The end of summer finally arrived. The air took on a slight chill and the leaves turned their fiery hues of red, orange, and yellow.

Goliath examined his calendar. Dusk’s birthday was a week away.

This was a special occasion- the griffin was turning 100 years old.

This called for a lot of cheesecake.

He had already made arrangements with Dusk about having a party. He was certain he had everything prepared, after inviting his friends and making sure he had plenty of ingredients.

There would have to be tons of shortbread as well.

~

They held the party at Dusk’s store.

A banner hung from the side of the building, HAPPY 100^th BIRTHDAY in large, loopy handwriting.

Lilac, Mimi, and Ignis couldn’t attend, but they had given Goliath presents.

Lilac had thought of giving apples, but then quickly remembered the apples were poisonous. Instead, they sent a wood carving. The bark of the tree was perfectly safe. It was the same purple hue, made into the shape of a little griffin with its claws outstretched.

“Excellent craftsmanship.” Dusk had muttered, turning it around to view it from every angle.

Mimi had sent a lovely knit blanket, with green and black yarn in a stripe pattern.

“This will keep me very warm this winter.” Dusk said, admiring the soft yarn.

Ignis gave him a set of surreal glowing stones. Dusk was especially intrigued by these.

“Functional as a nightlight. These will make the dark less gloomy.” He said.  

~

Wow, Goliath knew a lot more folks than he realized.

Dusk’s family members ambled around, greeting guests and sharing hugs with each other.

The grandchildren raced about, filled with boundless energy and swiping cookies off the table before flying away again. Sky joined them and Coco chased after her, their laughter punctuated the quiet chatter from the adults.

Sasha watched over them fondly.

Emmy was standing by the buffet table, holding a glass of fruit punch and looking extremely awkward. Their cloak billowed in the slight breeze.

Marrow began talking to them between bites of cheesecake, and Emmy relaxed.

Briar trotted by the table, panicking briefly when her horn brushed against a balloon. But the sharp point did not puncture it and she breathed a sigh of relief.

Juniper fluttered over to Goliath. She was holding a tiny plate with an even tinier portion of cake. Of course Dusk had plenty of fairy-sized dishware.

“I’ve never seen anyone look happier.” She said, gesturing with her fork.

Dusk was nibbling on shortbread, chatting with one of his sons. His feathers seemed to have a healthy sheen today.

A perfect celebration to mark the end of summer.