtsies deeply to him, bowing her head in respect, before replying with "The apologies are from me tonight, dear Astral... but thank you, all the same. And, yes, I would be more than willing to accept your invitation inside. I have aught I need to speak with you about, and it's best it be done in private." She steps in after he begins to move, as even as graceful as she is the giant of a stallion all but blocks the door. He leads her inside, flicking his ear as he hears the door shut. He motions to the pillows set about the fireplace, and moves to the kitchen. "Sit where you'd like while I get the tea on. It's the... polite, thing to do." He comments. He's not the biggest on tea, but it's calming, focusing, and he remembers his father saying it's the 'courteous thing to offer' a 'distinguished guest'.

He returns from the kitchen, tea held tightly in his telekinetic hold, to find her settled on one of the smaller piles of pillows, leaving the ones Alder had sat on open. She still, of course, left the largest spread of pillows to him. Setting the pot, cups, and saucers down, he gently settles on to his makeshift bed of pillows. "So... you came to talk, right? I imagine I know what it's about, but... go ahead, please." He offers, taking a moment to pour them each a cup of tea. The mare takes a moment to sip from the cup. Surprisingly, it's not too hot for her... She must have an unusual tolerance for temperature.

"Very polite of you, Baronet Astral Ace. But yes, this is more than a courtesy visit, I'm afraid. My... brother came back to the camp today, beside himself in tears. As you've learned, he's not one to show emotion easily. It didn't take someone with my insight to know what had gotten him that upset; you." She remarks, pausing briefly. She holds a hoof up when he starts to reply. "This isn't an accusation, but an apology."

She clears her throat and sighs, bowing her head to him again. "Forgive me for not... explaining Alder's quirk to you. Truth be told, it's a common occurrence at the camp, and it had slipped my mind. But, such things aren't... normal, here, and even with what explanation I have to offer, it's not an excuse. Please; I ask for forgiveness. Not just for Alder's actions, but for my inaction."

He blinks once or twice, a little... surprised. She's a very charismatic person, and his experience with her's told him that she has a silver tongue. But... this feels genuine. "So... he wasn't lying, then? Stealing is just... something he does? What is it, kleptomania?" He asks, at a bit of a loss.

"Precisely. Rovers tend to... collect broken things. Outcasts, exiles, dregs, it's what we've always been. It's what we always will be. My camp in particular, has many that do not fit neatly into society. We are something of a family, and very... communal. We all have our oddities, and they're accepted and known to all. Alder's kleptomania, as you say, is one of those things; he attempts to take from other camp members items of import, and return them with the target being none the wiser. I understand that such an explanation feels... convenient, perhaps. Difficult to swallow, likely. If you would be willing to let me continue, I can explain the circumstances in a way that makes it... far more believable, I think. If not, I shall leave with my brother's scarf- after I finish my cup of tea, at least."

Astral sips at his tea quietly while she explains, nodding at her explanation of the camp. He'd noticed they all seemed a little... unusual, to put it politely Rough, difficult, strange. Her explanation makes sense, but... he needs to know more. "I... yes, please." He clears his throat and sits up a little more, focusing in on Scarlet. "Explain away. I... I want to be able to believe him. T-The only answer I have makes me feel..." he cuts himself off, his composure breaking slightly.

She sucks in a deep breath through her teeth, and nods. "Very well. This story is... perhaps, difficult for me. But, it's important all the same. I'm sure you recall Alder having mentioned he's from a far flung corner of the Eastern Griffon Kingdoms, yes? From far, far north." She explains, waiting for his reaction. He nods quickly, urging her to continue. He manages to remember to pour the two of them another cup of tea. She gives him a warm, albeit brief smile, before continuing- her face taking on a much more serious look again. "Alder was... different, from his clansmen. The north is a brutal place, where strength and endurance are highly valued. Alder was... neither of those. From a young age, he knew he was never going to be what was 'normal', or 'standard'. From what he's said, there was places in society still for him; his brother loved him deeply, as any good family would. But Alder didn't want to accept that he couldn't be what his older brother was.. who was, unsurprisingly, far over average. He struck off on his own sometime shortly after his rite of passage into adulthood at fifteen, determined that he could mould himself into what he desired to be. It... didn't go as planned, for young Alder."

"He found himself on the streets of Vanhoover within six months of arriving. A foreigner and a 'scary predator' at that, with little knowledge of the language, of the culture, without even much in the way of money. Life became... difficult, for him. We've spoken of it at times, but his memories are... hazy. Distant. I believe he has blocked them out subconsciously, to save himself the anguish of remembering. Living in squalor, living as one that wouldn't be given the time of day, hurt him deeply. He saw himself as a failure. His goal, as a failure. He resorted to thievery to survive. He lived day to day, moment to moment. Pickpocketing. Lockpicking. Burgling. Anything to get the money and the food to live another day." She takes a deep, slow breath, and exhales.

"What was worse, I think, was how naturally such things came to him. It confirmed all his worst fears, and he hated himself for it. But, he couldn't manage to make anything else work. Everything else he did, failed. He lived like that for... two years, if I could guess. With his fragmented memories, it is difficult to know for sure." She explains, falling silent for a moment. Astral's ears fold back, and his expression darkens. Despite everything, the thought of the lovely little griffon living in such horrid circumstances- something he struggles to even comprehend, given his affluence- makes him angry. Not at Alder- for him. "No one should... no one should have to live that way. Him, least of all." Astral manages, gritting his teeth and shaking as he works to contain himself. "How... How did he find you, then?"

Scarlet sets her cup aside, and lets out a warm, rich chuckle. "The same way he found any target, Astral. He looked for someone that appeared to have something of value. I, however, was not a simple mark. I came from... similar circumstances, long ago." her expression grows a bit distant, but only for a moment before she continues.  "I caught him in the act, snatching his tail from my saddlebags and whirling about to grab his talons. I was face to face with... well, I'll spare you the exacts of what he looked like. Scared, wretched, desperate. My heart broke- it still does, thinking of what I saw then. He expected me to turn him in. I drew him close and held him tight, and assured him I had no such things in mind. He was scared stiff then, so locked up in fear he could barely resist. I took him to our camp, and I took care of him. The recovery was... slow. It was difficult. It took a long time for him to let anyone in, even me. But I was slow, patient, and careful. I coaxed him from the dark place he had retreated to over his harder years on the street." She finishes, sighing softly. "He's better, now. Not perfect, of course, but Rovers are never perfect. We are oddities, and we accept that."

Astral remains silent for a time, though his body looks on the verge of tears. He's smart enough to connect the dots, and the story was... difficult to hear. He's not the stoic, emotionless type. He takes a few more moments to collect himself, and make sure he can speak clearly. His voice cracks a little when he speaks regardless, and it's heavy with grief. "So... he doesn't really 'know', I'm guessing? Beyond feeling like he has to. He probably feels guilty, and... tries, to make a game out of it. But he can't stop himself, because it was such a necessity for so long, that he can't... he can't, not." He manages to stop the flood of words for a moment, collecting himself slightly. "And, now it's cost him something he cared about, and he couldn't even stop himself or offer..." he stops again, covering his snout with a hoof.

"You've the right of it, Astral dear." Scarlet replies, her voice soft and sincere. She lays a hoof on his foreleg gently, and continues. "Though... one exception. What it's cost him is up to you. I... will not make the choice for you. Alder will not return on his own, I think. He hates himself too much right now. If you still care for him, I can take you to him."

"Will... will he let me?" Astral asks, his voice cracking again. He's more upset now than he was before she visited. He got the answers he wanted, and the clarity he needed, but it makes him feel... worse. "I... I said so much I shouldn't have. I-I, I scared him. He was terrified of me, Scarlet. Would he let me back in?"

The Saddle Arabian gently pulls Astral's head to her shoulder, stroking his mane for a time as he sniffles. She slowly gets to all fours, and offers him a hoof. "He will, I think. I cannot speak for him... but, if he didn't care for you deeply, he wouldn't be so distraught. He doesn't hate you right now... he hates himself. Please, help him."

The stallion shudders softly, trying to take a few more moments to collect himself, before taking a deep breath, getting to his hooves, and nodding. "Right. Please, take me to him."

===Later...===

Surprisingly, Scarlet doesn't lead him to the camp; instead, Astral is taken further into town. He tries to consider what to say to Alder; how to start, what to focus on... and, he hits a brick wall in the form of dread. What if he says the wrong thing? He's already said so much to Alder that hurt him; what if he only manages more of the same? He struggles with the knotted ball of emotions as he walks alongside and just behind Scarlet, in a difficult and strained silence. Half of him is trying to think, the other half is desperately trying to not break down. Alder's going to be crushed... he has to be stronger. He has to be solid, for him. Finally, the silence is broken by the velvety voice of the Moon Camp leader. "I can see why the tea was so... ah, mediocre. Forgive my disrespect, of course."

He looks to her with a bit of shock to see a touch of amusement on her face, but it's a mere accent to the heavy concern and care written across her expression. "When I came by, I wanted to... see. See what kind of stallion would leave Alder such a wreck. See if they were... serious. I hadn't thought you to be vapid, but I could read how deeply you cared about him in every action you took. From the turbulent emotions, to the... rather bland, over-heated tea. It speaks to how much he meant to you, which is just as much as you mean to him. Tell me, dear; what is it that drew you to him so much?"

He searches her face as she finishes with a question, before shaking his head. If it's a trick, it doesn't matter. If she's trying to fish a particular answer, it doesn't matter. He hurts too much; he wants to tell someone. "Everyone knows me as a prodigy. A lazy, self-absorbed, prodigy. Everyone that's ever tried to get close to me's thought like that. They'd try to get close just to get something out of me. My money. My title. My body. Rich, highborn, alicorn-blooded. That's all I am to them. But... not Alder. Alder was-" he catches himself, almost  "-is different."

"He didn't know any of that about me. He could guess, of course; that I was wealthy, affluent, important... but I was a person, to him. He was cold and muted, but curious. He was intelligent. He didn't want to get to know me to know how much he could take from me, but... b-but to see what we could give each other. I've never really had someone get... close, emotionally, to me. I've never had that. He was the first person I felt like I could be open with. He saw that I wasn't lazy, just lost. He saw that I wasn't self-absorbed, just detached. He helped me anchor myself, he helped me find the passion to care about things and try to do better, he- he..." the stallion trails off, coming to a stop in the dimly-lit street.

Scarlet frowns, her heart sinking as she watches him shudder and struggle to keep himself together. "Poor thing, you're as hurt as he is. Come here, dear." She murmurs, pulling him to the side of the road, and pulls his head down into the crook of her shoulder. She strokes his mane again, humming a soft, slow song, before saying "Stay here with me a moment. I know you want to be the perfect rock for him to lean against. You do not have to be. Don't worry about what you have to say, or how you need to say it. I've heard how he speaks of you, Astral. He's enamored with you. He's a thoughtful songbird, even if he doesn't show it all the time. He'll know." She keeps her voice a low murmur, and strokes his mane as he chokes back a soft, quiet sob.

"From the moment I saw you at the door, Astral, I could tell how much you cared. How hurt you were, how mad you were, mostly at yourself. How worried you were that I was coming with anger and hatred." She gently pulls his head from her shoulder and reaches out, brushing away a few tears. "Come, now. Walk with me; we're nearly there." she offers, keeping one of his hooves in hers. She guides him along, never remaining out of touch's range. He realizes where they're headed before they arrive; the royal gardens. Their first outing together.

"I believe I need to return to my Camp." She says, a teasing tone in her voice "Doubtless my kin have gotten themselves into trouble without their auntie to watch them. You have this, I know. Remember, Astral dear; speak what you feel, and he will know. And... I have a feeling I will see you again soon, in much better spirits. Take care of him, and go with my blessing." She murmurs, leaning up and briefly standing on her hindlegs to plant a kiss on each cheek. There's nothing... romantic, about the gesture. It feels intimate, but familial. He gives her a somewhat sheepish smile, and nods.

As she turns to leave, he clears his throat. "I... thank you, Scarlet. I couldn't... I couldn't bring myself to talk to him again on my own. I didn't want to hurt myself- to hurt him, most of all. I'll take care of him, I promise." He manages, after a few moments of collecting himself. She gives him a soft smile, and departs.... leaving him alone at the entrance to the gardens. He takes a deep breath, steadies himself, and steps inside.

It doesn't take him long to find Alder, the griffon's exactly where Astral thought he'd be. When they'd first visited the gardens they'd stopped by a small pool in a lesser-traveled section of the public gardens; a shame normally, given how gorgeous the view is. Now, he feels it's a blessing. The only person there is the griffon he's been searching for. One look at him makes the stallion's heart ache. The griffon's body language tells him he's miserable. He looks ruffled and unkempt, and seems to be staring forlornly into the water. He hears a soft, solitary sob, and his heart breaks all over again. He's briefly frozen, unsure of how to approach, and not wanting to scare him off. One thing brings him some pause, and draws him back into a more thoughtful, rational mindset; Alder's senses are sharp. Far sharper than his. The griffon's probably heard his approach... if he hasn't moved to leave yet, Astral still has some hope. He takes a deep breath, steadying himself, and steps forwards.

"Alder-" His voice cracks, right off the bat. It stops him, but only for a moment. "Alder. I... I wanted to find you, and say..." he trails off, worry clouding his judgement again. He grits his teeth in frustration with himself, grinds his hoof into the floor, and decides to take Scarlet's advice, half-shouting "I'm sorry!" and wincing as the griffon flinches, worried he's fouled it. Alder looks up from the water and glances back at the huge unicorn, a look of surprise on his face. "I... I'm sorry. I'm sorry I didn't believe you. Scarlet helped me understand, but I shouldn't have needed that. I should have trusted you, should have seen how difficult it was for you to talk about, and believed you. You..." his voice cracks again, faltering, but the dam's broken now. "...you've been through so much. Been hurt so much. You shouldn't have to be hurt by someone you care about. You're the only person who's ever seen me for who I am. W-Who's helped me see myself for who I am. I owed you more than what I gave you, and... I-I'm sorry. I hope you can..." he struggles to finish, to find the right words. He struggles to see even, his vision growing blurry with tears.

He hadn't noticed the griffon moving close... then again, he almost couldn't see anything, thanks to the tears and the emotions. He feels the griffon's forelegs gently wrap around his wide, powerful chest, and he can feel Alder's beak press into his neck, his slender, fluffy frame pressing in close. He feels the griffon's body shudder- he feels his own shudder, even- and he falls backwards on to his haunches, drawing the griffon in closer with his powerful, sturdy forelegs. "Astral... I was so worried. I-I thought I had made you hate me. It is... e-embarrassing. I wanted to tell you sooner, I swear. But, all I could think of was how awful it sounded to say, how weak of an excuse it felt like. I was terrified of losing you, and I-I still could not stop it!" He says, half-shrieking into Astral's chest.

"I understand, completely. It was hard to understand at first, but Scarlet is... very convincing. I wanted to believe you from the start, but I was hurt and I lashed out when I shouldn't have. I know I'm not perfect, and I can't expect that of you. I love you for everything that you are, Alder. You never have to hide something from me again. Whatever it is, we can figure it out together. Okay?" He asks, gently lifting Alder's head out of his neck to look at the griffon eye to eye. He's a little surprised at how red the griffon's eyes are... then again, his probably aren't much better. Scratch that, he knows.

Alder tries, and fails to speak once. twice. three times. He stares into Astral's eyes... he looks as hurt as Alder'd felt, if he could guess. He settles for something he can manage easier; he pushes his beak into the unicorn's snout for a deep, slow, cautious kiss. The unicorn manages a startled, muffled whinny, seeing as physical affection initiated by Alder is a rarity. He feels the huge, powerful forelegs squeeze him a little tighter, and Alder eventually breaks off the kiss. "T-Thank you, Astral. I-I wanted to apologize, but I... I-I feel like I should thank you instead. I-I know it is difficult to understand. I-I know that my life has been very different from yours, and that it is not something you can easily 'see'. But you do anyways. You try, you care, y-you... you are a beautiful person. Y-You have a beautiful heart. I-I wish I could say that, t-that I will not do it again. T-That I will not try to take something. I will try to... w-work on it. B-But, I cann-" he's stopped by Astral pushing his snout back into the griffon's beak, silencing him with another, slightly shorter kiss.

"Please, Alder. If you manage to work past that compulsion, that's okay. If you don't... that's okay too. If letting you 'borrow' things without telling me is the price to pay for loving someone as wonderful as you, then... it's fine. You're a treasure without equal, Alder."

He tucks the griffon's head back into his chest and leans against the tree, groundskeeper's rules  about staying off the plants be damned. He'll make a donation, and smooth things out. Neither of them speak for some time; neither of them need to. They sit together, wrapped up close, like nothing else outside of the clearing is there. None of it matters in that moment. Finally, Astral gently taps the top of Alder's head, and clears his throat. "W-We should... probably get back to my place. Unlike you, I don't look good when I'm an emotional wreck. I need something warm to drink, and somewhere warm to sleep."

Alder manages a weak giggle, and kisses the stallion's chest. "I-I would not say that. My feathers are... h-horrible right now, aha... and You have a troubled, emotional, vulnerable look about you. It is quite striking, I think. I would say it makes me love you more, but... I-I would be lying. You look even better with a smile, I think. W-Would you mind, u-uhm... c-carrying me? It is... embarrassing to say, but my legs feel weak tonight. If not, I understand." He says, his voice very quiet.

The stallion works his way to his hooves, using a bit of magic to brush off his haunches, before encasing the griffon in his magic and gently depositing him on his back. "You never have to ask. Hold on tight, songbird. We'll be home before you know it."

===End===