Darkness Falls (Closed)

[Armphid]

Anya nodded at the words from both woman and dragon, not that Beth'ira could see her agreement. It was a mild comfort to know that the regal looking creature would try to catch her if she fell...though how much time would she have to do it?

Don't think like that!

She did as Salina said, taking in long, slow, deep breaths. Her hammering heart slowed, becoming more normal, and she felt the shocking energy of terror and adrenaline fading out of her system. Breathe in....breathe out. Just like that. Over and over.

She finally cracked an eye open, looking about warily. There was just nothing all around them but a strong wind of the dragon's passage beat at her front and the air up here was crisp and chill.

Both of Anya's eyes opened and she peered about, "Gods," she gasped, clutching the leather straps tightly again. They were up so high! She could see for...forever, it felt like! It was beautiful! However, she was sure that if she looked down, the fear would wash over her again. Looking out and away was fine though. Just don't look down.

She looked ahead of them and saw the blackened swath. "Nature out of balance my fine ass," she said. "Looks like somethin's just killin' if off wholesale. I've never seen anythin' like it." She shaded her eyes with one hand, trying to get a better look. "I cannae tell if it was all burned or if it's some kinda blight."

The dwarf frowned and shifted a bit. This looked bad and they were flying right at whatever it was. A slow smile spread her lips; now this was adventure!

 

[JadeKnight]

Salina was quiet as she looked towards the wide swath of blackness on the land. She gave a squeeze with her heels against Beth'ria's neck, signaling her forward. The golden dragon was in motion a moment later, the wind rushing faster around the dwarf and human. The wind was colder, but the thick leather kept most of it from Salina's body.

It only took a few moments for them to reach the start of the blackness, the trio landing a few feet from the edge. Beth'ria folded her large wings against her bulk, lifting her head to sniff at the air.

I smell Brimstone.

The ex-princess frowned at the statement from the dragon, slipping off of her perch. She walked over to the blackness in silence, kneeling down at the blackness. Slender fingers picked up a patch of the soot, rolling it slowly between them. She looked back towards Anya as she spoke.

"The soot has a bit of oilness to it, and the smell of sulfur is heavy here."

She stood up and dusted her fingers of as she was quiet for a moment. She growled softly as she pun around to make her way back to the other two.

"I don't like this Anya. That stuff leads in the direction of Saek, my homeland. I believe demons are definitely involved now."

 

[Armphid]

Anya did not get off the golden dragon's back as they landed and Salina began to look around. From Beth'ira she had a good view of the surrounding area. And she wasn't sure that her legs wouldn't wobble and make her fall either. The first flight had certainly been exhilarating but she hadn't entirely shaken the fear of it yet.

"Aye, I smell the sulfur, all right. And other things too." She was hardly a master smith or craftsman but her people made use of many chemicals and acids in the production of their fine wares. As such, she knew more about such things than most non-dwarves would. "Acid, I think, was sprayed around too, as well as whatever kind of fire they used."

She shook her head, "I cannae say what kind wi'out taking some o' this stuff an' finding an alchemy rig...but we shouldn't take any of it wi' us, just in case." Unknown substances could be very, very dangerous.

As Salina came back, Anya frowned, "What is it about Saek that makes ye think so?" She held out a hand to help Salina remount, "Ye can tell me on the way; I think we better get right to followin' this trail."

 

[JadeKnight]

She smiled for a moment as she took Anya's hand before remounting behind the dwarf. She re-adjust herself for a moment before Beth'ria launched them into the air. They hovered about a hundred feet in the air for a moment before following the trail of blackness. She was quiet for a few moments as they flew, trying to put things together.

"It's about something I read when I was younger. I came across the book when I first started practicing magic, hidden in the castle archives. I don't remember much, but I do remember it had to do with the five major kingdoms, their locations, and the Great Deamon Shagli'rich. I was punished for having the book, but we need to get a hold of it again."

The black path continuing in a mostly straight line, the width almost the same. Various paths would cut off from the main path at different intervals, but they always returned to the main path. It was almost an hour before they came within view of the outskirts of the Saek Kingdom. The path stopped half a mile from the outskirts, and a small camp seemed to be set up.

"Can you see anything Anya?"

 

[Armphid]

Anya smirked; elves weren't the only ones with keen eyes. Though if she were honest, their eyes were keener than even those of dwarves, but either way she could see a bit more than a human. Beth'ira could probably see clearer than both of them though; dragons were airborne creatures and most flyers had fantastic eyes.

She swallowed hard and then looked down over the side, "I can see a camp; fair sized but not big enough fer a force tha' coulda burned all that green." She shaded her eyes with a hand and focused her gaze down on it. There were a number of tents and a few small pavilions set up. Many of them had strange symbols on them. "I think it's some kind of camp of mages. Th' tents all got runes and markings on 'em. I dinnae see any demons right now...maybe they're dematerialized...or maybe th' mages summon 'em up when they get on th' move or something. Or they're just hidin' out."

She straightened back up and looked over her shoulder at Salina, "What d' ye think? We could try an' take 'em out now, I dinnae think they've noticed us yet but it won't take long before they do." Beth'ira was large and even this high up, she could be clearly seen and was also clearly not a bird. Whether anyone would spot the riders...she couldn't say. "Or d'ye think we should get ahead o' these pikers an' spread th' word? Or fly on an' see if we cannae get tha' book?"

 

[JadeKnight]

Salina's focus was on the town and castle further ahead of them as Anya looked down at the camp. She heard everything that her friend told, but her mind was also working ahead towards their next move. She had planned on returning soon, but not so soon. Plus they were riding a dragon into the kingdom, making them a target for the Saek kingdom as well. She gave a smile for a moment as a plan did form in her mind, giving a nod to Anya as she looked at her.

"It's too early to take them on. We probably could take them, but it's not going to help us figure out what's going on. No, the book's our next step."

As if on cue, Beth'ria went from circling to flying towards the castle. Salina didn't bother taking the dragon above the clouds, but they went lower, five hundred feet above the city. People below pointed and ran as they flew overhead, speeding towards the castle. They were halfway between the capital and the castle when Salina noticing the first wave of arrows launched at them. She smirked for a moment, leaning back as she placed a free hand on Beth'ria's right shoulder.

"Breathe!"

The dragon's neck swelled for a moment before she exhaled a gout of flame in front of them. At the same time, tendrils of shadow flowed from her fingertips along Beth'ria's scales towards her open mouth. As the shadow tendrils hit the flame, it turned completely black and spread out wide like a wall. AS the arrows hit, they burnt to a crisp.

They flew over the ramparts, hovering in the courtyard. The archers were on the wall, bows drawn. Beth'ria had ceased her flame breathe, so a large semi-circle of armed soldiers with swords and pikes at ready. Salina stood up on Beth'ria's back for a moment before leaping off. Despite her friend's cry of panic, she had no fear. She muttered a few words beneath her breathe before a large sheet of shades appeared beneath her, carrying her down to the ground. She landed with her right knee bent with her foot on the ground, her left leg straight out behind her. Her left hand was on the ground while she held her right hand up so that her tattoo was seen.

A sharp female voice was heard a moment later.

"Stand down!"

As one, every soldier went to attention as a fully armored figure stepped forward, pulling off her helmet. Her blue eyes gleamed for a moment as she gave a smile.

"Well if it isn't the lost daughter returning home."

Sensing everything was ok, Beth'ria dropped to the ground, landing with a soft thump.

 

[Armphid]

Anya cursed under her breath as they flew over the town, people below shouting and crying out, knocking objects and one another over as they dragon went overhead. "Great, not going t' fight th' camp but th' bloody castle instead."

Well, at least she'd had a hearty breakfast that morning. Seemed like she'd need it. There was an equal chance it might be the last meal she had.

Anya clung onto Beth'ria's back during the volley of the arrows and the creation of the burning shadow wall that stopped them. She felt singularly useless, not to mention concerned. It was bad enough to be a sitting duck on the dragon's back, though Salina had defenses obviously but she couldn't help either.

Then her friend did the unthinkable, standing up to make herself a bigger target and then jumping off the damn dragon. "Salina! Catch her, Beth'ira, quick!" Anya struggled to free herself from the stirrups and straps, prepared to go over after her friend holding onto the harness to try and grab her.

But there was no need, magic took the force of her fall away, if not the speed, and then the sudden fight was over. Salina had one hand held up, the guardsmen were all at attention, and a feminine form encased in heavy armor was approaching the slender magic-user.

Anya felt a bit nettled as the dragon landed. But she sighed and patted the beast's shoulder, "Thank ye for a safe flight, beauty." She then managed to get herself loose and jump down from her perch on the dragon. She fell more than her body's length, landing hard on her strong legs.

The soldiers were staring at the two women and the dragon with equal intensity. The eyes were not unfriendly, to her surprise, but shocked and afraid and perhaps a bit hopeful, at least some of them. None of them appeared to pay her any mind.

The buxom dwarf walked over to where the armored woman was standing, her helm off, smiling at Salina. "Good plan," she quipped as she walked up. "Thanks fer fillin' me in on it." The bluster covered some nerves on her part. This was her friend's home and she was unsure of their reception, though it seemed good so far. "Won't ye introduce me t' yer pretty armored friend?"

 

[JadeKnight]

As Salina stood up from her crouched position, the older armored lady stepped forward with a smirk. She looked to be in her late forties, but she had a well seasoned look about her. Her hair was just to just above shoulder-length, honey blonde with a few light streaks of grey running through it. She held one gauntleted hand out towards the dwarf for a moment.

"I'm Salina's second mother and captain of the Saek Guard, Rosa Daedrae. That was quite the stunt you three pulled. And with a dragon no less."

Salina sighed and shook her head for a moment.

"Sarcastic as always mother. And that's Beth'ra, she's my friend."

The dragon pulled herself up from the crouch, bowing her head for a moment in greeting. The other soldiers stiffed and tighten their grip on their weapons before Rosa signaled them away with her other hand.

 

[Armphid]

Anya took the offered hand in a firm grip, "Anya Ironpounder, a pleasure t' make yer acquaintance, Captain."

The part of being captain of the guard, the busty dwarf understood. But "second mother" was a term she was unfamiliar with. What did that meant? Was she a step mother? Or did Salina's father have multiple wives or something?

She'd find out. No point asking about it right now.

Captain Rosa Daedre was an attractive woman for that matter as well. Older, aye, but that didn't take any edge off her appearance. Anya idly wondered if it would be bad form to flirt with her friend's second mother.

"We do like t' make an impression, Captain," Anya said in response to the woman's comment about their entrance. "Seein' as we've news tha's important, we could nae wait t' go through proper channels an' all that."

She glanced back at the soldiers, "Up t' Salina and you if yer men hear about it but either way, we'd best get on wi' th' news. We flew in ahead of one hell of a storm, metaphorically speaking."

 

[JadeKnight]

Salina nodded for a moment at Anya's suggestion.

"I'll let you fill mother in on that then. I'm off to find Jaffery, the court mage. Where is he at?"

Rosa glanced at her daughter for a moment before answering.

"Probably in his study. I take it the dragon is friendly?"

Salina smiled and nodded for a moment.

"Yes mother, she is. And she won't need feeding for a couple of days, which she can do on her own. "

Beth'ra gave a little rumble for a moment before she lifted into the air, circling overhead for a few seconds. She veered towards one of the castle's turrets and landed, looking out over the city. Salina gave a little hug to her mother before making her way into the castle, leaving her friend with her mother. Rosa sighed for a moment before turning her attention to Anya.

"That girl...She was always a handful to deal with. Come on then, let's go to my office, so to speak."

The older lady led the way to a small building at the edge of the courtyard. It was the size of a small one room house, a bed off in a corner. In the middle of the room was a large round oak table, a large world map covering it.

"What is the news you spoke of?"

 

[Armphid]

"A couple of handfuls, I'd say," Anya quipped as she thought of her friend's breasts, "and looks like she takes after you in that regard." After a moment she added, "Being captain of the guard and a busy fightin' lady and all."

The busty dwarf followed her up the stairs to her office, looking about as she did so. This place...was good, as far as human fortifications went. There was some good stonework here, but also some that was not good. It was well situated though. She smirked; a few dozen dwarven stonemasons could make this into a place that armies broke upon like the waves against the shoreline.

Maybe if Salina ever came into her own, she'd arrange that as a present.

Anya entered Rosa's office, "Thanks." It was spartan and well organized, though she noted the bed. "Late hours sometimes, eh? A pity but it's part of the lift, isn't it?"

The dwarf walked over to the table, which was high for her but she could still see what was on it. "The news is that someone's summoning up a bunch of demons and has burned the woods all the way from here," she tapped an area on the map, "all the way round here, and are now sitting in a pretty little camp right here."

She looked up at Rosa, "They're all but making a beeline for Saek, Captain Daedrea. Salina thinks it's got something to do with a book that's here, but whether that's it or not, they're coming fer ya."

She tapped the spot on the map where the camp was again, "It's a very small force as we saw it; buncha mages and some human servants. We didn't see any demons; might not have summoned 'em yet or they were dematerialized. But there's little doubting that demons are what burned all of this, so that's what'll be coming at ya once those berks get their crap together."

 

[JadeKnight]

Rosa pursed her soft lips as she listened to Anya explain the situation. She crossed her arms over her chest for several moments after the dwarf finished speaking. Her eyes looked from the dwarf to the map several times before picking up a writing instrument. The tip tapped lightly against the middle of the city proper for several seconds before she began drawing on the map.

The lines she had drawn on the map formed a large star between the five cities of the races, the elves, dwarfs, humans, orcs, and dryads. She laid the writing instrument down and pulled out a chair, sitting down.

"The Legend of Balrtog seems to be showing itself once more. Do you know of the legend?"

She gave a nod when Anya shook her head for a moment.

"Baltrog was a powerful Overdemon that once ruled the entire world with his demon legions over two thousand years ago. He had a small jeweled globe which contained his powers, allowing him to remain in our realm. After a series of many battles the globe was split apart into five pieces and sent to each of the rulers at that time. Statues were created to house the pieces as proof of the legend. If they get connected, via physical or magical means, he will return."

She sighed and shivered for a moment as a cold chill went through her. Her blue eyes showed a hint of fear, despite her tough features.

 

[Armphid]

Anya took it upon herself to hop up into a chair and sit, the better to see the map. She watched with interest and some alarm as the older woman drew lines between the capitals to connect them in the simple but mystic symbol of the fire pointed star.

Maybe it was a coincidence? Yeah, sure. And she was a four armed orc.

"It's nae a tale I've heard," Anya said once Rosa finished speaking. "But tha's no surprise. If the dwarf kings of old were given such a thing to hide, they'd keep it secret even from their own people in the hope tha' everyone would forget about it, friend and foe alike, and it'd just end up bein' lost."

She raised her eyes to meet the human woman's and was a little surprised to see the fear in them. Impulsively, she stood up in the chair and reached out to place one of her hands on Rosa's. "Take heart, Lady Captain. Salina's got power t' burn an' a dragon at her command. She's back an' will be a help t' yer defense, an' so will I. It'll be rough but we'll get through an' deny the bastards their prize."

 

[JadeKnight]

Rosa gave a little smile and nod for a moment after Anya laid a hand on top of hers.

"Thank you for the offer of help Anya. I'm sure both of you will be of great help to the defense of our kingdom. However defending against a frontal assault isn't going to be only problem we need to deal with at this point."

She gave the dwarf's hand a squeeze for a moment before pulling away to tap at the star on the map.

"The burning you saw was an ancient form of creating a summoning circle on a larger scale, so to speak. I know a little bit of magic knowledge from Javan, the court mage."

She gave a little grin before going back to the map.

"The width of the line doesn't matter, just as long as there is some sort of physical connection between the points. It could be as small as the tip of my writing instruments. I'll have to post sentries around the statue as well."

She took a deep breathe for a moment before smiling and sitting down in a chair.

"So how did you come to be in Salina's company?"

 

[Armphid]

Anya smiled back at Rosa before the woman moved her hand. It had been nice, that little squeeze. Part of her wondered what it had meant exactly. But time for that later, or sooner depending, but it’d be up to the captain for the moment.

“That small? Hammer an’ tongs, that’s a pain.” It meant any big attack would likely be a partial ruse. The enemy would be much better served by infiltration of some kind. Tricky stuff, indeed. A thought occurred to her. Any connection to the statue would work for them…what if the statue wasn’t there? The enemy knew where the statues were because of this legend. What if they moved them?

She was about to voice the idea when Rosa asked her about Salina. Anya laughed, “There’s a long story in that, my dear captain, but I can sum up pretty good. An’ maybe sometime we’ll have the leisure fer th’ full telling.” The busty dwarf tipped her head back, “Let’s see now…it would be about five years ago that I met her. She’d been adventuring for a time already, as had I, and we got brought in by a mutual friend of ours. Skinny little elf priestess.” The thought of her friend and former companion brought a smile to her lips. She had been skinny but could still keep you warm on a cold night; she remembered how worried the woman had been that her people would find out she occasionally slept with a dwarf.

“It was a mine mission; grim stuff. Folk had been captured and pulled underground by dark elves an’ their servants who’d boiled up out of the local silver mine. That’s what got me involved; seeing in the dark an’ knowing how things work underground an’ all. It was a rough time, I saved Salina’s hide a few times, an’ she mine before th’ end. We rescued most of the people and put a big dent in the dark elves numbers and property; made it too expensive for them t’ think about raiding the surface.” For a while, at least. In twenty years or so they’d try again. They always did.

“After that, I joined up with Salina and her group as a regular.” She shook her head and sighed, a fond smile on her lips. Those were fun days. “There was a whole lot of us, seven in all, and we went about the lands solving problems, seeking treasures, killing monsters, tha’ sort of thing. We did a lot of good, helped a lot of folk, gained and lost a few fortunes,” she laughed.

She shook her head, “I lost touch with her though. I got hurt bad on one of our missions; fighting giants who were raiding border villages. I was laid up with in a monastery of the sun god fer a few months getting healed back into shape. By the time I got out, the others were long gone. Tried to find ‘em with no luck. Not until yesterday when I ran into Salina at an inn; blind luck that.”

 

[JadeKnight]

Rosa gave a smile as she listened to the story. She gave a sigh for a moment after Anya finished her story, standing up from her seat.

"As much as I've enjoyed talking and enjoying your company Anya, I need to get back to work. Trouble tends to happen when I'm--"

She barely got to finish her sentence when one of the squires burst through the door in a huff.

"Ma'am, please come to the royal garden quick. There's trouble between M'lady's Dragon and the royal guard!"

Rosa growled softly with a glance towards Anya for a moment before running towards the door.

"Grab a squad and follow me squire!"

She was out the door after the squire, who peeled off towards the barracks with a yell. Seconds later, six soldiers came running out in practice gear and swords drawn as they went after their Captain. It took a few moments to the group to find the royal gardens.

Beth'ra was pinned down with a few ropes in a ending harpoons. The young dragon's head was free, so she was glaring at the six men draped in the heraldry of the Saek Kingdom, armed with spears. One taller man was a couple of feet back from the group, shouting orders.

"Kill the beast!"

The five spear-men pulled their weapons back to strike when Anya yelled.

"Halt! Any harm and I will punish the offender!"

The five guardsmen blinked and halted, looking confused between the other man and Anya. The taller man pulled off his helmet as he stormed over to the woman. His black hair was cropped close to his head. A scar ran down the middle of his left eye from the middle of his forehead to the center of his cheek. Anger showed in his blue eyes as he came to stop in front of Rosa, looking down at her.

"Who are you to command my men, Captain?"

Rosa didn't even flinch from him as she grinned up at him.

"Saving you from Salina's wrath, Commander."

The taller man seemed to deflate, his face flushing white for a moment.

"She's here? Where?"

Rosa continued to grin as the man turned to look at the guards.

"Release the beast and back to your posts."

The men grumbled affirmative before lowering their spears. It took a few moments to free Beth'ra, who stood up to her full height and stretched her freed wings for a moment. She settled back down on her hunches, curling up where she was.

 

[Armphid]

Anya wasn't given any orders but she raced along with Captain Rosa; her shield and her sword already in hand. Damn it! Did these long shanks not talk to each other or something?

She growled in fury as they came upon the scene of Beth'ra restrained and about to be slain, or at least injured. As the humans argued, the buxom dwarf moved to position herself between the Royal Guardsmen and the young dragon, "Easy, Beth'ra, girl. They'll nae be harming ye without getting through me first!"

She wanted to start cutting ropes but until the guardsmen were more distracted, it would just leave her new draconic comrade open to attack.

That brought an ironic smile to her lips. A dwarf defending a dragon. Had that ever happened in the history of the world? What her father would think!

When the guards finally lowered their weapons, Anya started to hack through the closest ropes, even as others were untied. "Ye great, long legged idiot," she said, waggling her armored fist at the tall man who seemed to be in command of these men. "Captain Rosa's sure to have sent messengers spreading the word about Salina and Beth'ra here. Can ye nae read or do you just attack all of your Princess' friends?"

The dwarf woman huffed and still remained between the humans and the dragon, even as Beth'ra reared up to her full height behind her. Gods, that was scary! "Listen to the Captain and get out of here! Next human who comes this way with a weapon out'll have to deal with me!"

She'd stay with Beth'ra until Salina got back. Apparently Saek was too dangerous otherwise. "Beth'ra, ye all right? I'll stay here with you until Salina's done. You let me handle any rude company we get, eh?"

 

[JadeKnight]

Rosa gave a little grin at the way things were going so far. Either there had been a miscommunication in the arrival of the new guests, or Jacob, the captain of the royal guard, had just decided to take things in to his own hands. Either way Rosa thought it was best to move things along. She watched Jacob and the rest of the guards move away, back to the duties within the castle. She walked over to Anya, patting a shoulder gently with a smile.

"No need to get so worked up about this. I think there was a misunderstanding, but it can be straightened out easily. I'll take both of you to see the Queen. Come on."

She gave a nod to the squad of soldiers who were waiting on her command, who moved to flank Beth'ra and Anya on either side. Rosa led the group through the large double doors of the keep, easily large enough to accommodate the dragon's bulk.

The main audience chamber was easily large enough to be used as ballroom, if so desired. Large, richly colored tapestries hung along the ceiling, with a row of several crystal chandeliers moving along the center of the room. A large crowd of servants, peasants, merchants, and several officials were already gathered along the edges of the chamber. A deep purple strip of carpeting ran along the center of the room from the doorway to the raised dais where two large thrones were placed.

Rosa stopped them a few feet from the raised dais, the thrones currently empty. Beth'ra sat up on her hind-quarters, sniffing at the new scents. The movement caused the crowd to pull back in fear, murmuring excitedly among themselves. The soldiers stood at attention, but they kept a watchful eye on the crowd. A small boy came out a moment later, carrying a small horn. He stopped beside the left chair and gave a small blow on the horn before crying out.

"Her Majesty, Queen Esmeralda!"

The boy stepped back and disappeared back where he came from as a tall woman emerged from the left of the left throne. She had a very striking resemblance to Salina, but was obvious much older. Her jet black hair was streaked with bits of grey, pulled back into a ponytail down to the middle of her back. Deep green eyes were emphasized by small crow-feet's along the edge of her eyes. She wore a floor-length red dress, long sleeves and a modest cut top. The entire chamber fell silent at her appearance, remaining so until she sat in her throne.

Rosa and the soldiers bowed for several moments before raising once more. Rosa stepped forward to kneel at the edge of the dais.

"My Liege, I came to present two new visitors to the kingdom, companions of your daughter Salina...The dwarf Anya and her dragon Beth'ra."

Esmeralda was silent for a few moments as she studied the newcomers before giving a smile.

"Step forward then."

 

[Armphid]

Queen Esmeralda was a mirror of Salina, just older but no less beautiful. Her aging had given her a grace and a wise, regal bearing to her features and her figure. Anya wondered if the Queen had a king to rule with her; surely she'd have no end of suitors with her position and power but given her beauty, men and woman alike must fall in love with her by the score.

She'd been a little surprised at being brought here and the dwarf was aware of the finery others in the huge chamber were wearing and that she was clad in armor; armor that was pretty sexy and scandalous in a lot of ways. Damn, Rosa couldn't have given her time to change! Not that she had any court clothes.

At the command, Anya stepped forward. "Yer Majesty," she bowed but did not kneel. Esmeralda was due her respect but she was not the ruler to whom Anya owed her fealty. "Anya Ironpounder, at your service."

She straightened and gestured to the elegant bulk of the young dragon, "Beth'ira, Your Majesty, a queen in her own right, as I understand dragons, your daughter's ward."

"We've both come as companions to your daughter, the Princess Salina. I pray you'll grant us your favor and hospitality, and we would in turn pledge to be good guests and defend our fair hostess and all that is hers during our time here."

Not bad for having no preparation time.

 

[JadeKnight]

The Queen smiled for a moment as she listened to Anya introduce herself and the dragon. She stood for a moment, moving to stand in front of the dwarfess. She took a moment to look her over before stepping back to take her seat once more.

"It is always a pleasure to see new visitors to the kingdom, even those of the otherworldly variety. I know the introduction must have been short-noticed, but it seems some of my subjects can get a be overzealous."

She gave a glare to the captain of her palace guard for a moment, who seemed to turn a even deeper shade of red, before smiling back to Anya.

"Please, make yourself as comfortable as you like here. I am sure that we can find proper accommodations, for however long my daughter decides to stay. I have pressing matters to deal with pertaining to her, so feel free to occupy yourselves however you wish."

Beth'ra stood up to full height on her hind legs, her head just scraping the ceiling of the chamber. She can a bow as best as she could before she turned and made her way from the chamber, the soldiers making way for her. Rosa moved up beside Anya for a moment.

"I need to get back to my duties, but feel free to come and visit or explore to your like. I doubt you'll be able to find Salina for a bit, from the sounds of things."

 

[Armphid]

Anya bowed to the queen as well and then watched as Beth'ira lumbered out of the huge audience hall. A smile quirked her lips as she saw many of the onlookers watching the young dragon with wonder or admiration instead of fear; several noblemen bowed and ladies curtsied as the magnificent creature left.

She glanced up at Rosa with a smile, "Sure you've got plenty to do. But I've taken a liking to ye, if ye don't mind my saying so, Captain. I'll explore a bit and then come round about dinner time. Maybe I won't be taking ye away from yer work then."

The busty dwarf saluted the captain in the way of her people, adding a saucy wink, and then slipped out of the main hall herself. She was curious about the castle and its people. Exploration sounded like a good idea.

And maybe she could find where Salina was. Even if she was too busy for Anya at the moment, she at least wanted to know what her friend was up to and where she'd be in case Anya had to get to her fast.

 

[JadeKnight]

Rosa gave a little chuckle and saluted the dwarf back.

"If you get bored of exploring, feel free to lend a hand in training."

She watched the dwarf walk out of the main hall till she was out of sight. She turned to her soldiers and gave a motion to them, following out of the main hall back to the training grounds.

Salina never made it to the library, as she had hoped. Instead she had been cut off by one of the maids, fussing on her dress. She was dragged into her old room where the maids went about trying to redress her for court. It wouldn't have bothered her, except it took too long for her liking. By the time the page had been sent to deliver the Queen's summons for her, the maids were just finishing up.

They dressed her in a similar dress that the Queen was wearing, except this one was dark green in color. The sleeves stopped just above her elbows, capped off with some lace frills. Her hair was pulled back and braided into a single braid down to the middle of her back. She wore a pair of dark green heels, adding a couple of inches to her height. The hem of the dress stopped just above her ankles, showing off the heels nicely.

"The Queen is requesting your presence in her sitting room when you are available. "

Salina sighed and nodded with a smile to the page.

"Thank you. I'll be there as soon as I can."

As she made her way through the castle, she came across Anya as she explored the hallways. She gave a smile to her friend.

"Finding your way around easy enough yet? I wish I could stay, but I need to go and see the queen. If you do need me, just send a page or a servant after me, although I'm just going to the Queen's sitting room at the moment."

 

[Armphid]

Anya grinned like a cat over a freshly caught mouse when she spotted Salina coming the opposite way. Hammer and tongs, in a dress no less! If only she could get a painting of it somehow; the others would never believe it when she told them about it.

"Aren't you the prettiest princess?" The buxom dwarf walked around her friend, taking her in from all angles. "It's a pity you dinnae wear such clothes often, it suits you. Not that anything doesnae." It was true; Salina's effortless beauty and sensuality was remarkable.

She fell in step with her friend, "I'll do that, but fer th' moment I'll walk with you to the sitting room at least. I was just introduced to the Queen all formal-like a few minutes ago. Fine looking woman, your mother, and you take after her. Polite and well spoken too."

The dwarf glanced around, "Uh, can you explain something to me? You said Captain Rosa was your mother too. What exactly's the relationships here? I dinnae want to say the wrong thing and upset anyone."

 

[JadeKnight]

Salina smiled and gave a little curtsy to her friend when she got 'caught' in the hallway.

"Well, thank you very much, but you are too kind with your words. I'm not overly fond of dresses, but I will wear them when I have to."

She giggled softly for a moment.

"Although you don't know it, I have been traveling with a dress stashed in my stuff, but I've never seen fit yet to pull it out. I've got to wear one around the castle for now."

She smiled once more at the mention of her mother and her close resemblance. Of all her sisters, she was the closed matched to her mother. She gave a little shake of her head for a moment.

"Don't worry about saying the wrong thing here. The situation is a little complicated, but I will explain as best as I can. I was the only one born in my family to have the power of magic, something which my father, King Roth, felt was not fitting a member of the royal family. Granted my powers weren't discovered till I was about 5. Father was about to send me to an orphanage when Rosa stepped forward. Mother approved of letting Rosa raise me, but I was disowned as a member of the royal family."

As she finished the explanation, they arrived outside the Queen's sitting room. Salina placed a hand on the small wooden door, preparing to push it open. She gave a smile to her friend.

"Wish me luck on not getting into trouble."

 

[Armphid]

It made Anya's head swim and her blood boil to hear about the details of Salina's childhood. What kind of woman would let her child be given away like that? Among her people, an heir born with the kind of magical power her friend possessed would be seen as a sign of prosperity from the Gods!

Humans. Go figure.

The lush figured dwarf lass reached out to take her friend's hand and give it a squeeze as she prepared to enter. "Luck an' whatever blessings a girl like me can call down on ye, Salina. I'll be heading back to yer second mother myself if you need me."

The Captain had offered to let her join in or assist with training. And after hearing about what the king had done, well, she wanted the chance to hit something and figured she probably should make it constructive.

She watched Salina enter and the door close and then sighed. If only her wishes and blessings could do something. So far she'd been about as useful as tin to a silversmith.

The warrior made her way back out and through the castle ground, neither hurrying nor taking her time, back until she reached the training facility and barracks. She took note of Rosa's men, those she recognized at least, drilling and headed towards them.