Dragons of Gralfor

[Kalika84]

Cherise smiled in relief as Atherron showed up. Oh nothing much is going on, getting stabbed, obliterating orcs...you know, fun She grinned up at the Dragon and his Rider.

You missed all the good stuff. But your just in time to mop up, heal us up and then we can ride these orcs into the dirt and destroy them.

Shar pumped her wings, hovering in place as Cherise picked off stray orcs with various explosions, blasts and general destruction as they tried to flee.

To all she asked Are we killing all of them or do we want one or two to question?

 

[Wolfsister]

The sands shifted, the breeze blowing the miniscule golden granules along the ground, skimming the shifting surface of the ground beneath, carrying through the air, swirling in the currents that eddied just above the surface. One fleck, in particular, was a native of the mountain range just to the southeast of Neverwinter. It had blown from the highest point of the highest mountain, crossed through the lands of Dragons, Dwarves, humans and skimmed through the air above the Dragon Knight's sacred Citadel.

It wafted, watching as the ground flew past beneath it. It frolicked with abandon in the rushes of air that swirled around it. It met up with friends, played and departed, met new ones and continued this cycle for days. Sometimes it rested on the ground, delighting in the warmth of the earth beneath it and then when the winds picked up, it would once again soar through the air, frolicking with its cousins, invisible to those with bigger eyes to see.

It crossed landscape after landscape, watching those below it without an iota of interest. It reached the air above Kergal and witnessed the slaughter of innocent humans by large green skinned beings, without caring. It soon passed on, after saying good bye to some other dust particles. Though it was never truly alone, sometimes the winds blew in such a way that it was separated from its bethren. Then and only then did it simulate any interest in its surroundings. If only to try to fathom why it wasn't surrounded by its brothers and sisters. But the wind soon whipped them together again, to clash and collide and the thought was swiped from its mind.

The speck came to its last day of journey. It had collected, lost and collected even more friends along the way and it knew as all those around it did that this would be the last gust of wind it would ride. Their combined mass simply was too much for the winds to shift and so it would finally settle to sink below its fellows and join the earth from whence it had come.

Once last hop and the wind died for a moment. The sand trickled into the dunes below it and the speck floated a few seconds, savouring its last moments in the air before allowing itself to sink to the earth below. When it settled, however, it did not come in contact with its fellows. Instead, it came into contact with flesh of a different kind. Something it was not used to. It was neither rock, bark, leaf, mammal, dwarf, human or even dragon. It had touched all those things and more and yet it did not recognise the touch of what it now settled in.

A sound, similar to the music of the wind around it wafted through the air and it listened, not making sense of what it heard. It was a wholly new feeling and sensation, but it was an adventurer and so was not at all surprised or fearful of discovering something new. Red surrounded it, it knew that it was a colour, though what it was, it did not know. Just knowing that the colour was the same all around it was enough to satiate its curiosity.

The sound chimed again and small puff of air that had not been made by nature stirred around the mote, stirring it and several of its cousins in the air, settling down again only as the puff died. It was now in a different place and it recognised the touch of it this time. It was the hardness and slickness of a dragon's scales. It could neither mar nor dent this surface and it was the same colour as it had experienced before, though the flesh was different.

Another sigh of air puffed through, steady and nonceasing, like breath, unsettling the speck once more. This time, however, a breeze wafted through before it could alight once more. It drifted for a time, flowing over the dragon and the other thing it could not identify - before finally moving on, understanding that its journey was indeed not over just yet.

Below the swirling sands, a hand clenched spasmodically, the arm attached rising and falling with the breath of the dragon beneath it. Wings outstretched above, protecting from the sandy winds. Moans sounded through the torn parts of membrane that allowed air through, having been ripped on impact. Rhea's steady breathing the mechanical intake of breath that had been taught to her as a form of Dragon Meditation.

The dragon was barely alive, her Knight even less so and she sought to conserve what energy she did have by entering that trancelike state that slowed her blood and heart, her mental connection to all but Ari severed to conserve what precious she had left. Their hearts beat as one, but the mote did not see, nor did it care as it drifted on the winds, almost following the same path Rhea had taken to get to that one spot.

 

[Angelus]

The dwarves knew that they had to hold back the goblins. They had had this hall, this mountain for as long as any of them could remember and they were not going to lose it now. The sounds of battle seemed to be everywhere at once as was the sound of the screaming goblins. Never before had the dwarves fought a goblin army this size, normally it had been two or three hundred, enough for any dwarf to fight without a worry. This time however there was actual fear in the eyes of the dwarves, although they would never admit it.

It was as if a black mass had entered Tarthen's Hall, intent on destroying each and every dwarf that lay within. Inside the throne room the king, Thoren Silverhammer was standing in front of a table looking at his main generals.
"What has happened? Where did these blasted goblins come from and why have we not beaten them yet?"

One of the generals, Boran One-Eye stepped forward to look at the king, "They came from the rear entrance my king. I sent fifty o' my best to see what they were up to. We 'ave not 'eard from them since but as ye know several thousand of the smelly buggers are in the lower part of the hall."

Thoren looked down at the map to see where the rear entrance to the hall was. He wished that he had more information than he had. He knew that the only way he could ever find out was if he went down there himself; one thing the council and generals would never allow. He sighed deeply and looked at another of his generals.
"Kayl. Put together as many men as ye need and see what ye can do to get those smelly bastards out of our home."

Kayl Crimsonhand struck his chest with his right hand in a salute to the king before he turned and walked from the table. Thoren turned to Boran, "Why have they come here now?"

Before Boran could answer the doors opened and as Thoren turned to look at them a haggard looking dwarf walked into the room. He walked straight up to the king, saluted him and said, "My king. The goblins 'ave attacked in great numbers! They attacked the rear entrance!"

Thoren looked straight at the dwarf, "Tell me something I do not know! Why are ye 'ere just to tell me that news?"

"I 'ave come from the rear entrance my king. I was part o' the hundred that was sent down. The goblins overwhelmed us. We did not stand a chance. They came into the hall before we could stop 'em. Everyone except me is dead."

Thoren looked at the dwarf with wide eyes. He wanted to say sorry for this dwarves lose but he knew the dwarf would never accept it.
"Why 'ave ye come 'ere? Surely ye would still want to fight the goblins?"

"Aye my king, I do. My commander told me to come 'ere with a message. He told me to ask ye to contact the Dragon Knight. He said that she would 'elp us."

Thoren let out a curse at that. If there was one thing that he had forgotten in this fight, one thing that could help in this battle it was the necklace that hung around his neck. He pulled it out, the bright blue gem cool in his hands. As soon as he thought of contacting Amber it began to warm in his hands. He just hoped that she was listening on the other side.

"Amber, we need yer help. Goblins 'ave attacked Tarthen's Hall. We can 'andle them but it would 'elp if we had ye by our side."

* * * * *​

Down in the botttom of the hall the battle was nothing more than chaos. Dwarves were fighting the goblins with anything and everything they had in their hands. Pickaxes were being used against swords, hammers and shovels were being used against bows and spears. The dwarves down here were used to dealing with the rock and everything they could get from it, not from a marauding group of frenzied group of goblins. The goblins were sweeping over the dwarves as if to swallow them into darkness.

The dwarves though were putting up a good fight. Several hundred goblins lay strewn over the ground but for every two goblins that lay there a dwarf lay on the ground, several wounds on their bodies. Near one of the mine entrances a large group of dwarves had erected a barricade and were stopping any goblin that came to close. They knew though they could not keep it up for long as they were losing as many dwarves as they had killed goblins, their battle cries drowning out those of the dying goblins.

* * * * *​

Grell was not happy. He had thought the fight would be easier than this. He knew that there were dwarves down here but from what the rider had told him they were only miners. He had not expected to see the ground strewn with his dead. He moved forward and shouted out, "What are we doing! Have we not come here to kill these stinking dwarves?! Why are we all standing here?!"

Suddenly a shout echoed towards him, "Who are ye calling a stinking dwarf!"

It was then that several hundred armor clad dwarves appeared in front of him. Everything after that turned into utter chaos.

 

[cats]

Amber

IC: "Well if we are done harassing the farmer perhaps he'd care to come down here and treat our wounded." I pointed at the others. "Unless the wounded care to finish the orcs left around here." The orcs left no survivors and I having the time to think decided it was best to return the favor. "Then let us track down Rhea and make sure Arianna has a cup of tea waiting for her when she wakes. From there I suggest we take back the ruins of the city and remove the orcs all together. After these two groups they couldn't have much left."

'Amber, we need yer help.' I placed a hand to my head some one elses thoughts entering my own. 'Goblins 'ave attacked Tarthen's Hall. We can 'andle them but it would 'elp if we had ye by our side'

"There apears to be a small goblin raid at Tarten's hall. Give me a moment to politly tell him to deal with it himself."

Lord Silverhammer, I am sorry to say I am quelling a large army of orcs at the moment and I am sure 1 or 2 hundred goblins is well with in the abilities of your great dwarven breed. Although I do appreciate the offer of action, I've had quite a bit for today.

 

[Bladesman]

Malyn and Skie flew toward the elven realm, but in a roundabout course. Malyn looked toward the dwarven homeland and drummed his fingers along the pommel of the saddle before speaking. "Perhaps we should check on the Dwarves, they have been our allies in the past. It would be proper to let the dwarven king know about the orc uprising."

Skie nodded his massive head and banked to the left, heading toward the back entrance of the dwarven fortress. Skie noticed the masses of goblins before Malyn did, then pointed them out to him. Malyn grinned and leaned forward. "Lets burn a swath of them so as to say hello. From there we will head to the front entrance to meet with the Dwarven King"

Skie's response was a long twisting bolt of lightning which cooked many a goblin in their track's, their small heart's exploding from the energy of the lightning bolt. Malyn smiled then began to draw heavily from the energy of the goblin life forces below him as he began to cast a lengthy envocation. The envocation was one seldom practiced by elven mages for the sheer fact that it was very dangerous and extremely non-discriminating in who it stole the life force from.

Malyn set the spell into affect with a two words. "DIE GOBLINS!!" A black orb streaked downward from his hand and imploded just above the goblin's heads. The implosion sucked quite a few goblins into the nothingness of the implosion and stole the life force from many more goblins. With that spell cast, Skie unleashed several more bolts of lightning then headed toward the front gate of the mountain fortress and landed nearby.

Malyn swung down from the saddle and headed for the gate, taking his helm off so that the Dwarves could see he was a Elf. Then he slipped his helm back on as he was let into the gate and rushed toward the throne room. As he and his escort moved toward the throne room, Malyn kept his bond open with Skie so that they could both hear what the other heard. Several moments later the dwarves rushed him into the throne room where he bowed as befitting a Dragon knight to a King.

 

[Angelus]

Lord Silverhammer, I am sorry to say I am quelling a large army of orcs at the moment and I am sure 1 or 2 hundred goblins is well with in the abilities of your great dwarven breed. Although I do appreciate the offer of action, I've had quite a bit for today.

Thoren heard Amber's reply and wanted to let out a loud curse. Instead he just spit on the floor and held the gem tightly in his hand. He wanted to shout at the Dragon Knight to come and help them but he knew that it would not help the situation any. He knew that as one of the Dragon Knights Amber had more to do than just help the dwarves. He let the gem drop from his hand that cut off the connection and looked at the dwarves that were still gathered around the table.

"It looks as if we 'ave to get rid o' these goblins by ourselves-"

It was then that a shout came from the direction of the main hall, making Thoren look in that direction. He then turned back to his generals before seeing the soldier still standing there.
"Go and see what that noise is all about."

The soldier ran from the room and as he did Thoren picked up the gem and looked down at it. He took a deep breath to calm himself before he spoke again.
"There are a greater number than a few hundred goblins in the halls Dragon Knight. There are several thousand roaming through the lower mines as I speak."

It was then that the soldier came running back in and took a deep breath before speaking again, "A Dragon Knight has come to help us!"

Thoren looked at him with wide eyes before he gripped the gem tighter in his hands, "It seems that one of ye have come to help us-"

"My king; he is an elf. An elven Dragon Knight has come to help us."

"What? An elf Dragon Knight. I 'ave never 'eard of such a thing. The elves woulda told us before now if there were such a thing."

It was then that he realized he was holding onto the gem. He quickly let it go before he picked up his helm, slid it down onto his head and picked up his gleaming silver warhammer. He rushed from the room, the other generals and guards close behind him. When he entered the main hall he saw the tall armored figure that stood there. As soon as he was close enought Thoren recognized him as an elf and moved forward quickly.

"I never thought an elf would come to help a dwarf. I am glad ye come though Knight. We need yer help badly."

* * * * *​

From inside Grell heard the scream of his dying fellow goblins. His first thought was to run out and see what was going on. He realized that he was needed her and turned to one of the soldiers.
"Go and see what is going on out there."

The soldier ran out, leaving Grell to turn back to the dwarves. With a smile on his face he directed a large force of them towards the armored dwarves. He watched as one of the dwarves fell but bit back a curse when several of his goblins fell with it. He hated the dwarves so much that he wanted nothing but their total destruction. Now that he was in one of the main dwarven halls he hoped that he could kill all of them. He knew though it was not going to be as easy as he thought.

Just then the goblin soldier came running back and in between panting breaths told Grell about the dragon, its rider and the many goblins that had been killed. Grell just let out a shout that echoed all around him.

 

[Jedi_Khan]

By the time Cherise had responded, Atherron was already landing on the battle field, and he wasn’t pleased. He all but glared at Alezal, Amber and Cherise as they gathered together to greet him, as if asking what in the hell they were thinking.

“What in the hell were you guys thinking, taking on a large force of orcs and not having a proper healer on hand?” asked Atherron. “And why did nobody see fit to tell me of the orcs before now?”

“Cherise, you said something about getting stabbed? Where are you hurt?” asked Atherron, turning towards her. After she indicated where, Atherron approached and set a hand on her shoulder, over the wound. “This won’t hurt, but it’ll be very uncomfortable.”

Then Atherron set about healing the wound. He found that she had sealed the wound with a simple spell, but the results hadn’t been perfect. He also found that one or two bones had been scratched and/or chipped, which would make it all the harder to heal. As Atherron muttered the words to the healing spell, the muscle under the skin began to wiggle around visibly as it knit itself back together, and the damaged bones repaired themselves. The muscle fixing itself produced a disconcerting feeling and itched like hell, whereas the fixing of the bones produced a couple of sharp pinches.

The whole process of healing Cherise only took a few seconds, and when it was done, it was like the wound had never been.

“Wasn’t Ari with you guys?” asked Atherron as he stepped back to look at the group as a whole.

 

[Bladesman]

Malyn slipped off his helm and bowed as the dwaven king came out of the throne room. "Your majesty. I was on my way here to warn you of the uprisal of the orcs but it seems you are already facing an uprisal of your own. So since we are allies, even if it has been two hundred years since an elf went to the aid of a dwarf or vice versa, I had to lend you my aid as an member of the Elven nation. I ask but one thing of you Sire, should you have any contact with the human Dragon Knights please do not inform them of my existence. They need not know of it yet.

Now if you wish, I can use a magical sending to reach the elven realm and request a legion of elven archers to come from over the mountain and reinforce the rear entrance. My dragon can fly scout over the mountain to keep is informed on the movements of the goblins outside the moutains. However, I will need to know what you can tell me about the fortress so I can help defend it."

 

[cats]

Amber

IC: "Yes Ari had been with us, or me at the least. She saved my life with a rather potent spell but maintaining it for so long was something only in her powers. She fainted quickly after ending it, at which point I lashed her to Rhea and sent them flying to the citadel for rest."

I looked back and forth.

"Perhaps we all need a hours or two rest before attacking the main group of orcs. In any case we should regroup with her there before making our move. But if you take to long at rest I may have to help the dwarves route a minor menace of goblins." Why ever did the king ask for my help?

 

[Angelus]

As Thoren looked at the elven Dragon Knight he could not help but still be angry at what Amber had said. She had told him she would always be there when they needed her but when they needed her the most it seemed that she had more important things to do.
"I am sorry that I seem so distracted Dragon Knight. The goblins surprised us so much that we did not 'ave time to put up any defenses. I 'ope with yer 'elp that we can kick those smelly buggers out of our 'ome."

It was then that Boran walked behind Thoren and leaned to whisper in his ear, "My king, do ye think it wise to trust an elf. Why 'ave they come to 'elp us now?"

Thoren wanted to shout at Boran but took a deep breath, "They 'ave a good reason to 'elp us Boran. I think without us they would not 'ave the metal they all need."

He looked back up at the elven Dragon Knight, "Any 'elp ye can give us would be appreciated good elf. Now, if ye will follow me I can show ye the maps to the hall. That way ye can see what needs to be done."

 

[Angelus]

As soon as Atherron arrived Alezal forgot everything about Amber and what she might have been thinking. He was glad that Atherron was here because he could heal Cherise. As soon as he landed and started to ask what the others were thinking, about how they were stupid without coming into battle without him around his gladness soon turned into anger. He balled his hand up into a fist and even felt the anger come from Anoth.

What an arrogant little-
I know Anoth. Now is not the time to start shouting at him though. There are more important things that we need to do. Like getting to Ari, seeing if she is okay before flying to Kergal and getting those orcs out of there. I think that everyone would be much happier as soon as that happens.

He could still feel the anger coming off Anoth and stood there looking as Atherron healed Cherise. He had a smile on his face as he watched that because he knew that she would be alright. There was one thing that was still in the back of his mind though and he walked over to where Anoth stood, still looking over in Atherron's way. He climbed up onto his saddle, put his legs into the straps on the sides and looked over at Cherise.

Can you please tell the others that I have gone to look for Ari. Tell them that I will be there with her. I love you.

With that Anoth took to the sky, Alezal leaning forward on his saddle as he did, he just hoped that he would be able to find Ari and Rhea in the middle of Neverwinter.

 

[Bladesman]

"Another thing Boran, what happens in the dwarven realm has effect on our realm. Oh and by the way, don't whisper. Odds are I'll hear you, my ears are rather sensitive so sounds." Malyn grinned slightly and nodded to the King. "Alright, show me the maps. Also a description of the rooms would be good, as detailed as possible so I can scry them and locate where the goblin are and are not. That way it will be easier for you to set up defenses and barricades.

At the same time, Skie can keep me informed as to the movements of the goblins outside. Right now they are only focusing on the rear entrance, though I would advise you to lock down and barricade the front entrance."

 

[Wolfsister]

The night was dark; the moon was hidden behind storm clouds, their pregnant heaviness a warning to the world below of the cost of their rage. Wind, rain, ice and lightning were all promised - when, nobody could tell. The moon peeked from behind a hole in the cloud's defenses and the world was illuminated in a ghostly glow.

Water rippled, shattering the reflection of light into a million pieces, the wake made by the small boat combined with the glittering, rippling points of light, shattering them further. Many more wakes drifted past and the reflected world was soon unrecognisable.

Hushed silence reigned within the small river craft, fifteen boats in all with a carrying capacity of twenty five men - less when carrying supplies and beasts of burden. The jingle of some harnesses sounded, soon dampened by a dark hand covering the offending metal with softened wool. Voices were hushed, the murmur of a soft, lilting language could barely be heard over the whispering of the craft moving through the water. Hand signals portrayed much of what was said, dark hands flashing in the darkness - eyes much better than any human's able to pick up the flurrying messages.

Boat to boat, a message was passed on, until it reached its destination. Silent eyes watched as fingers brushed before them, widening only slightly - narrowing as the message ended. Lips beneath the eyes curved into the hint of a smile, reflections of the world carrying in the glint that boldly swam in the gaze. A delicate, upturned nose lifted into the air, sniffed once and then a pair of hands belonging to the figure who's eyes had taken the message began to stir in the air. The movements, though rapid, were graceful, tracing lines and images in the world before them - sending their own message on.

Once finished, the hint of smile became a grin - something wholly evil that the messenger averted her gaze in order not to peer too closely at the manic madness within that smile - those lips that held her future, that held her soul - her will bound to the voice that issued from that smile. From that deep, dark insanity that ruled her heart.

White flashed as the messenger whirled around, preparing to pass the silent message along. Once again, fingers twined in graceful arcs, transcribing words upon the air, picked up by the next boat, and the next and the next until the message once again reached its original source just as the lead boat's prow grated onto muddy ground.

As the boats landed on the narrow strip of river bank that could hold their mass - white flashed in the moonlight that wafted through the heavy clouds. And then the soft glow of moonlight was gone, hidden once again behind the threat of storm and rain, lightning and thunder.

Harsh, orange light flared as the torch was ingnited. Though silence was, light was not forbidden. At least, not yet. Other torches were lit until there was a ring of orange glow that suffused the beached river boats. Feet marched up the muddy ground, animals were led quietly to the grassy shore.

Only when every female, male and animal was on solid ground did anyone speak, though speak may be the wrong word, as those silent hand gestures were all that were used, "Mistress, we are here - but we cannot move forward into the trees. The S'Daale have protected their realm well."

Manic insanity gleamed, ambition revealed in the eyes of the one spoken to. She cast our her hand, touching the invisible web that wound around and inbetween the treeline just a few meters away from the grassy shore. The dark, slender fingers curled into a tight fist and jabbed outwards, fingers uncurling into a stabbing motion. The other hand joined the first and together they tore the fabric of the Protection Web apart. With a snarl of triumph, the S'Deele priestess tore open the hole, her fingers clenched around the edges of the opening, holding them apart as her troops moved through.

Once everyone was inside the Casting, she herself stepped through. Her long, dark robes flashed, one corner caught on an errant breeze that wafted through the trees. It touched, for an instant, a part of the Web that had not been coated with the Priestess's power and instantly incinerated. The Web glittered for a moment, cracking outwards and then settled again.

Nearby, a disturbed rustling sounded and the Priestess paused. A rabbit darted from a berry bush close the to bank of the river and straight into the trees. Other eyes followed its unimpeded progress and silently wondered. They knew not the instructions of the Protection Web, but the Priestess knew. She knew that because the rabbit had had no threatening thoughts towards the denizens of the forest, the S'Daale, it had been allowed to pass through.

But her cloak had been connected to her. To her intent and purpose... to the need to kill the S'Daale - every last one of them. She had long since forgotten the reason for her hatred. She only knew that it was Just and that she had the right to deserve revenge. She also knew that only she could take it.

The Priestess closed the opening behind her, using her considerable Might and Power to recreate the Web as it had been before her passing. Her magic leached back into her fingers and the Casting stood as it had before. Undisturbed and unknowing of her treacherous presence. She stifled the urge to laugh, her ingrained silent training switching off her instinct to make sound. She turned her head and signalled to her Pack Leader. It was time to move on.

Her Acolytes ran across the ground, their feet never once miss-stepping along the tangled rooty path beneath the canopy of the night silent forest. One Acolyte for each of the fourteen Pack Leaders. The fifteenth, was hers to command and protect. Her magic, combined with his might was a formidable foe - she knew that the other Packs knew it to their bones. And she was determined to make sure the S'Daale knew it too.

The S'Deele's darkened skin melted into the gloomy night as they made their way through the thick foliage. Flashes of white illuminated by their torches ran with them, the product of their silvery hair, glowing in the moonlight that occassionally wormed its way through the thick canopy.

Overhead, the pregnant clouds suddenly burts, giving birth to their full fury. Rain lashed down, hail stones hurled towards the ground, lighting brushed the underside of the sky and thunder roared through the heavens. The rain so thick it came crashing through the tree tops, splashing along the darkened skin of the running Packs. They melted into the forest, into the rain, the visibility lessened even further as the Priestess signalled for them to dampen their torches. The lightning did their work for them, lighting their way to their ultimate destination.

The invasion of Suivea had begun.

 

[cats]

Amber

I waited with the five others, three dragons two "humans", for some time. But it was quick enough that wounds were treated and momentum can be regained.

"Let us regroup and then rain down the final word of the orc invasion." I took to the air maybe 10 minutes after Alezal.

 

[Kalika84]

Cherise grinned like a dumb struck fool. Her shoulder had stopped hurting she was no longer in agony, she had won the battle...not without casualties they needed to find Ari but all in all not too bad. That and....Shar, did he really say what I think he said?

Shars draconic rumble rolled through her mind, Yes little one. He most certainly did. I would suggest you answer him, if, of course you feel the same way. Shar stretched out her wings and tail working out the battle kinks.

As Cherise relayed his message to the others of finding Ari she sent him a separate thought, I love you too. Be safe.

They waited a few minutes just recuperating. Cherise then watched as Amber hopped up and was virtually mounted and on her way before anyone was really sure what happened. Leaping onto Shar I urged her into the sky. "Amber!! Where are we to regroup? Do we have a plan? Do we know how many more there are? It was risky enough taking the group we did and we are missing Ari. I don't think we should be racing off half cocked!"

 

[cats]

Amber

IC: "Half cocked? I am seldom such a fool. The main group I would suggest is twice this size. It waits for us in NeverWinter for now, but we are returning to the citidel and flying around that city. I hope to recruit one more for this battle."

 

[Wolfsister]

Rhea groaned, her throat rumbling with the sound, the ground beneath her vibrating with it. She lifted her head up, her brief black spell causing her eyes to see two and small spots swam in her vision. She shook her head, gently, to try to dislodge the fuzziness that surrounded her exhausted brain. She could not.

Distantly, she felt the pull of Ari's mind and was relieved to still find it there. The woman was weak - but she was still there. Chanelling some of her strength into Ari's mind, a thin thread that she herself could barely take to give, Rhea felt instantly better as the small pulse of life that lay nestled on her back, between her wings, shielded from sand and sun, beat a little stronger.

Arianna was her life, was her happiness and joy. The Knight she had been Bonded to had not always meant this much to her. In fact, they had detested each other at first sight. Rhea could not help but smile inwardly at the memory that now surfaced. She had to stay awake now, she had to...

Rhea's great eyes difted closed as exhaustion once again took her. She started awake not a second later - ruffling her great neck and opening her mouth to catch the dry sand. She licked her teeth, the grains grinding in her maw. The sour taste of the earth was enough to wake her up marginally.

To keep herself awake, and to keep Ari by her side, she ventured into Ari's mind. She was a collision of colour in the darkness that swirled there. The grey mist that marked just how badly Ari was in need of healing. Rhea parted that mist and settled in a spot. Her mind spoke gently, the breeze of her words keeping her immediate surroundings clear of the grey fog that had invaded her Knight's dreams.

Do you remember, Beloved, the first time we met? When I finally opened my eyes to the outside world, only to find yours staring into mine? I hated you then. For the freedom that I had lost before birth. To be shackled to a Human - to be in service of one for the rest of my days, all before I had even been born. I detested this responsibility that had been forced on me, and I resented you so much.

I grew fast, and our lessons together both tired and angered me. You were so stubborn, and I wanted to best you at that single trait. I do not remember how we did it, Beloved, but we grew strong together.

Ari's faint voice echoed in the clear space, "I had been so powerful before I met you... and then... more power... I could not control.... a breeze sighed through and her voice grew faint.

Heartened, Rhea continued, Yes Beloved, I remember. The mixture of our two magicks was something neither of us were prepared for. You struggled to find the right way to control what we shared... and I did not help in any way. I barely still understand a Dragon's Magic. We are more instinctual than you creatures - but what we had! When we could get it under control, it was wonderous! the great crimson dragon sighed deep in her chest as she touched the place above her heart with a claw tip, I remember well when you first discovered your penchent for Elementalism. It was a fine day at the Citadel and we were fighting, as usual. You were such a sight, standing up to a dragon many times your size in the coliseum. Our training had been going not so well... we were both tired and frustrated. I reached into the Well within me and sought to knock you down with a spell of Air. I couldn't stand you standing so straight in front of me, staring me - a Great Dragon! - down.

You stood your ground as I roared into your face. Then.... she chuckled, a great booming laugh coming from within her, then you roared back at me. It surprised me so much I did not sense the magick welling deep inside you. The wind that rushed towards me filled my wings and pushed me back... it was so shocked. I think it was only then that I began to build some respect for you... grudging as it was. I still fought you, but you got even more stubborn, seeking the way to unlock that great power within yourself as you had that day.

Rhea shook her head, her neck arched in memory as her scale glistened, their vibrant colour lifting the pall from around her. Ari's voice drifted to her ears once again, We had but to Love each other... the power... the.... joy.... it faded away once again and Rhea was silent this time. They both sat in silence within Ari's foggy mind, reveling in the memories that Rhea evoked within them.

The dragon kept talking for a time after that. They exchanged words, hers so soft, while the dragon's was so strong. The scaled, wizened beast, kept her company within her own mind - and would be how anyone would find them. Rhea half buried in sand, her eyes closed, her own breath shallow. Her wings arched upwards to guard the unconscious Knight laid on her saddle from wind, sand and sun.

 

[Jedi_Khan]

Atherron watched as Alezal took off and headed south without a word, verbal or otherwise, but Atherron had a feeling that Alezal was going in search of Ari. And after a few minutes rest, and seeing Amber take off in a hurry, with Cherise hot on her tail, Atherron mounted up and took off too.

Atherron and his dragon Shela easily caught up with the other two, after which Atherron turned his attention to the horizon, looking for the dark specks that would be Alezal and Anoth and/or Arianna and Rhea. In fact, it wasn’t long before Atherron spotted the glint of sunlight off of Anoth’s red scales no more than a few miles ahead.

Come on, Shela, let’s catch up, thought Atherron to his dragon. The sooner we get to Ari and Rhea, the sooner we can help them.

And the sooner I get too tired to help you do your work, replied Shela in her trademark stubborn fashion.

Just try to catch up to Anoth, Shela, and let me worry about the consequences, replied Atherron in a tired, annoyed sort of way.

Shela simply huffed in reply, then increased her altitude by several hundred feet, and then went into a shallow dive, which would allow her to pick up speed so she could catch up with Anoth with minimal effort.

 

[Angelus]

As Alezal flew through the air all his thoughts seemed to flow around and through him at once. He hoped that he and the others could reach Ari in time to get Atherron to heal her. He wondered what had happened to the prince and he wondered what was happening to the kingdom. It was true, in the past two hundred years he had been through several skirmishes but it was nothing like this. Never before had the orcs attacked in numbers this great, never before had they attacked and razed a city to the ground and yet here they were flying towards Kergal to rid the city of the exact thing. He shook his head and as he did he received a question from Anoth.

He reached down, ran his fingers over the scales on his neck and told him that it was nothing for him to worry about.
It just seems weird, everything that has happened. I have not heard of a group of orcs this large attacking and destroying a city such as Kergal.

Not to mention what is happening with the dwarves-

What is happening with the dwarves?

They have been attacked also. I felt those thoughts flowing from Amber before we left. Apparently there is a battle waging inside Tarthen's Hall with an unknown number of goblins.

Alezal let out a curse. What was going on with this kingdom? It seemed that after everything they had done to keep the peace in this place it was now tearing itself apart. He looked in the direction of Tarthen's Hall; a place he knew very well and shook his head. He just wished that the dwarves could hold off long enough for Amber, himself and the rest of the dragon knights to get there and help.

Just then he received a word of warning from Anoth and wondered what was going on. He looked around; trying to figure out what he was warning him of. It was then that he saw the dragon diving down on them and wondered just what was going on. He pulled Judgement from under the saddle and looked back at the dragon as it came towards him, readying himself for an attack. It was then that he saw Anoth's wings change to dark red and knew that he was ready also. Without saying or thinking a thing Anoth turned in the air and flew towards the dragon, a low growl escaping from his throat as he did.

 

[cats]

Amber

IC: Atherron didn't waste much time talking and flew after Alezal and Ari before him. I waited a while for Cherise and then gave up and flew after my comrades. It was some what funny that all of us being immortal would choose to fly separately to the same location a few minutes apart. I suppose with our long life we have also picked up anonymity from long use of it.

We each aided our own region and we each held a solo position of governing in our area, we were not sovereigns like kings or emperors or even governors or alpha dragons. Our position was one of servitude, we were simply a check meant to keep the sovereings of all levels from behaving foolishly.

At some level our very existence is that of a threat. Any one of us is easily stronger then a dozen dragons or 50 men. It would be foolish to challenge any one of us, and the bigger threat is beyond that. Challenging one of us was risking a challenge to all of us. All of us dragon knights togeather could likely beat any single threat. These orcs and there massive army included. Or so goes the idea. Still I can't help but feel that this last portion of orcs should of been easier. Could it be that each of us is to seprate from the others. We are far from a disciplined army.

I looked up ahead making out specs in the distance. Likely Shela and Atherron. "Opal, catch up to them. I am feeling uneasy about being this far back."

 

[Jedi_Khan]

It took Atherron and Shela a few minutes, but they eventually got within a mile of Alezal and Anoth. Coming in from slightly above and behind, Atherron saw Anoth suddenly turn about and wondered why he would do that. Then Atherron saw the glint of Judgement’s blade is Alezal’s hand, and at that moment Atherron knew that they had turned about to attack. Now the question was, who were they planning on attacking? Taking a look around, Atherron confirmed that there was no one else around that could possibly be Alezal’s target, but then the question changes to why is Alezal moving to attack Atherron?

Alezal? What are you doing? Atherron sent towards Alezal, hoping to get a response before it was too late.

 

[Kalika84]

Cherise sighed as everyone flew off at different times...so much for a co-ordinated attack. Quick Shar, catch them...follow them! Shar roared and pumping her massive wings soared high into the sky before pulling her wings in slightly and arrowing forward and down slightly at vast speeds. As the wind whipped her hair around her face Cherise let out a whoop of joy, before realising the situation and deciding that it was perhaps not the best course of action.

As she caught up with Amber, she urged Shar faster...she had a very bad feeling. In the distance she could see Atherron hovering in place on Shela, but she could make just make out...Alezal and Anoth in a battle stance...and Judgement glinting, withdrawn from its sheath. Frantically looking around Cherise could see no other dragons or threat for that matter, sending out a thought to Alezal, Alezal? What is it? What do you see?

Shar was also trying to gain information from Anoth as well...she just hoped they were all in time to help and that Anoth and Alezal would not be hurt.

 

[Angelus]

Alezal's eyes went wide the moment he heard Atherron's voice in his head. It was then that he saw exactly who was flying towards them and shouted out at Anoth.

Anoth, stop! It is Atherron and Shela diving down on us!

He felt Anoth let his anger flow from him like a torrent and shouted back, What do those idiots think they are doing! Do they not realize that we would be ready for any attack, especially from behind!

With a beat of his wings Anoth flew up towards Atherron and Shela, flying up high enough to look Atherron in the eye, What do you think you were doing! Do you want to get yourself killed? What type of fool are you?!

He flew low enough to look Shela in the eyes but said nothing just as Alezal looked at Atherron, I am sorry for what he said. I feel what he said was right though. I thought that you would know better. You were lucky that you called out when you did or Anoth and I would have done everything within our power to take you out of the sky. He took a deep breath and ran his fingers over Anoth's neck, feeling the anger that still flowed through him and looked at Atherron again, I know that you were meaning well and that you just wanted to come to the front so that you could help look for Ari, at least that is what I am hoping you wanted to do but I suggest that for the moment you move away from Anoth and myself because I know Anoth is still angry with what you just did and it would be wise to stay away from him until he cools down.

Anoth turned in the air after that and flew away from Shela and Atherron. Alezal could feel the anger that was still flowing from him but it was then that he could feel the worry that was flowing to him from another source. It was then that he remembered the message from Cherise and mentally slapped himself for his stupidity.

I'm sorry that I have not answered you until now. Atherron and Shela decided to do something stupid. They were lucky they called out when they did. Anoth is still angry about it and I know he doesn't want to be around them right now. We are going to fly ahead and try and find Ari and Rhea. You are most welcome to join us though; I do not think Anoth would mind your company.

Just as long as it is not that fool I do not mind at all. Anoth said, inserting himself into the conversation.

With that Anoth and Alezal flew ahead of the group, reaching out with all their strength to find Ari and Rhea. It was just when they were giving up hope that Alezal felt something just ahead of them. He let a smile come to his face when he felt Ari and Rhea in the sand. He then reached out to Cherise.

Tell the others that I have found them!

 

[Angelus]

Thoren did not like being told what to do, especially when he was being told what to do by an elf. He knew though that if he did not listen to what he had to say that he could lose the hall and that was something he would not do. This hall had been in his clan for more years than any of the dwarves could remember and he would be damned if he was going to lose it to some smelly goblins. He looked at the elf, "Follow me knight. The maps be in the war room."

With that he turned and walked away from the entrance hall and towards the war room. As he walked towards the room one of his generals walked to his side and whispered, "Do ye think it is right to do this me king. I know that this elf be a Dragon Knight but he is still an elf. Do ye think we can trust him?"

"Aye, I do. He be the only one that 'as come to our aid. If we tell 'im to go we could lose the hall. Do ye want that to happen?"

"No me king. I do not want to lose this hall. I am sure that we can rid it of all the goblins ourselves."

Thoren stopped at looked at the general, "Gorin. I wish that be the truth. Something tells me this is only the beginning and even if we rid the hall of the goblins we could still lose it."

Gorin was so dumbstruck by this that it made him stop walking, leaving Thoren to walk into the war room with the Dragon Knight following close behind.

 

[Jedi_Khan]

Atherron

Atherron’s look of confusion as Alezal and Anoth flew towards him quickly turned to shocked confusion as Anoth berated Atherron for apparently something Atherron unknowingly did or didn’t do. Atherron could tell from their mental link that Shela was just as confused as he was, and that didn’t help matters much. However, Alezal was kind enough to apologize for Anoth words, but he still didn’t explain what Atherron and Shela had done to deserve such a berating.

It was then strongly recommended that Atherron and Shela keep their distance for awhile, at least until Anoth had a chance to cool off, and Atherron, from what he knew about dragons, had a feeling that it would be a long while before Anoth cooled off.

Shela, said Atherron to his dragon. Hold our position relative to Alezal and Anoth. Let’s keep our distance, but still be close enough to respond quickly when they find Ari and Rhea. In the mean time, I’m going to try to find out what the hell that was all about.

Alezal? Atherron sent out. I have a feeling that Shela and I are missing some rather important information that would help us understand why we deserved the lecture we got from you and Anoth. Would you be so kind as to fill us in on what’s going on?