"I suppose he lives quite a ways from this cave," he said, fallowing behind Goldenscale, "Last time I remember leaving the cave was before the council was even formed. We hadn't even finished haloowing out the mountain at that time."

Keeping at a distance, Tieral fallowed .

"I don't think he does, but maybe that's because I grew up in the forest." she chirped.  She was slowly switching to the Gryphon's language.  Soon, she chirped to Konoki like a hatchling would to tell him of her arrival.  Once they arrived, a crowd soon swarmed around Goldenscale, giving her their condolences for what had happened earlier.  "Shazhra, who have you-"  Konoki said as he walked up.  "Kokkorok, is that you?" he said as he walked up.  He picked up Goldenscale and placed her join his back in a loving manner, Goldenscale chirping happily.

"It has been a long time Konoki. I still have the medalion you gave me as proof of identity," he said, pulling out an old medalion with a gryphon etched into it, "I see you've gotten yourself quite the place to live. I'd forgotten how beautiful the world could be out here."

"Yes, it is amazingly beautiful out here.  But this one here makes it even more beautiful with the flowers and plants she's able to grow." he said, pointing to Goldenscale.  "I see you've already met Shazhra.  So how have things been going for you these past years." he said.

"Not so good. I lost Mira and our kids ten years ago,and i've been relieved of my duties only three days ago," he said, placing the medalion back into his satchel, "I was just about ready to give up when Goldenscale, or Shazra as you call her, told me you were still around."

"I'm sorry to hear that, Kokkorok.  I would have come to visit more often, but I need to take care of everyone here.  But I'm glad Shazhra was able to help reunite us.  It would be the apocalypse for her if she didn't help anyone.  It's all she ever does.  Even a week after we found her mauled and close to death, she was whining to get up and start helping with harvesting and all that.  If you had just asked her sooner if she knew me, then we would have been brought together sooner." he said with a chuckle.  

"I was completely unaware of her knowing you in the first place. I can understand you being busy. Until recently, I had been busy  myself. Here, my wife wanted me to give this to you," he said, taking out a small, aquablue sphere and handing it to Konoki, "It was her favorite good luck charm."

"It is a beautiful charm.  How she found these things is beyond me." he said.  "I'll have Shazhra give her my thanks if she sees her.  She seems to see spirits and fairies all the time, so it could be possible she could see her as well."

"I know she'll never meet Mira. She' beyond the eternal rest. The demons that attacked destroyed her soul. Ripping it from her body and devouring it to feed their power," he said, lang down as his eyes watered up, "They took her and the kids. They took everything, and they forced me to watch."

Goldenscale whimpered, her imagination picturing every word that Kokkorok said.  "That must have been horrible.  It seems like I know two people that have had harsh backgrounds." he said.

"Their screams still plague my every dream and thought," he said quietly, trying to curl up beyond what his old frame would allow, "I can never forive myself for not putting up more of a fight. Now I've lost them forever."

Gold scale got off of Konoki's back and nuxxled Kokkorok before curling up next to him.  "No one needs to know the pain that comes from that..." Konoki said quietly.

"I wish I could see them again. I miss them every day and night. I can't help but feel there is a way to save them, but the demons made sure that could never be done," he said, digging a claw into a scar  on his shoulder causing it to bleed, "Only the demons can give them back to me. They're long gone now."

Goldenscale looked up, an idea popping in her head.  She healed Kokkorok's bleeding scar and got up, half running, half bounding across the ground as she ran outside of the border she created.  Konoki's ears went up in alarm then went back in fear.  "Shazhra!  What are you doing!  It's not safe!" he screeched after her.  He paced around, wanting to get his dragon daughter back, but not wanting to leave his weeping friend either.

"I'l try to get her to some back Konoki," Tieral said, racing after Goldenscale. "What are you doing Goldenscale? It's not safe out here beyond the barrier," he said as he caught up to her.