The Dragon Wars

[Zircon]

Yang

‘Is this the fabled place where Dragons go after death?…’

The sky looked the same. Blue with wispy white clouds. Sometimes trees, with evergreen leaves would obscure the sky. The birds were flying in the air. Yang wished he could spread his wings and join them. But before he could, darkness overtook his consciousness again.

The creaking of the cart was labored. A hastily repaired one, after the carnage and rout at Draklor Chain. The solitary oxen pulled it, led by a weary Jess. She had not the heart to drive the sword into his chest. Many a times, she would glance back in worry when he coughed. He was close to death, and she had him at her mercy. Along the lonely road to the coast, she kept wondering why she had used the sword to cut away the ropes and tent that was holding Yang captive. Why did she not drive it instead into his black heart?

‘Is this then the fabled place where Dragons sleep after death?…’

The sky looked no different. A great red orb was in the horizon. The long silvery wisps interspersed with the red and orange sky. The sun was setting. The gulls with their 6 foot long spans gliding in the late afternoon draft. Going home after fishing out in the open seas. Yang wished he could join them, and go home. And then darkness clouded his eyes and he could think no more.

The oxen was let loose to graze upon the open fields. She would not go far. The sound of surf was soothing to Jess. She sat on the sand, looking at the unceasing battle between the sea and land. She had her chin on her knees, contemplating whether she would have the courage to drive the sword into Yang. She was confused about her feelings for him. It was true that he had saved her life, not just once but twice now. It was also true that he was responsible for her father and brother’s death.

What was she going to do now? A life for a life?

She cried for a long time. She cried for her father. She cried for her brother. She cried for Yang. And she cried for herself for loving Yang. Life was already difficult in her small and poor village. She was rich, even though she was dirt poor. She had happiness, and a future. A future that had Yang in the picture. A future with a small cottage and the patter of little feet.

Now everything was gone. She had nothing. All because of the man that lie helpless on the cart. No! Not a man. A beast! All because of him and his kind that she had nothing anymore. And she cried some more.

‘Is this the fabled place where Dragons live forever?…’

The Heavens were different. The stars were brighter than Yang had ever seen before. On a clear night like this, Yang could see everything. The air smelled different. Fresher than the always damp smell of the caves. Even the sounds were different. There was a soft lapping noise by his sides. It was a lullaby. Soothing. Peaceful. In the corner, he heard the voice of Oldwing, faint and indiscernible. Yang closed his eyes and shut out Oldwing’s voice. Instead he pictured himself and Jess together, in their newly built cottage by the edge of the forest. In his hand, he was holding something. It was a tiny hand. And he looked down, smiling. A tiny set of eyes, just like his, were staring back at him, and laughter could be heard…

 

[chewbacca71]

Brazous

Brazous watches the young lady as she seeks to end the life of Yang. Brazous gets ready to spring into action then notices her reflection in a nearby mirror. He could see her emotions warring on the surface of her skin. Brazous smiled to himself as he realized that in the end, she would make the right decision. Brazous turned away from the tent and walked towards the edge of the camp.

 

[Maid of Marvels]

Two hundred summers ago...

Fiandorel

The sun was high in the sky when she emerged from the Head Man's hut. Their discussion had been heated, but ultimately, Fiandorel and Fulk had come to an agreement. It was time the fisherfolk became used to seeing her as a dragon, and in return for their acceptance of her, she would keep their island safe. It would be his job to ease his people into the reality of her true form.

Excited cries greeted her and Fiandorel held her arms out, guiding the ratlings into a circle around her. They began to settle down as she began to tell the promised tale.

"There was once a hue-man who lived in fear of dying. He wanted to live forever... or at least as long as Dragons do."

"Which is a very long time, you know," Fia added solemnly.

"One day the hue-man was walking along and saw a Great White Dragon. They are the most magnificent of all," she added with a wink before going on. "At first he was filled with fear but quickly saw that there was no need as the Dragon meant him no harm."

"'Oh dragon,' he pleaded. 'I live in fear of dying and I have heard that Dragons live forever. I wish that I was like you.' Fia chuckled at her own private joke.

"The Dragon was amused but took some time to think before speaking, 'Kind man, you shall not like living forever. I will show you what it feels like.'"

"The Great White crouched low so that the hue-man could climb onto his back. Once he was settled, the Dragon carried him to an island where nobody died. There the grateful hue-man made a himself a home, expecting all sorts of marvelous things to occur."

"Over time, he became intrigued by the number of people he saw buying poison, and inquired of others as to why they were doing so. He scoffed at their answer. 'Immortality is not what it seems. You do not know the necessary pain of life. You do not enjoy the fruits of life's labors. Time stands still, and you will never know what it is like to have children and watch your children and your children's children grow up and have families and make their way in the world. You won't feel the gratification of knowing you have lived a life that has been full and complete.'"

"As time went by, the hue-man didn't fall victim to the many ills that beset one in their old age. Everything remained the same year after year. Nothing changed on this island no matter how much time passed. Eventually, he came to understand that the others, including himself, did not enjoy living forever."

"One evening, the hue-man looked into the sky and called the Dragon. 'Take me back,' he begged."

"The Dragon circled the island and landed before the man, nodding gravely. 'I see you have learned your lesson.' With that, he took the man back to his home and the friends and family he had left behind in his folly."

"And now, in many distant lands, in the direction that the morning star rises in the sky, when hue-mans see a Dragon they say: 'We are happy as we are.'"

********************

Fiandorel's tale is loosely based on an old Chinese story called The Man Who Wanted to Live Forever. ~M

 

[Dark Warrior]

Lheyklanth

Oldwing flew over one of the battlefields that lay before the Draklor chain. The fight had moved on to other fields, and the fight here must have been little more than a skirmish, but many bodies of humans lay still in death, and two great dragons lay in their death poses near to the men.
Resolutely turning his head back to the skies ahead, Lheyklanth's face was grim as he slowly began to lower himself from out of the skies.
"There shall do!" shouted the wizard, Mharkall, pointing out towards a mountain peak not far from Lheyklanth.
Nodding his great head, the dragon swerved in the air, bringing himself around until he was flying towards the mountain peak. As he neared it, he pulled his wings back and beat them, slowing himself down, until he landed gently on the mountain.
Oreniel, the half-elf, helped the old mage down, who bowed deeply to the grey dragon, who quickly took to the skies again, the half-elf still on his back, leaving the mage back on the peak.
"Which direction, Half-elf?" Oldwing asked as he scanned the horizon.
Oreniel pointed, and Oldwing turned and took off in that direction.

 

[Maid of Marvels]

Two hundred summers ago...

Fiandorel

Time passed, and Fia continued to tell wondrous stories of Dragons and their exploits over the ages. The fisherfolk began to look forward to hearing more of the magnificent beasts, and soon both she and Fulk agreed that it was 'time'. Time to introduce Fiandorel to the villagers in her true form.

On the day she deigned to reveal herself, Fiandorel woke early to feed and bathe in the mountain pool. The day was much like any other except today she would fly to the village instead of morphing into Fia and walking as she had been since her first meeting with Fulk.

As she flew over the village, Fiandorel glanced downward. She could see Fulk in the middle of the clearing pointing upward and some of the Lesser Beings running for shelter. There appeared to be a mixture of fear and fascination among the hue-mans as she flew ever lower, making one last swoop before landing.

The magnificent White hunkered down, lowering her enormous head to a level that was more solicitous to the fisherfolks' diminutive size. Fulk was busily trying to calm those who had run for weapons and others who were trying to shelter the ratlings and herd them to safety. Despite their best efforts, the fearless younglings ran to Fiandorel, touching and petting her while she murmured comforting sounds not unlike the contented purring of a cat.

Eventually, others drew near (albeit cautiously) and the great White found herself chuckling aloud at the more cowardly, a great booming laugh that was at once deep and lyrical. "You did not fear me as you sat listening to tales of my kindred, yet you fear me now."

The thought amused Fiandorel, though she knew the victory was hers. Fears in children are increased by tales but can also be lessened thus. And she had told her tales well.

 

[cats]

OOC:

I'm still reading but have nothing to post. So this is just to remind every one I'm here.

 

[hybirdx]

OOC:Same here, this way Dw won't start bitching again.

 

[Dark Warrior]

OOC: Bitching? Bitching? Grrr... you posting THAT makes me want to bitch more than if you hadn't!

 

[cats]

OOC:

Don't worry DW. I didn't post that with you even in my mine. I knew you'd be Bitchy weather I did or didn't do that so that was directed at the others.

Note to self: Get a tranquilizer gun to use on DW.

Any how I'm still working on Idea's ofr this thread until I have one I just have to go with the flow. But the idea will go back to that wind Elemetal girl I posted a couple of weeks ago. Any one remember her name?

 

[Zircon]

Yang

The days of endless dreams soothed Yang from his pain. His own internal magic had prevented Death from claiming him. But that was about the extent of his magic. He could not completely heal himself. Only a White or Green Dragon with Regeneration powers can fully heal Yang. There would be scars, but Yang would be able to re-enter the battle.

He had awoke a day earlier, delirious with pain. It took him awhile to realize that he was on a boat, drifting aimlessly with the tides and currents. Jess had saved his life by not taking it with the sword in her hand. Her image and memory intruded all his thoughts now. He was grateful on one hand and regretful on the other. It will take a long while for him to realize that path would be closed to him. Deep in his heart, there remained a small flicker of hope.

For now, his immediate concern was to get to land and find a Green or a White that would be ably to heal. Yang did not have enough strength to morph back into a Dragon. Even if he did, he knew for certain that he did not have enough strength to fly back. So, he was left with little choice but to lay in the boat and dream the day away.

Nightfall was upon him when he realized that the boat was rocking much more. The sound of surf boomed in the distance. He made a silent prayer to the Supreme Mother for good tides and currents to bring him onto an island. Yang was still praying when his boat hit a submerged rock. It tore the flimsy wood apart like a piece of paper. The crashing wave swept Yang off, before he too could be torn apart by rocks.

He could swim, and it took the rest of his energy just to keep his nose above water to breathe. Then his hands felt the grainy sand, and with a burst of energy, he pulled himself onto a beach. He did not know why the Supreme Mother chose to save him, but he would not question Her again. Tired beyond even a Dragon’s stamina, Yang gratefully let the darkness take over his consciousness again. He wanted to dream, and in those dreams, he was happy…

OOC :- can we please get back to the story now?

 

[Maid of Marvels]

Two hundred summers ago...

Fiandorel

The fisherfolk grew more and more at ease with Fiandorel's true appearance as time passed. Her gentle playfulness when with the younglings soon won those who were less accepting over as well. She was well-pleased by this, for Fiandorel had a concern that held something greater at stake than her co-existence with the hue-mans.

She came less and less often in the shape of Fia as her belly began to swell. The oldwives whispered amongst themselves at this change in her appearance, for it was something a woman always recognized in another. The Dragon was going to give birth.

This was the reason Fiandorel was so concerned about living in harmony with the fisherfolk. It was not for herself, but the safety of her hatchlings that she was concerned. As long as she lived away from other Dragons, her babes would be in constant danger, for hue-mans killed what they feared, even amongst their own.

 

[chewbacca71]

Brazous

Brazous watched as the girl spared the dragons life. Brazous thought for a moment of attacking the girl and finishing off the injured dragon, but on further contemplation, decided to let the dragon live. Hopefully it had learned its lesson about crossing the colony. Brazous slunk away from the campsite towards an area where the trees had not been charred in the battle. Once out of sight, he changed to his dragon shape.

Vaulting into the thin air, Brazous took wing back towards the colony. He had to report the status of the battle. It had not gone as well as they hoped. If the lesser folks gained some confidence, then they may very well overrun the dragons by sheer strength of numbers. Brazous' head hung low as he flew back , his strength ebbing the further he went. He landed back at the colony and went immediately to the lake to wash off the blood and stink of battle, his report could wait.

 

[chewbacca71]

Pyrymis

Pyrymis quickly reviewed his troops . They were all good dragons that he was familiar with . He climbed up on a higher rock to address them all. "Dragons, hear me, your leader. We are charged with an important job. There are slayers that have been killing dragons for centuries. NO, those are not old dragon tales, I have seen one in action. They are killers , pure and simple. It is our job to try and take them out before they kill some of your brothers and sisters. Any questions? .............. Good then I want you to split into groups of 5, to go to all compass points around the colony. You need to be alert , not to the battle with the lesser folks, but alert to the presence of slayers. If you are attacked by a slayer, make out a cry so that we may all come to your defense. "

 

[hybirdx]

Fin looked around the colony and was amazed to see how organized it became by one war. " I know that the hummans are not exactly what we are after... I'm more worried about the warrior that killed you Z... Who, or what was that guy?"

"Finy boy!" Fin looked to see who called him that anoying name "Veran! Hey buddy!"

Veran told Fin about what happened to him. From the time he was thrown out of the colony, but left the island to search for an home in solitude, of course Fin knowing Veran was the type that doesn't like to hang out with goofs anf nuts, he wasn't the least bit surprized!

"So is all the dragons here?"

"If you mean the old gang except for Leka yeah! He went looking for you!"

"Yeah I lost him at the gate... Hey what divison you are in?"

 

[cats]

Char

I sat there in a group of about 20. Why the hell am I here? I'm minding my own biuness and now I'm drafted. Oh well fighting humans can't be all that hard. BUt still it's not something that is needed. I mean dragons clearly are more power full. It wouldn't even be hard for us to all fly out of the colony shapeshift into humans and then live peacefully with them and the key advantage to that is they wouldn't even know what happened to us. We then could set up a new colony else where. Okay so it's not the best idea, but many are wiser then me they can come up with a better way to coexist then I just did.

Pyrymis moved up onto a great rock to adress us. 'Dragons, hear me, your leader. We are charged with an important job. There are slayers that have been killing dragons for centuries. NO, those are not old dragon tales, I have seen one in action. They are killers , pure and simple. It is our job to try and take them out before they kill some of your brothers and sisters.' Yea well I don't think I have a say in that matter. Acording to what I here Zyzzx was already killed by a slayer.

I listend to the rest of Pyrymis's speech. I never really cared much for the guy. He's just such a politcain, but he dose fight. Thats more then most of the council dose. I guess I'll go with the north group. It's by that forest I came by on my way here.

 

[Zircon]

Haldram

Haldram rubbed his stub absently. The frolic in the hot spring with Rhea had invigorated him. The war ahead did not seem to intrude whenever he was with Rhea. But Pyrymis was calling, after his council with Lhey and Rune. Haldram hopped along with determination, as he was eager to find out what had transpired in the council.

On top of the rock, Haldram could begin to sense dread for the first time in his life. A Dragon crying out for reinforcements was unheard of in his lifetime. The Slayer must possess incredible skills to be able to defeat a Dragon. He had heard of Zyzzx’s encounter. He had always thought Zyzzx was a coward and an incompetent fighter. Now, after hearing Pyrymis’ speech, maybe Zyzzx was not such a bad fighter after all, thought Haldram.

When Pyrymis finished, Haldram walked over and said, ‘My friend. You have given grave news indeed. I have gathered some of the Colony’s fighters. Young ones who would take the commands of an Exile. I will take them as a roaming patrol, to go where the Slayer would appear. I have with me Reds, Blues and Golds. With Fire, Ice and Lightning, I believe that we’ll be able to handle the Slayer.’

‘Be well, my friend. I will feast and drink with you till insensibility when this is all over.’

 

[chewbacca71]

Pyrymis

Pyrymis was the first to hear the cry from the Northern group. He quickly took to the air and beat his wings furiously. When he arrived at the scene, his stomach threatened to empty itself, adding some more color to the battlefield. Enough dragon blood had been spilled to make the ground seem to be composed of red clay. Looking across the whole field, Pyrymis counted two dragons dead, there bodies transfixed with large lances composed mostly of crystal. Pyrmis heard a battle cry as a large dark shape moved towards him.

Tribal warrior was the words that came to mind as Pyrymis watched the approaching figure. Feathers and small animal bones adorned the head of the huge human coming towards him. A shield made of some unknown animal hide was facing towards his, as a crystal scepter flew in an arc towards his head. Pyrymis was able to make a fast turn and avoid the scepter. He felt a sharp pain and looked down, a trail of blood coming from his right leg. He noticed that the scepter had elongated into a spear, its tip covered with his blood.

Pyrymis released a spray of acid towards his attacker that stuck his shield. The hide smoked slightly , but stayed intact under the assault. Pyrymis quickly flew away to regroup and to figure out another way to attack.

 

[cats]

Char

IC: I sat there north of the city for hours. Why the heck am I here no ones going to come. After all rom what I herd the slayer Zyzzx fought was dead. This is just every one being paranoid another will come. What are the odds another one will come, after all we have had one slayer in the history of the world.

I hear a wiziing sound of an obect moveing very fast. I look up as a javlin flys from the east into the body of a dragon only feet from were I stood. "Holy shit THere hear." Think char and think fast. Sheild spell. I flash my talon laid hand forward and another javiln hits the new barrier cracking it. "Shit." I make a run for the woods ranged attacks will be much harder if I get there.

I glance to my side and see two creatures I can only imagine are slayers. One is to far back to make out even with dragon eyes the other is a figure with a red cloack throwing javilns at me. He had one ready in his hand. I chant another shield spell for my defence. And dash off into the forest figureing the slyer close behind.

 

[chewbacca71]

Pyrymis

Pyrymis watched as one of the younger dragons successfully used a shield spell to deflect one of the slayers bloodseeking shafts. Suprised to see that such a simple spell would work, Pyrymis decided that maybe a more physical approach might work. He sped up the speed of his wingbeats, quickly closing the gap to the javelin throwing slayer. The slayer was so intent on the young dragon , that it did not see or hear Pyrymis coming up from behind.

The ancient dragon pulled in a large breath, and sent a flood of acid hurtling towards the head and back of the slayer. Immediate excruciating pain made the slayer turn its head. Pyrymis smiled an evil smile as he sent a last spray of acid towards the slayers face. The flesh of the creature ran down its body as its clothing smoldered. Pyrymis gave the creature a contempuous flip of his razor claws, gutting the slayer. The two seperate halves of the creature impacted the ground, making a circle of raw red flesh on the already blood splattered battlefield.

Pyrymis turned his head and could see the remaining slayer coming towards him. Bugling a challenge in the ancient tongue of dragons, Pyrymis flew towards the slayer. This slayer was much different than the other. It was flying with the aid of some sort of metal object attached to its back. A small flame shot out the back of it, making the man able to scatter the clouds. Pyrmis watched as the man raised a long skinny object towards him. A fresh hit of pain washed over Pyrymis as his left arm was lacerated, the flesh raw and bleeding. Pyrymis was amazed that the creature could hit him from that far away. With a bloodcrazed rage, Pyrymis attacked the slayer.

 

[cats]

Char

OOC: Is it to late to ask no one kill my slayer? Oh well I have a way to bring him back. But don't kill him yet I have plans.

IC: I turned my head and watched Pyrymis destroy the slayer I had been moveing against. I turn and see it's bloody dead carcus there and think for a minute about helping Pyrymis against the other slayer. 'Distracted lizzard.' I jump to the side and look up at the same slayer Pyrymis destroyed with out his claok. 'We have tricks for dealing with lizzards like you.' I feel the pain as his javlin is sticking in my tail. 'After you die II'll kill your freind. I really liked the cloack he destroyed.' I manage to over come the pain and run. I run the staff stuck in my tail was forcefully torn as my body ran into the forest thye slayer just behind.

I whant to heal my tail but that would slow me down to much. I dart to the side as a javlin hits the tree infront of were I was. Ranged combat won't be much good in here and that should give me some time to come up with a plan.

OOC: Yes I'm going some where with this.

 

[dave6598]

Kaikish


Kaikish looked around in the coleny he called his home many years ago. He had been away for many years seeking ansawrs to questions. As he look around, he noticed a lack of his people. "Where is everyone" he roared.

He decided that the best thing to do was to go look around. It was then he heard the sounds of battle. He rushed out, eager to fight when he noticed two things. First, there were strange men attacking his countrymen. Second, he notice a black dragon that should not be here.

As he went towards the black dragon, one of these men came at him. Kaikish turned his full fury on the thing and breathed his fire out at the thing, incinerating it. The he contiued over to the black dragon and

"What is going on here! Where is oldwing and who are you." he asked Brazous

 

[chewbacca71]

Brazous

Brazous looked over at the newly arrived dragon. " I am called Brazous, son of Pyrymis. All of dragonkind has united to fight against the lesser folk that attack as we speak and also against the slayers. The lives of many dragons have been lost to that unspeakable evil. Come with me to the front lines of battle, I would imagine that Oldwing would be there. "

 

[Zircon]

Yang

Yang awoke, not knowing where he was. As he tried to get up, pain immediately shot to his brain. Slumping back to the soft sand, he uttered another prayer of thanks to the Supreme Mother for saving his life. The surroundings were unfamiliar to him. The singular mountain, an extinct volcano, rising to blot the sky from the center of the island announced to him that he had never been here before.

It took a while, but Yang managed to scramble further inland. The lush jungle accorded him some protection from the harsh sun. The fruits abound to offer him some nourishment and ease his thirst. But he knew that his was still too weak to morph back into a Dragon. Although the bleeding has stopped, Yang feared the worse. He was on a strange island, with no way to get back anytime soon.

He wanted to stay on the beach and lay down underneath the cool shade palm trees. But he knew he needed to find some fresh water, and hopefully a small village. He could hear the rushing of water of a stream nearby. He followed the sound as far as he could. The undergrowth was thick, but he resolutely trudged on.

The stream was small, but the water clear and sweet. Yang drank his fill until he could drink no more. In the distance, he thought he heard voices. But he shrugged it off as a figment of his imagination. The sun was bearing down merciless on him. Fruit would not be sufficient for a Dragon. The fishes swimming lazily in the stream looked good, but looks can be deceiving. Yang was “fishing” for over an hour before he caught the first one. In his weakened condition, the fishes were too fast for him.

The raw fish had never tasted so good. It was not enough, but that single meal to Yang was equal to anything that he had eaten before. He caught another one an hour later, but his weak strength prompted him to lay down.

He closed his eyes. But in the distance the voice of children playing grew louder. There must be a small fishing village nearby. Yang grunted as he stood up and headed for the direction of the voices.

 

[Zircon]

Haldram

Haldram was sitting on top of the highest crag when he say Pyrymis flying back as quick as possible. In the distance he could not see the Black Warrior, but something in Pyrymis’ flight told him that battle with the Slayers was joined.

He hailed to him, ‘HO! PYRYMIS! OVER HERE!’

He then signalled to the rest of his motley troop to gather round. Elril-Gan had yet to return from her reconnaissance to the north, the place where Pyrymis flew from. The rest of his recon team had returned to report no sightings. He felt the first pangs of fear for Elril-Gan, even though he had told to observe and report only, not to engage.

“Pyrymis, what’s the matter?”

 

[hybirdx]

Leka

"Where did... Where is Anfinos?" Leka searched through out the whole colony but couldn't find Fin anywhear "He's harder to find in this crowd than finding a needle in a hay stack!"