Nadilan - Rise of the Rebellion (IC)

[Sereth]

http://i46.tinypic.com/j8o28o.jpg (http://role-player.net/forum/showthread.php?t=42635)

Hey! Welcome to the IC thread for Nadilan! Information on the RP, or if you haven't already gotten a CS made or accepted, the link for the OOC is here: http://role-player.net/forum/showthread.php?t=42635

Pay attention to any posts marked with: ~GM Post~
This signals a major event, story update, and things concerning the war. When posted, these must be paid attention to in your own posts, especially if your character is involved. (Note: My character "Rose" posts are not considered GM posts.) Also, all updates and progress with the war will be posted in the OOC thread for quick reference.

Otherwise, have fun and start posting!

- - - Updated - - -

~GM Post~
It was early morning as Garlant sat on his throne in his dark, cold, and damp castle located in Eldorn. He was awaiting word from the commander of his Dragon Knights, Scarth, on the progress and state of his plan for conquest. It wasn't much later that a Darune dressed in thick black armor with white hair to his shoulders in a half-ponytail entered through the large door leading down the red carpet to the king's throne. Scarth bent down on one knee before Garlant with an arm across his chest and head bowed, "The messengers have been sent out and should arrive soon at the Jerthakk Isles and Darunmire. We should receive word shortly."

"Excellent," Garlant grinned leaning forward, "If we have those kingdom's allegiance, we would become unstoppable. Are your fastest on the mission?"

"Of course my liege. Before the end of the day, my two knights should return with word of their success," Scarth knew better than to mention any failure to King Garlant, but he was required to at least share a tid-bit of information he had run across, "There is also word of a rebellion forming. There is no confirming this, but rumors have developed among my soldiers."

Garlant stroked his beard thoughtfully, "I wouldn't expect the rebellion to die after Junon's death. While we wait for the word of the Darune and Orc nations, do more research and send a few knights out. Find out if this rebellion is true, and if so, their location."

"Yes, my liege," Scarth nodded and turned around to leave and prepare his Dragon Knights.

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Meanwhile, far from Eldorn, against the mountains bordering Ironmore, in a deep cave behind a waterfall, the new rebellion gathered their supplies, sharpened swords, and lay in wait as their leaders formed a plan around a small wooden table. Rose Ellinor pointed at a map on the table to her three tacticians, "Nora Town is the closest settlement to our base. It's where we currently get all our supplies from. It's the only place I can think of to set up more open headquarters." One of her advisors shook his head.

"Do we really want Garlant to know where we are? It would leave us too out in the open. We currently pose no threat to him." He said warily, but Rose smiled at his comment.

"And let's keep him thinking that way. If he thinks we are weak, then he won't send his largest armies to attack us. We can put up a defense and defeat whatever small militia comes at us. It will send him a message and have him gather his forces up. In the meantime, we build a fort and start building the rebellion up. We need a better headquarters than this cave. Our equipment becomes damp, and we don't have enough room for the size of army we need," She stated. Her second advisor spoke up this time.

"But, with what we have, we wouldn't stand a chance even against a militia. If one dragon shows up we're done for," He said and Rose looked to her third advisor. He nodded and pulled out a scroll, opening it across the table. Rose explained the blueprints.

"It's a large cross bow that can shoot spears larger than normal. If aimed correctly, it has the chance to break even a dragon's armor."

"Well, who would build it for us? We don't have the materials," An advisor said as Rose rolled up the blueprints and stuffed them down her shirt.

"I'll be heading on a mission to the elves in Lillias with a small group so we don't attract too much attention.. They have the materials for building such a thing. I will be requesting their help and hopefully can recruit some of their people to help in our purpose," She finished and began to head out to leave the hidden waterfall cave and go north to Lillias. She picked a couple soldiers and began equipping her leather armor as well as gather supplies for the journey.

[Vestige Warrior]

Bearach was in a cheery mood. He had speared several fish in a pond and was cooking them over a small fire. It smelled so good, he couldn't wait to taste it. He sprinkled the fish with a few herbs he'd gathered while traveling, filling the air with a savory fragrance enough to make a well-fed man hungry.

To pass the time, while he wasn't working on his breakfast, he stepped a few feet away and practiced his magic. The spell he worked on had eluded him for several days, but he could feel that he was getting closer to successful casting. Summoning the energy within him, he shot his hand out in front of him. As he did, a small puff of fire emerged. It wasn't very big, and it only lasted for a brief moment, but Bearach didn't seem to mind. In fact, he was so happy that he started jumping around and laughing.

"Finally!" He stood still then, looking up into the sky and speaking aloud in his native tongue. He thanked his ancestors for helping him accomplish his goal and smiled in victory. Turning back to his meal, however, he saw the fire was almost out. "What a perfect time to use my new spell." With a smug smile, he focused on the logs and repeated his motion. But as his hand was thrust out, he was momentarily distracted by the thought that this may not be a good idea.

To late. A large blast of fire engulfed the logs, the fish, and everything around them. In a panic, Bearach grabbed the spit holding his fish over the fire, burning himself in the process. He seemed more worried about his meal than his hand. Seeing that it was okay, he sat back down and munched on his meal. Once he'd finished, he laid his head on his blanket, which he had rolled up and made into a pillow, and stared at the cloud. He was tired, but satisfied and happy with himself. It was long before he fell asleep, and had dreamed of his future.

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Pyre had been laying in the sun for hours. It felt nice against his scaly hide. Coupled with the sound of the waterfall next to him, he felt relatively satisfied with life at that moment. He knew this waterfall had to be the place, but one doesn't just go traipsing into another's home without asking. It'd be rude, not to mention dangerous.

When he heard the familiar patter of feet along the wet cave floor, Pyre lifted his head and straightened his neck. "This is the time," he thought to himself. "This will decide your fate. Are you ready for this?" Pyre's life had been depressing and dangerous up to this point. He was not young, by a dragon's standards, but he was also not considered old. He would fight with the resistance, or on his own. Either way, he had grown tired of running.

When the small group emerged, he did his best to smile.

[Zhang]

Walked through castle gates and up to the main building. Wearing the typical assassin's robes. Conisting of a sleeveless shirt sleeves that cut off just below his biceps. A black scarf that was long torn at the tips from the past. His katana tied at his hips. A black stingray and senmuke wood handle with a black silk wrap. Golden pieces of decorations and a black iron guard. The steel was a high carbon steel made by hand folding the blade into a single edged sword that was sharp enough to cut steel armor and other swords with the same material. Black pants that were loose fitting around his legs and black boots. Carried in his left hand was a black sack a token of his deed done successfully. He walked staring straight forward he didn't even look at people he passed walking the other direction, although sometimes the people passing him could feel Xiao's cold eyes watching them. Those who might have looked over their shoulders would see the back of his head. He followed the path until he reached the castle.

Having been away for some time previously disposed to carry out Garlant's orders in seeking a could be spy. Now there may or may not be a spy working for someone but that's not important, he was gven a name and a location told to interrogate and silence this person thus he performed without question. One of the things that made Xiao a good assassin for his king. Walking towards the castle he was stopped and once recognized given passage to enter. Where he followed his memory and the halls that so many others walked daily. Servants often broke their path for his own. He walked through the corridoors making what ever adjustmens he might have to follow in the hall leading himself to the door of the throne room. Upon entering the throne room he bowed loyally. Until he was told to rise. Which he did tossing the sack at Garlant's feet the head of his latest victim rolled from the sack. Watched as Garlant would have surely looked at the head to see the eyes still open and staring at him. Faded and glossed making the head long dead which the journey would explain.

"I did as you instructed Sire, though he did not release any information towards the plans of rebels that you believed he was working for nor did he admit guilt to being a traitor or a spy." Xiao spoke not quietly but he didn't seem to have any sort of power to his voice, just monotoned obedient words were spoken. Once satisfied with the work he would await further instructions or he would head to the barracks when he was dismissed. Xiao left the room only to return if he were summoned.

[Sereth]

As Garlant's assassin, Xiao, tossed his victim's head bagged before him, he gave a grin. At Xiao's information, Garlant's suspicions were confirmed; the target had nothing to do with the rebellion. No matter, at least their were no casualties to his own forces. He was always pleased with Xiao's work and loyalty. He did everything he asked without question and with obedience with nothing holding him back, Garlant had always made use of the boy. As Xiao walked away to leave, Garlant called out to him, "Wait just a moment. I have more work for you." He waited for Xiao to return to his feet, "Scarth has informed me that some people have stayed sided with the rebel leader Junon, even though he is dead. Rumors are spreading with quite possibly information on the rebellions new hideaway. I want you to seek out information, through whatever means necessary, on how strong they could be or their whereabouts. I've put Scarth on the job as well, but I don't trust he could do as thorough job as you," He finished his instructions then ordered, "Go!"

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Rose finished collecting her things and began to leave with the two soldiers she had chosen. They took a rocky path to the side that let them exit the waterfall without having to walk through the wall of water. As she exited the cave from the left side, she then saw an enormous creature staring at her next to the river the waterfall crashed into. Her soldiers jumped and she took a step back herself. The bronze dragon lifted his head and stretched out its neck looking proud and relatively happy. Still, the sight of a dragon terrified Rose and her companions. She quickly drew her sword and held it towards the dragon shouting, "Stay back, and leave at once! Forget what you've seen here!" She hoped with all her might that this wasn't one of Garlant's dragon's or a possible spy, but it was highly unlikely as Garlant held the largest collection of dragon's than any other kingdom, "If you don't... I'll be forced to take drastic measures!" She tried to bluff a threat.

[Death101]

I walked along the forest road I had been on a trip for a while I was on the way to the Dragons keep but i knew better then to go right there with everything that was going on with the things that were going around I had just finished studying nature in my home of the Orc kingdoms... but I didn't get much done I was going to see what i could find out, though the stares from humans were not erm... how do you say it... likeable... but i didn't think there'd be many Orcs here i was in the main city of there kingdom after all I had heard there king was a smart man so I thought perhaps that he might be a person worth talking to I try to learn from others as much as I can i walked up to the castle gate and did my best at speaking human. "Erm... I would... Ugh... Darn human english... I would like to see the king." I looked at the small guard who could do nothing but nod at me i walked though going i felt lost but soon I found myself at the doors i knocked then entred I had spent three months travling i heard there king was getting togther an army but i didn't wish to join i wanted to speak to the king. "Hello King, I hope i am not intrupeting..." I said i didn't now i just stood there waiting. (Sorry i couldn't think of any other way to start... there weren't many Orcs to work with.)

[Sereth]

(It's all good, but remember, you can always make your own npcs. Also, please read other's posts as well if they are in your same area. The King was busy meeting with Xiao, so your orc would not have been so easily permitted into the throne room.)

King Garlant's guard walked in after Xiao's exit. He spoke up so that he wouldn't have to walk across the room, "My King, an orc has arrived and requested an audience with you!" King Garlant raised an eyebrow, but nodded, letting the guard permit the orc into the throne room.

The orc entered and stammered, "Hello King, I hope i am not interrupting..." obviously having some trouble with the language. Garlant assumed this must be his reply from the king of orcs.

"No, not at all," Garlant waved for him to come closer, "I am amazed you have arrived so quickly. Are you a messenger of King Jerthakk? What word do you bring? Are your people ready to join forces?" He welcomed any good news.

[Zhang]

Stopped making his exit and returned to his place at his lord's feet. Looking at Garlant as the king spoke of what he was to do and whom he was to seek out for the information. "I shall return with the information you seek as soon as possible. My lord." He was dismissed and he walked away. He was leaving the castle but decided to stop and talk to scarth. Gaining any possible advantage on where to find the rumor's origins. Even though Scarth has been in service to Garlant for longer than Xiao himself for some reason Xiao was treated better. The reasoning behind this baffled them both. This has also made Scarth very resenting towards Xiao which may lead o them competing over this. Which he was going to try to avoid. As he made his way back through the corridoor he searched for Scarth. Who was found typcically preparing his knights for their search in answers. "Scarth, Garlant has asked that I assist you in this search, Might I ask which of your soldiers started this rumor I would like to ask them some questions." Xiao asked Scarth rather politely but still in the same empty tone that he spoke with to everyone.

As he waited for Scarth to either send him off or give him the name he seeked he would stand calmly his hands at his side his face free of any expression. His eyes staring deep through the cavernous abyss of a soul that Scarth had. A gust blew naturally it wouldn't affect Scarth but this one would seem chilling to the bone. If successful in getting what he desired xiao left Scarth to his business. "Thank you Scarth, I will leave you to what it is you were doing before I interupted." Xiao spoke before walking away in search of the solider of whom he was told had heard the rumors first. If not then he would have to go about this the more unsubtle and suitable way. Which involved a whole lot of faisted time. Thus either way the conversation could have gone he would take his leave and travel in search of who was spreading the rumors and where they ha come from. He would also look for a dwarf who could forge his blade and take the nicks out from his battles in his travels.

[Sereth]

Scarth glared as Xiao stepped up to him. He was busy preparing his black dragon for departure. He despised Xiao as Xiao was treated better by Garlant than he ever was. Scarth thought of Xiao as a lackey to the king, a sort of pet. He tried to ignore him, but Xiao asked, "Scarth, Garlant has asked that I assist you in this search, Might I ask which of your soldiers started this rumor I would like to ask them some questions."

"My soldiers did not start a rumor," Scarth spat out, "They heard a rumor, within the outer villages of Ferniar. Something about supplies being sent to soldiers, but no soldiers or knights of mine. It has to mean a rebellion," He faced Xiao, "Make sure if you find any information, you report it to me first." He hoped this tactic would allow him to take credit for Xiao's findings.

"Thank you Scarth, I will leave you to what it is you were doing before I interrupted," Xiao responded before leaving. Scarth rolled his eyes and clipped on the armor headdress to his dragon.

[Vestige Warrior]

"Oh please, like dragons ever forget. Put your weapons away; If I wanted to eat or cook you i'd have done it while you were still in the cave and unable to escape. I come to talk." Before speaking any more, he invoked his transformation and appeared to them in his humanoid form.

Slowly he walked toward the small band, stopping a good twenty feet away. His arms were at his sides, slightly apart with his palms out, a gesture of good will. "I am Pyre, Bronze of Summer Peak. Please inform Junon that I have come out of hiding and traveled far to speak with him. He is not expecting me, but what I have to say will no doubt be something he'll want to hear personally. I mean no harm to anyone."

He bowed respectfully, palms still out. He wanted to be as non-threatening as possible, thus the overuse of formalities and submissive gestures. His voice was calm, light-hearted, and airy. If they hadn't seen him change, one would probably never have guessed that he was anything but a normal human.

[Majestic_Prince]

"1,2,3...1,2,3" Dawlin repeated one after another as he practice swing his sword back and fourth getting his rhythm down, it was always difficult to swing his sword since its and inch shorter then he is making him lose balance at times. Leaping into the air Dawlin brings the sword over his head and brings it down along with his body piercing the ground in front of him "Just a little more" he said wiping the sweat off his head.

Putting his sword down next to his blacksmith equipment Dawlin takes a pouch of water out of his backpack and drinks admiring the view of the mountain, It had been two days since he left home feeling the clean air hit his body was an unfamiliar feeling seeing how he spent most of his time in a mountain. Dawlin grabs his sword putting it on his back throwing his backpack on behind hit and begins walking down the path with excitement on his face, he had never been far from home imagining it every now and then he couldn't wait to see the world.

After a couple of hours of walking Dawlin sees a waterfall falling into water as blue as the sky above him, he stops dropping his backpack to kneel in front of the water to wash his face. Through all the excitement of being out Dawlin didn't notice the dragon standing at the edge of the waterfall making him fall on his butt in aw. Staring at its back it didn't seem to know he was there slowing backing away Dawlin sets his eyes on the waterfall as a group of people emerges from it.

[Death101]

"Sorry king but you have took me for another of my race." I paused pulling out mug and offred him one. "I came because i have heard you are quiet smart." I started to fill my mug with beer. "Would you like some it's made by the best brewers in the orc kingdoms." I stated.

[Sereth]

Garlant glared at the Orc's gesture, "If you are not a messenger of Jerthakk then I want nothing to do with you or your ale," He suspected poison, why else would a random orc come in and offer him a drink as soon as possible? "You have offended me and my intelligence!" Garlant quickly stood up ferociously and snapped his fingers. Two guards came out and took the orc by the arms, "You have one last chance to explain yourself before you are thrown into the dungeon," Garlant said, "What will be your last words?"

--------------------------------

The dragon shape shifted into a young man and plead his case. Rose realized he meant no harm, nor was any dragon of the king's. She sheathed her sword, but stayed cautious. She also waved down her companions to put down their own arms. When Pyre asked for Junon, her heart sunk and filled with pain which was obvious from the grimace appearing onto her face, "Junon was executed not too long ago..." She began to dwell on her remorse, but quickly shook her head to begin to focus, "I am the new leader of the rebellion. You can state your business to me." She said in a more leadership like tone, strong and confident.

[Zhang]

Walking towards his own quarters, he stopped at a temple though he didn't believe that when he died there is an afterlife. Men and beasts alike are killed and degrade in time they are not reborn. He used the tranquility to prepare himself. As there was bound to be blood shed in the task he was given. Xiao sat in the temple and listened to the quiet as he took his breathes controled. Changing his mindstate. When he felt he was prepared to carry out his task, he stood and walked the rest of the way to his living quarters. Gathering supplies for the road and rations. He also grabbed a flint, a sharpennign stone, a compass, and a map. Tossing it all in a large leather satchel he put it over his shoulder and started the trek back to the castle. Even though dragons and other more conveinent sources of travel were available he would request a horse. If he were granted one he'd ride out into the wilderness asking the locals questions of a rebellion and where he might be able to find the rebels. Not speaking of his involvement with Garlant, in fact most people wouldn't know he worked for the king. Which was why he was able to get such reconisis. Xiao rode on sticking to the paths shown on his map. Asking about the nearest village and if he were going in the right direction. Xiao looked around studying his surroundings and kept an eye on the sun making sure he could find a good camp spot if he needed to.

[Death101]

"If you think your scaring my your not I came because you are one of the smartest that i have heard of," I shook his guards off it took effort but I did it then proud some beer for myself and took a sip. "I came because I like to learn from other bright minds such as yourself my dream is to one day even learn from the Dragons. If i wanted to kill you I'd have drawn my swords and attacked head on i don't like fighting. That's part of the reason i left the Orc Kingdom." I stated I came to talk with him and he treats me like a common crook. "But if you do not want it then I will go." I put the 2nd mug back into my pack stood and started to turn to go. "Now if you don't wish to speak then i shall be on my way after all I don't intend on spending my life in jail." With that i started walking.

[Sereth]

Garlant waved his guards away. This orc didn't want a fight nor seemed to pose any threat. Though his flattery was not ignored, Garlant felt he had more important matters to attend to than to tutor, "Then begone with you. I am in the middle of a war and I await a response from your king. I give you permission to dwell among my castle, but do not enter my presence without permission. I have no time to teach or discuss." He said his words then plopped back down into his seat awaiting anymore news before he left to plot in the war room.

[Death101]

"Very well as for the king I don't know much about him, but the again it's been a year since I left may we meet again if you need me I am going to find the castles gardens i was studying nature before i left thank you for your time and if you ever with to have a drink i'd be most happy to join you. Cheers." I put up my mug to him as i left the room to wander around the castle.

[Zhang]

Xiao had spent some time now and was stopped in a village. Tying the horse near a troft he went to search the villaage for some answers and a black smith. He would have coin for both. Looking around the village he would start asking locals. "Is there a blacksmith in the village?" but there may not have been one so he continued. Looking for a begger or a drunk. He'd approach shops and look at their product ask of what news they bring in their travels. If they were selling goods to a military other than Garlants or knew of any large carivans traveling in odd directions. If he did find a homless he would kneel beside them and pull out a coin. "Tell me old man, have you seen any rebels or military personel coming through here and what direction they were going." He said if there wasn't any answers he would add to the price he would pay. Producing five gold coins. If he did get an answer Xiao would pay the man. If not he would stand and leave. Bad mouthing the man in a foreign language. He felt he was on the right trail but no one is coming forward.. 'Maybe I should apply a little more force to my efforts.' He thought to himself, seeing as he wasn't close enough to tell the king directly he wrote on a piece of paper.

Garlant, I am canvasing the local villages, but it would seem that even with these rumors.. Word of the rebels is scarce, it would seem after exicuting Junon most of the immediate threats to your kingdom dispersed from Ferniar. Or atleast moved further into the forested areas I suggest you send small groups to search for small pockets of revolutionary conspirators. I am moving on to Ironmore, I have high hopes if there is rebels that are still in arms that the blacksmiths will have information leading to them. Xiao then made a bird call. on his finger a pidgeon pearched, he rolled up the small note and put it in a small capsule tied to the bird's ankle. "Take this to King Garlant, He must know to have some squads looking through these areas in case they are still hiding." He sent the bird off into the direction of Eldorn. Then he rode towards Ironmore Following his map. When he had a new day he would navigate a slightly shorter route but until then. He would follow the trade path until sunset where he would find a nearby spot to camp.

[Vestige Warrior]

Pyre's gaze wavered when she spoke of Junon's death. He didn't know the man personally, but he knew he was a good man. Judging by her reaction to his name, Pyre realized that he was special to Rose. "I'm saddened to hear this. My business is simple. I've come to offer my services to the rebellion, and to repay Garlant in kind for what he did to me."

"And judging by the army Garlant has amassed, methinks you could use the help of a dragon." He smiled slyly, confident that she would understand his desire and take him on. "I'm sure you're aware of his campaign."

[Sereth]

Rose nodded, "I'm well aware of his plans. At least, that he wishes to conquer all of Nadilan," She bowed her head, "I would be honored, if a dragon were to join us. You would surely be an asset to the rebellion," She looked up with a smile, "My name is Rose Ellinor. My companions and I are on our way to Lillias to present blueprints for a new kind of weapon. If we are able to receive their cooperation in constructing it, we may just have enough to make a stand against Garlant. We may not have large numbers yet, but with this new weapon and a dragon like you, we'll be able to make a proper sized headquarters and begin to increase our numbers." She had just given away all their plans, but she felt she could trust Pyre. She knew dragons to be a noble creature and with one offering his services, she knew he was sincere in his quest against Garlant.

[Teh Firestorm]

For the last few weeks, Alison continued her usual searching around Lillias. She was in some random town she stumbled apon after an older night mission a few days ago. She was sitting on top of roof of a building she stayed for the night. She checked her bag which had some money in it and some other stuff inside. She shuffled inside the bag, grabbing her two gauntlets and putting them on her arms. She then checked for her knives, which were in their usual position. Alison looked around the town, searching for other people. She then jumped down from the roof, which was not too high.

She walked around town, looking around for people. This town was new to her, as she only has went here a few times during missions. This was one of the few places in the north she wasn't too familiar with. After walking around for a bit, she decided to head out for another town set she knew, a few towns to the west. She adjusted her gauntlets, beginning to walk out of town.

[Death101]

"You there." I called to one of the guards in the castle. "Tell the king i am greatful for his offer but I must make my way i came to learn but he is rather busy I should move on in my quest for learning." I said as i walked out and whistled a bull soon strolled up and i got on it. "Let's go Munia." I said to him and he started to race off towards the edge of the kingdom towards the dragons keep i must travle fast to see if i might find one to learn from.

[Ragnarok]

(OMG ALREADY 2 PAGES? lol sorry. i didn't know IC was up)

Veyra was watching the target. it was a man in his mid 50s. the man was known as a black marketeer, thief and murderer. Veyra was assigned to him because of murder. Veyra made his way to him in the dead of night. the only thing giving away his position were his eyes. he got 2 feet away from him when he noticed the guards at the doors. why hadn't he seen them before? he put his arm on the man's mouth to prevent screaming and pulled him to the ground before finishing the job. his wings materialized and he swiftly left the scene. before losing the voices of the startled guards who were looking for the murderer, he saw a woman in white robes walking away from the city. he wondered what she would be doing this late at night. he stopped behind a few trees. his wings disappearing into his back. he came out and called out to her.

"What are you doing here?" he asked. the woman turned around. she had white eyes and black hair. he hadn't seen the hair because a white hood was covering it. she didn't speak to him. "It...isn't safe here." he said to her. captivated by her beauty. she opened her mouth as if to say something when he heard a guard behind him.

"Hey! you two!" the guard came closer and stopped a couple feet away. "Let me see some Identification." Veyra thought of a way to respond. the guards of the city were brutal and he didn't want them to hurt the woman. she was either a year younger or the same age. the woman handed the guards a piece of paper. all Veyra saw was a stamp with the picture of a winged tiger on it. the guard looked at Veyra. "And you?" the woman spoke up.

"He's with me." The guard looked at the woman and nodded before leaving. Veyra looked back at the woman.

"So she speaks." he said. the woman just smiled.

"What did you mean by 'its dangerous?" she asked him. he realized he was staring and looked away.

[Vestige Warrior]

"Begging your pardon, Lady Ellinor, but it will take more than a few weapons and myself to defeat Garlant. His army has already grown significantly, and he seeks to strengthen it further. If I may, I ask to be allowed to accompany you on your journey. Perhaps the sight of a dragon on your side will help persuade the Elves to fight under your banner." Again, he bowed, as was customary when asking permission. His voice was confident and strong, but not abrasive. He was accustomed to dealing with humans, but this was no attempt at manipulation. It was nothing more than a proposal.

[Sereth]

Rose sighed at Pyre's doubts, "you don't think I know that? Our goal right now is to set up a proper headquarters then start recruiting for the rebellion. We have little, but I believe this weapon will at least some kind of edge and enough time to strengthen our forces." She listened more and heard Pyre offer his accompaniment, "I don't know... I've only just met you... No offense, but it is hard to trust someone on such short terms, especially in times of war. What can you offer to truly prove your allegiance? I am fine about you joining the rebellion, but its not smart to just hand myself, the leader, over and under the care of a stranger. I don't plan on being served to Garlant on a silver platter."

[Death101]

"Hya-Ya!" I shouted as we raced towards a village it was fairly close to there capitail city but it'd be a good place to stop for now I was going to side track and go to elf lands first to see if I could learn anything there before hand but for now a meal then a long ride... To see the eleve king... The kings of races were often well know for their brains... I quickly pulled out the other half of a wild boar I caught this moring and mounted up after feeding my loyal bull sidekick if you can call it that... Anyway I've got a long ride ahead of me... "Onward my friend." I got a happy grunt from my mount we had both been fed and were ready to ride. So we started off at an easy pace.

[Teh Firestorm]

After a bit of time, Alison stopped a bit outside of a town, a bit between Lillias and Ironmore. This area was one of the better places she knew, constantly getting work for various people. Alison glanced around the area, seeing a few trees in the area. Alison walked over there, seeing the trees of average size. She tossed her bag up to the top of the tree, with the strap getting caught on the branches, just as she hoped. She backed up a bit from the tree, then jumped at it with a running start. She grabbed one of the branches with one hand, and clawing another side. Alison then sat down on a thicker branch, her bag placed by her side. She then glanced around the area, then looking at the town nearby.

[valkoordb]

Arienai

Arienai silently walked up to the farmers house from the back end. A cow began to moo in the night and he silenced it by sliting its thoat. "Heh, stupid beast. Who did it think it was to ruin my fun?" He spat at it and continued to slowly walk up to the back of the house. Noramly a faerie would have flowen silently to the house to do this, but seeing as Arienai was larger than others of his race the beating of his wings was loud not stealthy.

As he approached the house he took some hay and lantern oil and set it by the corner. Then he got his little smirk he always had when doing something nasty and cruel. He set a spark to burn the hay and catch the farmers house. Slowly backing away waiting to make sure the house caught, then when he was sure it would burn down he flew into the air and began to shout. "I told you stupid farmer! I told you not to insult me. I am not a freak. I am a miracle, and impossibility, I am the son of magic and a dragon! You should not have made fun of me or my Brother. He is no wyvern. Those pathetic cousins of the noble dragons. You need to learn to respect creatures such as us!"

As Arienai said this he was being outlined by the full moon. He seemed like a truly frightening creature, and he loved it. As he finished his brother, the silver frost dragon came and he landed on his back. 'Brother put out the flame. We have proved our point and now he will have to spend the next year in repairing that. If we do not stop it though, he will dye and this lesson shall be pointless.' Arienai said to his brother and life partner through there telapathic bond. 'As you wish Arienai.' Brother replyed as he let loose a breath of frost to douse the flames. They then flew off into the night.

'Arienai... I was wondering. Why don't you name me? All other dragons and their riders have names. Why not us?' Brother asked as they flew west from the foot hills of the mountains at the eastern boarder of Fernair.

'Brother this is because I am neither human, nor dwarf, nor elf, nor orc, nor any half human breed. All of those creatures are born from the seed of a parent, and with that seed comes the foolish need to name everything. I see no need to name you. It is not my peoples way. Just as I see no need to learn any other's names. I call friends by the name of friend, and enemies by certain curses or their titles. Just as I call you Brother. Because you are the brother of my mind, my soul, and of my mother. That is your name until mother gives you one. We will find her soon. She was taken by Garlant to his army and we are going to find her.' As he said this Arienai patted his brother's flank and lay on his back enjoying the cool feel of his smooth scales.

'Thank you for that brother. I am glad to be reminded I am not some foolish lesser species. I need to remind myself often that you are far older than I. Fiftyfive years more so. I am still a hatchling.' Though he hadn't said it with the vigor he felt, Arienai's rage and passion had poured into him and he was feeling invigorated. "I am Brother. That is my name. I am brother to the strongets Faerie of all time!" Brother shouted as he dive bombed and shot out a torent of ice which poured back over them, coating them in an armor of ice to which they were both imune.

Arienai was invigorated by Brother's spike in joy. He sparked the joints of his body and melted the ice enough to be mobile. He shouted a reply to Brother saying, "Prehaps not the strnogest of all time, but of this millenium!" As he shouted this he thought bak to the days his people were born of old magic. When they stood a full six feet tall and were truly creatures to be feared. "Our time will come Brother. The world should prepare. Soon we will show the world that old magic still lives in our races. We shall revive it somehow and return order to this wretched land."

With that on their minds the two found another farmers barn to rest in. Hopefully this one would realized that these two were blessing him with their presence, and not hurl false insults at them. They curled up on some hay and fell asleep with dreams of turning this world on it's head. Dreams of showing men that their inventions and castles would never surpase the power of old magic.

[Minasm]

The Iron Spike had not changed at all since Arstrath had left it's perimeters a couple of weeks ago. The same three layers of stone wall blocked his entrance--like glue, moss and shrubbery had found a way to thrive in the cracks of each brick. The outermost wall was the most dilapidated, and could be scaled in several places if you knew the way. Ropes of swamp-vines hung over the greyed arch like a sickening curtain. It was hard enough to find the place, what with the miles of dense shadow forest around it, yet once you found it, it was harder still to escape. The second wall had an iron grate for an entrance. If you had the key, this wall wasn't difficult to pass either. Arstrath listened to the rusted lock click, before strolling under the ancient stone arch. It took almost a full minute to pass out onto the other side, as the walls had been built and renovated many times since their occupation. To any outsider, the other side of the second wall led to a small and secluded grove--a single Banza tree hanging over a cool, spring. Wildflowers sprung through the unshaven grass, and the smell of fresh honey emanated from the scattered beehives in the trees around him. Arstrath knew the true way, though.

Passing the grove, he pressed his hands against the inconspicuous stone cliff side. From the outside, it simply looked like a massive stony hill, but if you knew the code--which he did--you could unlock the 'third wall'. A stone slab swung aside, and Arstrath's nostrils filled with the scent of cooked meat, burning iron, and blood. A single dusty corridor, lined with the occasional torch led to the inner-sanctum of the Iron Spike. It was but one of many assassin fortresses in Nadilan. When he emerged, he was standing atop a balcony, from which one could see the truth of the hill-- it was entirely hollow, with various buildings carved out of the sides. A network of wooden bridges crossed the immense gap, to provide transport, while a single hole at the top of the hill filtered sunlight through. Now that he was inside, he could easily spot many of Garlant's forces rushing about--everyone in the Iron Spike was there for their own important mission. He was no different.

After crossing several bridges, Arstrath made it to the familiar office building. One of the Iron Spike's most ancient dwarvern structures was a tall stone tower, protruding from the very bottom of the hill. Inside, armor-clad assassins filled out schedules, paperwork and assignment sheets before moving onto their daily business. For Arstrath, things were no different.

"Arstrath!" The guttural growl of the orc echoed in the small interior, before a large and unruly creature came to be in front of him. The orc was known as Tol'Shru, a sell-sword who had climbed Garlant's special forces ranks before assuming possession of the Iron Spike. Tol'Shru had pale skin for an orc, but had the common facial scars that adorned many of his kind. Tol'Shru was well known in the Iron Spike--notorious for his cruelty and obedience to Garlant's regime.

"Arstrath. Your next assignment is in. Word has come from the castle itself that more rebellion antics grip Nadilan. Not much word yet about 'em, but you've been assigned to Lillias. The council is deploying troops to exterminate the rebellion, but I've asked that you--one of our most efficient assassins be deployed to the north. They might not know where to look, but those damn elves are almost surely the cause of all this." By now, many of the assassins in the office buildings had looked up from their parchments to listen in on the news. Arstrath simply gave a curt nod, and made to go pack his things. In an hour, he would leave the Iron Spike. The hidden fortress was located deep within the border between the Jerthakk Isles and Ironmore, so he would have to use flight--a griffin perhaps.

Luckily, Arstrath had few possessions, and was ready to leave in an hour. Tol'Shru gave him his monetary reward, before personally escorting him out.

"You're good at what you do, Arstrath. Don't kill yourself too soon." Arstrath knew that Tol'Shru was at least somewhat envious of his own growing fame, and wasn't surprised the orc was glad to see him off. Arstrath looked down at Tol'Shru, before uttering the common farewell.

"For our empire!"

[Vestige Warrior]

Pyre furrowed his brow. "Has the world become so strange that the word of a dragon no longer holds any value?" With a sigh, Pyre began to think. "I could tell you the location of a Garlant raiding party. Or where you can find a wild mage. I also happen to know when the next supply train will depart for the king's barracks. Lots of weapons, armor, medical supplies, food..." Pyre smiled cheerfully. He wasn't being smug, just generally happy. "But if these things aren't important enough to earn your trust, I suppose I could just wait for your return, hoping that the king doesn't have you killed before you get back."

Pyre's smile faded quickly, not relishing in the thought of the resistance leader being killed before the rebellion had time to act. "I'm not keen on anyone being a victim of Garlant's cruelty. That... 'person'... has committed despicable acts, and deserves the worst death imaginable. That won't happen without a rebellion. And for the rebellion to move against him, I need you alive. Take me with you, and insure your safe return if it means giving my life."

[Zhang]

It had been days since he had left the capital. Travelling through Feniar towards Ironmore, based on the information he's been uncovering along his way, it would seem that Junon gave a heavy blow to the rebellion's forces and morale. though hunting the remainder of it's forces would be both a waste of time and money. After packing up his camp getting rid of any evidence there was a fire of some sort so he couldn't be followed. Xiao looked at his map and his compass. Deciding to head north west hoping he might find some more information in the mountain villages that were between Lillias and Ironmore. Packing up his belongings into the satchel, looking around to make sure he didn't miss anything. Xiao mounted the horse and started riding north west even though all that was in his sight at the horizon was small foot hills, and he couldn't see them through the forest's canopy he knew that they were there. At least he thought he knew where he was going based off his map. He slowed his gallop to a trot, then to a walk until he came to a stop with his horse some what spooked he looked around and kept moving forward. One hand on the reign the other hand resting on the hilt of his sword. It had taken him longer than he expected to reach the mountain. But no matter it would be easier to navigate in the dark as he knew the stars well with their navigational uses. So he didn't stop to see what might have spooked his horse when he came through the edge of the forest and he started the trek up.

Xiao followed the ridge path up the mountain and into the peaks. It wouldn't quite be in the peaks as he was just getting to the mountain base but he would have climbed a third of the way up on his horse until he located the first trade path through the mountains. He would follow this path in the Y intersections that draw the border lines between Feniar, Lillias and Ironmore. He would get off the horse as the terrain became rugged and dangerous he didn't want to risk falling from the saddle. He would continue deeper into the mountainous region until he could find some sort of over hang or cave he could use for a camp for the night. He hadn't eaten in two days or so. His water sack was quite depleted, soon he would have to find a source of water. Which could wait until sun rise right now he was concerned with getting out of a possible rain. Xiao kept his eyes on the clouds even when the ground is dry at the mountain base weather is often unpredictable in the higher climates of the mountain. As he got higher the tempurature started to drop. He'd have to find a place to make fire and soon.

[Teh Firestorm]

Sat apon the tree branch, Alison reached into her bag for some coins. She figured that Ironmore might be a good place to find a new job, if not she would head south. Alison knew that she had enemies, some people who would like revenge, so whenever she was in a situation where she would be distracted by soemthing else she would go to a place where there is a low chance of being ambushed. She grabbed a few coins out of the bag, chenching her hand around them. She then jumped off the tree, sliding down the side as she went down. She needed some more supplies if she was going to go farther south, and she was very familiar with the towns more to the north.

So immidiatly after pondering on that for a bit, she headed into the town, coins in hand. She looked down at herself again, knives still in the same place as they always were. As she went inside to the town, she looked for a place she could buy some stuff for a journey south. From her previous experiences, she'd probably need basic supplies and a bit of climbing assistance. Unless she had found something to pay her well, she'll clearly need whatever she could get. She had a bit of money with her, but always knew with her type of work she would need to keep spare for the event she didn't get hired for anything. She walked around town, searching for shops.

[Sereth]

Rose frowned, "I'm sorry, I am truly not meaning to offend you. To be honest, I have never met a dragon before except the ferocious dragons of Garlants army. In these times, it's hard to trust anyone," She bowed her head, "i really mean no disrespect. You obviously can be an asset to the rebellion. Perhaps you could hate your information on our way to Lillias? We are planning on picking up a few horses in the nearest town, then beginning our day's journey."

[Zhang]

Xiao walked his horse along the beaten path, well used it would seem. He was on the right trail. He kept going taking the trade route into the town walking his horse. Xiao wondered if he would be recognized in the town as an assassin for Garlant so the first thing he did was cover the bottom of his face with his scarf. A trades person with hats and other items of cloting on his cart was just infront of him. He silently made his way to the back of the cart and pulled a robe and a cape. Putting the robe around himself Xiao made the hood blacken the rest of his face in the shadow it casted. The cape was just a normal black cape that hung off his left shoulder. Successfully getting a disguise he proceeded into the town. His horse trailing behind him, Xiao would find the local spot to go for a drink and a woman thinking that it would be the best place to start questioning people. As he walked the streets he would keep an eye out for anyone that stuck out. While in his search Xiao found a horse tie and troft he would leave the horse there and continue his canvas of the town. Asking questions not many gave him answers those that did often answered with riddles. When he asked of the rebels. So he started asking for an inn. He got some direct answers of course. Locals pointing up streets and into buildings giving directions. He followed the confusing directions from multiple parties until he found the place he was looking for. Xiao entered and looked around the main floor a lot of drunk races from all over were there mostly dwarves. He would make his way to the bar and take a seat until he was approached by someone who worked the inn. Once xiao was noticed by someone they would gladly help him for his money. "I need a room for some time maybe four days, and some ale please." He said placing a charitable amount of gold coins on the bar top.

[Teh Firestorm]

Alison walked around the town, not seeing too many people she thought would want to hire her. She continued walking around, looking for key places she remembered she recieved work. She walked around until she found some inn she reconised before. From past experience, she remembered that some people traveling were pretty good paying for short duties, so she went into the place. Maybe a few days until she finds someone or heads out, she thought. She glanced around, seeing some people who were drunk around her. She looked around, and headed into the bar. There indeed were people who hired her who were at a bar, as people usually had duties to do there, whether it be scouting or people who needed things done.

Alison then sat down at the barstool, looking around. She glanced around the area, seeing various people. Alison put her bag down on the side of the stool, placing her foor on top of it to make sure nobody tried to pickpocket her, which happened a bit of times before. Alison thought that in the northern area at least one person might have reconised her. Due to that she just sat around, waiting. She glanced around the room once more, just sitting there.

[Death101]

"Well my bull friend we can stop here for now." I said as i tied him to a wooden fence outside side a pub in the village i stoped at it wasn't as close to the other one as i hoped. I walked up and saw the pub owner. "Give me just a cup of your cheepest Ale." He nodded at what i said and brought me one he clearly didn't see many orcs by the way he was looking at me.

[Vestige Warrior]

"I should apologize as well. It's been a while since I interacted with people. I'm afraid it's affected my social skills. I will try to be better." Pyre did honestly feel bad. He'd snapped at her needlessly. He was slightly offended, but he should've remembered that speaking to a dragon could be intimidating. "I hope not to disappoint you. I'd be happy to share what I know." With a renewed smile, Pyre fell in line with the company. He was excited to be fighting for a good cause again. It felt good, and brought him purpose and direction. "Lead on."

[Sereth]

Rose smiled and nodded at the dragon. It was good to already be making new allies. She was especially excited as he was a dragon, a much needed contender against Garlant's forces. He also seemed to know very much about Garlant, so his information would be beyond helpful as well.

The small group headed to Nora Town, a small walk away from their cave hideaway along the river. It was small and quaint, but had the resources and support the rebellion needed. Nora looked around with a smile, hoping to build a dirt nearby as make it the official rebellion headquarters. They went to the stables, where the manager already had three brown horses prepared for her party. Rose held out a small sack of coins, "thank you for your service, but we have an unexpected fourth member. We'll need another horse." The manager shook his head and pushed back her coins.

"Consider it my service to the defeat of Garlant," he said softly, left, then returned with a black stallion for Pyre to ride.

[Zhang]

looked around as he noticed something different. She saw a female come in and sit at the bar. 'Hmm... Maybe she might have seen something.' He thought silently to himself as he walked over to her stool sitting beside her at the bar. "Are you looking for someone?" He asked before he took a sip of his ale. He hoped she wouldn't just get spooked by him. If she did answer him he would nod in what ever answer she gave. "I see, well judging from your hands you are probably short on coin... Please do not be offended if you are not." He said trying not to seem like a total idiot. Though she would notice that Xiao had too much edicate to be considered with the local drunks, also dressed better. As most of the consumers were dressed in animal hide or peasant clothing he seemed to have a higher quality almost royal fabric. He wasn't from here, "I am looking for answers to my questions as well as a guide I am new to the mountains and do not wish to get lost in the wilderness. I will aslo pay you with riches that will bring you many meals beyond this night. All I want is your cooperation and expertise." He presented his offer then put a small coin purse on the bar infront of her, filled with precious stones, silver and gold. Xiao left the coin purse on the bar waiting for her to accept or try and steal the bag.

[Vestige Warrior]

Pyre was about to decline the gift, but he didn't want to seem rude. Additionally, flying around in his usual would be far to obvious. "Thank you. Your kindness will not be forgotten." Pyre took the reigns in his hands and guided the Friesian outside the stable, patting it's powerful neck before pulling himself onto it's back.

"Heh, it's been a long time since I rode a horse. Thank you for the opportunity." Pyre hadn't ridden a horse in nearly a decade, but he was confident that he would remember quickly. He nudged the horse with his heel, urging it to start walking. With some hesitation, the animal slowly started walking. Pyre turned him in a circle, getting a feel for the animal before the party was ready to head out.

[Death101]

"So Orc what seems to be on your mind?" The pub keep asked as he brought me another mug. "I'm just thinking things are always changing and everyone is on edge because of the war." I took a long swig and he nodded. "Well if you don't have anywhere to go for a bit then you could stay at the bar and work Orcs are great pub keepers aren't they?" He asked pushing some coins in front of me an offering of a job for a short time... I don't have much else do to and I do like to brew and sever beer. "Alright you got yourself a deal." I smiled at him. "Great you can start anytime you want and take any days off we're staffed enough but since Orcs are skilled we won't turn one away we'll let you come and go just let me know when your going okay," He looked at me for an answer. "Yea that's agreeable." I smiled at him. "Wonderful! Welcome to the crew!" He yelled louder then he ment because everyone looked at him but he smiled and i smiled to then we both laughed.

[Sereth]

~GM Post~
Garlant's waiting soon paid off. A messenger of his returned in the mid-afternoon. Breathing heavily, it was obvious that the messenger was in a mad rush to tell King Garlant the news. Garlant didn't give him a chance to catch his breath, "Tell me the news, boy! What information do you have to offer?"

"King Jerthakk...has agreed to join your armies, but only if...he gains access and power over the Ironmore mines and resources. Lord Loanin, of Darunmire, has also agreed, but he wishes dominion over Shinallia and Lillias and the people of elves and faeries." Garlant stroked his beard with a raised eyebrow over the desires of the other kingdoms. He wasn't keen on sharing the land, especially since he wanted total control, but he knew he couldn't succeed with his goals without the Darune or Orcs. He nodded at the messenger.

"We accept these conditions. They can either prepare for war in their own provinces, or they have been granted access to my kingdom and Ferniar. I invite Jerthakk and Loanin come to Eldorn and stay within my castle. They are to await orders before making any moves," He said and the messenger nodded, leaving to send out the second word. Garlant chuckled to himself, "It will be interesting to see how I can turn the two against each other after the war...perhaps I can make them wipe each other out and prevent getting my own hands dirty." Garlant finally left his throne for the day, heading to the war room beyond with a map of Nadilan spread across the table. He skimmed over it, trying to find the most opportune spot to begin his conquest. He eyed Lillias to the north and Ironmore to the west. He was about to mark the location chosen when a pigeon flew in from the back window, "Xiao," He chuckled as he untied the scroll from the pigeon's ankle and set the bird free. He unraveled the scroll and began to read. After finishing he stuffed the note into his pocket.

He left his war room and went out into the courtyard where his foot soldiers were training and preparing. They were dressed in either training uniform or thick black armor signifying power and Garlant's forces. He went up to his captain, Eindor, a human man with thick black hair and a large, strong physique. Eindor saluted Garlant and whistled at his soldiers to stop what they were doing and line up in respect to the King. Garlant gave his orders, "Eindor, take your men and begin patrolling the nearby residences of Ferniar. I have received word that those who oppose me could be hiding in the forests or towns. Burn anything you may find to be a threat." He left the term "threat" as vague on purpose. Garlant wanted them to burn the forests and towns even if there was only a tiny bit of resistance against him. He wanted to give a strong message to the rebellion; that he would destroy them. Eindor nodded with a salute then formed his men's ranks, beginning to march out of the castle courtyard.

Garlant returned to his war room and pulled out a knife. He thrust it into the table leaving it sticking straight up marking a location on the map; Ironmore.

[Sereth]

Rose smirked at Pyre, "Your welcome. I know you probably want to fly, and to be honest, that would be much easier, but Garlant has his eyes open. We don't want him to get any suspicions about us. In the meantime, our cover is simple nomads. We're traveling to Lillias for religious purposes of visiting their temple." She climbed onto her horse and kicked its side with her heel with a, "Hi-yah!" And they began to gallop away, with her comrades closely behind. They left Nora town in a hurry and began to head north along the mountains towards Lillias. As the afternoon sun rose high above them, Rose quickly halted and held up a hand to stop her companions. Her eyes went wide as she saw a platoon of dragons fly overhead southward, luckily not stopping or looking down at them.

"He's looking for us..." She mumbled to herself. She pointed at the two men from the rebellion that were accompanying her, "Return to Nora Town and send out word about Garlant's dragon knights. Keep the base hidden and tell them to raise security to maximum. Whatever you do, do NOT ride back to base. It could give off our position. Either send a scout or go on foot. A horse is too easy to see." They nodded and rode off. She faced Pyre, "We'll continue onward. In the meantime, tell me about Garlant's weapon transport that you mentioned earlier."

[Minasm]

The golden hue of the midday sun beat down on Arstrath's blackened hood. His armor was thick and matted, causing an uncomfortable warmth along his body. The cloaks were practical for swamp living, but would be both obsolete and strange to wear in the peaceful vale of Lillias. As the large travel bird carried him northbound, he tore fragments of his armor off--tossing them towards the horizon itself. Although he did not often express pleasure, Arstrath very much enjoyed the solitude and silence of flying. If he were born a dragon, perhaps he would never land.

It took several hours before the bird began to descend just West of Lillias. However, a slight hum began to make itself noticeable. The noise was light, yet unnerving. At first it reminded him of a bee, which was his only plausible explanation, yet as time went on it became louder and louder until the distinct sounds of a dragon's wings could be deduced. Arstrath looked around him--if a rogue dragon were to find him he might become lunch. Arstrath drew his short sword and pushed the bird downwards, beneath the cloud layer. It was a smart thing to do, as an entire Dragon rider battalion emerged from the thick clouds behind him, barely flying over both he and his travel bird. He counted five dragons at least before the immense gust sent him spiraling downwards. The giant black beasts blocked out the sun for a moment, completely disorienting the poor bird; both Arstrath and his guide plummeted through the wind currents before he passed out.

When Arstrath awoke, it was in the late afternoon. He had landed in a thick forest--no doubt near Lillias. The trees filtered a few golden rays of sunlight through the thicket. Ahead of him, Arstrath's travel bird was grounded in one large heap. He had survived the crash, but the beast did not. Besides him, a clear spring bubbled from the earth, from which he collected enough water for a day or two before leaving. Now that he was near Lillias, he had to be more careful than ever. The armor he had worn saved him from the impact, but it had broken in the process. Not wanting to carry unnecessary weight, Arstrath went near-topless through the forest, wearing only his dark leather leggings, boots and a harness around his chest carrying his weapons. He didn't know the area well, but he moved towards the high ground, hoping to get a better vantage point.

[Teh Firestorm]

Alison glanced at him as he started conversation. Considering to the ammount of detail he payed attention, she knew he might have been looking for something specific. She payed attention to what she said, noticing how much he was willing to pay. Quite a lot for answers and directions. She could easily give instructions, but consdiering how much was being paid... It seemed a bit too much for the simple service. "Hm... Quite a bit of money..." She muttered, then looking back at him. "What's the catch? You seem like a person who might be... Looking for something important... Let me guess. Working for pirates? Scout for some group of sorts? I've worked for lot's of people, and you seem like you're working for someone... A middleman or sorts. Like me." Alison picked up a small coin from the bag, then put it back into it. "But. As long as you have money, I'm willing to give my services."

[Vestige Warrior]

Pyre watched Garlant's knights fly past them, feeling a tingle in his spine. He didn't relish the thought of killing another dragon, but they had made their stand, and so did he. When they had faded from normal view, his eyes returned to the group. He watched the two soldiers ride away with a forlorn expression. "Wind be at your back," he mumbled.

Turning back to Rose, he nodded as he urged his horse forward. "If my information is correct, a cache of supplies is due to be delivered to Garlant's castle in six days. It comes from the western road. If you have forces in that direction, you might be able to ambush the caravan and take the supplies. I don't know how much is coming, only that it's meant to supply his expeditionary forces. Whether or not you accepted my help, I had planned on melting the metal and making a meal out of the soldiers." Humans could be quite tasty when cooked properly.

[Sereth]

"I didn't know dragons ate humans..." Rose said warily, "thank you so much for the information. We should be back at base before then and will be able to make plans to intervene on Garlants cargo. You will be a great help to the rebellion, so if there is anything we can do, just ask. I'm still in awe that you are a dragon and willing to help us, so I'll do what I can to make you comfortable." After finishing, She kicked her horse and picked up speed. They could be in Lillias by nightfall if they kept up their pace.

[Ragnarok]

Veyra bliinked. "Well...there was a murder...in the...town." he said. he didn't want to tell her it was him, she might run away. she simply nodded.

"You know this how?" she raised an eyebrow. Veyra looked at her.

"What is your name?" he asked. she wasn't expecting such a turn of the tables.

"Its... Genevieve." she said. Veyra nodded.

"Well, what is a lady like yourself doing out here on such a fine night?" trying to draw attention away from the job he had done. She smiled.

"I like talking long walks...how about you, kind sir?" She asked. Veyra shook his head slowly trying to think up some lie.

"I was...headed towards...the next town. that's it." he said. she seemed to believe him.

"Take me with you." she said. Veyra coughed.

"What?" he said. he didn't have time to take her with him. he had to be there by sunrise to collect payment. and he didn't want to show her his abilities. but he agreed and they started their long walk.

after an hour or so of walking, she tripped on a rock and sprained her ankle. Veyra sighed and picked her up. he only had a few more hours. but soon, she had fallen asleep. and he used this time to quickly expand his wings and fly. she almost woke up twice. he reached a kingdom. it was the town he was speaking of. he landed soon after, she awoke. "How did we get here so fast?" she said. sleepily.

"We got a ride form a wagon." he said. he had been thinking of what to say to her once she woke up and that was the best he could come up with.

[Honey&Milk]

It had been years since she had first set foot in the quaint comforts of Dogarth, a tiny settlement nestled peacefully on the outskirts on Ironmore—two years, in fact. It was home to several Dwarves, protected on nearly all sides by the surrounding craggy mountains that separated Ironmore from Lillias and was conveniently located next to a mine ripe with precious materials essential to blacksmiths. Initially, those mines held no interest to Camille when she had first stumbled upon Dogarth during her travels. It appeared to her as nothing more than a dark and dank cave where one could easily get lost due to its many paths, and most certainly it wasn’t a place she’d had any desire to go traipsing through. That drastically changed as time went on, however. Ores, semiprecious jewels, they were essential to blacksmiths just as much as they were to inventors of other creations besides weaponry. Though despite her new found respect for mines and the raw, invaluable materials held within them, she certainly didn’t think she needed satchels full of the stuff.

“Your concern is touching, truly,” Camille began with a near imperceptible sigh, “but I think I’d rather have useful rations for my homeward journey, particularly rations that are edible. Aside from that, I am not a pack mule.” She stressed her words in hopes of getting her point across with a shake of her head and a faint smile upon her lips. The elderly dwarf who had kindly taken her in and taught her all she currently knew when it came to being an artisan, Boaz, was nothing if not impractical. He meant well, she knew. He was eager to send her back into the world to make her own way as an inventor with a large supply of refined ores straight from Dogarth’s very own mines, an incredibly touching act for the usually emotionally stunted dwarf. Looking at the three bags packed with nothing but heavy ores he expected her to carry across the mountains merely made the young woman briefly chuckle. Boaz’s heart was in the right place; his logic however was nowhere to be found.

“And let all these beauties go ta’ waste? I think not,” the man grumpily replied, his arms crossed in a show of defiance. Despite his stance, it was clear in his voice that he conceded to defeat on the matter, albeit with more than a little reluctance. With thundering steps that bellied his small size, Boaz went back into his small house to retrieve a satchel that Camille desperately hoped was filled with useful provisions: food, water and the like. The idea of any medicinal supplies was nothing but wishful thinking as there weren’t any grassy fields around Dogarth, let alone fields that actually held medicinal herbs. She may have been an Elf, but her aptitude when it came to healing magic was less spectacular and more poignantly crude at best.

When the stout man returned and handed her the bag, she was happy to find that it was indeed filled with items necessary for her survival. Bending at the waist, Camille gave a curt bow to show her appreciation towards him, her short locks of peach colored hair hopefully creating a curtain around her face to hide the bittersweet tilt of her lips. She’d miss the dusty little village she’d called home, the first real home she’d ever had, and she’d miss even more the grouchy dwarf who’d given her more than just knowledge of his trade. “Thank you, Bo. We’ll meet again.” Her promise was one she’d like to believe, one that she tried to assure herself of as without another word she took off towards the towering mountains.

It had been two years. It was finally time to return home…to Lillias.

[Death101]

"See you later boss I'm going upstairs for a sleep it's been crazy and I'm going to sleep early." I started up the steps to where they were allowing me to stay. "Alright thanks for your help today Borax I am glad to have you." I yawned and waved to what he said then I climb the stairs went to my room and laid down on the bed they offered me.

[Vestige Warrior]

Pyre simply chuckled. "Only when they're trying to kill me. But please, don't trouble yourself at my expense. If there's not enough room at headquarters, I'll find a roost somewhere nearby." With that, he clipped his heals to the horses sides and urged her forward. He kept pace just off Rose's right shoulder, always scouting the skies for impending attack.
---------------------------------------

Bearach crouched low in the tall grass, his gaze firmly fixed on the caravan passing in front of him. He'd seem the same group half a day earlier, with horses pulling loud wagons full of clanking metal under canvas covers. Several soldiers in chain and plate armor either rode horses or trotted along, while a few men with bows dragged their feet out of sheer boredom.

Bearach had no trouble avoiding the scout ahead of the group. He was a nomad by birth, which made him learned in the ways of hiding within the landscape. He knew better than to take them on by himself. But he despised Garlant's forces for the sheer fact that they tended to harass the nomadic tribes of the land into paying taxes.

[Sereth]

"You have an interesting sense of humor," rose mumbled in his response to his reason to eat humans, "ok, sounds good. Just know that I'll be sure to accommodate your needs. You're the first dragon I've met, so I'm not sure about what dragons need to be comfortable." Rose sighed and stopped talking. She felt like she was being a nuisance. Junonvwas so much better at social situations and negotiations. Rose was only trying to imitate him, in order to be a good leader, but it felt awkward and she tended to present her fake self in order to seem strong and capable.

They rode on until sun down and soon a thick forest came into view. Rose slowed down, "we must be at the border. Lillias is made up of basically forests. There should be a town not too deep in the trees. We can find rest there, present our plans, then return to Nora."

[Honey&Milk]

The echoing call of a wizened old dwarf replayed continuously in the back of Camille’s mind, giving her the strength and encouragement she hadn’t verbally expressed she needed but was inexplicably grateful for all the same.

“You’d best send word of yer arrival once you get settled, otherwise I’ll come down da’ mountainside for a visit, and it won’ be for tea n’ crumpets,” Boaz had roared, his heavily accented voice carrying far and wide just before the young woman disappeared into the troughs of jagged rocks that made up the larger than life mountain range. Camille was undoubtedly touched by his faith in her abilities—that she could actually make something of herself, that she could even make it back to Lillias alive to begin with—and that alone propelled her steps forward with unshakable determination. She tried not to think about how incompetent she was when it came to fighting, not exactly a bad skill to have thanks to Nadilan’s current state of affairs, and focused solely on moving forward. The first time she’d attempted to cross these mountains she had barely made it to the other side alive. Without a map she had lost her way numerous times, nearly plummeted to her death more times than that, and was attacked by wild beasts, all thoughts she pushed aside in order to maintain her invigorated steps.

Her satchel slung over her shoulder and her not so trusty bow and quiver strapped to her back, she slowly ascended to the peak. If all went well, she would reach the summit in approximately a day and a half and be back on level land once again by the third night. Finding her clan was a task that unfortunately would not be as easily achieved as scaling down the mountain pass. Her people wandered about the entirety of Lillias on mere whims, entertainers that were as easily swayed as falling leaves in the wind. They could be anywhere, and being an eccentric group who lived out of caravans there would be no ‘home’, no house to return to. Camille’s clan may have been as free flowing as the gentle breeze, going wherever their feet led them, but if there was one thing they were experts at without a doubt, it was being horribly steadfast in their habits. Even after so long, that one fact she was sure had most definitely remained the same.

With that slightly irritating thought in mind as the sun began to sink below the horizon, she made plans to set up camp for the long, cold night ahead. She had left Dogarth well before there was even a hint of the fluorescent twinkling that now lit up the sky. The further she climbed the cooler it became, the air thinned out, and the howling winds reminiscent of all manner of creatures that made sounds in the night had her on edge. On top of that, breathing was becoming a difficult chore and she had no intentions of overexerting herself any further. She waited until she found the perfect spot to rest and recuperate for the night, a small crevice between two particularly blunt rocks that jutted out to create a teepee formation that would provide meager protection from the elements. Camille sat down with a labored huff, lazily cursing the harsh conditions she’d be forced to put up with for the next few days. She would endure it however as she desperately believed there were greater things ahead. Blowing away stray wisps of hair from her face, the young elf looked down towards the tiny town she had left behind, now nothing more than a speck and muttered resolutely, “I won’t let you down.”

[Vestige Warrior]

Pyre's horse slowed to a lazy stroll as they neared the treeline. The large animal seemed almost grateful for the slow-down, as it had been running for quite a while. He scanned the trees for imminent danger, then sighed in relief when he found none. 'Just a little while longer, he thought silently. He could feel it now, the slight fatigue that told him he was reaching his limit. He needed to return to his natural form soon, but he was confident that they would reach their destination long before it became a problem.

Pyre responded to her statements with yet another smile. "Dragons can be as fickle as humans, Lady Ellinor. What is comfortable to one bronze may not hold true for a brass, or even another bronze. I can't spend to much time in this form anyway, so trying to accommodate a being of my size could be tedious to the point of lunacy. Direct me toward the action when conflict arises and I will be eternally grateful." His expression changed, becoming noticeably curious as he gazed at Rose. "What troubles you? You seem frustrated."

[Sereth]

Rose shook her head, "It's nothing...we're almost there, so let us just press forward," she let her horse slowly trot toward the forest. Soon, rose smelled smoke and could make out a gray haze rising from the forest's edge, "what?" She whispered in a furious snap. She squinted and could make out flames near the edge of the forest, "that's near the town we were traveling to! What could have caused this? What if the fire has already reached town?!" She spoke aloud, and in a worried flurry raced into the forest to find the source of the flames.

Rose had to back off immediately as the flames were too strong for her horse. The town hidden within the trees was ablaze with no signs of mercy. Rose's eyes went wide with terror as she saw townfolk fleeing or trying to escape their homes with no hope for saving their possessions. Rose didn't know what to do, she yearned to help as we heart tugged at her to risk her life to do something for the people, but her horse and her mind made her back off from the dangerous flames. "Wh-what can I do?" She stamped, looking back and forth frantically for a sign of hope.

[valkoordb]

Arienai and Brother had come far. The eastern mountain range between Shinallia and Ferniar was no longer visible behind them to the east. They were traveling west. They were heading twoards Ironmore. The farmer who's barn they slept in last night had been blind and very kind. He had provided word that many "unique" men and women of all races had been traveling there of late. He said they either wanted to avoid king Garlant's strangle hold on the land, or they were looking for decent work, or even just a fine enchanted weapon. Arienai smirked at this information and he and Brother both desired to head there. They themselves were unique by anyone's standards and they were looking to find somone who could understand them. They wanted to meet someone wise and strong and... well an outcast, like themselves.

So they flew west. Being so small, and yet poweful in magic, they were agile and fast. They were already passing just south of Eldorn. 'Do you sense that Brother? Garlant has truly gathered nearly every dragon in the land. I can feel their presence eminating from the capital city.'

Brother responded, 'Yes I sense it also. So many dragons. Young and old. That would not be a place to be if you were marked as a foe of dragons.'

'I agree. The king should be warry of keeping so many ancient and powerful beings so close. Dragons' wills are their own. They can not be surpressed for long.'

'Yes. Like an iceburg in water. You can push it beneath the surface for a time, but it will shoot up eventually causing a large splash. This will be like the wrath of the dragons if the king does not watch himself.'

'I agree. Ive seen a dragon once his rider is lost, Pyre I believe his name was. It is not a sight I ever want to see again. Let alone on the scale that will happen in the ranks of the king's army.'

'Arienai one thing is for sure...'

'... That much bloodshed and havoc is forth coming.'

With that the two landed. They were tired by their sombering thoughts and wished to rest. Arienai headed north alone to "gather" supplies. Humans were easy to steal form. He would hide his wings against his back and hope his apperance didn't stand out. Too much.

[Zhang]

Listened as she questioned him and who he worked for. Xiao smiled, and listened to all her questions. "The catch is nothing you can refuse and I'll leave you to yourself. But I am not looking for something rather someone. I suppose you could say I am a middle man of some sorts. Wealthy people hire me when their own sources are exausted. I am simply looking for any information you might have gathered about a military camp in these regions." He said, trying to keep his tongue held on the words he spoke. Not giving out too much information because he wanted to keep his noteriety down for the most part. He looked around a moment studying quickly the people around him. Keeping an eye on any changes or anyone that might be off in the setting such as himself. Xiao took another sip of his drink, placing the glass back on the bar. Chuckling when she asked if he worked for pirates. "I am no pirate, I am simply a finder and a fixer. Now that the catch is out of the way here is my proposition, I wish to find a military group that has been having large amounts of goods come through this area regularly. I have been following the trail from Feniar, But it gets cold here and I would like you to help me find this military. Of course that sack there is only half of what you'll recieve. Once you find this military group, you will recieve the rest of the pay." Xiao told the female. He waited for her response politely drinking his ale.

[Death101]

"Borax get up the towns on fire!" I awoke to my new friend the pub keeper shaking me. "WHAT?!?" I shouted at him as I jumped from the bed i smelled the smoke. "Let's get out of here!" I shouted at him and he nodded we both raced towards the area where our mounts where I untied my Bull as he untied his horse. "We must get out of town while we can Borax let's ride!" He shouted and nodded. "Let's got Ingith." He nodded and we rode off. "What happend Ingith?" I looked towards my friend as we rode out of the town towards the woods. "I don't know i just saw the smoke what do we do now?" He asked sadly. "My friend i was heading towards the elves kingdom your welcome to join me." He looked at me as i spoke. "Well i supose your really the only friend i can say I had no family before so I guess we can ride whenever." He stated sadly. "Then let's go before the fire catchs us." He nodded and we started off slowly.

[Minasm]

Arstrath broke free of the dense thicket to find a most intriguing sight; in the middle of a large, grassy clearing, a single tree shot from the ground. Around the thick trunk, spring flowers of many different varieties had grown, unperturbed by the industrial world he knew. In the clearing, the air was cooler than it had been in the forest, and the light from the sun was, at last, without hindrance. The tree in the center was no ordinary tree, however. From the base of the trunk, a large archway had been carved out--it's ornate framework a sure sign of elven occupancy.

Arstrath sprinted across the grass, using the coming cover of night to fully utilize his inborn abilities. Being a Darune had some perks after all. The weeds were thick around the house, so Arstrath had no trouble concealing himself beneath one window. There wasn't any glass to stop him from entering, but the soft glow of a hearth and the sound of pots and pans being moved did not encourage him to go barging in. Nonetheless, he would not be doing much for himself by simply standing there. Slowly, he peeked through the window.

Inside, a fat, yet limber elven man was setting a table for himself. As far as Arstrath knew, the man was the only member of the shack--a good sign for someone like him. Silently, Arsrath leapt into the room. At first he went unnoticed, but then the old man shuddered as the reality finally set in.

"Who are you?" The elf asked in a thick accented common tongue. Arstrath did not answer, and when the man spun around, the elf almost had a heart attack. "I have no money! I-I am... recluse!" Arstrath slowly stepped forward, drawing his sword from his hip. "Please!" The old elf looked as if he were about to cry, backing himself against the rough wooden wall. There was no hearth--the house was made out of wood afterall--just several large torchbugs strung up on the wall. It was an efficient solution to providing non-inflammatory, artificial light.

Arstrath was so intrigued by the exceptionally practical idea he hardly realized that the elf was even there. With a swift swing, Arstrath cut through the linen robe and then fatty tissue of the old man. When he was done, the house returned to it's naturally peaceful state. The torchbugs glowed, a soup pot began to Emmit steam from its pot, and the crickets outside had begun to chirp. The only difference was that now a large, mutilated corpse lay on the smooth wood floor.

"Nice house..." Arstrath snatched a few torchbugs for himself, as well as some bread and cheese before ransacking the rest of the dwelling. The house yielded little else, but he marked it on his map nonetheless should he ever come in need of it. Before leaving, Arstrath dumped the mans body in a ditch, and then lit it on fire. The last thing he wanted was for elven travelers to come across the place. With newly renewed vigor, Arstrath took the old elf's mule and mounted it as best he could. He wore the few extra robes he found over his own armor to avoid suspicion, before galloping along the overgrown trail. Who knew what he would come across in Lilliath.

[Vestige Warrior]

Without a word Pyre leapt straight into the air. He revoked the magic that he had been maintaining for the last several hours. His clothing became shining bronze scales as he came into his true form: that of a proud Bronze Dragon. Without warning, he dove down and lifted Rose off her saddle, sending both their horses into a panic.

"Don't struggle! Don't want to drop you!" Pyre flew over the blaze, beating his wings furiously to try to keep the smoke away. When the town finally came into view, hope fell into short supply. The fire was quickly encroaching on the village, with one building already beginning to smoke. Pyre set her down as gently as he could in the center of town, though even with care her landing was rough at best.

"Get everyone to safety, i'll try to stop the fire!" At that, he threw himself back into the air, disappearing into the smoke so as not to panic the townsfolk. He wasn't sure if he could actually save any of the buildings, but he was going to try his hardest.

[Honey&Milk]

Lavender colored eyes squinted to read the words and diagrams scrawled along the slightly crumpled parchment through the ever encroaching darkness. With a fastidious hand, Camille attempted to smooth out the creases it had obtained from being stuffed in her bag, her nose crinkling in a bout of momentary annoyance before giving up. They were convoluted blueprints for one of Camille’s unfinished works, the paper littered with notes detailing possible improvements and necessary changes alongside a list of crossed out words. The blueprints weren’t just fanciful ideas; she had been able to make a tangible, fully working, and unfortunately highly flawed device that was still her pride and joy, her first creation. Placing her notes down beside her, she took a moment to dig through her bag, a triumphant noise escaping her lips as her fingers closed around the thing she was looking for. Delicately lifting it into her line of sight, she twisted her hand and let the radiant moonlight catch and reflect off its smooth surface.

The sky, awash with millions of bright lights was not quite unlike the small contraption Camille held in her grasp. Small enough to fit comfortably in the palm of her hand, it was weighty and cool to the touch. It was crude in design and make, the device being nothing more than half a sphere made of steel, the center of which was hallowed out. Inside that hole a copper plated conduit led to a tiny, dazzling gem that through sheer luck Camille had found out was able to produce a faint glow when infused with magic. The light it emitted couldn’t stay brightly lit for more than a handful of minutes—five at most, if you were lucky—and would need to be imbued with magic once again to regain its dim shine. What she truly wanted was a constant light source that could last for hours—no, days if it were possible! Boaz was able to forge the handheld semi-sphere for her so she was certain its craftsmanship, while not the most refined, wasn’t the issue preventing it from staying lit for a longer duration of time. It baffled Camille to no end. Did it need better materials? One’s not found in Dogarth’s mine? Or was it her design that was flawed? She felt it was close to completion, the thing in her hand the mere prototype to what she felt would be a great invention.

Shivering as a cool breeze swept by, she huddled further into the small crevice and unconsciously pulled her jacket tighter around her body. It did little against the chilling bite in the air, but it would have to do. “I’ll figure you out yet, you mark my words,” she muttered with a sparkling light in her eyes and a mind racing with various possibilities and solutions. Lost in thought, she was entirely oblivious to anything around her and slowly without realizing it she drifted off into a light slumber. The billowing smoke that rose steadily from a roaring fire not too far away went unnoticed...

[Ragnarok]

Veyra set Genvieve on a bench. " Here...." he picked up a sack of some cold substance and gave it to her. it was a small sack that was cold to the touch. he didn't like it. the cold made him weak. he let go of the bag and his blood started warming up again. he sighed. some smoke coming from his nostrils. he saw many people scream. How had i not sensed or even SEEN this? he thought to himself. he was ready to pick Genvieve and take her away. and thats when he heard them. Dragon Wings.

he knew they weren't a birds or any other winged creatures. he knew it because he, himself had wings and a dragons wings make a unique sound when they flap. he scanned the skies for the majestic beast. Genvieve told him to leave. the town was on fire. but he didn't listen. he needed answers. he had never heard of a dragon hybrid. he never met one either. he wanted to know what it meant. he heard rumors that its a curse. given to those who barter with dragons. and others say its the highest honor you can receive.

He spotted the Dragon in the sky. he, or she, had rushed into the smoke. Veyra made his own wings materialize. he didn't care what others thought of him. as long as he got his answers. he followed the dragon into the smoke.

[Sereth]

Rose's eyes went wide and she yelped in surprise as the dragon, Pyre, lifted her up off her horse and into the air. He took her over the forest's fire and placed her near a smoking building. As he instructed her to help the people, Risw calmed down and gave a strong nod, knowing her duty. She watched as a flurry of people tried to escape, but then noticed a family in the smoking house trying to grab everything they could from their belongings.

"Don't take anything more! You need to leave before you get trapped!" Rose rushed over to them and commanded. It was a mother, father and their teenage son, "your lives are worth more than possessions!" The father nodded taking thr sons arm, but Rose noticed the mother crying.

"These dishes were an heirloom!" She whimpered refusing to leave without her dining set. Rose shook her head and took her arm, pulling her out of the doorway. Following them was a crash as the floor above collapsed down where the mother was standing.

"Just things. You wouldn't be able to enjoy them anyway if you were dead," rose said and let her free to escape.

[Death101]

"Borax... I just realized this but shouldn't we have helped?" I looked at my friend for a moment. "You want to go back and help?" I looked at him I knew what he'd say. "Those people are the closet thing to a family I've got lets go." He turned around and charged back in and so I followed I noticed the girl already trying to help so i stopped near her. "Anything I can do to help?" I asked hoping off my bull mount.

[Sereth]

Rose was startled by an orc asking to help. She nodded at his offer, "Make sure everyone is out of their homes and outside the town. After that, try and find a way to douse the flames. I have a friend on the job currently, so we need to make sure these people are safe. Be careful yourself, too. Some of the building are starting to collapse." Rose gave instruction then continued to try and help those in need. She found an older woman trying to escape, so she quickly took the woman's arm and began to escort her out of the fire's boundaries. When she exited the town, she noticed many of the towns folk using the dirt from the ground to subdue the flames from entering further into the forest. It helped contain the fire, but it was still spreading quickly. Rose looked up into the sky, "Please Pyre...do whatever it was you were planning."

[Death101]

I ran about doing what I could to help I was moving as fast as I could and i saw Ingith doing the same. "My friend becarfull." I shouted as we crossed paths. "As to you." then we ran off again to help kill the flames.

[Minasm]

Arstrath's mule galloped for an hour or so before the sun had almost completely dipped below the horizon. The eerie glow of twilight still remained, making the trees somewhat discernible, while doing little else. The faint smell of a fire lingered in the air, and Arstrath couldn't help but wonder whether it was another fire altogether, or if the fire he used earlier had left it's stench on his burlap robe. Either way, Arstrath brushed the fallen leaves and dust off his shoulders before spurring the large grey beast onward. In the dark, Arstrath used the torchbugs to provide artificial light, as to stay on path.

The trail was mostly just mud and dirt, with the occasional broken pave way. Perhaps there was once some elven settlement nearby, but now there was just a forlorn sense of abandonment and solitude. The trees were low and would often swipe at his face, as if to say, "No! Do not trek here!" The Darune pressed on through the vale nevertheless until he emerged once more. This time, he was perched atop a cliff of sorts. From his standpoint, he coud see the last of the day's sunlight fade, while still illuminating many different structures in the forests below. One of which was a great spire of marble, surrounded by various domes and prisms. Undoubtedly, this was some ancient elven site of importance. Perhaps it was even the town he was meant to land at. Slapping the mule's back with the leather reigns, he made to descend the great cliff and head in the towns general direction.

Instead, a low growl came from the darkness behind him. Reluctantly, he dismounted and drew his sword--still warm from it's most recent kill. A pack of seven large, black dire wolves had snuck up on his mule, each circling him with desire in their eyes. They all were pitch-black, and had large shoulders and hipbones. Their bodies were somewhat emaciated however, meaning they were hungry. Arstrath held his blade at a distance, eying each one. The largest had a terrifying white scar across his eye, marking him as the most experienced in combat. Perhaps he would not be so lucky today.

The sun dipped ever lower, but Arstrath held the torchbugs from a string in one hand, while brandishing his blade in another. Almost immediately, the smallest of them attacked; it lunged with an open mouth and wild snarl. In response, Arstrath ducked as to let it soar overhead. As it passed over him however, he thrust his blade upwards, tearing open its fragile underbelly. With such a devastating wound, the hound snarled, biting at it's own severed entrails before falling limp in the dirt. Perhaps this wolf had been the outcast of the group, but Arstrath did not fear much nonetheless.

"Come beasts!" Arstrath spoke directly to the leader, who simply sat on its haunches as two more rushed forth. Perhaps this would take even longer than expected.

[Teh Firestorm]

Alison~
As the man explained the job to her, Alison thought for a moment. "Well..." she spoke, glancing around, trying to see if he was looking for something in the bar. "A military group... As for the information you request. I haven't seen too many suspicious people pass through Lillias lately. I've spent quite a lot of time here. Just the usual people passing through, nothing too much out of the ordinary... But I'll help you." She thought for a bit, looking down at her knives. She then glanced back up at the bag. She then thought for a bit. "Tracking this group, however... Not exactly my specialty. I've got terrible luck with that..." Alison told him "However... It shouldn't be that hard. This area is the prime place to look for weapons."

Blake~
Somewhere in the sown, Blake searched around to see anything that could he could help with. He glanced around the area, looking through any windows to see if anyone was in the remaining buildings. Blake continued around the place, watching people run out. "Is there anyone still here?" He muttered to himself, still going around. He kicked open a few doors he passed by, checking that nobody was still there. He kept walking around the area. He then exited the area, then seeing various people escaping with the same path. Immidiatly after that, he noticed someone he knew. He got a bit closer and identified her as his leader."Rose? Ma'am? When did you get here?"

[Sereth]

Rose was caught off guard as a rebellion solider of hers, Blake, came up to her. "I arrived just as the fire started. I've brought the plans for the weapon, but I was supossed to meet my contact in that town. Now I'll be forced to travel to the Capitol and ask the elven leader for direct assistance..." She said softly relaying the information to him alone, "Garlants dragons have also been spotted on patrol. I fear his suspicions have grown. Ive sent word to base to put everything on lockdown for the time being."

Rose thought for a moment about her predicament as well as the cargo Pyre had informed her about. She nodded to herself and reached down her shirt, pulling out the scroll filled with the weapon blueprints, "Blake, could I assign you this duty? I have business to attend to, but if you could present these plans in my stead, I would be eternally grateful. I you're not up to it, that is understandable."

[Teh Firestorm]

"Ma'am. Under normal circumstances I would accept that duty, but there is a bit of a problem.. I think it would be better if you are to go around this area if I were to come with. Long story short-I think someone... Nevermind." Blake shook his head a bit, looking down. He then shook off the thought for a moment. "Plus my alias kind of has been tracked here... If I may, I would rather stay with you." He repeated, then looking back up. "I am sorry for this... Hold on. Have I told you about a story from about two years ago?

[Sereth]

Rose shook her head, "now is not time for stories. This towns fire is still out of control and I need to head to the leader of the elves. Perhaps another time, but I'm currently on a mission. Also, if your alias has been tracked it would be best for you not to travel with me. You understand. I cannot be found out as the rebel leader."

[Teh Firestorm]

"Right. Forgot about that. Well, all of that. In which case, I guess I'll head there after we finish up here. Heh. Well then..." Blake glanced around. He then turned back to Rose "Would you then wish me to stay fix up here or head over immidiatly?" He thought for a moment, looking around the area again

[Vestige Warrior]

((Sorry for the long wait, drama...))

Pyre had flown to the far side of the town. Landing just ahead of the blaze, with flames licking at his scales, the turned away from the fire and kicked dirt as fast as his large feet could kick. After several minutes, he'd moved enough earth to extinguish the flames. Mounds of freshly moved dirt stood as barriers against flair-ups. He did this many times, until the town was relatively safe. He wasn't sure if it would stay safe, but it would at least give the townspeople long enough to evacuate.

Once he was finished, he circled above Rose for a moment, making sure that she wasn't in danger before landing nearby. He gently set down on all fours, pulling his wings in tight before speaking. He wasn't able to invoke is disguising magic just yet; this form would have to do until then. "Did you get everyone out?"

[Sereth]

Dirt began to flurry everywhere. Rose shielded her eyes as Pyre extinguished the flames in a matter of minutes. Rose laughed proud of the work he did and very relieved that it was stopped before it was too late. She looked to Blake, "do what you think is best." She paused, "Actually... If you could relay this information back to base, I would be most grateful. In six days, a cargo of Garlants weapon supply will be on the road traveling in delivery to his castle in Eldorn. Tell our tacticians about this and have them start planning a way to intercept it." She finished her orders as Pyre landed nearby.

"Did you get everyone out?" He asked and Rise nodded.

"No noticeable casualties yet. Thank you for you help." She noticed it was getting late as darkness surrounded them now that the fire was out, but it was no time to rest, "we need to hurry to the Capitol. It's in the center of the forest, but I'm going to have to show these plans directly to the elven leader now that this town is destroyed. Then we will return to base."

[Teh Firestorm]

Blake backed up from the air shifting and the dirt flying around. "Whoa, dragon... Hrm..." Blake said as Pyre landed, backing up from the two. He then waited a moment as Rose finished speaking to the dragon. He then turned around the path "I believe I'll head out then. I'll be seeing you later then"

[Ragnarok]

"Hey! Dragon!" Veyra said, as the dragon had not yet noticed him. or had and decided to pay no mind. he saw Genvieve in the corner of his eyes, wide-eyed. probably shocked by his truer form. He landed in front of the dragon, in between him and the woman. whom he was talking to. he thought she was his rider, but he didn't have any business with her. Veyra bowed to the dragon. "It's...an honor to meet you..."

[Death101]

I rode up to the women Ignith right behind. "Well now that, that is over I should introduce myself, Borax pleasure to meet you and this is Ignith. We'd love to chat but the Elve kingdom is a travle. I hope we meet again if you no qustions we should go." I spoke fast beacuse I wanted to make haste to the kingdom.

[Zhang]

Xiao thought about it for a moment. She couldn't track anything and hadn't heard about anyone moving any militant caravans of the sort. She offered help. He'd pay her for the deed if she proved useful some how. "Then I will pay you the rest when we've made it to those I seek." He paused watched her look from her knives to the bag. "Well, then you have given me your information that money is your's." He wondered if he could trust her, Xiao thought and smiled. "You are right, well if you offer your skills, then I accept and give my thanks." Xiao said pulling out the other bag of money. Putting it beside the first. "If you cannot trak them, then maybe you can help me find my way through Lillias, I have never been in this area of Nadilan." He said, He would wait for a moment let her think. "I have to spend some time here so you have until sunrise to decide, I'll be waiting for you here." Xiao told her where she could find him, he took only one bag and walked away sticking it back into his satchel. He walked out of the bar, he kept vigilant. Ironmore may have some suprises yet. He wandered into the town and looked for a higher view. Finding a tree He would climb to the highest part and take a look enjoying the view as soon it was sure to be filled with flames.

[Vestige Warrior]

Pyre was startled by Veyra. He'd been so preoccupied with the fire and with the others that had gathered that he hadn't noticed the presence of the hybrid. At was enough to put him on edge, but landing between himself and Rose was immediately seen as an aggressive action. Pyre's response to his words was a resounding roar with some side stepping so that Rose was close by, though not right next to him. The last time someone surprised him, he'd lost everything he held dear.

Though she was not his Rider, she was his commander. Only a few short hours beforehand he had pledged his life to her, and he planned on honoring that pact. The Bronze was prepared to strike if the visitor's intentions proved to be ill in nature. The air around him became charged, as if lightning were about to strike. "What's your business?"

[Ragnarok]

Veyra gulped. he had a feeling he didn't wanna piss him off. so he calmly said "I had a few questions...that only a Dragon can answer. and now, he couldn't remember half of them. he looked behind him at the woman that the dragon was looking at before landing. Veyra moved to let him move to er. it seemed as if Veyra standing in between them was annoying.

[valkoordb]

Arienai walked past the wealthy man. The duke, or baron, or more likely some lesser noble had pockets sagging with gold. He thought his five gaurds would protect him, but all Arienai had to do was call fire to heat their armor slowly till they passed out from heat stroke. He then faked panic and ran past the man, while at the same time releaving the noble of two heavy bags of coin.

"Ha!" He said as he rested a few alley ways away. "The rich are so easy to rob when they aren't surrounded by gaurds. Those deep pockets are so easy to pick, they never even feel the slightest thing." With that he bought a bundle of some exotic fruit to eat, prefering natural food, and strode twoard the place.

'Brother, I will be seeking an audince with the king soon. I need a bit more gold to get both supplies and bribe the gaurds. I will make a request about seeing the dragons and be aloof about mentioning you. If all goes well we will find mother.' He shot the thought to Brother through their mental link.

'Yes Arienai I understand. I will wait outside the city till your call.' Brother responded.

Arienai smiled as he saw a coach drawn by two white horses. "Now there is a truly rich man." He said with an impish grin he discarded the remnants of his fruit he had started to eat and handing the other five large melons to a blind begger. He seemed to be a half breed and must be looked down on. Much like him. "Eat well tonight friend. Outcast like us must watchout for eachother lest we be oppressed by the filth in this city."

With that he took off after the coach and the wealthy man inside...

[Vestige Warrior]

Pyre eyed the man cautiously. "It's customary to introduce oneself before asking for favors." Pyre knew he wasn't being very cordial, but considering the circumstances he felt very justified. "I'm not in a very good mood, Gifted. Who are you?"

Pyre looked to Rose to see what she thought of the hybrid.

[Ragnarok]

Veyra nodded. " I am Veyra..." he paused for a second. "Its just...i haven't seen a dragon in...over 10 years. i guess i got excited." he followed the Dragon's gaze to the girl. even if they weren't dragon and rider, he looked for her permission awfully a lot.

[Sereth]

Rose was just becoming impatient, "you can catch up with your friend if u need to, Pyre," she said folding her arms and tapping her foot, "you can meet me in the Capitol if you wish." She left to find her horse waiting on the other side of town. She mounted it and prepared to leave.

[Honey&Milk]

With a jolt, Camille awoke to an inky midnight sky, the dazzling stars obscured by a hazy layer of smoke that tainted the purity of the air around her. She wasn’t sure how long she had been asleep. In all honesty, she hardly even remembered falling asleep at all, a slightly perplexing thought that had her reaching for her bow she had placed not too far off. All manner of beasts prowled exclusively at night; she needed to stay vigil at least until she made it safely to Lillias, though that thought was promptly pushed aside as she looked above her.

Standing up, she secured her weapon to her back with clumsy fingers. Her eyes were fixated upon the smoggy sky, a hint of worry creasing her brow as she sniffed the air and nearly coughed. The chocking scent of charred wood wafted about her, tainted with a hinge of something familiar. The trees found in Lillias had a peculiar order to them, one unlike other foliage found in other regions of Nadilan—or so she’d been told by her mother—and that smell was closely intertwined with one of burnt woods.

“That’s somewhat perplexing,” she muttered, hand deep into her satchel in search of the loaf of bread she had recalled seeing packed away earlier. The bread was coated lightly with honey, a thought that barely registered in the back of her mind as she chewed while hastily stuffing her papers into the bag. The obvious fire that had raged while she slept bothered her more than she was willing to admit and hopefully if she sped up her ascent to the top of the mountain she would be able to get a decent view of the forests that blanketed her homeland. Panicking would get her nowhere, however. Careful steps were needed lest she fall to her death in haste. With a fast though steady gait she climbed, her feet finding purchase on the crumbling bits of rock with a bit of difficulty as she went.

Though she realized once deep into the heart of the mountain that the path was beginning to look less and less familiar. Camille had scaled the numerous passages a few times together with Boaz and while she didn’t have the extensive knowledge of all its twists and turns like he did, she was at least able to pick out one or two landmarks that helped her gain her bearings. Nothing around her seemed vaguely familiar. Upon noticing this, she made to spin around and find the path she apparently veered off of but unfortunately lost her balance mid-turn and the soft foothold she was standing on began to fall to pieces. A strangled cry left her lips in surprise as she slid on her back down a bumpy slop. Coming to an abrupt stop as she landed none too gracefully on a small thought thankfully sturdy cliff, all she could do was lay where she landed and groan in both pain and distress. There was no way back up the steep slope. To make matters worse, once her eyes refocused and caught sight of a towering castle town off in the distance instead of the densely forested lands of the Elves she had hoped to return to, she could do naught but curse beneath her breath.

Of course her horrible sense of direction and overall bad luck would lead her straight toward Ferniar.

[Vestige Warrior]

"I will accompany you, lady," he said with deep respect. "This man is unknown to me, and is no friend of mine." His next sentence was directed just as much to Veyra than it was to Rose. "If he wishes my friendship, he'll have to prove himself worthy of it." He backed away from the stranger, still not fully trusting him. He seemed non-aggressive, but one could never be careful enough.

When he'd reached Rose again, he spoke quietly. "Forgive me, Lady Ellinor. But his kind are as unpredictable as any other on this continent. If you would be so kind as to give me a moment, I will revert and retrieve my horse. I believe she found herself a basket of apples left behind by the fleeing villagers." Pyre's respect for Rose was great, as one would treat nobility. It was her strength and willingness to lead that he admired, but he saw so much of her mate in her.

[Sereth]

When Pyre returned Rose gave him a soft smile. He truly was loyal to his word and a very respectable person. She knew he would be a great help to the rebellion, "then we shall ride," she said then liked her horse to get started, but not too fast so that pyre could keep close and hear her speak, "it is probably too late in the night to have an audience, so I plan to stay in the first Inn we come upon for the night. I assume you prefer to roost?" She didn't want to offend him again as she knew little to nothing about dragons.

[Vestige Warrior]

Pyre found his horse doing just as he suspected; burying it's snout in apples and grain. He felt bad interrupting it's meal, but they had to be moving and there was no time to waste stuffing faces with food. "Don't worry, i'll make sure you get a nice long rest tonight."

Returning with horse in tow, Pyre was once again human-looking. The ash that adhered to his scale had transferred to his skin, dotting it with gray blotches. His clothes were in the same state. Either because he didn't care or simply did not realize, he didn't seem to notice them. He swung himself up into the saddle, ready to follow the rebel leader. He did, however, take one last great inhale, as if to memorize the smells around him.

When she mentioned seeking an inn for the night, Pyre chuckled as a vivid picture was born in his head. The innkeeper knocking on their door to bring breakfast, peeking his head in when he heard no answer, only to find a dragon cooped up in the tiny room, mouth agape in a deep snore. It was only after this tiny fantasy was over that he responded to Rose's question. "It's not so much my preference, but it is the safer option. We wouldn't want to give anyone such a fright for fear they may drop dead where they stood!"

"I'll most likely find a tall tree or building, sleep on the top. There aren't many caves on the road ahead, if I recall correctly." Pyre's memory was excellent, but he hadn't been everywhere yet. Before they left, he looked at Veyra and sighed. 'I know how you feel, but I have no time for questions now,' he thought to himself. Perhaps he had been rude to the young Gifted, but many lives were at stake and he simply could not stop for a session of question and answer.

[Ragnarok]

"But-" was all Veyra managed to get out before the Dragon left. then, he only had a split second decision making time. who knew when he would meet another dragon? he materialized his wings and followed them. he caught up with them after they had been done talking. he looked at the Lady. "If you do not mind, i would like to come along with you." he looked at the dragon, now a man. then back to the Lady. "I promise i will not be bothersome and will listen to every word you say." he looked back at the Dragon and nodded. as if saying To you too. he waited for their response.

[Sereth]

Rose was surprised as the hybrid asked to join them. She looked to Pyre, realizing Veyra wanted to travel with hem because of him. She sighed and responded, "I am sorry, but I am on some very important business and in this state of war, do not trust easily. I would prefer we go out seperate ways, and I have no command over you. I'll leave the desiion to Pyre." She looked at pyre with a stern expression, trying to tell him not to reveal anything about their mission or the fact that they were with the rebellion.

[Minasm]

Arstrath had just finished wrenching hi sword from the fifth lifeless husk of a beast, when the sixth appeared from the darkness. Like the others, it danced around him, snapping it's great back maw in his direction before pouncing. Like the others, it would attempts to incapacitate him by landing on him all at once and, like the others, it would land on his sword. The sixth one was big but not much bigger than it's brothers--surely, no different in its strategy.

Arstrath swung the sixth one's body over the cliff behind him, briefly watching it bounce off all manner of bluffs before disappearing beyond the distant treeline. There was only one left now--the chiefest of the bunch. Arstrath turned to face it, expected another forward charge. This time however, he met none. The largest beast stalked him in a slow circle, glaring at him silently before doing the one thing that surprised him most: he ran away. The most intimidating direwolf slipped into the dense treeline as if it were naught but a shadow--a mere wisp in the wind. Some deep part of Arstrath knew the beast had not had it's last and was sure to encounter him again. Either way, he knew that he was going to have to keep a sharp eye out for his enemy.

The mule had somehow trotted to the far ledge in all the commotion, saving itself in the process. When he finally caught up, the beast seemed reluctant to make its way down the cliff face--an understandable quam. The stony ledges cracked under their combined weight sending pebbles down a slippery slope into the forest below. He was not particularly afraid of heights, yet did not want to try his luck. The mule dragged on at a laborious pace before he was anywhere near the trees. The dark sky was yet too dark for him to see any signs of life.

When he at last reached foliage yet again, he pulled over his mule and set up a small camp. The rocky outlook was better than the forest in that it was more secure. After he built a small fire for warmth, Arstrath unfolded an old skin or two and set himself down upon it. He did his best to sleep, all the while thinking of the city he briefly glimpsed in the thicket ahead.

[Death101]

"Oi! Wait for us!" I shouted as me and Ingith rode to catch up. "If we're all going the same way we might as well go together after all it'll be nice to travel with a pack for once. But I won't force it on you of you don't want us to tag along then we can part ways here thoug the sooner we get out of the human kings land I might be abled to sleep, but forgive me I am rambling now." I had spoken to much but it couldn't be helped now.

[Vestige Warrior]

Pyre didn't hesitate. He had set his loyalty, and he planned on sticking to that. "I'm sorry, but the lady is right. As her escort, I honor her wishes. We travel alone. It's as much for her safety as it is for your own. If our paths cross again, and the circumstances less urgent, I will answer your questions. In the meantime I can only say that answers are most commonly found within oneself."

When the orc stepped up to ride with them, he gave the same look. "The same goes for you. The lady wishes to travel alone, and that is how it must be. Please be understanding." Pyre said no more to either of them, feeling his point had been made without to much rudeness.

[Ragnarok]

Veyra nodded. and as much as he hated doing so, he stopped. a small rush of wind going from behind, to in front of him. he watched as the 2 got smaller and smaller in the distance. he knew he most likely wouldn't meet another dragon again. maybe it was meant to be. maybe it was fate? he closed his wings, which disappeared into his body and started walking toward the direction he had been following them. he wasn't following them, he just didn't have anywhere to go. and they'd most likely be gone from there by the time he reached the inn.

[Honey&Milk]

Her body ached as she lifted herself up from the ground with more than a little difficulty, a pulsating pain in her abdomen already beginning to cloud her mind. No doubt there was already a bruise beginning to form along her tanned skin, black and blue and decidedly painful to the touch as she gently pressed a hand against her side. A groan fell from her lips as she pulled herself up, her breath hitching as she steadied her footing by bracing herself against a large boulder.

Off in the distance Ferniar stood, the gray bricks and stony confines a drastic change to the homes carved out of ancient trees contained by no boundaries. With no other option the only thing to do was to trek forward. While it would be a bit of a detour, once in town she could hopefully find directions that could lead her back to her original destination.

[Death101]

"Well, we'd best set off to I hate to go the same way as a dragon with the risk of getting on his bad side but the choice we've got is a little one so we best ride fast and hope we pass them let's ride as fast as we can." I stated and Ingith nodded we rode for some time hard but we caught up with the dragon. "May our paths cross again but I must seek out those who I've set out to seek I am not following just racing ahead so may our paths not get tangled together for now this is farwell my friends." And we kept riding Inigth turned around and nodded goodbye as we rode ahead of them until we went of there sight and them ours.

[Sereth]

Rose looked at Pyre astounded. He had taken care of her affairs so well. He was very strong, demanding, and loyal. Not to mention, a powerful dragon. He was nothing like Junon, really, just the opposite from the late energetic and upbeat rebellion leader, but still, Rose was glad to be in the company of someone she could trust. She looked to him with a smile, "you have done spectacular for me on this journey. You have gained my trust. You also have much knowledge on king Garlant and his forces of dragons. Would you perhaps consider taking on the role as one of my generals?"

They came in view of the Lillias Capitol, Yuenna. It's elven beauty was remarkable and breathtaking as giant trees created a looming canopy overhead and the elves had built their ity within them with boardwalks and leafy buildings using nature to their benefit. The castle stood in the center and looked to be made of a crystal sparkling in the moonlight. Rose took a deep breath and found the Inn where she would stay for the night. She awaited Pyres answer before she would head inside.

[Zhang]

Xiao had a few things to attend to before he set out on a trip to Lillias. He wasn't sure about the female he met in the bar. Paid her half of what he was offering. Didn't get much, and he was fairly certain she wouldn't be joining him. But he would wait and see, for at the time he had to see a blacksmile about some iron tipped arrows and a bow. He'd wander for a bit in ironmore. Finding a small to find a place to sleep he was now buying goods such as rations. He also hunted down a bag of graphite. It was one of his hardest items to find. But atleast it would sharpen his sword. Xiao returned to find that the bow he had asked to have made was finished. It was the size of the dwarf when the branch was curved, "and the Arrows." Xiao said looking to the blacksmith, who gave him eight arrows. Xiao threw the dwarf a small sack filled with saphires and rubies. One of the benefits of commission and well taking from the dead. After all they won't need it. Satisfied he left, and returned to the inn. He went to the room he had rented for his time in Iron more. Putting his bow down, the quil and arrows nearby. Xiao sat against the wall, closing his eyes. Slightly sleeping more like a meditative trance Xiao reste for the long journey it would be.

[valkoordb]

After Arienai had stolen a large chest full of gold coins from the coach and scared the noble and his wife half to death, he hid it with in an alley way corner with a bit of simple magic making it impossible to find unless you knew what you were looking for. Once he was sure no wanderers or such would find and take it he continued through town. He was ready to find the dragon whom's frost had helped birth him. He wanted her to know Brother was alive, to meet him, to name him, and give them both her blessing.

So Arienai, with a large sum of gold in his pockets, went to the side entrance of the palace. He spoke to the gaurd there and was admited into the palace with the help of a bit of gold and his natural Faerie magics. As he wandered through the palace, silently gliding from one part of the celing to another, he picked up some tid bits of information on the king, and his staff. Arienai relayed all of this to Brother as he went. Eventually he made it to the kings throne room door. He waited for a messanger to enter below him and climbed in through the top of the door. He patiently waited for the man to be thrown out and then silently dropped about a hundered yards away from the king.

"Good evening your majesty" Arienai said with a deep bow including a fist over his heart and his wings unfurrled. "I am Arienai, the first and only Faerie Dragon rider, and also a servant of the crown." As he said this Brother laughed through their telepathic link. He knew that Arienai hated all men, especially those who were wealthy while others suffered. As Arienai blocked out the laughter he knelt and waited for the king's response.

[Death101]

"Well if it isn't our old friends." I stated slaping the girl on the back. "I wasn't sure if we'd see each other again, but we won't bother you we've got friends who are going to offer us a settler for our stay if you want to come along then feel free but we must go Inigth's friends are not the kind to keep waiting." I smiled as we rode off. "See you around mates." I called as we headed towards the area our friends lived in.

[Sereth]

Garlant glared as a Faerie entered his throne room with no permission and so late at night. He couldn't believe the atrosity. His frury made him ignore the faeries words and shout, "Gaurds! Get this atrosity out of my throne room! And dispose of the one responsible for letting him on!" The guards ran out to apprehend the faerie but Garlant noticed the faerie mention he had a dragon, "and find his dragon, if he really has one. Perhaps it could be reconstituted for my army." One guard pulled out a rope and left the throne room to find and capture the supossed dragon. In the meantime, Garlant went to his bed chambers to wait for the arrival of the two other Nadilan leaders; Jerthakk and Loanin.

[Vestige Warrior]

Pyre was stunned by her question. He was just happy to be a member of the rebellion. But a general, and so quickly? He wondered what the others would think, being elected into such a high position after only being a member of the resistance for less than a day. "I... i'm surprised, Rose. Two days ago I wasn't sure you'd even accept me, and now you offer me this position?"

He went quiet for a moment while he thought. "I have a lot to learn still. I have seen many battles in my years, watched armies crumble. It's my privilege to serve you in this capacity, until you find someone better or I perish." He placed his hand on her shoulder, as if to halt her from entering. He quickly withdrew his touch, however, out of politeness.

"Lady Ellinor, your kindness and generosity have been greatly understated throughout the world, as has your wisdom and courage. I will only accept this position if you can promise me that you will not give up. You must swear that you will see this through to the very end, no matter how bitter. Do this, and you will have my absolute loyalty." His voice had bore a tone of seriousness that he had not yet revealed to her. The charge in his voice was indicative of his devotion to the cause.

[Sereth]

Rose grinned at Pyre's stunned statement, "I know, it seems soon, but that's the kind of measures I need to take while the rebellion is still so small. I don't take people I trust for granted, they deserve responsibility in these trying times. If the rebellion doesn't take action, we will miss our chance entirely of stopping Garlant. I know you can, and will, handle this." She then nodded at Pyre's conditions to taking the position, "I will never give up. Even if it means death, I will free those in Garlant's tyranny. I have nothing left to live for except this rebellion. I swear...that I will see this through until the end." She was glad to have Pyre at her side with the rebellion. She hoped nothing would happen to sway his decision.

She rode to the Inn, leaving him to his own nightly business, tied her horse to the stable next door, then went inside. She paid the innkeeper the amount owed for the night as well as had them send a message to the elven leader. The message read, "There's no such thing as a thorn less rose," as code that she had arrived. She hoped this would grant her direct entrance to negotiations with them. Rose wanted to present her plan just as the sun rose and leave still early in the morning. They didn't have much time before the weapons cargo would be near Eldorn and Garlant's reach. Rose went to her room, the first door on the first floor, and sat down on the bedside. She unstrapped her sword and held it softly in her hands. The sword was Junon's and it always reminded her of him. His smile, his laugh, and his dedication to the people's freedom. She missed him greatly, and he was the reason she could so easily promise to never give up. She did everything for Junon.

Rose put the sword nearby by leaning it against the dresser next to the bed. Then she lay down her head and closed her eyes, entering a soft sleep.

[Sereth]

~GM Post~
It was even before the sun had begun to rise and Garlant was already prepared with his royal garb and finest armor equipped. He was dressed in black and red with a long black cape to signify his kingdom's colors. He stood before his throne with arms behind his back, awaiting the arrival his important company. The first who entered was Lord Loanin, leader of the Darune from Darunmire. He was tall and slender, with dark blue skin, tall ears, and long white hair up in a half ponytail. He was dressed in a dark blue, almost black, robe with white trimming. Though he looked refined and was very high in stature, he had a menacing look in his narrow red eyes. He grinned as he saw Garlant waiting for him. Loanin bowed with arms wide saying, "King Garlant. I am most graced by your presence and invitation. I hope we may get along well." Garlant nodded with a raised eyebrow. He knew he needed to beware, Loanin could stab him in the back at any moment.

Next, the large burly orc, King Jerthakk slammed the doors open with no courtesy. He snorted, "Garlant, you owe me an explanation for this disgusting Darune being here." Jerthakk was dressed in furs and had a spiked mace on his belt. His skin was a pasty green with two tusks protruding upwards from his mouth.

"The more allies the better!" Garlant said to him as his only excuse.

"I suppose..." Loanin said under his breath, not accustomed to orcs either, "I will oblige to this, but I do request our quarters in the castle be far away from each other."

"Of course," Garlant nodded, "Your places of residence are on opposite sides of the castle. You only need to see each other during times of planning." Jerthakk nodded showing he would tolerate for now. Garlant continued, "For now; Welcome to Eldorn! Let me show you the war room." He waved an arm and left to the back of the castle with Loanin and Jerthakk following. In the war room, he showed them the map and the mark he had made in Ironmore, "As you can see, I plan to strike Ironmore first. With their mines and weapon supplies, we can amass and supply a great army. We need Ironmore first so that no one can even hope to oppose us." Garlant's companions nodded. He grinned, "We can attack tonight with King Jerthakk's help. His isles are south of Ironmore and he should have easy access into the land. I can send a third of my own forces and my dragon knights as assistance. Even if we only conquer the southern half of Ironmore, we will still have access to many of the mountainside mines."

Loanin nodded, but warily, "And what are my forces to do? They are still positioned in Darunmire."

"Just have them prepare. I have a weapons cargo arriving here in less than five days. When it does, the rest of my army will be ready to strike either Lillias or Shinallia. Your land borders both, so I will let you decide who to strike first."

Loanin grinned, "Lillias, of course. They have more than those pathetic faeries. I hope to gain control of that land anyway. If my forces could branch into Lillias, we will have a lot more space to branch into." Garlant nodded in agreement.

"Then, our first priority is Ironmore. After we have the needed supplies, the rest of Nadilan." He announced with a laugh and the three leaders began to plan their coming attack.

[Vestige Warrior]

Pyre's roost was not entirely desirable, as far as nests go. It served it's purpose, however. Feeling rested and full of vigor, Pyre glided to the ground where he polymorphed himself back into his human disguise and re-entered the town. The sun had yet to find it's way past the horizon, which meant the morning fog still lingered on the sparsely populated streets.

Pyre took the opportunity to get to know the town. He made memory his companion and walked the streets with a careful eye. He wanted to absorb every detail of the village before Rose awoke, in case something went wrong and they needed a quick escape. He noticed a cobbler's shop already open for business. A man inside repaired a leather riding boot, with another pair of shoes waited on the counter next to him. Down the street was a vendor's cart, operated by an Elven couple and their two children. They sold flowers, seeds, and some pottery. The two girls danced around the cart, holding hands and singing an Elven tune. This made Pyre smile.

Otherwise, he'd found a grocer, a tailor, and a blacksmith before the sun peeked it's rays over the landscape. Satisfied with the reconnaissance he had collected, he made way for the Inn. Settling down at a table near a window, he ordered some food for Rose and himself. After the events of the previous day, he figured his commander would likely be near ravenous with hunger. With a mug of water in hand, he waited for her awaken with patience.

[Sereth]

Rose awoke later than she had planned, but still had plenty of time to accomplish her goals. She strapped on Junon's sword and left her room. She found Pyre eating breakfast in the lobby with a second meal set for her. She smiled, needing the food greatly from her journey since the morning before.

"Good morning," she said to Pyre and sat across from him, "I hope you slept well." She said to her friend and began to eat.

[Honey&Milk]

Camille was beyond tired as she took her first step onto grass still moist with a light sheen of dew. Daybreak had come and gone, and without a moments rest she had determinedly scaled down the mountain. “Finally,” she breathed out with a sigh of relief. Raising a hand up to shield her eyes from the glaring sunlight, the young Elf looked towards the distance, the Capitol of Ferniar now an intimidating, towering maze of grayscale stone so very different from anything she had ever laid eyes upon. She had never been anywhere other than Lillias and slightly beyond the border to Ironmore and her knowledge of the rest of the world was lacking. She had never needed to know such things. Now, as she gazed at the castle town a few mere hours off, a sudden bout of anxiety shot through her veins and had her brow creasing in a brief, uncharacteristic moment of worry.

“My stay won’t be long, I’m sure.” Readjusting the straps of the bag that hung loosely off her shoulder, she took in one large breath of air before pressing on. Camille wouldn’t get discouraged; she may have been off course, but all it took was a moment to regain her bearings before finding an alternate route to her destination—an easy fix, or so she hoped it would be. There was however no point in worrying about events in the near future. Her first priority was crossing the vast plains.

[Vestige Warrior]

Pyre waved at Rose as she entered the small dining area. When she sat down and spoke, he tried to keep his tone light and casual. One never knew who's ears were lurking in shadows, waiting for that slip of the tongue that would bring them gold and favor. "Yeah, it's not bad. Had better, had worse." He smiled as she shoveled a spoon full of potatoes into his mouth. "How'd you sleep," he said with his mouth still full. The lack of manner irritated him, but it was better than her being discovered by Garlant's spies.

[Minasm]

Arstrath had woken up to the hot rays of the sun on his face. It was late morning when he again made for the city he had seen the night before; it was not nearly as far as he had estimated from atop the cliff side the night before. Eventually, his donkey came across the paved path. Sunlight filtered through the canopy above him, while many small bugs and creatures glittered about him. To any outsider, Arstrath looked like some old, weary farmer returning to his city. It was a inconspicuous look and suited his purposes well enough.

When he at last reached the great, crumbling columns that marked entrance to Yuenna, he dismounted. After tying the old beast to the ground, Arstrath made to enter. He was almost immediately stopped by two elven guards in ornate plate armor. The largest of two addressed him directly.

"Who are you Darune; why have you come? We do not so openly welcome your kind here..."

Arstrath heard the great man speak, and although he would've rather remained silent, he decided to respond. He lathered his response with a false sense of innocence and awe; the right combination to succeed in passing any self-respecting elf.

"My lords," he began, "I seek only to enter your marvelous capitol to learn more about my own humble race's forefathers. I implore you to allow me to further my own knowledge from the most knowledgeable race of all." Arstrath was rather pleased with himself; those men would surely grant him access.

As he predicted, the tallest elf chuckled softly before stepping aside. "It is good to see your kind is taking an interest in your great and mighty ancestors." The second guard did not speak throughout the entirety of the ordeal, but waited for him to pass. When Arstrath entered the city, he made a beeline past the annoyingly excitable children, arrogant civilians, and disgustingly old, elderly elves. Many turned to glare at him; a few children even tossed a stone or two his way before he reached the refuge of the inn. Generally, the assassin post would give him instructions on their own time, meaning all he could do was wait.

Arstrath pulled up a chair in the main room, and surveyed the scene. Each table was filled with occupants partaking in merry song and dance. At the far side of the room, a brewmaster was selling his own individualized ales. Several people sat at the bar, drinking beverages and enjoying conversation--the local bartender seemed friendly enough. Arstrath, however, sat alone. When the tavern matron called on him for an order, he asked for a hearty cut of lamb, but little else. He needed to keep up his strength without weighing himself down.

When the food arrived, he silently ate, watching every face for anything remotely suspicious or interesting.

[Death101]

"Good grief, why are we going to the inn exactly Borax?" Ingith wasn't an early riser I guess. "Those people seemed diffrent then ones that we met I'm intrested to know what and things are uneasy as it is they seem smart so I'd like to ask that dragon something." I stated as we walked into the inn. "Ah just the two I was looking for I'd like to join you." I said my orcish side getting the better of me as I sat down and pulled out my mug and filled it with Ale I wasn't awake till i had my Ale. "Listen you two." I leanned in now because I was still half asleep. "I've got some qustions for you that are very important, so answer them truthfully if you can." I took a sip my my mug waiting for them to understand that i wasn't going away as Inigith sat down next to me he was smaller then me and was close to the dragon which clearly didn't make him cofmtobale.

(Late sorry I've been tied up in work all day a big case came in.)

[Sereth]

"I slept enough. I have enough energy to do my work." Rose finished her meal quickly as the inn keeper handed her a note then walked away. Rose was careful to open it close to her eyes and only enough that she could see. It read:

But, the morning sun unravels the Rose's beauty.

It was her signal from the castle that she had been granted an audience as well as it needed to be soon. Rose ripped up the note and tucked it into her pocket to dispose of later, "pyre, I'll be going now. I'll meet you in about an hour back here." Rose hurried to the crystal castle that was centerpiece of the elven Capitol.

[Death101]

"So pyre was it I've got a qustion for you." I turned to him and finished off my drink putting the mug away. "What's the story with you and that girl, seeing a dragon with someone like that, is she your partner?" I asked trying to get to know him at least a little bit.

[valkoordb]

Arienai struggled as they subdued him, bound him, and threw him in a dungeon cell. "Men... Stupid... Moronic... Worthless... Direspectful... Idiotic... Wretched..." He went on mumbling like that for a while. He started to curse about Humans and their foul tempers when tired. This lasted till sun rise. Then he felt rather than heard Brother's pain. He had been found. They were binding him and taking him into the city. "NO!" Arienai exclaimed. He tried to break free of his chains, but metal was not natural and so he didn't have power over it, that was dwars specialty.

He began to weep for Brother, he was a youngling and he was sure to die if he fought. Arienai didn't care that this would also mean his death; he mearly wept for Brother.

[Honey&Milk]

“Excuse me, sir! Have you a moment to spare…”Camille’s words trailed off before forming into a low grunt as yet another man walked by without so much as a glance in her direction. Within the confines of the city, there seemed to be no one who would give her the time of day. The hustle and bustle was busy this time of day, it seemed, as people shuffled this way and that—to open up shop for the day, run errands, or to just take a stroll through the congested streets. “Inhospitable, aren’t they?” she mumbled with a hand placed upon her hips.

With scouring eyes, Camille looked down the street she was on, seemingly a main street by the sheer width and amount of activity. Perhaps a cartographer set up shop somewhere nearby. She felt as though she would have better luck consulting a map than she would at receiving a prompt answer from anyone around her. Her feet were already moving in a randomly selected direction, arms wrapped around her midsection to help quell her slightly frazzled nerves. The capital of Ferniar had looked grand from a distance, but it was even larger than she had hoped to imagine now that she was within its walls. Rubbing lithe fingers along her arms in a soothing motion, she searched the several shops until by some form of well appreciated luck she stumbled upon the very thing she was looking for.

Various maps were on display on a rickety wooden stall right at the entrance to a long alleyway, but the one that caught the young elf’s eye was the ornate map of Nadilan. With starlit eyes and eager hands, Camille had one hand already deep into her satchel. With coin purse in hand, she proceeded to ask the man running shop the price. He was a doddery old man with thinning wisps of salt and pepper hair and one glass eye that reflected the suns bright rays off of its surface. He looked worse for wear, his smile a gap-toothed grin that appeared as decrepit as the stall he worked at, but she paid it no mind.

“It’ll be 250 gold coins, young lady,” he slurred while reaching out his withered hand, palm up, “No money, no map.”

It seemed like a reasonable price—or so she assumed—and was in the middle of retrieving the gold from her coin purse when her actions were interrupted as a passerby bumped against her, nearly knocking her to the ground in the process. The man was already gone by the time she regained her balance, the quick-footed human successfully melding into the large crowds and out of her sight, unfortunately with all of her money.

[Sereth]

Rose entered the ornate crystal castle of Yuenna. She was astounded by its magnificence, but had no time to dawdle. He picked up her pace and was soon allowed into the throne room. There sat Yemma and Derrin, the two young looking twin elves who ruled the kingdom as siblings. Yemma was a beautiful young woman with long blonde hair dressed with flowers and branches with a crown of intertwined silver and gems. Derrin was identical except his hair was short and messy and a crown of beautiful bronze crafted to look like branches. At the same time they spoke, "Welcome, Lady Rose Ellinor."

Rose quickly approached them and pulled out the crinkled up weapon plans from her blouse and presented the scroll to the twin leaders, "you should have been informed by a messenger. I was meant to meet your craftsman in the town, but it was burned last night. I hate to intrude, but I have decided to present these to you directly instead." Rose Bowed her head in respect and held out the scroll on one hand.

Yemma gracefully stepped down and took the scroll in her hand. She unraveled it next to her brother so they could see together. After glancing over it she said, "do you truly believe this will combat the mighty dragons?"

Rose, honestly, shook her head, "it is just an idea. It has not been tested and were not entirely sure, but if not dragons, it still would be a beneficial weapon and of use to the rebellion." The twins began to whisper to one another, then Derrin looked rose in the eye.

"We can build your weapon, and will probably take some creative liberties to improve it. However, we have no interest to join in this war of yours. We are a peace loving people and the affairs of Ferniar are not ours." He said with a strong tone for looking so young.

Rose nodded, "of course, do what you will. I, and the rebellion, appreciate the help you have offered. Though, I do warn, King Garlant is a ruthless man. What looks to be an affair of Ferniar, may soon be an affair of Nadilan." She took a step backward, then left the throne room. She hopes her lingering words would help them join in future efforts. She returned outside, in a haste to find Pyre and return to base.

[Death101]

(Please Ignoar my last 2 post.) Borax stumbled about he was standing by the castle thinking... Inight watched him pace them he bumbed into a young lady coming out. "Oh sorry." He stated then went back to pacing. "Why would that human king have my races king coming." Inigth just stood there watching Borax pace. (If you look back he mentioned it to Borax when Borax was at the castle.)

[Vestige Warrior]

After Rose left, Ly finished his meal and decided to do some exploring once again. Occasionally he would strike up a conversation with a shopkeeper, merchant, or a pedestrian, asking them what they had heard of war brewing, a new resistance, and the sort. Most of what he heard back was simply nothing. It seemed that the Elves living here wanted little to do with what they considered to be human politics.

One trader, however, a Dwarf, caught his attention, motioning for Pyre to follow him. Around the back of a large store house, the Dwarf unloaded a cart of armor and weapons. "You askin' 'bout th' comin' war, are ye? May 'ave 'eard somethin' worth sayin', but uh... th' memory's not as solid as it was." Pyre knew what the grizzled old Dwarf meant right away. Slowly he counted several gold coins and handed them to the stout fellow. He obligingly took the coins and stuffed them into his belt-purse. "Garlant's entertainin' guests... Darune and Orc guests. Word is he's gatherin' armies."

Pyre scoffed. "If that is all the information you have, i'll be needing those coins back." The greedy Dwarf turned his purse away from Pyre.

"Now wait uh minute, now. I ain' dun. King's already 'eard of uh resistance buildin' back up after their general got killed. Assassin's 're lurkin' th' roads 'n towns, lookin' fer uh lady general. But that's all yer gittin' outta me, now GIT!" The Dwarf shooed Pyre away. Pyre didn't protest.

He was just returning as Rose was walking toward the inn. He jogged to her, with no welcoming smile. "How did it go?"

[Sereth]

Rose nodded as Pyre returned, "we'll enough. They've agreed to help us with the weapon. I'll work on a complete alliance with the elves later in time. They don't feel it is their affair yet. Now we need to stop Garlants cargo. It will supply our army more than enough with the armor and weapons we so desperately need." Rose folded her arms and thought a bit, "if only we had our own blacksmith, then we wouldn't have to make ourselves so visible so early trying to get equipment. We need to come up with a plan, on how we can interfere with Garlants cargo without being able to trace it back to us."

[Death101]

"So what now Borax?" Inight looked at his rather large friend. "We'll go see the elf king ourselves." They walked towards the gate. "I'm here to see the king." Was all Borax could think of saying then he waited.

[Sereth]

The elven guard was startled by an orcs approach, but did his duty and went to inquire about an audience with their leaders. He soon returned and nodded at the Orc, permitting him into the castle throne room to meet with Lord Derrin and Lady Yemma. The twins were interested on why an Orc would travel all the way northward to see them, and figured it must be important, or at least interesting.

[Death101]

"Well I am not one for fancy greetings so I'll get to my point, my name is Borax and this human is my friend Inigth, I've come with a qustion for you. You've proably heard the talk of war lately but i heard something when I visted the human king not to long ago. The king my of my race, which please note i don't care for my race anymore. Is coming to make some short of deal with the human king. I tell you this because I need to ask what you think of it." Inigth looked at Borax amazed at the info that he could gather and wonder who his friend really was and what it is he intended to do.

[Sereth]

"The Orc king? Making deals with the human king?" Yemma said with a bit of worry. Derrin stroked his soul patch.

"That is very suspicious. Jerthakk has been known to be a bit of a war monger. I worry that this must mean Garlant plans to expand his forces further than just targeting Ferniar and the humans. But, I still dot see a threat. Jerthakk wants nothing from us elves."

"Ironmore!" Yemma announced immaturely as the thought came to mind. Derrin shook his head at her with a soft glare. He didn't appreciate how she jumped to conclusions.

"We thank thee for this important information." Derrin said to Borax.

[Death101]

"Anytime, the human king is a foul man, he shouldn't have become the next king but sadly we've no control over these things. If there is nothing more then I- oh wait hold on a moment, I recall a human girl coming into here I don't intend to pry but what is it she requested?" Borax was careful of how he asked the girl had seemed very stressted and he was just wondering why if they didn't tell him then it'd be the end of his intrest in the matter.

[Sereth]

Derrin raised an eyebrow, "our affairs are not your business. We thank you for your information, but if its compensation you want then you need to go to the treasury."

Yemma spoke softly, "she was a friend of ours. This war has her worried. We hoped to comfort her." She added to help herself and her brother seem less suspicios about Rose's visit.

[Death101]

"No, no just keeping tabs on things... it seems I've run into her twice... so far, as for now this is goodbye. If you ever need me don't be shy to call out. I am going to leave you now because I now you are busy." With that Borax and Inigth left. "What now Borax?" I Inigth asked as they mounted up. "We go looking for that girl maybe she will be more open because this has caught my sight." Inight cut in. "Surely you haven't fallen for some girl you don't even know?" He asked and Borax looked at him. "Not what i meant, I meant she is difrent from most she has a goal a reason." They mounted up. "And I won't lie I wonder what it is." With that they started off on their search.

[Vestige Warrior]

Pyre snarled. "Stubborn creatures, Elves. The continent is on the brink of war, and they'll do nothing. They need to understand Garlant's ambitions don't end with the human nations." Pyre took a deep breath. "Forgive me, m'lady. You are right, we must focus on that supply train. The one I spoke of earlier, the Wild Mage, should be stalking them by now. He's brazen, but not stupid. If our forces intercept the supplies we'll have to make sure he knows we are not his enemies."

Pyre held the door open to the inn, figuring she would need to collect her belongings and settle up with the innkeeper before they departed. "There's something else you should know, Rose. Something important." He steeled his eyes with conviction, never wanting to the bearer of bad news. "Garlant has sent daggers into the night and shadows. They search for the heart of the resistance. It is your blood they seek."

[Sereth]

Rose nodded professionally at Pyres warning, but her heart sank with fear inside. She paid the innkeeper then went outside with Pyre, "I knew this would inevitably happen. I can trust you'll watch out for me?" Rose found her horse and sat herself upon its saddle, "if Garlant already has his eye on us, then we must hurry our preparations. We must stand a chance at our first battle, or else the rebellion will be wiped out along with any hope of salvation."

[Death101]

"So Borax were should we search for our friends first?" Inight asked and Borax thought for a moment. "Well the first place is to check with the Inn keeper they had to have seen something right?" Borax rode by the Dragon and Girl without even noticing them then he paused and swirled around and looked. "What is it my friend, is there something wrong?" Inigith asked but Borax had caught sight of his goal and slowly rode over into a spot to listen and follow if the time came. " 'What are we doing?' " Inigith was quiet so that they'd not be caught. " 'Well like i said this matter has got me intrested so I'm looking into it now shush.' " Was all Borax could think of then his mount stepped on a tree branch making a loud *CRUNCH* which he was sure they heard but he waited.

[Sereth]

"Eh?" Rose heard a loud snap and hushed voices. She spun her horse around and spotted a man and Orc, who seemed familiar, "who goes there?!" She demanded. Her chest stirred with worry in hopes that they had not overheard a few keywords from her conversation. Also, beig warned by pyreof assasins, she feared anyone she did not know and realized this Orc had been at the town fire and now in Yuenna, it was very suspicious and she feared he was following her as well as after her life.

[Death101]

"Inight i blame you, for that." Borax and Inight rode forward as Inigth hit Borax. "Me? I belive it was your clumsy mount that broke the branch wasn't it?" Borax smiled and hit him back so hard that Ingith almost fell off his horse. "Just us, poking our noise where it proably shouldn't be again." Borax smiled waiting for them to say something else.

[Sereth]

"Yes, you shouldn't," Rose snarled. It was a false alarm, at least it seemed so for the moment. She turned away from the two and awaited Pyre to ready himself for departure, trying to ignore the two.

[Death101]

"But I'm trying to figure out who you two are it dose seem very intresting that I meet the human king leave his castle a villge burns pretty much to the ground with you to there then we meet again in this kingdom... isn't that right, Ingith?" Ingith nodded still trying not to fall off his mount. "Now then what i am asking is who are you Rebels, The kings men, bandits?" I asked looking at them.

[Sereth]

"That's none of your business! Stop heckling me!" Rose shouted at a loss for patience, "Why do you so desperately need to know? I have no idea who you are, I don't trust you, and thus have no reason to inform you about my life. I had nothing to do with that fire, it was mere coincidence that I ran across it. You saw me trying to help, so don't you dare make accusations. Please, just leave me to my own business and you to yours. I am Not your business."

[Vestige Warrior]

"If you value your life, Orc and company, you'll do as the lady says. You draw needless attention. Orcs are tough and foul-tasting, but don't think i'm above making a meal out of you." Pyre's patience had worn very thin, made obvious by his human illusion. He found it hard to focus on keeping the magic intact, and it showed. "Now, take your friend and your animal and move. Look for us again, and you will find an even less hospitable welcome."

With an air of finality, Pyre secured Rose's saddle, then his own. He swung himself onto the powerful mount, then waited for Rose before spurring his horse to run out of the town.

[Sereth]

"H-yah!" Rose kicked the horse with her heel and began the ride exiting Yuenna to the south, "we're running short on time. If we hurry, we can round up enough soldiers to intercept and obtain Garlant's weapon cargo. Where will it be heading? Could you fly and try to spot it during or journey, or will that bring too much attention?"

[Death101]

"Well my friend what now?" Ingith asked looking at Borax. "Let's ride I've something to look into and it's a long trip." Inigith nodded by now he had learned to just do as his Orc friend asked he hadn't let harm come to him yet so he trusted him. "Wait, where are we going?" Inigith asked as they rode off. "Where do you think the human capital!" Borax let out a laugh afterwards. "We've no reason to follow our foul tempered new friends." Inigith looked at Borax. "Friends?" He asked puzzled. "It was a joke my friend." They both laughed then.

[Minasm]

Arstrath silently ate and drank his morning meal. His eyes scanned each table for the eleventh time, but the most interesting thing that happened was the arrival of one drunken looking orc and what Arstrath presumed to be his human thrall. Bored out of his wits, he gathered his makeshift cloak about himself and left.

The streets of Yuenna were still as they were before he entered the tavern; decadently paved marble pathways dotted with over-zealous elves strutting about as if they owned the place--regardless of whether or not they actually did. Arstrath thought the whole place would look better empty and in pieces. He passed a couple of ridiculously tall spires and excellently manicured gardens. The air even smelled too clean for his taste. A couple minutes later, the same orc from before caught his eye existing the royal passageway.

What business does an orc have with royalty?

Arstrath followed at a more than safe distance. When the orc left the town, Arstrath doubled back briefly, mounting his mule from before. He made to catch up to the party as fast as possible. Perhaps the rumors he had heard of an ongoing rebellion were true-- if they were, he would be expected to report on them. His mule bounded through thickets and streams attempting to overtake the orc. When Arstrath felt as though he had galloped a solid couple of miles into the country side, he made to pull over.

Dismounting, he prepared to halt the oncoming caravan when an all too familiar growl came from the forest behind him. Without having time to react, Arstrath could only draw his sword in defense and watch as the great hulking shadow emerged from the treeline, ripping through his garron in the process. The pounce of the beast knocked him back, his ankle bloodied and torn. In this state, the dire wolf would have no trouble routing him, and all of a sudden Arstrath began to pray that the next horse to come his way carried an able rider.

[Death101]

"Borax while I trust you I need to ask what is your plan once we get there?" Inigith asked as they reached the city Borax had know of a route that only took a day and he rode towards the kings castle soon he was at the gates once again he looked at the human guard. "I'm here to see the king, let me pass." Borax looked at the human he was rather short for a human.

[Vestige Warrior]

"The caravan pushes for Garlant's castle. We've little time." Pyre considered her request for a moment. "I could fly overhead, perhaps pick off a few stragglers. But I would not be able to stay in the air long. When we are closer, I will do just that. I'll not let you go unguarded in the mean time.

Pyre had to shout over the horse's gallop, but he was confident that she heard him clearly enough.

[Sereth]

The guard replied to the Orc with a strong and firm answer, "King Garlant is not accepting any visitors any more. He will be attending to important business for the next few weeks."

-----------------

rose nodded to herself in repsonse to Pyres answer. If the caravan was due for Garlants castle, and contained an array of weapons and armor, it had to be coming from Ironmore. They were running out of time, and if rose wanted to comindeer those supplies, she would have to do it herself with Pyres help. She had her horse make a quick turn westward towards the mountains as soon as they exited the forest of Lillias. She hoped they could catch the caravan along the mountain pass.

[Vestige Warrior]

Pyre followed toward Ironmore, picking up on her change of course quickly. They were moving to intercept the caravan. That was a dangerous tactic, but probably necessary. If they made it in time, it would be well guarded. 'By now, he'll be there. I wonder if he's made his move already,' he thought.

But just as he thought that, another thought began to creep into his mind. Even if they were successful in arresting the wagon train, killing it's guards, and making off with the loot, Garlant would not be happy about this loss, and would likely go to great lengths to find out who was responsible. They would have to be very careful about covering their tracks. Which isn't easy to do when you are a 25 foot long flying serpent.

This meant one thing: No mercy.

[Minasm]

The torn rags were beginning to soak through with his crimson blood. Ahead of him, the shadow reemerged from the tall pines; it was the same wolf from the night before, and the beast seemed none to happy to see him again. Unlike it's former followers, the giant hulking creature was more than a match, in fact Arstrath respected him as a fair opponent. It was almost a shame he had to kill it.
It stalked him; the raw smell of his blood and flesh wafted through the air alluring the creature.
It seemed as if death loomed around him, yet never quite took hold.

Just as the wolf surged forward again, Arstrath cut a wide swath through the air with his blade. The glint of the darkened silver temporarily caught his eye as it reflected the sun's rays. The beast tumbled in a heap of dark fur over his head. When he was able to prop himself back onto his own two feet, Arstrath could not find the beast; it had disappeared into the darkness of the wood again, no doubt to lick its own wounds. Arstrath swept a lock of silver hair from his face, before looking down to examine his wounds. His right ankle was bloodied and torn, while the rest of his right calf suffered a similar, gory fate.

The mule may have been dead, but Arstrath sought to continue. In the distance, the smoke of a house fire burned, and Arstrath knew he could find refuge there. Using his sword as a walking stick, Arstrath tentatively hobbled through fields of wild grass and thickets of juniper berries. Large dragonflies whizzed overhead, and the smell of pollen faintly danced around his senses. The hot afternoon glow beat down on him, making the whole ordeal even more uncomfortable. He desperately hoped to find someone or something that could help him, and soon.

[Death101]

"Let, me restate that I'm a guest of the king unless you want to get in trouble with him then I'd let in." Borax spoke in a deep voice and tried to fast talk him.

[Sereth]

The guard became worried and shaken, "e-even guests are not allowed. You are allowed to meander the castle grounds, but King Garlant has specifically ordered to let no one in to see him." The guard gripped his sword, fearing that the Orc was becoming hostile.

------------------------

Rose began to slow down as the mountain pass came into view. There was no sign of the caravan, which gave them time to plan. She waited for Pyre to slow down and be beside her, "as you can tell, I've decided to obtain the weapons on our own. I sent a messenger to base, so hopefully some of my soldiers should arrive at least soon enough for transport of the equipment. In the meantime, we need a plan. With only two of us, and how many are transporting the goods, we should use the small pass to our advantage. Any ideas? I was thinking of setting up a trap. Use the mountain to block their path."

[Death101]

"Human!" Borax hated those who knew nothing of there race but still acted like they did. "Relax yourself, if I was going to kill you the only thing you'd have seen was my blades digging into your neck." Broax relaxed and spoke calmly. "Please let the king know that Broax, I would like to meet with him I found something rather intressting... That might be of use to him..." Broax started towards the castle grounds as Inigith did he looked at the guard. "Boss," Inigth started. "First off since when are you call me Boss, second what?" Broax looked at his friend. "Well I thought it'd be cool. I also am pretty sure that was my cousion Lihty." Broax nodded as they headed towards the garden.

[Honey&Milk]

With a face reddened with anger and more importantly, embarrassment, Camille took a quick glance at the old man who had witnessed the crime in the hopes that maybe he would offer some form of assistance. His glass eye glinted ominously in the bright light as he shrugged his bony shoulders, as if he observed such actions on a consistent basis and was no longer phased or inclined to care. He repeated his phrase, “No money, no map,” with a decidedly potent lack of empathy that irritated her more than she was willing to admit. “And since you don’t be havin’ any dosh, I suggest you go about tracking it down. He went that way.” The man pointed a wrinkled and withered finger in the direction the thief had run off, clapping his hands as if to say ‘chop, chop’ when the young elf sent him a pointed and disbelieving stare.

“Your perception speaks well of you, kind sir,” Camille sarcastically muttered beneath her breath before racing off, sparing the cackling old geezer not another glance as she attempted to give chase. Of course she knew which way he went, she had caught a glimpse of his infuriating backside disappear into the crowd—it was tracking him down within the ever shifting sea of people that would prove challenging. Unfortunately, the task had been just that and then some. She knew not how much time passed in her search but as she hunched over, hands placed on her knees as she caught her breath, Camille had all but given up hope of finding the pickpocket. Surely he knew the ins and outs of Ferniar far better than she did, and he most likely wouldn’t have stuck to roaming about the main road she had stayed on. Her run had eventually landed her at a dead-end on the very outskirts of the city, the towering wall that encased the town and its inhabitants signifying that this was as far as she could go.

Camille fell to her knees in an unceremonious flop before sprawling out along the paved ground beneath her in exhaustion. The past two days had consisted of nothing but climbing and traveling; she had slept an approximated four hours and suffice it to say, her body had had enough. With her face pressed against the cool bricks and the shade from the large wall blanketing her tired form, Camille gave a considerable amount of contemplation to staying right where she lay. As her chest painfully heaved and her lungs fought to take in air, a peculiar noise caught her attention. Lazily tilting her head to the left, she squinted her eyes to peer into the dark depths of an alleyway.

[Vestige Warrior]

Pyre came to a halt next to Rose and listened to her questions. He surveyed the area, taking it all in before responding. "The narrow road will force them to spread out. If we build a rock wall there, I can route them right into it. Distracted and against the wall, you can slide down and over-power their guards. I will engage them from the other side."

Pyre pointed out key locations as he explained his idea. It seemed logical to him, but he didn't have much experience planning battles with humans, against humans. "That is just one idea, though. Do you have any thoughts?"

[Sereth]

Rose mulled over Pyre's plan. It made sense except for one problem, which she felt was now nessecary to admit to Pyre, "I am not much of a fighter. I have no proper training. This sword on my belt is Junon's. I carry it in remembrance, but I have no experience with it." She sighed deeply in embarrassment, "is there any way you could overpower anyone guarding the cargo? I could cut the horses free of it, making the carts immobile, or anything else more basic?" She suggested, groaning in her mind about how pathetic of a leader she must sound now to Pyre.

[Vestige Warrior]

Pyre was surprised by her admission. He thought hard about that, if only for a moment. A war leader who cannot fight may be hard to follow for some. Pyre, however, was not one of those people. "We'll have to fix that. I fear for the future of your leadership in the eyes of others. But as for now..."

"I might be able to, as long as they are not magically resistant. I typically fight from my natural form, which doesn't allow for the use of swords and shields. The path will be precarious to fight on, but anything else would be impossible without damaging the cargo." Pyre didn't like the idea, but it may have been the only option.

"If you can get the carts with the horses still strapped to them, they'll be easier to get back to base. Otherwise we'll have to wait for help." Pyre made a mental note to find her a proper sword, one that was specifically made for her.

[Death101]

(Void Post Please Forget About It.)

[Sereth]

"Of course," rose nodded to Pyre then pointed out towards the cliffs of the mountain pass. It was a narrow exit, with the danger of rockslides written all over the loose dirt and debris along the walls, "before they arrive, we can use that to create a wall of sorts, or even just as a distraction. That, or use it as some sort of weapon. Can I trust you to so that?" Hinting for him to use his gift of flight to reach the high up places of interest, "once they are stopped, I can work on obtaining the horses and cargo."

[Minasm]

He didn't know which way was North, nor which way was South. All direction seemed to fade in the dizziness of the summer sun. His short-sword was beginning to crack along it's edge; too much weight had been put upon the old blade for it to wait any longer. The town had finally come back into view and it was all he could hope for: three small huts around a single bonfire, protected by an iron gate. Arstrath managed to push the creaky, rusted gate aside with one hand, before his sword broke from beneath him.

The sunken, cobblestone pathways were not nearly so rough as he expected, and his fall to the earth was not too uncomfortable. His ankle burned in a dull sort of way now--he desperately hoped it wasn't infected. His eyes fluttered shut, and before he drifted off into a deep rest, he began to imagine the looks on the faces of those who would find him. He prayed they would be hospitable enough to patch him up, however unlikely that was.

When he woke up, the smell of boiled meats and fresh produce gently wafted through the room. The room was also a surprise--someone had obviously found him. Wit ha start, Arstrath sat up in the wooden cot. His ankle was elevated and bandaged, but a more surprising thing still awaited him.
At the foot of the bed, a young elven girl peered over the bed frame with wide eyes. When he sat up she had ducked beneath the frame, only to reappear once again. This proved to be an issue: Arstrath was fundamentally against harming children. Something about their innocence was almost endearing.

"W-Where..." Arstrath wheezed, shaking his forehead. He took great labors just to speak. "Where am I? Who... who are you?" The little girl didn't respond, but instead ran from the room hollering in some elven tongue. A moment later, a tall and fair looking elven woman approached his bedside table. She looked down at him with what he supposed was pity. "I don't suppose..." he began again, "you all are king's people?"

[Sereth]

~GM Post~

It wasn't long before their plans were made. Garlant smirked as Jerthakk left the castle, mounted his over sized black bull, and began to charge towards the northern Jerthakk Isles to assemble his army and begin an attack on Ironmore. He had planned for it to be sudden, and harsh, charging towards the capital city of Ironmore found within the forest near the coastline. If they succeeded, they would have control on over half the mountain mines of Ironmore and could begin amassing large quantities of materials for armor and weapons. Jerthakk wanted nothing more than total domination on Ironmore and Garlant planned domination over Jerthakk. Garlant was successful in deceiving King Jerthakk and even Lord Loanin of the Darune. He planned to use their resources to place Nadilan into submission, then take it all for himself. He wanted to be the most powerful man, and was very close to his goal.

Lord Loanin retreated to his chambers to plot his own attack on Lillias in the future. Garlant returned to his throne room to take care of his kingly duties, and it was then that Scarth, captain of the Dragon Knights, entered with a bowed head. Scarth spoke strongly, "My King, our scouts have spotted suspicious behavior around Lillias and Yuenna. The town was burned, at your order, and a woman was spotted helping the townsfolk. That same women visited the leaders of Lillias soon after. We suspect she has an affiliation with the rebellion, or could even be a higher up in the organization." Garlant stroked his beard with a menacing grin. The information made him ecstatic and almost laugh at the thought of a woman possibly leading the resistance against him. She would be easy to crush.

Garlant spoke up, preparing his orders for Scarth, "Send out word to my assassins. Have them find and kill this woman. Hopefully, the rebellion can fall down with her, if she's as important as you suppose."

"About that..." Scarth stuttered, "Arstrath has disappeared. We even suppose him to be dead." Garlant's eyes widened, but he quickly calmed down.

"No matter. Send orders to just Xiao then. In the meantime, I want you to go and protect the weapons cargo on its way to Eldorn. If the rebellion is making themselves noticed, then I can only suspect they would try and interfere with that." Scarth nodded and left, organizing his knights and equipping their dragons. They departed for the Ironmore mountains. Garlant schemed in his mind, toying with the joyous idea of Ironmore's conquest and Jerthakk's coming attack for the evening.

[Death101]

Borax had just reached the outskirts of the throne room and heard it Inigith burst in and drew his sword. "You burned down my home town now die!" Inigith charged at the king eyes full of tears but Inigith tackled him to the ground. "Ah your highness good to see you again." Borax picked up his friend like a rag doll and tied his hands then threw him to the ground. "I told you not to cause me trouble human." Borax took out his mug and poured some beer. "Well then my king it seems you and I are on the same page." I slid a mug to him with some beer in it. "I would like to ask of a small favor." Broax looked at him. "I already know that the king of my people was here, I assume that means our race is now allied to yours." Broax took a long swig and put his feet on a angry Inigith. "I would like a small favor one which i shall repay a thousand times." Broax eyed him and waited for him to answer.

[Sereth]

Garlant was surprised as the orc from the previous day had returned with a friend who sought his life. Garlant felt no threat, he would deal with the ingrate later. He instead raised an eyebrow at Borax, "I don't usually give out favors. What is it, the I will decide whether to grant you the request."

[Death101]

"I'm wish to learn about dragons to study them so making taming them a easy task I'd be more then happy to serve under you for the time being as I do so, I'd also like you to forgive my friend he will be dealt with by me for what he tried to do." Borax looked at him.

[Sereth]

Rose was about to charge in to begin their work on the mountain pass, until a horde of dragons suddenly flew over them towards the mountain pass. A gust of wind picked up underneath the dragons whipping Rose's hair around. She backed up, trying to hide herself in the shade of a tree, "Garlant must be on to us. There's no way we could get that cargo with that added security."

-------------------------------------------

Garlant mulled the proposition in his head. He did not fully trust this Orc, but the ability to train dragons easier was a tempting asset, "you will be granted access to the dragons keep in the mountains east of the castle, and that is all. Report all your findings to me directly." He wanted to see what the Orc could discover, and if nothing else, their was the chance he could be eaten and out of his hair.

[Death101]

"Hm... That's a fair trade off, well then me and my friend shall prepare and head out, oh there dose seem to be a snake in the waters though so I'd be careful." Broax gave a smile then picked up Inigith untied up then headed out.

[Vestige Warrior]

Pyre ducked as the dragons passed overhead. His blood practically boiled. He counted as they flew by. "One, two, three, four..." Paying attention to each of them, making note of their colors and, if possible, the armor of their Riders. He cursed under his breath after he realized how strong a group they were. "We need those supplies. We won't last long without them." Pyre stood in concentration. "If I could lead the dragons away, could you and your soldiers take the rest of the guards?"

[Sereth]

Rose nodded firmly, "the guards would be no problem for me and my soldiers. It's the dragons we don't stand a chance against. However, I don't expect any of my men to arrive until the late afternoon, and that would make us lose time. I'll also need to set up a flag so they know where to assemble and meet up with us." Rose thought about where the nearest town would be where she could set up the signal. She was amazed Pyre still wanted to go after the now dangerous cargo. She didn't oppose him, not wanting to seem any weaker or less than a leader. He was right, they needed the supplies of they were going to stand a chance.

[Death101]

"So what is it that your plan is Borax?" Inigith looked fearful at Broax he wasn't on his good side right now. "Well we'll go riding towards the Dragons keep what do you think?" Broax and Inigith had only left a little while ago yet they were well out of the city and far from it already. "If I can ask how is it you know how to move so fastly?" They slowed watching a group go by they seemed like supplies. "I had a friend who was among the best killers for hire." Broax felt a ping of sadness. "She taught me how to use my blades but sadly she died on her last mission... that's enough of that though she was a great women." Inigith looked at Broax. "Did you... love her... is that why your so quiet now?" Inigith looked at him and Broax looked back. "Enough please let it drop." With that they moved as fast as they could once again.

[Minasm]

The second he had been found awake, the elves hauled him into some deep chamber within their home tree. There seemed to be some sort of official council, mostly comprised of very elderly elves. The young-looking maiden from before was there too, but without much purpose. There was a circle of five very distinct looking elders, each more decrepit than the last. The head of the table had a beard longer than Arstrath was tall, and perhaps was almost a century beyond him in years. This particular old man held some sort of authority for sure--his right hand was firmly interwoven into the grip of his oak wood staff. The ornament in itself was enough to convince Arstrath he was before someone of grand importance.

It was nearly five minutes before the silent old men ceased to stare at his dark skin and bright hair--they obviously were aware of his kind, perhaps more so than he was. After all, Arstrath knew very little about his past; for all he knew, he might've been to this town before. The seat they had shoved him into was very restraining, yet he was comfortable enough to challenge the authority.

"I am a government employ," he said, slowly speaking above their hushed murmurs. "I demand passage back into the mainland. You have nothing to fear--I ended up here by accident." The old man cracked a grin when he declared his neutrality.

"We know." When the elf spoke, his whole body shuddered like some ancient machine. His glassy eyes were distant and yet close all at once. Arstrath knew without a doubt that this man was beyond ancient, and would expect to be treated as such. The elf stood from his seat with great effort, leaning heavily on his staff. "You are a... guest here. Your armor tells enough of a tale--no need to lie." Arstrath was confused enough; he wasn't wearing any armor that he recalled. That was when he noticed they had changed him in his sleep. Instead of the burlap robe, he wore a white silk gown. It was most unflattering.

"I don't understand." Arstrath looked directly at the man, before averting his gaze back to the female from before. "I wasn't wearing any armor before." I was not so much a statement, but a question. For once, Arstrath's rational mindset couldn't fathom their intentions.

"You didn't have to wear anything for me to know what it was." The man laughed to himself before departing. The four other elders spoke in some rapid tongue, before the woman from before approached him.

"Come," she said. " I am assigned to you." Arstrath didn't understand her thick elvish accent so well, yet he dared not question. Who was the man? Why, if they knew so much about him, did they bother bringing him there?

[Vestige Warrior]

Pyre contemplated her words. Every minute they waited was another minute closer to Garlant's castle. "Let's move quickly then. Eventually they'll be much to close to Garlant's fortress, and we'll miss our opportunity." Pyre tried to think of a nearby town that they could use as a rally point. "How long will it take to get your forces here?"

[Sereth]

"I actually sent out word for them last night. They should arrive by late afternoon, but I need to put out a signal as to where they should assemble. There should be a small village south of the pass. I could arrange for them there."

[Death101]

"Camp ahead boss." Ingith stated and pointed towards it. "Good eye lets go." Soon the to arrived at the gate I looked at the guard. "The King has sent me to study the dragons I need to speak to the commander of this camp." Broax eyed the human he was a bit short for a human.

[Vestige Warrior]

Pyre nodded with understanding, though there was frustration and worry in his eyes. "Let's move quickly then. We can discuss the plan when we get there." He turned his face around from her to hide his doubt from Rose. "On your go, Commander." Pyre turned his horse in the proper direction and awaited her signal to move out. He already knew that his mission would be a dangerous one, and that he'd likely not return. This wasn't something he shared with Rose, but wondered if she'd already considered.

[Honey&Milk]

Deep within the shadows of the dead-end alleyway, there appeared to be another presence cloaked in the darkness that engulfed the slightly eerie path. Upon closer inspection, the figure appeared to be male, the bulky build of their frame a clear indication, and with well paced steps they were slowly descending deeper into the narrow passage and subsequently out of Camille’s sight.

“It must be him!” she excitedly mumbled beneath her breath, the thought of having actually stumbled upon the man she had been pursuing fueling her previously weary body into immediate action. She had thought she had lost the thief within the troughs of the many, many twisting streets, was all but ready to cut her losses—what will be will be, after all. Now that she was seemingly back on his trail however, she would not lose him again. The elf shot to her feet with little grace, stumbling as she steadied herself on slightly aching feet. Then quickly, and rather foolishly, she darted into the dreary alley with invigorated steps. The patter of her feet went unconcealed, a near booming percussion in the cramped surrounding she forged straight through and surely enough, the sound of her thunderous steps as she ran to catch up to the man’s retreating figure was enough to alert him of her presence at his back. He faltered for a brief moment while throwing a hasty look over his shoulder and upon the realization that he was being followed, broke out into a full on run.

Camille hastened her steps, a victorious smile blooming across her face as she noted that the thief was cornered. Naturally a dead end would prevent the man from escaping unless he was determined to turn around and fight his way past her…or that had been what she wholeheartedly thought until, right before her very eyes, he pressed onward with blatant disregard to the fast approaching brick wall he was sure to crash into—and ran straight through it.

[Sereth]

Rose nodded and began to ride southward towards Illiad, a small village responsible for supplying through the mountain pass. As suspected, as she and Pyre rode in, the town was mostly occupied by Garlant's soldiers taking advantage of the people and their resources. Rose headed to the inn, trying her best not to seem conspicuous. She set her horse at the stables then went to the front door, believing that Pyre was following closely.

Inside the Inn, there was a hidden trap door behind the front counter. The owner was a member of the rebellion, and tended to refuse service to Garlants men. As rose entered the basement with pyre, the owner gave a nod and proceeded to send his table boy out to place a small flag on the roof of the inn.

In the basement, four of Rose's soldiers had already arrived. They instantly stood straight and saluted her as she asked, "how many more are planning on coming?"

"Around 20 more," one man replied and rose looked to pyre in hopes that would be enough.

[Death101]

"Well that was an Fun meeting." Broax laughed as they passed though the other side into the keep on foot. "When you started yelling at him like he was a small dog I think he wet his pants." Inigith laughed then Broax laughed. "Yea he did anyway We'd best gather something and head out I didn't tell the king the whole truth about our reason for coming here." Inigith looked at him. "Well aren't you going to tell me?" He looked at him worried for a moment. "I've gather info on this so called "Rebel" Group." Ingith looked at him. "And?" He looked at him. "Well I am going to start digging around if we try hard enough we'll find something." He looked at him again. "Then?" He was only telling him half the story. "...We're... going to offer them our selfs aren't we?" Inigith though ahead. "Yes, you finally got the idea." He looked at him. "Now then let's finish one task at a time shall we." They headed further in.

[Vestige Warrior]

Pyre did follow Rose, silently as they made their way through the town. He could feel the strain of keeping his human form up for so long, but he forced himself to stay collected. They entered the secret room of the inn and watched the soldiers salute their leader. The amount of respect she garnered from others was truly astounding.

When he heard how many others were coming, he did a quick count to total their force. "That should be more than enough. With the element of surprise, you could bring ten well-equipped soldiers and take them. But... there are the dragons to worry about." Pyre could see the other soldiers turn to each other with concern.

"We witnessed five dragons, heading in the direction of the caravan. I will distract the dragons while you take care of the humanoid guards and take the supplies. Do you have a map?"

[Sereth]

Rose did not have a map, but luckily, the younger of the men had one and quickly unrolled it across a small desk. The soldier could tell Pyre had some jurisdiction by the way he presented himself, but rose quickly introduced him to avoid any confusion, "this is Pyre; a new General of our resistance. His orders must be followed as much as mine. Spread the word quietly amongst your comrads when possible." They all nodded in agreement.

The map was larger then the desk so it hug off the corners of the desk, but the soldier made sure to place the mountain pass and Ironmore on the flat surface. Rose also noticed Pyre's discomfort. She often forgot that he needed to be in his natural dragon state. She felt inconsiderate for having him stay human for such long periods of time.

[Vestige Warrior]

Pyre made no grand gesture. He barely looked the part, really, but he didn't seem to care. He observed the map, figured out their position and where the convoy would be at that moment. "If they are moving at a standard pace, they'll arrive in Garlant's castle within two days. If we move out now, we can hit them here." Pyre pressed his finger to a narrow road coming down the mountain.

"As I said before, I will distract the dragons while the rest of you move in on the cargo. The supplies are critical to the rebellion, and must be captured at all costs, and in it's entirety. Garlant can salvage nothing. Also, we must try to cover our tracks as much as possible. The less they know of our whereabouts, the better. Any questions?"

[Amodeus]

Amodeus wiped the sweat from his brow, flicking the perspiration from his hand into the ground.

The sun had just begun to set, and he imagined it was around 16:30. He had been walking with 19 other soldiers for most of the morning, only stopping to rest and refill their canteens sporadically. He was a new recruit, though he was no stranger to combat. He had been using his signature weapons for years now, and they felt as much a part of his body as his arms. Just a few miles to go.

The man's blade swung down from above, gleaming in the midday sun. The clash of the blades echoed through the hillside, as Alastor deflected the sword with his azure dagger. The blade of his dagger was almost transparent, casting a faint blue light over his body as it danced through the air. He had yet to pull Praxadike, which remained secured on his back, his right-hand weapon. The man before him grew in anger as Alastor continuously parried his strikes, with ease.

The blades connected again, sparks flying from the man's short sword. It had been poorly made. The impurities made it brittle, and hairline fractures were forming through the metal framework. The man had likely purchased it cheap, from a local blacksmith, without even testing it. The sword came diagonally upwards toward Alastor, from his right side. He stepped back, deflecting the steel sword up above his head, and threw a right hook into the man's face. He lurched back, nose and lip trickling a slow flow of blood. He wiped his face, and the sight of his stained red fingers made the man fly into a rage, attacking Alastor with fury. The man thrust his blade toward Alastor's face, prepared to finish him. The Justicar had been waiting for the man to make a mistake. He bent his knees, and gripped the hilt of Praxadike with his hand. With precise circular movement, Alastor repelled the blade to his left, brought Praxadike out of its scabbard, and sliced through the inside of the man's elbow. The forearm dropped to the ground, while small muscle spasms shook it, caused by the severed nervous system. Before the man could scream, Alastor twisted back, slicing just above the man's knees with his longsword. His legs gave out, as his tendons were cut, and Alastor plunged Soteria into the man's heart. He collapsed to the ground, no sound passed his lips. Death was hardly as clean or beautiful as portrayed. There were no final words, no moment of epiphany. Just the noise of a body collapsing in the dirt. He took his blades, wiping them down with a cloth he carried. There was no use in rusting his blade for the sake of a worthless individual. He slid Praxadike onto his back, placing Soteria back into her scabbard on his right hip.

He let out a sigh of remorse. He was little known through the country, but every once in a while, someone recognized his trademark blade, the white runic writing set into the obsidian. It wasn't his most prized possession, though. That honor fell to the dagger at his hip. Ever since it had been given to him, he felt invincible. It was always where it needed to be, blocking almost every blow attempted on him. He had received cuts, scrapes, a few lacerations here and there, the edge of swords carving slightly into his flesh. Nothing serious, no wounds that couldn't be healed by heating Soteria by flame, and placing her on the wound. The brilliant blade hardly ever needed repairs, either. No steel or iron could nick it, and it only required sharpening, from time to time. The dagger was Soteria's final blessing on him.

"What have you done?!" A man broke the silence of the hills, running towards the recently deceased body. "I'm sorry, but this man challenged me to a duel. He wanted to prove himself a better swordsman than I. In his arrogance and pride, he refused to surrender, and so I slew him." He tossed a bag with a few gold coins on the body, a larger sum of money than most made in a year. Someone would need to clean it up. The money was of no real use to him, anyway. He carried almost everything he needed on his person, and food and drink could always be found at the next small village up the road. It was only ever a few copper pieces for a meal, a bed, and enough water to get him to the next town. Besides, most of the money he made was either directly or indirectly tied to bloodshed. It wasn't something he felt like hanging on to. He had been hired to several dangerous jobs since he had been noticed as a swordsman. Often, he would challenge bandit leaders to duels. Most of the time, they would accept, afraid of the repercussions they faced if they refused his offer to fight one-on-one. It seemed even these men held some form of honor, or they feared the response from those beneath them if they walked away from a fight. He would defeat the leader, sell his belongings, disband the mercenary groups, and be paid by the government to do so. There was merit in it, though he always had to kill at least one man. At least, the men had always deserved their deaths. It was never murder, but simply homicide.

"I understand. Well, son, you have a choice to make. Either I can report you to the authorities, and likely be hung, or you can join me."

"That isn't much of a choice, is it?"

"Nope. Welcome to the Rebellion."

The group of men finally crested the final hill before the town, a welcome sight after the long journey. An officer pointed out a flag atop a building, and they entered what seemed to be an inn. The barkeep motioned them over, revealing a small door in the flooring, and they filed down. They filled a small room, a woman and a few men stood looking over a map. Alastor placed his hands behind his back, standing at attention. The woman seemed extremely important, and the man standing closest to her looked... Dignified. He couldn't quite place it. He kept his mouth shut, as a new recruit is wont to do in the presence of high ranking officers. He didn't know these people, nor what the rebellion was for. Yet, it seemed a better option than death.

"If we move out now..."

Damn. And just when we had finally stopped walking.

[Sereth]

Rose was relieved as the rest of the platoon arrived for the majority of Pyre's orders. She was proud of her men being so willing to hurry to the mission, but he also pitied the sweat on their brow; another quality that made her weak as a leader. She loved Pyre's plan. Now that was a leader and he so easily commanded the room.

Rose tried to add her owns words to motivate the men, "if...no, when we get these supplies, we will be that much closer to being prepared to stand up to King Garlant! We can liberate our people, friends, and family from the tyranny we've been forced into. I know we can do this, and by doing so, we will have our chance at freedom."

[Honey&Milk]

Camille’s feet ground into the cobblestone pavement, allowing her to skid to a painful stop mere inches from the wall she had just witnessed a man run straight through. A cool chill swept along her skin as she stood at the end of the alleyway, as if there was a slight breeze coming from in front of her—an impossible feat considering no amount of wind could pass through the wall before her. At such a close distance she was able to visibly see the tan colored brick itself slowly ripple as if it were an incorporeal illusion, oddly reminiscent of a small pebble disturbing the still surface of a pond. With widened eyes, partly filled with curiosity alongside a large dose of confusion, she slowly reached a hand up, hesitantly laying her palm flat against the wavering wall before her. It seemingly solidified at her touch, the illusionary effect disappearing as if it had never been present in the first place and all she could feel beneath her fingertips as she her hand ran along its surface was the cool, textured bricks that were lightly layered in grime.

She knitted her eyebrows together as her eyes narrowed, her expression transforming into one of deep concentration as she bent down into a kneeling position, running her hand downwards in the process. Her examination proved fruitless however as the wall remained as solid as it should have been, her fingers doing nothing but accumulating gritty dirt she was quick to wipe off in disgust. Surely she wasn’t going crazy? The towering slab of slightly crumbling stone had, for a moment, allowed someone to pass through, hadn’t it? Standing back up with a bit of hesitancy, Camille took a half step back while readjusting the satchel and weapon upon her back that had jostled themselves into an uncomfortable position during her run. Then she leaned herself forward, putting nearly all of her weight behind her, and once again placed her hand against the strange partition with a little more force than before—again and again, until she lost track of how many times she had tried forcing her hand through, each attempt growing more wild and needy than the one before it. With an irritated groan tinged with hints of disappointment, the young woman pounded her fist against the wall with enough force to send an unpleasurable tingle down the length of her right arm; she wasn’t one to lose her cool often, but her current predicament of being in a new town far off course from her original destination without any gold to her name was more than a little stressful. However to her great surprise as her fist made contact for a second time, instead of being met with the painful sting she could barely register in her aggrieved state of mind, her hand went right through. Her arm was soon to follow as the velocity of her punch propelled her forward until all at once her whole body was sucked into the wall.

A strangled cry died in her throat, her clumsy feet stumbling forward until she was able to regain her footing. Before she could even rationalize the fact that she had just passed through a wall that was very much real if the pain in her hand was anything to go by, the startling sight before her adequately stole away her immediate attention. All around her, in a dimly lit and circular room, were items of all shape and size haphazardly strewn about.

[Vestige Warrior]

Pyre was grateful for Rose's words. He could plan, but he'd never tried inspiring anyone, really. When she was done, Pyre turned toward the soldiers to inspect them. Sweat beaded their brows and made their skin glisten. They'd trudged through tough terrain and weather to be there. Their gear weighed heavily on their shoulders. Despite that, they looked prepared for an all-out war. He even caught a few still smiling, reinforced by Rose's bolstering speech.

He clapped one randomly on the shoulder, a young man who looked more than capable of defending himself and his comrades. "If there are no questions or concerns, we will move out shortly. Let's give these soldiers time to rest. The hike will not be a forgiving one."

He turned back to Rose, looking rather impressed with her. He spoke in a quiet tone, so that no one else could hear him. "You words were well place and well chosen, Lady Ellinor. Your lack of training with a blade is more than made up for in your oratory skills."

[Vestige Warrior]

The Dragon's Camp was a rather huge complex of caves, caverns, and structures. Multiple roosts dot the landscape, high up on the cliffs. Two guards in black plate armor and bearing the emblem of Garlant's Dragon Knights stand at the entrance, conversing casually. When Borax and his comrade near the camp, the eye him suspiciously. They weren't accustomed to receiving visitors, after all.

You! Orc! This is the King's Land. State your business and maybe we won't kill you."

[Death101]

"Keep your peace Garlent sent me to find a way to make taming dragons faster and I don't think you've have the skills to beat me anyway." Broax smiled at them.

[Sereth]

Rose was flattered by Pyre's words, and the compliment further reminded her of Junon. Junon was a great leader known for his ability to boost morale. She was glad she could at least share that trait with him as the new leader of the rebellion. She also meant her words, with a burning passion. She was sick of Garlant's rule and how he took advantage of his people. Her own mother was even forced into slavery as a seamstress in his castle.

Rose gave a nod of appreciation towards Pyre's comment. The kindness gave her renewed hope about her position as a leader. She looke over her weary soldiers. She could tell they weren't looking forward to a mission so soon after arriving. Rose decided to try and help, so she wet upstairs and gathered a compilation of mugs filled with ice cold water and passed them out to the men in hopes it would renew their strength for the mission ahead. She went over the plans in her mind as she waited for them to finish.

[Vestige Warrior]

Both guards stood their ground, clearly not impressed or intimidated by the blatant disrespect. Both stood up as he continued his approach. Each stood nearly as tall as Borax, and their swords glinted in the fire of the burning torches nearby. "Listen, Orc. Unless you have proof of what you say, you'd best turn around and get some. You're talking to two seasoned Riders, not the pathetic whelps guarding the castle gates." Both of them stood directly in Borax's way.

"You bring proof, or you don't come back. Got it?" As if to accentuate the Rider's words, a dragon's screech pierces the air. On the cliffs above perched a dragon who's black scales made it nearly invisible, until it let loose a broad cone of fire. The wind blew warm from it's flames.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pyre gave the group roughly ten minutes to rest before returning. "Commander Ellinor. We must move out now if we are to catch the caravan. I await your orders." Pyre bowed his head in salute, but only for the soldier's sake. He didn't see a point in useless gestures. But reinforcing Rose's leadership was required if the men and women of the rebellion were expected to follow her.

[Death101]

"Oh Garlnet didn't send word heh well It's too long of a way back..." Broax turned and thought. "You got a message bird here?" Broax turned to them and took out his mug and ale. "Hm want some ale either of you while we talk?" Broax pulled out another to mugs and offred them.

[Sereth]

Rose nodded, "then let's head out. We'll keep a quick pace as the pass isn't too far." She said to everyone in the room. Rose went back up the trap door and received a signal from the inn keeper that the coast was clear. She waved back to pyre and the soldiers to tell them to follow her and that it was a safe time to leave. She guided the men out of town, trying to look as unsuspicious as possible by having them scatter then meet back up at the towns exit, where they began their march to the mountain pass and location Pyre had pointed out on the map.

[Minasm]

It had been a mistake from the beginning. The woman he met was named Alysse--or so he inferred from the way people adressed her. When the exited the great hall from earlier, the first thing he noticed was her hair. It was a blonde so bright he thought her Darune at first. Of course, she was nothing of the sort. He should've known not to be so presumptuous. Arstrath had been complacent--obedient even--when she had forced him into her home. Her dwelling was a hollowed oak stump, much like the home of the old man he had killed a day before. It was no different in furnishing either; torchbugs and wooden rocking chairs adorned it's inside. A small countertop with a porcelain teapot sait in the corner, while opposite it all one small cot was propped up against the wall.

Arstrath's mind worked to eliminate all implausible methods of escape. He couldn't run--his leg was still wounded and bandaged heavily. He couldn't kill her either because of the noise she would undoubtedly make. Arstrath saw no horses, and without a sword he was as good as dead anyway. Ultimately he was trapped. Arstraths eyes scanned the room, desperately searching for another way out. Any way would've worked for his purposes. Unfortunately, it was she who broke the silence.

"You will work they say. Your kind are not so welcome here, you know. Very lucky." The way her violet eyes locked on his own implied she was searching for some sort of registrable response. Arstrath almost felt badly; he wasn't prepared to give her one. Not for the time being at least. She was shorter than him by almost a foot, and much less rugged in appearance. Her hair was tied behind her head in a long pony-tail, while a few curly strands hung down over her face. He estimated she was no older than a couple of decades from the way the looked; even for an elf, her skin retained some youthful vitality he lost a long time ago.

"Work." he said at last, running his wrapped hands along the polished wood walls. She lifted an eyebrow as if challenging him to attempt an escape. "What kind of work? What have I done to deserve this? What trial have I been given?" She chuckled softly to herself when he responded, her laughter filling the small space around him.

"You are in eastern Lillias you know. Close to your homeland. Your people have been here before. Maybe you have too?" He understood her almost at once. His kind were constantly engaging in small border skirmishes with their light-skinned cousins. He assumed the town was affected in some way--probably more than a few had been killed by Darune.

"I have never been here before. I haven't been to my people's country in decades! I am a loyal soldier. I demand transport." When the words left his mouth, Arstrath took a second to look at himself. His entire leg was bandaged in a cast too thick to allow much movement, while he wore lace and linens that had been forcefully applied to his body. If he were in her position, he wouldn't have given a second thought to the demanding foreigner. He looked ridiculous beyond belief which only angered him.

"You work. Tomorrow, early." With that, she descended behind a curtain he had not yet noticed. As if on cue, the torchbugs began to dim. Suddenly, he understood. The cot was his bed now; this place was his new home. Arstrath frowned at the thought. It was more a prison then a home.

[Vestige Warrior]

The two guards simply stood there, glaring at Borax. Finally, one of them signaled the runner, who came to the promptly. "You are to see the King or his emissary, and find out if he did indeed give this... Orc... Permission to enter his Dragon's nest. Return immediately." With only a bow the boy took off into a run. Turning back to Borax, they stood roughly 30 feet away from him.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Once they were safely away from the town, Pyre felt himself start to sweat; he knew that he'd run out of time. He turned to Rose and spoke quietly. "It's time for me to go. Don't quicken your pace, or I may arrive to late."

He turned his horse and started to trot away. As he did, he turned his head and spoke through an honest smile. "Don't be late, m'lady." His little way of lightening the mood before the storm hit. The next few hours would prove to be quite interesting indeed.

[Death101]

"What neither of you drink It's just of most Orcs offer there peace and we take it as rude if you don't accept it." Broax looked at them it was true that Orcs from his clan offred a drink to anyone they deemed important enough to do so.

[Amodeus]

Alastor eyed his commanding officers, taking note of their actions. He always observed others, remaining mostly quiet while surveying anything he could. He wasn't so sure of their rebellion, or why they felt the need to wage war, but they seemed noble enough. Of course, that was something that couldn't be decided within a few minutes of discourse.

The man, who seemed to be a general, placed his hand on his shoulder, letting them know that their time of trial was at hand. That man had fire in his gaze, and the woman's words were as a river; soothing, yet forceful. They had not fallen to their positions by chance. Their inherent competence gave him some confidence for the battle to come. Alastor had never seen a dragon before, much less fought one. Although, for the moment, he was more worried about the "unforgiving hike" the general spoke of. His feet already hurt, so this trek would be much less fun. Hopefully, the adrenaline will kick in and stop some of this pain.

Lady Ellinor, as she had been called, handed out mugs of water to the soldiers, a kind gesture. It wasn't often that you found such involvement or investment in the troops from a leader. Another sign of great leadership.Treat your men as you would your own beloved sons. And they will follow you into the deepest valley. He gently nodded his head in appreciation, sipping gently from the cup. He only drank a small portion, pouring the rest of its contents into his canteen. He'd need it later. Alastor pulled his weapons from their scabbards, gently wiping the blades with a cloth he always carried. He checked for any signs of wear; nicks, scratches, warping. He ran his finger gently along the edge. It sliced the highest layer of his skin slightly, drawing no blood. He wouldn't need to sharpen it for some time. The runic symbols within his obsidian long sword had started to fade; he would need to refinish the blade shortly. He tried to maintain peak condition of his weapons, less they began to rust or wear down. Satisfied, he slid them back into their sheathes.

The time came for them to move out, and Alastor gathered himself, breathing in slowly, and exhaling even slower. He had to be calm and collected to fight in his style, and the mention of dragons was not helping his concentration. He grabbed a pint of ale on his way out of the inn, taking a large swig before setting the mug down with some coin. he hoped a small dose off alcohol would take the edge off. He thanked the innkeeper, and headed out of town, regrouping at the rendevous point.

The group began to move, and shortly after, the general had broken formation, going off alone. Odd. Never seen an officer leave before an ensuing battle. That can't be good. He pulled Soteria from his hip, spinning it in his left hand, slowly tracing parry movements in the air. It was a nervous tick of his. He couldn't help but play with the dagger that had saved his life on so many occasions. The sun had all but disappeared behind the mountains, and the soft red light of the sun threw a purple shadow on the ground as Alastor's blade danced in the air. The combination of alcohol, meditation, and slow, fluid movements had relaxed him, and he was ready for whatever came.

The calm before the storm.

[Honey&Milk]

This place, whatever it was, was veritably an inventor’s paradise. A narrow grated walkway raised over an open pit that seemingly went on forever led into the room, protected on both sides by a thin rail to prevent someone from accidentally tumbling to their demise. The area despite its circular shape was fairly spacious but dimly lit; curiously green moss along the stone walls glowing with a peculiar luminous sheen that helped illuminate the darkness along with three small holes within the ceiling that provided a small dose of natural light to filter in. All manner or quirky looking creations lined the walls, failed attempts littering the floor until there was barely any room to maneuver around them. Tools were strewn about next to blueprints on various tables that were cluttered with junk and raw materials the likes of which Camille had never seen before were all around her.

It was in this moment of observation that she temporarily forgot her main reason for arriving in this strange but amazing place, but the world was quick to help her regain her sensibilities. A thick puff of smoke was what brought her out of her dazed stupor, and she absentmindedly wafted her hand before her face as she choked upon breathing in the heavy fumes. A blown gasket off to her left huffed away and stuttered once, almost as if it were taking in its final, shuttering deep breath before its untimely demise, before shooting out another stream of heated smog with a low and somewhat irritating whistle. Camille however had seen it coming and was able to hastily step forward to avoid another face full, only to trip over a small heap of scrap metal that was carelessly positioned right in the middle of the sole path that led into the large room. Her balance was thankfully regained before she was able to stumble to the ground in an ungraceful heap, the soles of her boots clanging noisily against the metal grate beneath her feet. As she straightened out, one hand wrapped tightly around the railing to her right, she couldn’t help but speak out loud. “What in the world is this place?” she questioned, cringing slightly as her voice echoed all around her. She hadn’t expected a response.

“Why, this is—or should I say was once—my hidden workshop of course, an obvious observation if I do say so myself. The better question here would be, who are you?" a decidedly male voice, a smooth baritone buried beneath a layer of potent annoyance spoke up. The words were scathing yet hurried, almost as if the speaker was nervous as they addressed her. With frantic eyes, the young elf scanned the area before her sight settled upon the man she had chased to this very location. As he stood before her, back stiff and straight and a large frown upon his face, she was finally able to get a good look at him. He was of average height for a human with tight facial features—a sharp jaw line rounded into high cheekbones and piercing eyes a deep shade of green set into a youthful face. Wispy strands of auburn hair swept across his forehead and were short in length, barely reaching thin shoulders. The most important aspect of his appearance however was his lack of weaponry, though she half expected that should things come down to it that the man wouldn’t hesitate to use his own work tools in defense; it was a thought that would have made her laugh were it not for the current circumstance.

Camille attempted to display an air of confidence as she spoke, hoping to show that his off-putting demeanor would not deter her in the least. “I believe you have something of mine,” she began, words deceptively calm despite her own state of aggravation and worry as she ignored his own inquiry. “Return to me what you stole.”

[Sereth]

Rose nodded, trying to affirm her trust and loyalty to Pyre. She waved to her soldiers for them to follow strongly, "we can do this. The faster we work, the easier the job will be. Let pyre take care of the dragons while we work on stealing the cargo. Once we apprehend it, take speed back to base. With Garlants own weapons, we will prepare for battle."

They had then reached the pass, a large yet narro passage through the mountains, some of it carved out by dwarves of old. The road was bumpy and gave them advantage over the cargo, as it would have to move slowly to successfully make it through the rough terrain. Rose spoke again to her soldiers, "take out the driver's first, then whomever is available, take the reigns and escape the pass towards base while the others ride in back with the cargo. Let us not lose a single man," she said confidently, hiding her fear about the dragons.

[Vestige Warrior]

Pyre pulled away from the group quickly. Before long, he'd reached a safe distance to finally return to normal. He tethered his horse to a tree, then moved ahead roughly a quarter of a mile before he shifted back to his dragon form. It felt good, like removing constricting clothing after a long day. After a good long stretch, Pyre set his sight on his objective.

He wasn't really sure if this plan of his would work. He wasn't sure if he'd live through it. He wasn't really sure about anything at that point, except that they had to succeed. Quietly he crept over the landscape, staying low to avoid premature detection. When the time was right, he launched himself into the air, beating his wings furiously to pick up speed.

It wasn't long before he spotted the caravan. He didn't know exactly where Rose and her soldiers were, but he trusted her to be on time. Pyre flew high, then brought in his wings and descended rapidly. With a screech he dove in, blasting a bolt of lightning on the unsuspecting squadron of dragons. He scored a direct hit on one, though he was unsure if he'd killed it or not. As the others took to the sky, Pyre banked sharply away from Rose's troops. The chase had begun.

[Sereth]

~GM Post~

Jerthakk positioned his bull in front of his amassed army. They were right at the Ironmore Border ready to charge into the Dwarven homeland and take control of their capitol. He had sent some of his orcs to set the forest guarding the capitol city ablaze. When he saw smoke, it was his signal, and he threw out his mace with a mighty yell signalling his army to charge in. The thousands of orcs snarled and shouted as they rampaged through the forest into the dwarven capitol. The dwarves were caught off guard and quickly tried to raise their castle gates, but it was too late as the orcs cut the ropes and allowed passage into the city. They began destroying everything in sight, including killing the denizens of the city women and children alike. The castle guard readied their defenses as they tried to gather as much people as they could into the protection of the castle, before raising its gates and preparing their attack as the orcs began their bombardment against the castle walls in hopes of domination.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Rose gathered her men and reached the objective point right on time as Pyre began sending his lighting in furious blows down to the guarding dragons of the cargo. There were four carriages, all filled with weapons and armor as Rose suspected. As Garlant's men were shocked and distracted by Pyre, looking up and starting to gather themselves to face the dragon, Rose pointed forward and shouted out, "Now!" Sending her men onward to do their work. Rose quickly ran, keeping a hand on Junon's sword for comfort and strength as she rushed into her first battle with a fierce expression, so much unlike herself, feeling the heat of battle.

She gasped as one of Garlant's dragons swooped down and took hod of one of her men's arms, lifting him high up and dropping him to an instant death against the ground. Rose winced and looked away, not wanting to see his unfortunate landing. She kept her focus on the prize; the mass amounts of cargo that would supply her army, and in her own words, give them a chance to defeat Garlant and his tyrannical rule. She raced to the first cart, along with one of her soldiers, as the others worked on the other three. Rose jumped up to the driver's seat of the carriage and tore the reigns away from the driver and kicked him hard in the head. It wasn't strong, but enough to distract him long enough for her accompanying soldier to knock him off the carriage entirely. She handed the reigns to the soldier, "Hurry! Drive this out of here towards base!" He nodded and she jumped off, allowing him to careen the cart out of the pass. Rose ran off to begin work on the other carriages and see the other's progress.

[Minasm]

He slept with a restless fury--thrice did he awake, covered in a sheen of cold sweat. His robes were soaked through and disgusting, his appearance probably much worse than he could've imagined. He dreamt though; the dreams had been rough and violently startling. First there was but a vague scent of spice--perhaps cinnamon. Next, his image would come into focus, revealing the same swamp. He knew the place--Bogmire as it was called--he had awoke there so long ago on the day he forgot everything. The dream would progress and time would seem to be flowing forwards at a rapid rate. Buildings, farms, and the blur of movement would appear and disappear in seconds as if he were simply watching. Colors and sounds arrived and departed in a similar fashion--never staying long enough to make sense. Then, at the end, all would stand still. The skies turned a dark red, and before him was a door of sorts. He could never see the detail, but it's shape was always enough. Before the door opened, a sick black cloud jerked him away until everything receded into memory.


Wide-eyed, Arstrath sat at the desk, watching his own shaken hands. The door was always so vague, but Arstrath felt compelled to go after it every time. Perhaps another night would yield better results. He didn't know what to do then. For a long while, Arstrath was keen to sit with himself in silence--he quite liked silence: he didn't have to answer to anyone or anything then. For a while it continued that way, at least until a soft light came from behind him, wrapping the darkness in it's grasp.

Damn

"What are you doing up?" It was her voice again. Arstrath was already beginning to resent her. Behind him, he heard the tentative steps of the young woman as she made her way to the small kitchen outlet--no doubt arming herself. Arstrath sighed in defeat.

"Can't sleep. Go back to bed." he didn't feel like explaining, at least not to her. She didn't say anything but neither did she leave. When he spun around, Arstrath was inches away from a pointed blade--his pointed blade. He raised an eyebrow in genuine curiosity. All this time, his sword had been here in the village with his caretaker. No wonder these elves had been taken advantage of before--they hardly knew how to keep a weapon away from a captive. "That's mine. Right?" Arstrath asked tentatively.

On the other side of the sword, Alysse tried as she would to respond in a way that woould imply she knew how to use it. The blade, in all actuality was far too heavy for her to even hold straight. Even still, she had a firm grip, especially because of how utterly terrified she truly was. Her elven features struggled to remain firm in the situation. She started to speak, "Perhaps. Not anymore; I'll take care of it." She knew how stupid it sounded, but she had little choice.

Arstrath gazed on: there was no way he was ever in any danger--the girl had probably never touched a weapon before. "Drop it," he said at last. "I'm too tired. Too tired for this." Arstrath sat back down. There was no way--even if he did kill her-- that he could leave. His leg had only gotten worse since he awoke. The pain periodically shot up his leg, reminding him of his disability.

"Go to bed." Alysse heard him speak but didn't understand. He had no intention of fighting? Silently, and while watching his every move, the elf girl returned to her own chamber, brandishing the sword should he follow. When inside, Alysse sat atop her bed in wait--she expected him to attempt to break in.

He did not. Eventually, she fell asleep--hoping that she would wake up in the morning.

[Honey&Milk]

The auburn haired man, with his face set into an unmovable scowl, scoffed as he crossed his arms across his chest. His voice rang out steadier with each word that left his mouth, the tone of it dripping in a painful dose of disdain and offense. “You mistook me for a petty thief?” he bit out with a scornful shake of his head, afterwards throwing his arms out in a flourish to bring attention to the objects all around him. “Does it look as though I’m lacking in finances to you?”

The man had a point Camille thought as she took a second look around the room; everything around her looked spectacular in design, and more importantly appeared incredibly expensive. Some of the creations were crafted from ores not even Boaz had knowledge of, of that she was certain, because the Dwarf had taught her everything he knew. The curiosity in her eyes was evident as she attempted to appraise the worth of each and every thing her eyes landed on, yet her piqued interest concerning the incredible items she longingly gazed upon was masked behind a thick layer of exasperation. Had she honestly chased down an innocent man? She brought a hand up to uneasily rub the back of her neck as a heavy sigh tumbled past lips pressed into a thin line. “All you humans look the same…” Her statement was muttered with an air of nonchalance that did little to lighten the mood or remove the foul look upon the face of the man across from her.

“And for an Elf, you’re certainly lacking in tact,” was the scathing response to her words. Camille couldn’t help the cringe that morphed her features as a tiny glimmer of guilt took up residence in the pit of her stomach. She hadn’t meant to barge into an unsuspecting human’s secret—most likely incredibly personal—area and quite possibly their home. A decidedly awkward silence fell over the two; the only noise being the low whine of the blown gasket behind her as it chugged away, merely adding in some way to the tense atmosphere. Minutes passed until finally the flame haired youth lowered his shoulders, noticeably relaxing as he swept a hand across his forehead. “If you’re done here, the exit is behind you. Do please try and keep your knowledge of this place a secret. If you gossip as readily as you stalk strangers then I have half a mind to be worried.”

His words were rude, though to his defense he was entitled to a few snarky comments. Not wanting to impede upon his personal space a moment longer, Camille hastily turned around and made her way back where she had unceremoniously came in. Mid step however a brilliant idea came to her mind, right before she reached the dark brick wall. Abruptly turning on her heels, the young woman addressed the human who stood there, expectantly waiting for her departure. “I’ll not discuss the location of your workshop on one condition. Explain to me what all of these wonderful creations of yours are in great, lengthy detail!” A sly smile tilted up the corner of her lips as she waited for a response, taking relish in the way the stranger before her stuttered in an attempt to form some sort of intelligible words.

[Junko Enoshima]

Near the border of Lillias there lay a swamp. It had no name to call it's own really, and was occasionally overlooked by the domains that we're at war.

A cave resided amidst the damp murky earth, which housed a dragon, a large one at that. Gravi stirred slightly on the ground of the cold dark cave. Twas hunger that drove him to wake up so late. With a body that large, of course a plentiful amount of nourishment was required to fuel, and move such a sturdy mass.

Gravi got up and off the ground and stood on his two powerful legs. Being fairly heavy getting up alone caused loud thuds to echo throughout the cave. The dragon gave his naturally armored light gray body a good shake, and stretched out his thick wings before taking a gander over to a small ore deposit in the wall where he lay, and proceeded to feed.

Unlike most dragon's which consumed meat, his diet consisted mostly of ore,and rocks, which in turn made him develop such a hard shell.

The swampy area he called home was untouched by the cruel hands of war,and tyranny, and Gravi was quite pleased with that. He wasn't one to trifle in the affairs of others, or be forced to do unspeakable or cruel things against his will, which is why he left the mountainous regions, and hid here in the swamp, where he's been since the war began.

[Vestige Warrior]

"We don't drink while we work. We have something called self-respect." The comment was an obvious slight, but neither of them even so much as giggled. They had no reason as of yet to be anything resembling kind to this outsider, but until they had word one way or the other, they would not take violent action.

It wasn't long before the runner returned, with a scroll in hand. He handed it to the lead guard who read it immediately. His expression remained cold, almost dead inside. "It looks like your papers are in order. But know this: The last one to step out of line here found himself feeding the dragons. It took less than five bites to chomp him up."


Pyre banked hard, narrowly dodging a blast of heat, only to be clipped by another. The burn was minor but irritating. He looked behind him and spotted the four remaining dragons close on his tail. They were stronger than him, but Pyre had speed and agility on his side. He would let them follow until he was confident that the cargo had been taken over. Then he would give them the slip. But for the time being, he played their game of chase.

Pyre kept it interesting, sometimes pretending to weaken, only to turn and blast at one of his pursuers. His breath found another only minutes into the chase, but it shook off the damage and continued to charge. Though he was still in good shape, he knew that he wouldn't be able to keep up the pace for an extended period of time. "Hurry, Rose."

[Death101]

"I came to do my job nothing less nothing more, as for self respect I'm an Orc that was kicked out of his clan for wanting to learn instead of fight, I'm a black sheep my friends, self respect dosen't cone with the job." Broax took a long swig of Ale then handed it to Iginith. "Thanks boss." Broax nodded to his friend. "Anything Important I should know about the Dragons?" Broax looked at both knights with a cold dead stare he didn't like them at all but a job was a job and this one was a favor he had asked to do so he'd best hold up for now.

[Vestige Warrior]

One guard laughed. "Try not to get eaten. This gives you the right to be here, but it doesn't mean we have to be nice. And it certainly does not mean you can give us orders. You want information on the dragons, you go get it from them." With that the guards turned back to their post. Not another word escapes their lips.

[Death101]

"Friendly lot eh boss?" Iginith smirked at Borax. "Shut up." He smiled as they walked in and across the small camp soon they reached the other side and walked a bit they sat down. "Well what now boss?" Ignith was afraid of how Broax intended to find a dragon. "This," Broax let out a sharpe short wisetle which you'd need to be death not to here.

[Vestige Warrior]

It wasn't but a moment before several growls sounded from around Borax. Eyes of various colors opened and pierced the darkness. Each one locked onto the whistling orc, looking very irritated. One spoke from the darkness, it's obsidian scales gleaming as it entered the light. It's maw was open slightly, revealing a set of razor-sharp fangs. The heat pouring from it's mouth made it obvious what it's breath weapon was.

"You must be either very brave or very stupid to make such noise in our territory. Any last words before we turn you into our next snack?" Even his words seemed to burn with contempt.

[Death101]

"Boss, are you out of your mind?!?" Ingith ran and got in front of Broax even if he was only to save Broax a little time he was willing to give his life for his friend. "Easy now Dragon I merely came to learn about your race it is very rare that someone gets to talk face to face with a dragon." Broax didn't seem scared at all. "As for death well I've no fear of such a thing." Broax once again pulled out his mug and put in his ale. "Would any of you like some?" Broax asked as he took a long sip and a shaking Ingith looked around.

[Vestige Warrior]

"Easy would be roasting you before eating you. Easy would be cleaving you in half. Lucky for you, I have recently eaten. But do not disturb me again, or I might change my mind." The mature reptile backed into the shadows, curled up against a rock, and closed his eyes. Several of the other dragons, however, still clung to the cliffs, licking their fangs and salivating. They looked very hungry.

[Death101]

"Hm, Dragon about this I've heard rummors of a trial for the riders. If I am to do my job I guess I'll need to pass them, that is lest your in fear of giving me them." Broax took a sip his pride had gotten the best of him now Ingith clung to him begging him not to do this. "Boss I know your strong but this is crazy!" Broax didn't listen to his friend he just looked at the dragon. "So how about it?" Broax smiled at the dragon with evil glee in his eyes he was going to enjoy this even if it killed him.

[Amodeus]

He felt as if his heart would beat out of his chest.

The sky flashed, momentarily blinding Alastor, as he charged headlong toward a caravan. Thunder cracked, and the sound was if the air itself had ruptured. Blue light arced from the mouth of a swooping dragon, bronze scales shimmering in the setting sun. The elegance of the attack astounded him, the glory of a dragon in action. Several other dragons took flight, engaging in what could only be the sky battle of the century. He only wished he had more time to take in the beauty.

"Now!"

The cry came from the woman, Lady Ellinor, signalling the men to begin the onslaught. Her presence was inspiring, and he found honor in her ability to take action herself. Few leaders did so. Her command was not to lose a single man, and he would do his best to uphold that standard.

Alastor drew his dagger, rushing the nearest caravan to him. A guardsman behind him and let out a bloodcurdling scream; turning, he saw a dragon had snatched the man from the ground with his talon, tossing him into the air. the man flailed helplessly, ragdolling until he reached the earth. A sickening medley of cracking bones and busting armor followed the initial crash of his fall. There was nothing to be done. Already, I have failed.

Fueled by the sight of the soldier's death, he sprinted forward towards an enemy combatant, The man swung his longsword downwards, towards Alastor's left flank. Shifting his weight, Alastor whipped his arm around, pushing the blade harmlessly to the dirt. He followed up by slicing the dagger just above the man's hip, the blade biting into the flesh below the chest plate. The man collapsed, clutching his wound as the blood flowed through his fingers. The wound was mortal.

A nearby ally had been pinned to the ground, and Alastor made his move as soon as he caught sight of them. he would not lose another. He dove into the man, knocking him from the friendly with some force. Pain shot through his shoulder, the result of flesh meeting metal. As he attempted to turn over, light flashed through his eyes as the man brought his gauntletted fist into Alastor's head, instantly cutting a gash into the skin above his right eye. The blow shook him, ashis head hit the ground, but he regained his composure in time. The soldier lifted his dagger to plunge into Alastor. Turning over, he hit the side of the man's helmet with his left elbow, staggering his foe. He used the angular momentum to propel himself to his feet, and draw Praxadike. Continuing his circular motion, he brought the blade of his longsword down through the man's clavicle. The ground below him stained dark red, and the body fell limp across the dirt. Alastor nodded to the man he had saved, looking back towards the caravans.

The battle was not yet over.

[Junko Enoshima]

After having his fill of ore, Gravi turned to face the entrance/exit of his cave and left, wanting to give his legs and wings a hint of exercise. After all, most of his day is spent lounging around.

His clawed feet made loud thuds with each step through the damp earth, and his club-like tail scraped against nearby trees. The dragon wasn't the only inhabitant of the swamp really, but majority of the creatures that called this swamp home as well often stayed clear of where Gravi roamed most frequently.

Raising his neck slightly to look around, Gravi inhaled and then let loose a blood chilling roar, as an indication of where the foolish should avoid, or else.

[Sereth]

Rose made her way quickly to the next carriage of weapons. It had already been apprehended by one of her soldiers, though he looked wounded at the reigns. She pointed at a nearby soldier just finishing combat with one of Garlants men ending in victory, "help him and take that cart to base!" She ordered and he nodded, following the command and took hold of the reigns, heading after the first cart that had left.

"That's two..." Rose mumbled to herself, looking towards the next target. She was about to make her way and do her work until a sharp pain shot through her side. She had been struck by a blade as her focus on the cart blinded her towards her attacker. She let out a scream, grabbing her side with one arm and flinging out her sword with the other. She could barely defend herself in the pain she felt with Junon's heavy blade.

[Vestige Warrior]

The dragon's laugh came like thunder rolling down a mountain side. It filled the area, almost seeming to add weight to the air. "You must have lost your mind completely, Orc!" The laughter faded quickly. "How dare you ask such a thing in this place?! Your insults grate my nerves, foolish one. Clearly you know nothing of our kind. What makes you worthy to learn?"

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pyre's situation didn't improve much as time went on. He had managed to down another dragon, but he had sustained more indirect hits. He was tiring quickly. Every corner he turned, so too did they. Pyre swung around so he could get a look at the caravan. Two gone. Only one or two loses. Rose fighting off an attacker, though she looked seriously injured. He looked away, able only to hope that she would survive.

[Death101]

"Who say worthy is anything of it? I came to Learn if you'd prefer I could just stay around untill you agree." Borax smiled at him with the same evil glee. "After all it's only a matter of time be for Garlent decides to enslave your race, with his number of dragon riders it's within his reach." Broax was playing a risky game and he knew it.

[Vestige Warrior]

The adult dragon was loosing his patience. "I said it does!" Fire blazed from the dragon's mouth, blasting the ground just in front of Borax and his friend. "Garlant does not command us any more than he commands the wind. He are here by choice."

The lizard spread his wings and stretched. "This conversation bores me. Watch yourself, Orc, or one of us will make a meal out of you. Write that down in your book." At that, the dragon beat his wings and took off. The others slunk away into their caves.

[Death101]

"Boss, can we go now? Please?!?" Ingith was shaking and his pants had a wet spot on them. "No," Broax looked at him then towards the way the dragon was flying off. "Hay Dragon I don't think I caught your name mine is Borax may we meet again my handsome dragon!" Broax looked around. "Well we'll set up camp here for tonight." Ingith's eyes went large. "What?!?" Inigitg yelled. "You heard me." Broax rolled out a sleeping back and laid down then it started to rain. "Oh come on... Guess we sleep in a dragons den." Broax slid just inside a dragons cave not far in just out of the rain. "Ingith get some sleep I take first watch." Ingith nodded and laid down as Broax rested agenst the rock of the cave. Inigith was asleep in minutes.

[Amodeus]

A lone female scream cut through the air.

Alastor turned instinctively, seeing Lady Ellinor engaged in combat. Blood was seeping through her clothing, making her red shirt a darker shade. She held a heavy sword towards the attacker, but Alastor was not about to leave her to herself. The general had said earlier that she was not a strong combatant, and the words echoed through his mind. He had to act.

He pressed forward, placing Praxadike into its sheathe on his back. Upon reaching the man's back, he threw his right arm around the man's shoulders and chest, effectively immobilizing his sword arm. During the motion, he thrust Soteria violently between the soldier's fourth and fifth ribs, piercing the heart. He pushed the body to the ground with his right arm, retracting his blade as it collapsed. "Are you gravely injured, Milady?"

As he asked, he sliced 2 lengths of his tunic's sleeve, taking the pieces and tying them together. He took a cloth from the inside of his shirt, folding it into a small square. "I am no doctor, but we need to stop the bleeding. My apologies. This will hurt." He placed the small square over the gash, wrapping the sleeve cutting around her body. He pulled them hard, the strips placed a fair amount of pressure on the cloth, hopefully enough to stop the bleeding. He tied the ends of the sleeves together, trimming the remaining pieces of cloth.

His head was still pounding, and blood trickled down the right side of his face. Small drops formed on the underside of his chin, dripping to the ground periodically. At least he was not severely injured. "We can stitch you up when we are safe, but for now, please be careful. Your cause can not afford to lose you." He pulled Praxadike from his back, preparing to head off to the next caravan. His makeshift first aid would have to hold, at least for a little while.

[Sereth]

Rose was grateful to be saves by one of her soldiers. He was unfamiliar to her, so she had to assume he was new. She listened to his words with a nod, then hurried and got up to continue her fight, the adrenaline running through her veins numbing most of the pain. She noticed her men had captured the next carriage of weapons by themselves. As they eased out of the base, rose focused her attention on the final target.

Garlants men had organized themselves to protect their final cart. They had surrounded it with blades drawn creating a strong barrier. Rose though of what she could do to possibly scatter them and make room for its capture.

[Vestige Warrior]

A quick loop put him behind his attackers. With a well-aimed blast, he struck a Rider in the back, ending his life in a flash. His dragon hadn't had enough time to cry before it went limp and lifeless. They crashed to the valley floor in a heap, but Pyre had no time to celebrate his victory.

The last dragon came screaming in from the side, belching fire in a line that pierced the air. Practically exhausted, Pyre took the blast directly. To the ground he crashed, clipping a few small trees in the process. When he'd quit tumbling, he laid still, alive but trying to appear otherwise. Garlant's dragon knight took a quick look at the remains of the caravan, but flew instead toward the castle.

When he was confident that they were gone, Pyre pushed himself up and started walking back toward base. His pace was slow, but he was determined to reach headquarters by nightfall. Each step brought pain, but he dared not try flying. Even if he could, the risk of being seen by hostile forces was too great. He was in no shape to fight.

[Sereth]

As pyre took a dragon and his rider down, the others began to retreat towards Eldorn. The men blocking Rosie's path began to see how outnumbered they were now that their dragon defences had fled. They began to scatter and retreat, to report their loss to Garlant then face their lives for their cargo any longer.

"Cowards..." Rose grumbled and climbed up to the seat as her remaining soldiers climbed in back with the weapons and one up front with her, "yah!" She shouted as she whipped the reigns down on the horses. She began to drive the cart back to base, hoping pyre had seen their victory and would follow soon.

[Death101]

"Nothing else to do... Ingith will he fine and this is a dragons cave." Broax walked a bit until her reached the inner part of the cave he hoped it was that other dragon from before Broax had liked something about him. "Hey! Anyone here?!?" Broax shouted as his eyes got used to the dim light in side the cave.

[Minasm]

The sounds of explosions woke him up. Somewhere above him some form of conflict shook the earth in such a way that his burial site began to disintegrate. The ancient hollow cave he had found so long ago was collapsing around it's core--the large, amber-colored crystal he had hidden himself in so long ago. It's thick barrier was enough to protect him from rock-fall and mudslides, yet it struggled to withstand the pressure of the entire cavern roof. The crystaline structure shook violently as if trying to awake its resident--the likes of which had not been awoken for nearly two hundred years. The columns he had molded so long ago were at last forced to crumble.

It started as a mere fracture in the shell--on small crack. However, within the minute that crack had doubled in length--then it tripled in the next moment. With every passing second the orange rock began to lose it's hold until the crack spanned the entire circumference of the shell. As if on cue, the thunderous explosions above settled, and the rockfall began to cease. It was almost too perfect, yet one single stone had yet to fall and, when it did, the entire shell reverberated with one last sharp cracking sound before crumbling to a hundred small pieces.

The eyes of it's prisoner gazed around the shattered cavern in reluctant curiosity. A thick yellow liquid began to pool around the floor beneath the beast's gaping mouth. The copper dragon reared back on it's hind legs, using it's hands to grip the walls on either side of it. When this was done, the beast wasted no time in released two hundred years worth of pent up acid all in one mighty deluge on the roof top. The acid seared the rock beyond recognition; in it's place sand and dust rained down upon the copper giant.

For an hour, the dragon repeated this motion until a tunnel of sorts had formed. When he had hollowed out a wide enough pass, he began to climb. Whatever awaited him on the surface was in for a surprise no doubt. There is only so much tolerance an ancient dragon can have--even less so after he wakes up from a two-century slumber.

[Death101]

"Hm no one is home I guess." Broax turend and walked back towards the entrance of the cave. He sat back agesnt the wall and started to write in his note pad about creatures. 'Dragons find honor and respect very important be respectful when talking to one and don't be irrogent about it.' With that he sighed and closed his book then slid it away and sat there listing to the rain and Ingith's breathing Broax but a hand on his freibds back and rubbed it. "You did good today my friend." Broax saw a smile creep across his freinds face he was still half awake. (Might be my last post for a few weeks life is going crazy.)

[Vestige Warrior]

Pyre's pace slowed as unfamiliar sounds came to his attention. He couldn't quite figure out what he was hearing, but it seemed far enough away that it might not concern him. He kept moving forward, even when the ground underneath him shifted. It seemed that there were tunnels underneath him, tunnels that were collapsing rapidly. It made traveling a little slower, but not dangerous as far as he could tell.

[Honey&Milk]

She hadn’t expected it to work—Lucas, she had soon found out was his name, seemed entirely too intelligent to be coerced by a simple bluff—but the young man had acquiesced with a less than subtle hint of exasperation, much to Camille’s delight. Even if she had wholeheartedly wanted to run about informing random citizens of a hidden room nestled in one of the alleyways on the outskirts of town, who would care enough to actually go looking? Assuming anyone would even believe her outlandish claim; she hardly would believe it herself if she hadn’t tumbled into it headlong first hand. Perhaps in his own way he was simply happy to have someone to share and flaunt his overwhelming knowledge with. Though outwardly begrudging, the look that shone brightly in his eyes, as if he hardly had the chance to discuss his creations with others, bellied his demeanor in such a way that Camille was hard pressed to figure out what his real reason for relenting so easily to her demand was. If that were the case, she doubted the perpetually stone-faced man would ever openly admit to it, to being even marginally elated at the prospect of talking to someone who was genuinely curious about his work. In the short amount of time she had known him, all of three hours at this point, she could already describe him with a succinct list of adjectives: proud, clever, short tempered, and notably genius beyond words. As Lucas walked around the room, hands gesturing this way and that as he explained the many inventions that were laid out, the level at which he described each and every one—along with short though effective details outlining their inner workings—was what baffled her the most. Never in her wildest dreams would she be able to think of all the innovative things he had. She was quick to show him her own creation, the sole fruit of her labor as a fledgling inventor, and before either of them knew it the tension in the air had dissipated, making way for a more lax atmosphere ripe with mutual respect.

“And the wall? How is it that it maintains its solidity yet you and I can pass through? It’s quite amazing really; unlike anything I’ve ever had the great pleasure of discovering!” Camille excitedly questioned, curious gaze locked upon the very wall she had walked through to get here. She had never seen anything quite like it, though then again she had seen very little of the world to begin with.

Lucas was silent for a moment, one hand placed underneath his chin as he stroked his lightly stubbled face in thought. “Oh, that,” he shook his head, as if he was remembering something long forgotten. “yes, yes, the wall. How many years ago was that? Two? Three?—ah, it’s not important; that there would be the work of magic, Faeries, as it were. Crafty little things, I once knew one who was gracious enough to give me the security I wanted in order to work in peace. Odd though, that he was so far away from the forests his kind tend to love…”

Peace? How peculiar, she thought. There were many skilled craftsmen who all but yearned to sell their works to others for profit, and yet he wanted anonymity? The young woman voiced her thoughts, tilting her head to the side. The answer she received was quick to fill her stomach with dread.

[Sereth]

~GM Post~

As the sun began to set, it created a reddish glow that accented the blood stained all over the Dwarf Capitol in Ironmore. Jerthakk sat on his new throne, leaning against his axe, with a hearty grin and chuckle. He had captured the Ironmore Capitol and with it, the mines on the southern half of the country. Orcs had overrun Ironmore and its capitol, on the lookout for any survivors, of which there would be no mercy for. Though dwarves still lived in the north, the defeat of their king had made them scattered and fearful. Some of the remaining peoples, began to pack their belongings, hoping to find refuge in other places of Nadilan, fearing that Jerthakk would soon invade the north in his greed. The southern mines were all Jerthakk needed for the time being, and he had already sent his people to begin their work gathering the stolen materials and shipping them to Eldorn to help Garlant complete his quest of the conquest of Nadilan.

Garlant received the word that evening, that Jerthakk had been successful. In response, he sent his own message out to Loanin of the Darune. Lillias was next, and they would soon have the supplies they needed to conquer all of Nadilan. Garlant sat on his throne, basking in the dreams of victory and power, when Scarth, the dragon knight captain, came rushing through the front doors.

"My lord!" He shouted, not caring to make time to bow to the king, "The rebels, they ambushed us, took all our cargo!" He was breathing heavily and fast, still catching his breath from the battle.

"How?!" Garlant stood up, outraged, "They are too weak! Too small! I've had no reports of a larger rebellion than a woman and some men."

"Th-they had a dragon with them. H-He seemed familiar, my lord. He knew how to fight us, with no rider." Scarth said remembering the bronze dragon's fury, "It was Pyre, m'lord. He is assisting the resistance." At the name, Garlant slammed his fist against his chair, abruptly standing.

"He should be dead...I knew he would be trouble against me," Garlant grumbled, then began his orders, "Find the rebellion's hideaway! They will be our target during preparations for Lillias' attack." Scarth nodded, then rushed out to send out scouts while his dragon rested from the earlier battle.

--------------------------------------------

Rose arrived at base late in the evening. They had already begun unloaded the carts that arrived before her and bringing the supplies into the cave. She parked hers close to the entrance and jumped off. They began their work on her supplies as well. She entered the cave seeing much joy, as her men had begun to celebrate with the drinking of ale and cheery tunes. She smiled brightly, glad that their victory had given them hope. However, she did not see Pyre and began to worry. Leaving the men to their celebration, Rose went outside into the cold evening and sat on an upright boulder, hugging her knees and awaiting Pyre's safe arrival.

[Death101]

"Alright," Kanji tied a note to a Raven and it flew off towards Garlents castle. The note read 'Hello my friend I've made a small break though with the dragons but I need help if you'd lend two dragon riders it would make things go more faster, the small piece of information that I've gather is that, Dragons hate ignorant people. I am also asking how goes the war? Also how is my lord from the Orc lands? I hope this report finds you happy my friend farwell for now. -Broax' The Raven flew fast and soon reached garlents castle it flew though the halls and into the thrown room and dropped the letter onto the kings lap then sat on a part of one of the roof supports.

[Sereth]

Borax received an answer in haste from Garlant, "Dragons don't like ignorant people? Do you find me ignorant?! That is a widely known fact about dragons! That information is useless and in no way a 'break through'. You will receive no such aid from my dragon riders and you are hereby banned from entering my courtyard."

[Minasm]

Carthencor ascended slowly but surely until he again felt the weight of the earth in his hands. For so long had he been asleep that the most basic sense--feeling--had all but left his body. His gnarled talons tore at the base rock as if it were cotton, his acidic breath softening the earth with each passing moment. Dust and mud fell in chunks around him like rain, each hunk of severed earth falling into the wide, dark chasm he had created. The ground itself grew warm until Carthencor knew he was near the surface. With one final effort, he unleashed a barrage of several acid streams all at once while pushing his emancipated body against the ceiling. With a deep groan, the earth gave way and from it plumes of yellow and green gas erupted--the acid quickly oxidized in the cool night air. Carthencor gripped at the edge of the earth, his claws sinking into the soft green grass. The night air was refreshingly cool, but the scent of his gasses mixed with the natural forest smell threw him off somewhat in direction.

When he had crawled from the giant gaping hole in the ground, Carthencor immediately began to upheave even more potent acid, destroying the immediate area around him. This time however, anger fueled his bursts rather than necessity. What mortal affair had dared ruin his barrow? Carthencor desired more than anything to find whoever had been his wakeup call, and destroy them. For the first time in centuries, his copper wings unfolded into the air around him, beating until he was well off the forest floor. From the sky, the lights of towns and cities shown all around: mortals. Carthencor realized with a loud grumble that the exertion coupled with his long slumber had made him more hungry than anything else. So starved was he, that blindly Carthencor flew north through the dark night sky; like a thunderous cloud, Carthencor released a blanket of pungent acid from his mouth as he flew, leaving a pathway of desolation in order to help him find his way back. After all, Carthencor only wished to feed, seek vengeance, and then cut off the world once more.

[Death101]

"Hahahaha!" Broax started laughing then wrote his answer. 'Then I think you've nothing else to offer me It was an good but short time working with you. Perhaps the Rebels will enjoy an Orc on there side... watch yourself and yes you are very ignoarant I never had any true plan to help you. May you lose your war and everything you hold dear greedy king.' It was sent just as Ingith awoke. Broax thought for a moment and he saw a dragon pass by he thought it was the same as before and it was. "Dragon can I have a moment?" Broax started and tryed to be respectful as he could if this didn't work his fight would be on his own well him and Ingith that is.

[Denraven]

At this point in his life, Johnathan found himself unemployed, and an unemployed Mercenary was both unhappy and poor. Johnathan was more the former than the latter, his last employer who had made the rather common and very unfortunate mistake of trying to underpay Johnathan had a sudden lack of genitalia. Johnathan had a wont for gelding employers who tried to get out of paying the full agreed upon amount, man or woman, if they didn't pay they found themselves dead and without gender soon enough. Johnathan had a particular like of doing this to women, it helped to give justification to the name of his Bastard Sword, Whoresbane. Thankfully he paid in the end, they all do, in one way or another.

As Johnathan continued to walk along the mountain pass, he found himself lost. He hadn't been paying much attention. He had been busy thinking up of how he was going to next get paid. He was in the mountains, so there was the option of going bandit. That prospect, however, didn't suit Johnathan's style of business. He knew one too many Bandits; he found that they were a smellier, rougher, less savory group than Mercenaries. That being said, many people never saw the difference. In truth there really wasn't a difference between Bandits and Mercenaries; they both worked for money. It was only the method in which it was gained that was different. That and while the majority of Mercenaries could freely walk into any city or town, without being heavily molested by the guards or authorities; Bandits had no such luck depending on how successful and known they were.

It was now that Johnathan saw the caravan of carts parked outside the mouth of a wide cave and the flickering orange glow of fires deeper inside. He heard the songs that were being sung and Johnathan knew them well. He had sung many of them or ones similar to them himself. They were songs of victory, of celebrating the slaughter of thousands and living through it. He would of raised his voice and joined them, but that would of given away his position and that didn't bode to well for him. A captured mercenary had no way of negotiation, their options were either fight for free, which Johnathan would sooner rather fall on his own blade than do, or remain as prisoner and face possible execution.

Johnathan noticed a figure sitting upon an upright boulder. Johnathan squinted to get a better look and saw that the figure was a female. He surveyed the area around her and spotted a small ledge in the rock face just behind her, above and to the left of the cave entrance. Johnathan moved quickly, careful not to be seen, in the post-dusk twilight his black attire helped him blend in. He went down the road a little ways, to ensure he was completely out of her sight and then began to climb, using the rock face to hide himself. He had soon gotten to the small ledge behind her.
“So, this is where the rebels have been hiding.” Johnathan called out. “I wonder how well King Garlant would pay me for this information.”
Rose was caught off guard; she quickly stood up to draw her blade, but was reminded by a sharp sting in her side. Her wound. She had forgotten about the injury and was in no condition to fight. She merely put her hand on her hilt in a threatening manner,
"Who are you? One of Garlant's spies?" She prepared to scream, in case she needed help from her soldiers in disposing of this potential threat. She couldn't let this man give away their position
"Well, that depends." Johnathan said, in the dark a smile was playing on his lips. He was going to milk her for every bit of coin he could.
"On what? I'm not one to take threats lightly. I only ask out of curiosity."
"How much you're willing to pay me for my secrecy"

Rose rolled her eyes, if was looking for a quick buck, he was looking in the wrong places. The Rebellion was still small and new. Rose didn't have a coin to her name and all the resources they had went into the Rebellion.
"We have nothing to offer you. We are seeking release from Garlants tyrannical grip. We work for the people of all nations. We have no money for bribes."
"That's a real shame. I guess Garlant will have a much easier time, once I tell him where you are." Johnathan tone turned to malice, no money, no reason for him to keep quiet.
"Say hello to his Dragon Riders for me."
Rose's chest tightened into a painful knot. She had no clue what to do, but she couldn't bear the thought of her followers being torn to shreds by Garlant's dragons.
"Wait! I may have nothing now, but we will soon have something. Once we win this war, I can entitle you to at least 15% of Garlant's treasure."

That peeked Johnathan's curiosity, he once again soften his tone.
"A tempting prospect, but I am a Mercenary, I deal in the here and now. Whose to say you're going to win the war? You're promising me 15% of a treasure I may never see. And say you do win? What's preventing you from turning around and refusing to pay me? Or worse, locking me away?" Johnathan said, using his hands to further get his point across.
"Don't give me that bullshit about, how you give me your word and how you never break it. I've heard that bullshit far too much to believe it." Johnathan's tone turned sour again for a moment and then soften again.
"You're going to have to promise me something more concrete, surely you must have some coin or money."

Rose what caught off guard by his accusations and becoming flustered and offended. She meant her offer with full sincerity in hopes of the safety of her people. She didn't know what else to say, and wished for Pyre to be nearby. Surely, he would know what to say, or could at least scare the man enough to let down his threats and his attack on her countenance.
"I don't know how to convince you that what I say is true. It's obvious now that you won't believe anything that I say, and one that is not trusting is neither trust-able. Even if I did come up with a way to pay you, how can I know that you won't just turn to Garland anyway for more reward money? I have no business with a greedy man like you. I will not submit to your threats." Rose readied herself to call upon her soldiers to capture the man.

"That's a risk you'll have to take. I am a Mercenary through and through, I live for the highest bidder. You're right, I am a greedy man, in my line of business you have to be." Johnathan said.
"Oh, and I wouldn't call your guards if I were you. These Mountains are teeming with bandits, some of which I am friends with." Johnathan said his voice pure malevolence. And then his conscience kicked in, something he hated oh so much.
"Ah, what am I doing?" He thought out loud catching himself a second later and cursing himself for it.
"You know what? You've got a deal. A promise of 15% of something, is better than 0% of nothing. You've got yourself a Mercenary. If the deal still stands."
"But I warn you now, if you make the mistake of trying to hold back on paying me when the time comes, I'll geld you top and bottom, and anyone else who tries to get in my way." Johnathan said as he hopped off the ledge, landing smoothly.

"Once again, I'm not sure of I can trust you, but if it ensures me and my mens safety, then yes, the deal still stands. Help us to victory, and you'll have more treasure than you can carry. 15% is a hefty load of Garlant's stolen gain."
"And once again, you can't, you'll be much better off not trust me at all. Though if it makes you feel any better, cutting peoples throats in their sleep is not my style. I feel a man or woman should know that his death is coming, so that he may prepare for it." Johnathan said as he walked up to where she sat, coming around so they are face to face.
"Johnathan Royce G. Whoreson at your service. Now if I could just get your name, I can fill in the contract and I'll be in your employment. Given that a better, more concrete, deal does not present itself I will be your loyal man. Or rather, as loyal as a man who sells his sword to the highest bidder can be." Johnathan said, he flashed a sly, foxy smile.
Rose grimaced at his close encounter, her imagination filling her senses with the smell of blood that reeked from his murderous soul.
"Rose. I hope that's all you will need."
“It is, I thank you for your co-operation. Just remember, I have a habit for gelding those who try to cheat me.” Johnathan said with a smirk and then walked in to join the rest of the soldiers.

[Vestige Warrior]

Pyre continued on, even as the sun set, bringing the darkness and the chilled air. He wasn't necessarily cold, but it was uncomfortable at the time. He didn't risk any healing until he had reached the safety of the lair, as it would leave him vulnerable to attack. He thought his efforts might still be in vain when he smelled the familiar acrid odor of acid in the air. The wind had shifted, bringing in air from the south.

The dragon that came into his view was unlike anything he'd seen in a long time. A massive, earthen acid-breather, who's sheer bulk made Pyre question his very aerodynamics. But nevertheless, the creature was airborne, and headed in his direction, though indirectly so. Pyre hunkered down, unsure of the dragon's purpose and alignment. He invoked minor magic to temporarily camouflage his scales to match the terrain. Still as can be, he kept a careful eye on the passing reptile.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The obsidian dragon continued to stalk, curving it's lithe serpentine body around the Orc. "Speak quickly, rude one. I am on my way to dinner." The dragon obviously had little patience for the humanoid, but had decided to humor him one last time. Perhaps this conversation would finally determine whether or not he would be eaten.

[Death101]

"I am sorry for the way I acted if you'd allow me to I'd like to form a contract with you." Broax slowly thought out his words. "We got off badly so allow me introduce myself I am Broax and it's a pleasure to meet you." Broax gave a slight bow a normal greeting for his clan.

[Vestige Warrior]

The dragon's eyes narrowed. "Apologies are a waste of words, a useless gesture made by the weak. I do not care who you are, Orc. Speak your business before I lose my patience." The dragon seated himself on a rock, then laid across it. He was well above Borax, and this was how he preferred it. He enjoyed looking down on creatures lower in status than he.

[Death101]

Broax felt his anger coming... "I'd like to form a contract with you if you say no that will be that and I'll be off out of the dragon lands." Broax had to do this fast or miss his chance to escape the kings men before word arrived about his rebellion towards the king. "I've little time though because I fear the king is sending men after me." Broax spoke as fast as he could.

[Honey&Milk]

“I used to work in the castle, back when Eldorn was ruled by men with noble intentions,” Lucas began, seating himself in a rickety chair after removing it of miscellaneous clutter. His eyes were glazed over as he thought back to those long forgotten days, remembering each and every detail with startling clarity; reliving it as though it happened mere hours ago made his heart clench in a peculiar way. Blinking, the cloudy mist that blanketed his sight was gone, the images of past events disappearing as swiftly as they had made their unwanted appearance. Yet it still left a bittersweet taste in his mouth. Camille waited quietly for the man to continue, her interest sufficiently piqued at his words. When he opened his mouth to speak once more she gave him a brief nod of encouragement.

His story was one that started out like any other, a tale awash in vivid colors, one that began on a bright and cheerful note. Once a poor man with little to call his own, Lucas, who was always fascinated with gadgets and the way they worked, made a meager living repairing all sorts of broken trinkets in the slums of Eldorn. He was skilled with his hands, able to create unconceivable inventions on mere whims in his free time from the most basic of materials. The act of building things from nothing—it was what drove him to perfect his craft. Word quickly spread of his proficiency, and before he knew it he was scouted by a knight of the castle. It was then, underneath the funding of Eldorn’s previous ruler, that Lucas was truly able to use his skills to the fullest. Over time, he’d fallen in love with a maid who worked within the castle walls, made a decent living to help support him and his expecting lover, and for a moment believed that life was truly looking up.

That was until Garlant succeeded the throne. Lusting after power, the tyrannical ruler wanted weapons, weapons that could crush his foes in an instant, and it was Lucas who was tasked with creating those devastating tools of war. He’d refused at first, wanting to keep his hands untainted and free of shed blood; he had always worked to create objects that were beneficial to people as a whole, and the thought of having a direct hand in crafting tools that would potentially destroy hundreds was one that weighed heavily upon his conscious. Garlant would have none of that, though. In one fell swoop as a means to bend Lucas to his domineering will, the king took from him the one thing he held dear besides his precious inventions: the woman that he loved.

“So, I fled. Cowardice at its fullest, I’ve no doubt about that. However, I would not simply compromise my morals to satisfy a self-serving pig. Barely escaped with my life…” Lucas heavily sighed as he ran a hand through fiery locks of hair. A frown marred his features as he leaned back into his chair, tilting his head back to gaze up through the hole in the ceiling directly above him. Stars lit up the sky, luminescent orbs that dotted the cobalt canvas up above. “I went from a life of luxury to living in a dank hole in the wall—not quite unlike how I first started out. Life certainly has a way of coming full circle.”

Camille sat back as well, having found a clear spot along the floor to situate herself. With her hands splayed behind her, she placed all of her weight on her arms. Deep contemplation contorted her face into an unreadable expression, horribly uncharacteristic of her and ill fitting upon her features. She had never heard word of any power hungry rulers taking the throne. All her life, she and her people had lived a blissful though impoverished life in Lilias. The affairs and squabbles of other races were never discussed, deemed as unimportant gossip. To hear that this new king was hell bent on ruling all of Nadilan was beyond perplexing, and while it was not immediately an affair she would trouble herself with—the concerns of humans were of no concern to her, after all—the thought of her family being caught up in the troughs of war terrified her. Reality finally set in. She was far away from home in a foreign place, in the epicenter of a city prepared to lay waste to the lands under the rule of a cold hearted man without any gold to her name.

[Minasm]

Carthencor's dry wings carried him for a while untarnished, yet as he flew under the waning moon he realized just how long it had been--his very wings were so soiled with centuries of mould, dirt and fungus that it had begun to wear down his internal muscle mass: like rivers form canyons over time, the elements in the deep caverns below had done the same to his body. With an inward groan, the large--yet somewhat starved--dragon began to fly lower to the tree-line. For a copper dragon, he had unusually bright white eyes. With a blurred distinction, Corthencor barely avoided trees and cliff-tops during his flight. At one point, one of his wings slapped against the side of a hill, prompting him to gracefully spin around and demolish the hill under a torrent of sour smelling acid. As much as he would refute it, this darkened world scared him beyond belief. He had been so long underground that he no longer knew the land he had put himself into so long ago.

There was something else too--another presence like his own seemed to drift through the air. Carthencor used this as an opportunity to exert some of his own pent-up magic. Like invisible tendrils, his outward aura snaked through the air, probing the land and wildlife below for anything significant. All of a sudden, he felt it: another dragon would be a useful asset to so quickly happen upon. With a desire for vengeance, Carthencor sought the source of the dragon like a mouse after a scrap of cheese. With both curiosity and anxiety, Carthencor swooped even lower to the ground; his jet-stream tearing a few weakly planted trees from the earth beneath him. Occasionally, Carthencor released a blast of acid at random--wherever this dragon was it did not seem to be actively searching for Carthencor in the same way Carthencor was seeking him. Carthencor scoured the area before spotting a single protruding hilltop from the lush below. In the night sky, the moon seemed to be positioned just behind the peak, illuminating the barren crag like a beacon. At least, Carthencor hoped it would seem this way.

With great effort, Carthencor swooped above the peak, abruptly losing strength in his wings--they had at last given out beneath him. The great dragon fell the last fifty feet, creating a trail of desolation as he crash landed into it's peak. When he regained his grip on the mountain, he opened his mouth and released a call somewhat reminiscent to how one hundred dying eagles would sound should they all caw at once. When he was done, acid had again began to seep through his jaws, pooling around his feet and sizzling in a yellow-green pool of vile waste. The other dragon would surely see him there, positioned high atop the peak, yet Carthencor took it a step further: with great pride, the great dragon stood atop his hind legs and stretched his wings to their full span, fully exposing his grand stature to any who might see him below. However, even then there was no response. Carthencor searched his mind for the ancient words he once knew, before attempting to grab the dragon's attention--wherever he might be.

"Dor'Tul Volares! Brother of the skies, heed this call! Vretier-Shogul Travar! I require the assistance of one of the elite! I am wounded yet! For the grace of the Dragon King, heed my roar!"

Carthencor did not know what generation of dragon this might be, but he hoped that by mixing the old tongue with the little mortal-based language he knew, that the other dragon might understand him. Hopefully, he would not attack him either. It would be a shame to find that he was intruding on some other sky-warden's barrow.

[Vestige Warrior]

The serpent tilted it's head to the side for a moment, but spoke quickly. "I am already contracted with the King, to bear his Dragon Knight through the sky, to become a scourge in this land, and to destroy anything he desires. If he is angry with you, and bids your destruction, then i'd suggest you leave quickly." The dragon flicked his tongue with a grin. "I'd be very thorough in your agonizing death."

"However," the dragon continued. "Your efforts are not... completely... misplaced. If you seek a dragon, you may one day have your wish. But not here. We have sided with the king." Lifting himself up, he stretched his black wings, blotting out the moon. "Now go, before I have a change of heart and eat you now."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Damn," Pyre thought silently. He hadn't gotten himself hidden in time, and was now being called out by an unknown dragon. He went over what he knew quickly, which wasn't much. Acid based, rather large and overgrown. He wagered he could outrun the lumbering acid-spitter, but his injuries still plagued him. Fighting was not likely to end well for Pyre. It seemed his decision had been made for him. He didn't dare invoke his magic; if this new dragon could detect him while hiding, he wouldn't risk spooking him with raw power.

Shaking off his camouflage, Pyre stood and stretched his wings, similar to the other dragon. With a long gait he strode toward Carthencor, standing proud and strong. His injuries were apparent, but he acted as if they didn't bother him. He carried himself like a warrior, reminding him of times long past.

"The Dragon King has been gone a long time, Elder Dragon. Sought better hunting grounds, I believe. His traditions are still held by this one. Tell me your name, brother, and let us speak as kin." There was no lie, no stretch of truth, no hint of deception whatsoever. What Pyre had said was the truth, as far as he knew. And if there was a way to earn an alliance with this dragon, he would have to try.

[Sereth]

As the threatening mercenary left, Rose began to feel the searing pain in her side. Free from distractions, her wound began to take hold of her senses. She remember what the soldier had said earlier, that she may need stitches. She would have to wait for pyre later. She went behind the waterfall into the lit up cave of drinking, singing, and overall celebration. It pleased her to see her men, usually drained of despair, happily exclaiming their joy and hope for a better age.

rose noticed some were confused about the entrance of the strange, dark mercenary. Rose shook her head to them, signaling for them to ignore it and continue with their festivities. She then continued onward to the collection of supplies near the rear of the cavern. She began searching for bandages, but quickly grimaced, bending over and clutching her side as the pain became excruciating. Rose began to worry about how long she had failed to care for it, hoping it had not become infected and threatened her life. Her vision became blurry, the loss of blood overtaking her. She scurries to try and find what she needed, but with the weary body and mind, she failed to do so and fell to her knees, sweating and panting with pain. Her men were too distracted to notice her agony.

[Death101]

"I thank you for letting me go I wish you luck my friend may we meet on better terms." Borax mounted quickly rode off he slid though the camp quickly and quietly tough the rain, soon he came a small town he found a taveren and rented a room and him and Ingith fell into a sleep.

[Amodeus]

Alastor laid his head back against the wall of the caravan, inhaling deeply before exhaling slowly, fingers tracing the hilt of Soteria.

He was in a fair amount of pain. His head pounded, a combination of the blow he received and the worn-off adrenaline. The bleeding from the gash had stopped, thankfully, but he would still need to clean the wound to keep from infection. As all of the analgesic effects of the epinephrine coursing through his blood wore off, he just hurt more and more. His legs felt like rubber, the result of walking nearly all day, and dehydration was setting in. He reached up with both hands, rubbing his face, running his fingers through his hair, and interlocking his hands behind his neck. He tilted forward, resting his elbows on his knees. Every bump the caravan hit along the road felt like something was directly punching his brain.

However, he was familiar with all these feelings. He had been in open combat before, though he never enjoyed it. He had only survived this long due to luck, and a splash of skill. No matter how beautifully you could make your blade dance, when engaged in battle such as that, an archer could just attack from the rear, and by the time you heard the thwong of the string, it was over.

He changed positions again, this time resting his face in his hands. He sighed, regretting the bloodshed he had just been a part of. He had no idea what the rebellion was for, or even if it was justified. He had killed three men today, one no older than 17. Although he had done so many times over, extinguishing a life never felt glorious or honorable to him. Instead, it was depressing, however necessary it may be. He would mourn the deaths of the combatants when they had reached their destination.

Alastor sat away from the other soldiers, taking large swigs from his glass. He had since cleaned himself up, replaced his shredded tunic, and chugged a few pints of water. The re-hydration helped lessen the aches in his muscles and the throbbing in his head had subsided. He had poured a pint of ale over the dirt outside, in remembrance of those who had fallen. He began to feel the alcohol taking effect after his third pint, and his focus slowly waned. His fading mental status removed the thoughts of his murders as well as took care of the rest of the pain, and he finally relaxed. However, he regained his senses instantaneously as a black-clad man entered the room. He had not been with them previously, and someone finding this place was not necessarily a good thing. He stood to confront the man, but Lady Ellinor soon proceeded him. She signaled that everything was okay. The gesture set Alastor at ease, and he sat back in his chair, taking another sip of the brew.

Lady Ellinor headed to the back of the room, for reasons unclear. He had hoped she had since taken care of the gash she received in the battle, but he had seen neither hide nor hair of her since they returned to the hideout. She looked like she was searching for something, and Alastor looked away, not wanting to watch his commanding officer in such an odd way. He focused back on the men, who had all been carrying on after the apparent victory. It brought him to thoughts of the general that had accompanied them; where had he gone?

His thoughts were cut short by the faint sound of something falling onto the wood, and he turned his head to see Lady Ellinor on her knees, clutching her side. Damn it. "Listen up!" Alastor yelled over the din, hopefully garnering the attention of the soldiers. "I need a doctor, or anyone with medical knowledge. Who among you is best suited? Lady Ellinor is injured." With any luck, someone here knew more than he did about treating deep wounds.

[Sereth]

~GM Post~

Garlants men had been following their orders diligently, burning whatever was suspicious. They were leaving Lillias to was back to the Capitol, being called on for further orders, when they came upon a murky swamp. It was the dead of night, impossible to see too far ahead, but the captain knew the area as being the residency of a dragon not under contract of his king. He sent his order to his men, "light the torches and throw them into the trees! A powerful dragon lives here, but it is not a part of our army. Hopefully this will wound it or scare it away. It would do well to please our King."

They did as they were told, beginning to set the swamp ablaze, then rushing to retreat to Eldorn before the enraged dragon found them finishing their deed.

[Death101]

"Broax?" Ingith asked. Broax sighed. "Tommrow we're going to head towards a place of which we've allies. Goodnight." Ingith sighed then fell asleep.

[Junko Enoshima]

It was strange..there Gravi was,.minding his own business and taking a casual stroll, then out of nowhere, fire began to spread throughout the swamp he called his home for quite a while,and this flame wasn't of his doing..no doubt the king caught wind of his hiding.

Getting angry about the situation was a difficult thing not to do, but the armored dragon only let out a frustrated growl, followed by one sentence. "It seems that it's time for me to relocate..but how long will it take before I find another domain to call my own?"

Gravi spread his thick wings and planted his heavy clawed feet and lunged himself into the air, letting out a blood chilling roar that sounded like blades scraping against jagged rock before he set off in the direction of ferniar.

[Minasm]

Carthencor's white eyes widened in surprise. The Dragon king...gone? By tradition this could not be so--never in their proud race's history had a king not had an heir or, at least, named someone his successor. Carthencor eyed the opposing dragon from his snout to the tips of his wings--he too seemed to be putting on somewhat of a false bravado, but for what reason Carthencor did not know. It also was entirely likely that there was no reason at all that the dragon did it--perhaps he simply wished to be respected. Either way, the great drake was of the bronze color--not entirely different in hue than his own dilapidated copper scales. Either way, Carthencor knew that the dragon undoubtedly could release lightning in the way he did acid. Lightning dragons were always a curious type to him--he had been friends with a few, but had killed many during the schism. They--as far as he knew--had many ancestral ties to the dragon's keep and more often than not, his old brood were treated with prejudice.

Either way, these were new times which inevitably called for new approaches to these matters. "I do not know the way of this world anymore: I am too old--Sho'lar. What was the name of the last king that ruled our people? The last one to bear the crown?" Carthencor relaxed, falling back on all fours as he faced the bronze dragon. "I am here to seek vengeance on the one who woke me from my eternity. What manner of conflict does shake this ground so hard that barrows shatter and ravines form? What stirrings have decided I am to be on this blasted continent again?" With a great, longing sigh, Carthencor dragged his head in the direction of the waning moon. His bright eyes burned under the direct light, but even still he held himself there--the fact he could feel at all was more rewarding then whatever relief he might've felt with his eyes averted.

Carthencor, after a while, turned back to the dragon, eagerly awaiting his response. Perhaps he hadn't even been asleep that long. This sudden thought made him twitch--what if he had only been asleep for a few years? That would surely be much less painful to bear, yet much of him doubted this--the world seemed too different, too alien for him to have only been a sleep a short while.

[Death101]

"Ingith!" Broax shook his friend awake. "Yes? What is it?" He slowly woke up. "We're heading out now to be safe." Broax started towards the door and Ingith followed they left there money mounted up and headed off into the night. "Where are we going Boss?" Ingith looked at his friend. "To the hideout of some of the strongest people I've ever met." Broax said as rain start down on them once again.

[Vestige Warrior]

Pyre approached slowly, still looking strong. He had gotten past he first hurdle, which was not being attacked as soon as he made his whereabouts known. The next was to survive the encounter with no blood shed, which would be no small feat.

"To be honest, I've no idea. The last ruler I remember was King Threxanis, but a lot has changed since then. The world of mortals used to be beneath our concern, but their war has spilled into our world." He wasn't sure about what he was about to say, but he felt any type of deception would end disastrously for him. "The human king Garlant has declared war on this continent, and uses dragons and Riders in his conquest. I refuse to fight for him. His dragons pursued me and tried to end my life. I'm afraid it may have been their attacks that awoke you from your slumber. See my wounds and know the truth."

In the moon's glow, Pyre's scales did little shining. He was burned and bleeding from many areas, consistent with the battle he'd described. His eyes, however, were strong. He bore the look of a warrior who'd seen many battles in his time. Though pained, he would not allow his injuries to tarnish his pride in himself.

"I am merely trying to return to my den, not far from here. My injuries, coupled with the risk of being rediscovered by more of Garlant's minions, forced me to travel on the ground."

[Death101]

It didn't take long for Broax to reach the Dwaf kingdom but what he saw wasn't a good sight Orcs walked around and soon he rode towards the castle and inside the Orcs didn't think much of another Orc walking into the castle soon he found himself in front of the Orc king. "My king what has happend here?" Broax asked looking over the king and Ingith standing next to him.

[Minasm]

"How fitting... I went to sleep to avoid our kind's trifles. It is only irony then that they should wake me." Carthencor realized then that this dragon before him was indeed wounded. Besides what appeared to be a long-past burn on his back, the beast was bloodied in several places--it was then he understood the false courage from before. Perhaps this dragon was no ill-threat, after all they were of the same condition more or less. Carthencor scratched at the rock floor absentmindedly, he was deep in thought. There was not any true merit in slaughtering this dragon--nor could he guarantee victory if he did. It was not uncommon, once, to duel in such a way, yet there were traditions then--standards that might have long since faded from the world.

"I did not know this Threxanis, and if he reigned well and has passed then I have slept well enough. This Garlant... 'king' you speak of: who is he? What claim does he make on this world? It is not fitting for one of the elite to be walking amongst the filth. If you are a man of tradition then does your honor not provoke you to act against this king...this Groz'alul? There once was a phrase my masters taught me--Freveir Trovar. It means--should you not be versed in the old tongue--freedom for the bold. There is no freedom without action."

Carthencor thought a moment longer about the state of affairs. It was indeed a dark day when dragons fought for mortal kings like dogs. He did not know whether or not to believe the full word of this dragon, yet he could not exactly argue against him either. Only time would tell what was to become of him, yet he realized one thing--there was no going back to sleep--not while this impostor king enslaved his kind. This, of course, was why his people had gone so long ago--they always claimed to fear the mortal race but for what, Carthencor couldn't understand. Flesh burnt as easily as anything else under his breath.

[Denraven]

Johnathan raised his right arm, hand balled into a fist, into the air.
“I!” Johnathan began “Know how to treat a wound. I've seen the inside of medical tents and field hospitals more times then I'd like to admit. I can dress a wound, tell good flesh from bad, and sew up a wound, albeit roughly.” Johnathan's knowledge was more limited than what he said. While he knew how to do those things, it was only from watching. He had never been taught proper technique and he was just as liable to cut away good flesh from bad if the infection wasn't obvious enough. His methods were almost as crude as he was and he'd never performed on anyone other than himself; even then it was only stitching up wounds or wrapping them in a rough, hasty, bandage or dressing.

Johnathan wasted no time, as he walked up to Rose and roughly picked her up, though he was careful not to jostle her too heavily so as to not risk reopening the wound. The soldiers around him stopped in their merriment, and gave him threatening glances, their eyes like daggers. They had not heard him say that he had knowledge of dealing with wounds over the din of their mirth and song. They saw this as a possible assault on their leader, more than one weapon could be heard sliding from it's sheath, or it's handle being gripped hesitantly by their owner in preparation for it's use. Johnathan paid no mind to them, if they wanted to fight it would be at the risk of their leader as he held her in his arms and it would be a simple thing to slip a dagger between her ribs and be done with it. Johnathan wasn't the type though, he never killed an employer unless they tried to cheat him, or if someone paid him better.

Johnathan carried Rose to one of the wagons and laid her down unceremoniously, he did not drop her, but nether was he gentle. The wagon held a few casks of beer, mead, wine, and vinegar, along with a few sacks of barely, oats, various hops, and a single bag of wheat. It was a brewers wagon, no doubt destined to one of the many brewers in the Capital, humans had a taste for boozes, more so than any other race with the exception of Dwarves, no one loved to drink more than a dwarf. Johnathan moved the casks out of the wagon, keeping the vinegar and wine casks, which he quickly broke open. Johnathan walked hopped down from the back of the wagon and walk across the cave floor, to the nearest cooking fire. As he did, several of the soldiers turned and faced him and more than one had a weapon drawn.
“If you're smart you'll let me do my work, if I wanted to I could of killed her while I was carrying her. But since she is alive I am obviously here to help, now if you please. . .” Johnathan's address was cut off as one of the more inebriated soldiers took a swing at him with an axe. Johnathan raised his left arm quickly and caught the blow on the back of his gauntleted index and middle finger just below the joint, Johnathan than promptly planted his right fist into the mans mouth, his gauntlet smashing tooth and bone, and sending the man flat on his back.

This only angered the soldiers.
“ENOUGH!” Johnathan yelled over the roars of protest and threats, he was starting to regret working for these rebels already, and knew he should of just sold them out to Garlant when he still had the chance, not that he couldn't still do it, but it'd be harder to do so, they were watching him.
“I'm trying to heal your precious leader. The more time you waste of mine, the more her wound has a chances to fester.” Johnathan pushed past the soldiers, snatched up a tankard up ending it's contents and then walked back to the where he placed the opened cages of wine and vinegar and filled the tankard with a mixture of 60% Vinegar 40% wine and then stalked back to the fire and placed the tanked in the middle of the fire. At this time he also drew forth a dirk which he kept tucked away in his boot and cleaned it off and began heating it in the fire, he also snatched another dagger from one of the soldiers it was long and thin, a mail piercer closer to a stiletto and heated this as well.

When the vinegar and wine mixture came to a boil and both daggers were glowing bright yellow Johnathan snatched them up and walked back to the wagon. He would quickly, first he removed her tunic, which had already been soaked through with blood. His nostrils were almost instantly assaulted by the sickly sweet smell of rotting flesh, the wound had already begun to fester, thankfully it was still fresh and the festering was only surface deep. The wound was high and deep on her left side, which Johnathan was thankful for as it meant it had avoided many of the vital organs which on the right side, it had gone under the floating ribs and just barely nicked the spleen damage that was entirely superficial and would heal on it's own. Johnathan also couldn't help but notice Rose's breasts, held in place by a simple wrap, hers were of a good size and well shaped. Johnathan smirked but thought no more of them as he began his work.

Johnathan took up the tankard and poured a quarter of it's boiling contents onto the wound. Rose screamed in agony as soon as the searing hot liquid hit her flesh, Johnathan gave her a quick strong punch and knocked her unconscious. This caused an uproar amongst the soldiers who had gather around to watch and every single one of them drew their weapons and made to attack.
“I'd advise against that.” Johnathan said without even turning towards them or even stopping what he was doing, as he took the thinner of the daggers and began to cut away the dead and rotting flesh. In his clumsiness and inexperience he carved away some of the good flesh with the bad; it wasn't as bad as he thought, a fact which surprised even him, as he had only ever watched medics perform what he was doing now. When he finished cutting away the flesh he once again poured the searing hot vinegar and wine mixture on the wound sanitizing it. Finally he took up his dirk which had cooled to a dull red glow by now and pressed it again the wound. The smell of burning flesh assaulted the air, and Johnathan could hear, with some small satisfaction a soldier heave in the background as the dirk cauterized the wound, closing it and stopping any further bleeding. All that remained was bandaging the wound something he'd leave to Rose when she woke up.
“There I am done, your glorious leader is saved for now. She's lost a lot of blood, enough to be considered serious. When she's awake dress the wound and make sure she doesn't move around a lot. Her days of combat are done for at least a fortnight. She's lucky, if the wound was any deeper she'd of bled to death by now.” Johnathan addressed the soldiers as he pushed them on his way past them to the back of the cave, where he could sleep away from the rest of them and not be bothered.

[Vestige Warrior]

"He makes no claims. I suppose he assumes he is destined to rule the continent. Humans are fickle creatures; I gave up trying to figure them out long ago. But you are right. Freedom comes with a cost, which I pay for in blood. I have pledged my aid to a group who oppose Garlant." Pyre suddenly remembered what he was supposed to be doing, and decided he should wrap up the conversation and get back before anyone began to worry. He was anxious, also, to see if their leader had survived the ordeal.

Pyre stretched his wings a little, but quickly drew them in, feeling the pang of his injuries plague him once again. He was feeling somewhat better, but was still not in flying condition. "Speaking of which, I should be returning to my group. I am sorry that our battle caused you irritation. Or..." A thought had crossed his mind, suddenly. One dragon could only do so much. Two would be twice as effective. An army...

"You mentioned vengeance, against those that disturbed you. I could give you that opportunity, and more. I can give you a chance to strike against Garlant, and the dragon knight that escaped. He is in charge of Garlant's Riders. If you wish for revenge, our efforts will give you that chance. I have little time to wait, however, so if you need time to consider the offer, you'll just have to follow my trail."

[Junko Enoshima]

During his flight, the dragon caught glimpse of something that put him into a rage..the same platoon that had willingly burned down what he called his home for many year's. At first, Gravi was going to..ignore and find a new home, but this....this was an opportunity for revenge, and exercise to work out the kinks in his constantly rested muscles.

He picked up the pace as he flew until he was right above them, and made his descent...directly onto the unsuspecting platoon. Some were nimble enough to dodge,but those that didn't..had they're bones crushed by the sheer weight of a dragon that looked like it was made of rock.

Gravi growled menacingly at the remainder of Garlants men that were in the platoon, followed by a roar so blood chilling, they dropped they're weapons and held they're ears.

Obviously not a match for him, Gravi decided to dispose of the stragglers the most common way a dragon could. He planted his feet firmly, and tucked in his wing's...inhaling, the dragon fired off a beam of concentrated flame the burned as hot as magma, sweeping his head slowly to the left and to the right, burning the sinful soldiers to a crisp, and setting ablaze what vegetation was nearby.


((Reference video for his "fire beam"))
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTP3onMuRz8&feature=youtube_gdata_player

[Honey&Milk]

A decidedly pungent silence filled the air, thick and choking. Racing thoughts led way to listless bodies, and Camille was more than sure that the man before her had his own crippling worries to contemplate. Betraying a king who had first betrayed him, coping with the loss of one he held dear, living out his days in seclusion…all of those things, while painful in their own respective rights, were most likely beyond bearable when combined. Lucas was, in a twisted way, a traitor to his kingdom. It was a perfect juxtaposition to her own dilemmas: a young woman who has forsaken her kin who in turn forsook the ideals of Elven tradition, a woman who has betrayed her people in order to pursue her own path in life, one more meaningful than playing the part of a minstrel vagabond who aimlessly wanders the land. She had been so determined to seek them out, to show them what had become of her during the two years she had been away. All that she has learned with Boaz, the forever grumpy Dwarf who was now a part of her family as those she had left behind, all that she has learned about herself in the process, she wanted to show to her family as a means to justify her actions. To give what she has been striving for some sort of validation. Now however, she wasn’t so sure if she even wanted to find them, let alone face them.

“It’s gotten late, hasn’t it?” Lucas’ wavering voice destroyed the suffocating stillness that had been previously blanketing the room moments prior, something Camille was undoubtedly appreciative of. Her brief bout of introspective thinking had been slowly but surely heading down a path she wasn’t entirely ready to tread at present. With a quick kick of his legs, the amber haired man propped his feet up on the working table he was seated next to before slouching further down in his chair. After a minute or two of shifting about—no doubt due to the chairs undeniable lack of comfort—he settled down. That was his unspoken cue that their conversation was now over, that he no longer wished to talk, and that he was ready to call it a night. Camille couldn’t agree more with his sentiment.

“I’m afraid I don’t have a place to go for the night. I’d like to stay here.” She didn’t bother asking if it would be alright of her to do so. Too tired for such formalities, she laid herself out along the floor, grunting when her back pressed against the bulky pieces of some forgotten machinery.

Lucas gave a dismissive wave of his hand before saying, “Try to steal anything and I’ll have your head on a stick.” His words fell on deaf ears.

[Sereth]

When rose awoke, she felt a searing and unbearable pain in her side. She began to scream as if hell itself was causing this pain and using it to drag her to her death. Her soldiers surrounded her and began to dress the wound that Johnathan had so harshly cleaned. They wrapped bandages tightly against her waist along with some herbs to try as help soothe the pain. Rose began to sweat unable to speak more than utters of nonsense grunts through the excruciating sting.

She tried her best to calm down, using thoughts of Junon as her aid. His kind smile, his messy hair, his goofy grin when he would try to cheer her up. Though, with her body under so much stress, those thoughts became illusions, as she began to think Junon was standing above her in place of Johnathan.

[Death101]

Soon the two came to what looked like on the outside an abandon fortress. "Broax where are we?" Ingith looked around and saw fire and eyes in the windows. "The Fortress it's a place where my greatest friends gathered long ago," Broax paused and looked up to see a small dwarf. "Boss that you?" He called down. "Yes open the gate." Soon the gate rose up and opened and Broax rode inside where many different races met them and smiled at them. "Ingith meet the Mongols a group like wise people who left there kingdom and found this old place and turned it into our home it's unknown to most so it's safe place for us to meet." Broax smiled as the Mongols called out. "Great to have ya back Boss." Broax returned with. "Listen my good people I've returned for a reason." As the gate shut the small dwarf came up and stood near Broax. "From now on we fight the human king and his war that is all there is to be said about that!" Everyone thought for a moment and stayed quiet. "Who are we?!?" Broax called out. "The Mongols!" Was the answer he got. "And what don't we do?!?" He yelled louder. "Give Up!" They yelled as Broax headed for his sleeping place and The Mongols smiled and got together to prep for there new task.

[Denraven]

He extended his second pint of beer towards the man, held outward in his right hand.
"I told that girl to patch herself up the second we returned. People just must not like to listen to me. This is not my cause, but thanks for saving her anyway. Glad to see someone else around here knows the way around a sword." He gestured towards him, the light amber beverage shining through the glass in his outstretched hand.
"Alastor."

Johnathan took the pint of beer, sniffed it and then handed it back.
"Sorry mate, smells like the cheap piss from my mother's brothel." Johnathan muttered as he reached inside one of his pockets and pulled out a large metal flask and unscrewed the top. An unnaturally strong alcoholic oder poured forth from the mouth of the bottle, like the breaths of a dozen drunk Dwarves all at once.
"Dwarven Fire Brandy," Johnathan said, and as he took a small sip, his eyes flashed open.
"I'm never going to be able to get used to that burn."

"Terribly sorry that your mother is in a brothel." He smiled as he took the tankard back. He wasn't offended; the stuff was indeed cheap piss. More for me, I suppose. The liquor wafted through the air, and Alastor could tell it had some potency. I may like this man yet. He laughed at the man's comment towards the burn, after hearing that he had some Dwarven Fire Brandy.
"That stuff is not easy to come by, and you're right, it'll send lesser men running for water. What brings you to this 'rebellion', as they call it?"
"Money, plan and simple. Let's just say I've been promised a hefty sum if we're victorious. Enough for me to retire on," Johnathan said as he offered the man a swig of his flask. There were some that said there existed particular forms of Dwarven Fire Brandy, that when quaffed, could grant the drinker control over fire itself. That was mere legend as far as Johnathan was concerned, he had no use for magic, he cared for what he could see, feel, touch, and use; steel and gold, the mercenary's life blood.
"Johnathan Royce G. Whoreson, my mother was a cheap whore and my father was a poorly endowed nobleman. Or so I like to think."
"Must be nice, I've only been offered to keep my life in exchange for participating in this revolt. An officer saw me commit homicide, and though it was self-defense, I still likely would've been hanged." He took the flask, taking a quick shot as he tilted his head back. It was as though he had lit his throat on fire. He clenched his facial muscles, shaking his head slightly, giving a small grunt as the stuff went down.
"I see what you mean about the burn. But otherwise, great choice." He passed the flask back, though he was slightly worried about the man now. Mercs were not known for their ethics or morality, and this one seemed a true merc at heart. He hoped the man wouldn't cross any lines in the future, for he could be a good ally.
"Pleased to meet you, Whoreson. Should I use something besides your last name? Seems... offensive. Also, I hope your genes worked in your favor then." He smiled as he finished his sentence, offering his hand to the man.
"Nope!" Johnathan laughed, "I won't begin to even pretend I'm anything better than the bastard son of a whore. But if you mean to insult me with it, I'll geld you." Johnathan's voice got a dark tone to it at the threat, but the giant mischievious smile told him that Johnathan was largely just screwing him.
"My genes? What the hell are those? If you mean my blood, tell that to the poor bastards I've killed and they'll tell you."
Alastor laughed, the "genes" comment seemed lost on Johnathan.
"Well, your blood is basically what I meant. And sure, let me find the bodies in your wake. I'm sure they'd be glad to give me some insight." He still couldn't place what is was about Whoreson that put him on edge. It was likely his apparent combat prowess, coupled with his imposing nature. The black clothing never helped, especially since the man was a self-proclaimed merc. Only time would tell, however.
"I know that look." Johnathan said, "And I know what you're thinking, same as Rose over there. I'm a Mercenary through and through, I sell my sword to the highest bidder. I don't pretend to be anyone's friend, my only true loyalty is to money, gold, and the steel I wield." Johnathan said, his smile was gone, his expression was of cold reflection. This was nothing new, wherever he went people were always the same, no one trusted a mercenary and with good reason, they had a history. It didn't mean Johnathan was any less bother by it. He liked being a mercenary, he was good at it, but it also bothered him that it was the best he would be able achieve.
"Thankfully for you lot, I've been promised more money than I could dream of, so until I am either promised a price that's higher, which I seriously doubt Garlant is willing to pay out for a single Mercenary, I'm your loyal man. As loyal as a Mercenary can be of course."
"Well, at least if I find your knife in my back, I'll know it's nothing personal." Alastor's smile faded. "And what do you mean, 'us lot'? I'm not emotionally or financially invested in this rebellion, and the way I see it, I'm a dead man no matter which side I choose. I wasn't turned in to the authorities in exchange for my membership, but I forfeited my life if Garlant is to claim victory. On the other hand, if I left the Rebellion, I'd likely be assassinated to protect its secrets. I was dealt a bad hand, and now I'm just trying to see what cards I can put together at the end. However, for now, glad to be with you."
"Everyone here is a soldier, or a peasant turned soldier, or like you a criminal turn soldier, you follow orders, you march into battle and you fight and you die for peanuts. I'm a Mercenary, I pick and choose when and where I want to fight, I don't have to follow orders, I see an enemy I kill an enemy, I get paid. Soldiers have loyalty, discipline, they fight for country, home, or other such nonsense. I, like the rest of my ilk, fight for the sake of fighting and because we can get paid to do it. Our loyalties lie in the highest bidder." Johnathan said, his face and tone were still that of a reflective stance.
"As for the knife in your back, I wouldn't do that. I like to face a man when he's standing up. Better to cut him from neck to groin that way." Johnathan laughed, he was an odd one, barefaced and impulsive to be sure. One could never quite tell where his emotions were going to take him.
"Well, in that regard, maybe you're better than I. I'm loyal to myself., and my honor. Noting is more subjective than that, huh?" As Johnathan made his remark about facing a man face first, Alastor burst into laughter. "Well, that's damn reassuring. Hopefully, if we end up against one another, our duel will be epic. If I lose, don't mutilate my body too much."
"I only geld whores and employers who try to cheat me. If I lose don't bother burying me, let the crows have their damned feast," Johnathan said as he turned toward the back of the cave.
"I'd best get some sleep, that Brandy kicked my ass. Make sure that bloody girl doesn't bleed out in the middle of the night, else those soldiers are liable to cut my throat while I sleep."




------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Johnathan looked down at Rose as she screamed and writhed in pain. He could only feel sorry for her, he did not pity her for that would be insulting, but he did feel a sadness for her. He knew the pain she was experiencing, had experienced it himself on more than one occasion. It was the pain of life, of surviving another day, at it's purest and most intense form. There was no escaping it, you just had to grit your teeth and bare it until either it passed or you passed out, the stronger you were the worse it was. This would be Rose's test, if she failed now she had no place as a leader, had no place on the battlefield, if she passed out now all would be lost, her men would lose respect for her, see her as too weak to lead them, to weak to fight.

At least that's what Johnathan thought, he had a very black and white view on the world, there was no middle ground, you were either rich or you were poor, strong or weak, dead or alive. He knew his thinking was far from unique though, he had been taught to think that way by others of his ilk and as far as he was concerned in his own personal world it was true. There was no middle ground with Mercenaries, everything started and ended on the edge of a blade: Your career, your wealth, your life or your death. It all hinged on the edge of a blade and your own personal skill. If you wanted to live you had to fight for it everyday, you couldn't afford not to fight, if you stopped fighting you stopped making the money that seemed to vital to live some Mercenaries called it the Second Blood.

Johnathan looked over Rose as she continued to scream in writhe in agony, he could only imagine was was going through her mind, if she was even able to think of anything through the pain she was feeling right now, what she was seeing through eyes clench tight. It was in this moment, in her rawest, most vulnerable stage of life, of the purest most intense feeling any living being could feel, the pain of life, that Johnathan saw a rough beauty in Rose. Sure she was attractive, her body was well formed and her face was comely, but Johnathan saw something more, some rawer form of beauty. The thought was fleeting, she was his employer nothing more, he barely even knew her, their relationship was not even a day old, and yet the feeling was still there, tucked away in the back of his mind where he hoped it would stay and he cursed it and himself for the foolishness of it all.

[Minasm]

Carthencor mused the thought a while in his head before turning in disgrace. Even if he wanted to seek vengeance, the prospect of returning to the world still scared him some.
He needed to reconnect with those that had remained in Nadilan long ago. Tentatively, Carthencor opened his mouth--speaking about the others brought back some sickening feeling, of which he was most uncomfortable with. Carthencor took time to think--there must've been some way he could pay this dragon for his aid, but he could not think of any: he possessed nothing, nor knew anything about the new world. For a dragon, he was dangerously low on riddles and unprecedented knowledge. Perhaps it would be some time before he could successfully remember either of those things.

"No... I cannot. Perhaps we will meet again, but tonight I must return to my people's ancestral mountain. If there are any like me who have survived, then I must find them. Freveir Trovar, brother. Much thanks for the information."

With that, Carthencor ascended into the night sky, slowly gliding into the darkness. He would fly that way until dawn--by then he would be home. PErhaps along the way, he might remember just why he had decided to stay on Nadilan, after all--it didn't seem as though it had changed much for the better.

[Death101]

Soon enough a Raven flew into the kings castle and drop a letter that was short and sweet. Greedy king this is simple The Mongols declare war on you. - Broax The Mongols were decently know as mercanrys.

[Sereth]

Rose felt like she was going mad, seeing the image of her dead lover hanging over her. But, even though she knew it impossible, his soft smile comforted her. With it, she could gulp down the pain as the herbs took their effect. The pain was still there, but numbed enough to bear.

Her mind began to settle along with her senses. Roses body left survival mode an began to work on healing the pain. Rose was stunned to find Johnathan, the mercenary she just paid off, sitting above her in place of her vision of Junon. She didn't know what to say, but couldn't resist a glare on her brow, "are you the one I have to thank? My wound." She noticed it bandaged and healing, but with Johnathan the only around, she had to assume it was his work.