Finfati was, in a word, nervous. As he always was. Thirty spring seasons old, a griffon known as the fastest talking stutter-er within the Oreinan territory, tender of a small grove of fruit trees, and suddenly he was the patron of Neptune? That sentiment alone constricted his chest tightly enough to be mistaken as an anaconda.
The Jaguarundi mix paced the circumference of the pond marking the outmost reaches of the town Osake. His feathers stood on end.
“Why me?” he repeated for the hundredth time. The God of Seas did not reappear, and the Lapis Lazuli cabachon continued to bounce against his chest.
He tried to steady himself by looking back to the pond. Tried to focus on the fluid movements of the orange and white fish. It wasn’t working.
“You’re doing it again.”
Finfati whirled at the song-like voice, the image of a griffon with both Lorikeet and Borugo meeting his gaze just a few steps in front of him. A little of the calm he desperately wanted settled over him.
“Chaparral,” he breathed relief. “Thank the Gods.”
His mate blinked, a warm smile forming, and the smaller griffon took his spot next to him. “That necklace is new.” Chaparral poked a talon at the stone hanging around his neck.
“Would you believe if I told you I got it from Lord Neptune?” Finfati dragged a paw along his own beak. “I feel like I’m dreaming. As well as panicking. What did I do to deserve this? What does it mean for me? For us?”
The colorful griffon frowned. “I would never doubt you, dearest,” he answered. One of his green wings raised to rest across Finfati’s back. “But I believe that is a great honor! Who better to represent him than you?” Finfati glanced at his orange eyes, face flushing at the pride that glinted there. Even after ten springs...
He let himself return the beaming smile. “I’m just not sure.”
Chaparral hummed. “I always knew you were special. I’ll take care of the gardens while you’re away, being a grand hero! Just...” he paused and took a moment to touch his beak to the Toucan’s. “Please be careful. I love you so much, I can’t bear to lose you.”
Finfati sighed. A whirlind of thoughts, possibilities of what might and very well could happen clouding his already busy mind. The anxiety started to tighten his throat again. Still, he leaned closer to his husband. “I’ll be back before you know it. I love you too.”
