The Time of Dragons, an Magic.. *All welcome*

[LeatherAndLace456]

Leana looked around and smiled, she was seeing someone she knew standing there.

"Well, its been awhile my dear. how are you?" she asked.

The girl stared for a bit before replying.

 

[AmenRa]

O'Bonn pulled the hood of his cloak a bit tighter around him as they passed into the village. He wanted no recognition here, only to sleep. He was weary, from his conjuring and from the seemingly incessant walk they had made. He was in no mood to give idle chatter to anyone this night.

However, as they stepped near the inn, someone called out to Morrigann. O'Bonn stopped and turned, as one tended to do. It was then that a centurion, who was drunken with ale and stumbling forth from the inn, reached for Thelron.

"Some dark things should stay in the dark," the Elf said as he intended to grab the Drow.

O'Bonn sighed heavily as he quickly reached out and grasped the centurion's forearm. Although the Elven guard wore a leather bracer, O'Bonn's grip was like steel upon him. The centurion turned to look at O'Bonn, his free hand reaching for his sword. O'Bonn reached up and pulled his cloak back, revealing his face. The centurion, clearly shocked with recognition, immediately relaxed and dropped his head in a bow.

"Forgive me, Master Warrior," the centurion said. "Is this one your prisoner?"

O'Bonn was not inclined to answer himself to the soldier, but he said, "No, Fighter, this one is my friend."

Still not looking into O'Bonn's eyes, the centurion replied, "I have offended you, my lord. I will return my weapons and armor to the quartermaster in the morning."

"No," O'Bonn said, "you will go to bed and sleep off your drink." And the High Warrior pushed the soldier away.

O'Bonn shook his head. So much for not being recognized. Apparently, a light infantry platoon from the 2nd Brigade was quartering here through the winter.

O'Bonn nodded to Thelron, the corner of his mouth betraying a smile. He then turned to Morrigann. "Do you know this woman?"

 

[Mystical Avalon]

Morrigann stared in disbelief. Was is Leana? Could it really be after all these years?

"I, umm, yes I think Leana?" Morrigann replied. It had been years since she had seen the enchantress. She, whom Morrigann counted as a mother to her was the one that led her to the Fae long ago when she was only a child.

Walking towards the lady Morrigann held out her hand. Touching her face was the only way for her to tell if is was true or only an illusion. Stepping to Leana, Morrigann placed her hand upon her face and felt the familiar surge of energy. Slowly a tear fell down her cold cheeks.

"Enchantress, I have feared you dead for so long. Yet here you are, in Gilad. I have searched many towns to find you not there or having moved on. Sadly, I am not the same woman child you instructed all those years ago. Death has fallen about me. I would be honored, would you so choose, to sit with you and share drink" Morrigann's words were shaky with emotions that haven;t been felt in to many ages.

Turning to O'Bonn and Thelron she spoke.

"This lady before you was the Lady whom revealed my nature to the Fae and whom also taught to me the ways in which I so lived my life before this unnatural dead befell me. With your permission, may ye grant her drink from our table and talk. For only a while if it must be?" waiting for an answer she searched each of their eyes.

 

[LeatherAndLace456]

Leana smiled. She hugged the girl she raised who was now a beautiful woman.

"My child, I would be honored to have a drink with you." she said, "I have went into seculsion for the past few years since you went out on your own."

"But why?" Morrigann asked as they entered the tavern.

Leana looked over the man with her and sighed. No immdiate danger was felt.

"I needed to, for me. Things were getting alittle chaotic in my life and I needed to." Leana said, "Sometimes even the most calm enchantress needs a hiatius. I learned new things while I was away."

"Why move here?" Morrigann asked.

"Well, I felt this was a good area, so I bought a house here and now my beautiful girl has come back to me." Leana answered, "But I need to ask. What brings you here?"

 

[Mantra]

Rhys ran thru the forrest in the direction Idrial had told him to go... Hoping that the hareld would be waiting as he had said he would.... and shivered as it begain snowing even more... Seeing the outline of someone ahead who looked like the Herald.. he begain to shout... Help ... Please help.. Idrial needs help the wolves....

A dark shape indeed took off from the direction of the keep, taking to the sky and speeding towards Idrial and Rhys It turned in midair and dove earthward, finally crashing to the ground just behind Idrial.

But it was not the herald.

He was similar in appearance, in that he was a well formed male, handsome in his way, but this one sported great leathery gold wings and no horns adorned his head. Still, his hair was jet black but much shorter, a bit unkempt even. He wore fine trousers and a light blue, shirt, which had the hint of lace at the cuffs and had the tell-tale golden eyes of his associate.
He landed, causing the snow around him to fly up and out as he arrived. he crouched, arms outstreched and hissed menacingly at the wolves around them.

"You are not welcome here." he said. "This one is not for you."

The wolves hesitated, some even moving back a few paces, but the trio emerging from the woods did not withdraw. Instead, they came closer and to Idrial's suprise, stood on their hind legs, snarling and slavering back at the newcommer. She could only barely make out sounds which could have been words, a language of some sort, but none she had ever heard before.

"All who come to the matriarch in peace fall under our protection. Begone! Before you incur our wrath!" replied Idrial's protector.

The three howled, and the surrounding wolves chimed in, filling the air with their chilling wails. The air tensed as the wolves seemed ready to charge. Then at that moment, the herald arrived.
He dove down, crashing feet first to the earth just as his companion had, except the herald landed heel first on top of the standing wolf monster in the middle of the trio with bone crushing force. The centermost wolf vanished in a wave of flung snow and red spatter as the remaining two were flung away on either side. The golden winged one simply cocked his head with a slight smile.
"Too late." he said softly.

The wolf on the left got to his feet first, only to be tackled by the herald, how threw himself at the wolf in a flurry of claws and fangs. The sight reminded Idrial of a wild animal, mauling some poor sheep to death. The remaining wolf, bolted at the rather messy deaths of his companions and the wolves surrounding Idrial followed suit. Still, as soon as they made the treeline, the herald, now blood splattered, snarled and was off after them in a flash.

"We should best be going." The golden winged man said. "I think it best if I accompany you."

 

[LadyFairy]

Idrial was wary of the golden winged man at first watching him as well as the wolves, until he spoke with the wolves, and she focused her attention compelty on the ones who still surrounded her.. waiting for them to attack or flee, knowing he was ether relation or clan member of sort to the Herald.

Hearing the wolves begain to growl again ignoring the golden winged mans words she readed herself for an attack, that did not come as the Hearald landed on one of the three who had been speaking with the Golden winged man telling them that it was too late, and attacked the one next to him. The rest of the wolves fleeing as he gave chace.

Idrial watched amazed at the power and magisty these demons, or half dragon's welded. Hearing the Golden winged mans words she placed her sword in its scabbard after wiping the blade clean of the blood she had spilled, and bowed to him. I owe you and the hearld a debt of gratitude..Thank you. Is Rhys safe? she asked, before she looked for her bow finding it not far off along with her pack, and following him where he would lead.

The snow was begining to fall faster but she was able to get a better look at him as they walked. Taking in his clothing as well as his looks, he was different from the Herald.. in that he didnot have horns They were both extreamly handsome in their own way. I mean no offence, as i have not had many dealings with tho's of your kind. Are you a demon or a half dragon? she asked as they continued to the keep curious and wanting to know more about them. The Hearld she felt was to arragant to awncer any questions she might have, but this one well at least he hadnt called her a lesser being or treated her as such thus far.

 

[Lady Reiha]

Reiha
age undisclosed
race. stray shinma.
class.. shinma hunter
height 5ft, 3in
weight 110lbs

Short black hair tucked behind her ears, 2 long strands of hair, tied neatly with bows. Her prescence unknown to most, but always watching closely. Her eyes changing from the greens of the forests surrounding her, to the moody blue skies above. She is only known as a snow shinma (demon), but there is much more that lurks around this forgotten soul...
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Tired from her battle before with the wolves surrounding their territory, Reiha stumbled upon yet another battle. Watching closely at the two, one clearly an elf..(prehaps..something else she wondered.) Staying safely behind a tree, her power of the snow abandoning her, she listens in to see what precautions laid ahead of her journey..Watching the elf closely,she saw that she was armed with a bow. "Interesting". Reiha thought, and she smirked and continued to listen in on Idrial's conversation with the winged shinma..

 

[Keldun_Rae]

Thelron shakes his head slowly and sadly.

"Do not concearn yourself, O'Bonn. I have grown accustomed to such reactions."

 

[AmenRa]

O'Bonn nodded, and he ushered them into the inn. "Let us drink and forget things until Idrial returns from the keep," he said.

 

[Dreamboat]

After the wolves fled and while Idrial and the winged man is talking, out of no where an Orb of glowing light materialize behind them. then a boy dres in an apprentice robe making an expression that he is a wizard apprentice.

“Where am I? Pardon me are we anywhere near the Wizard’s Academy?”

It seems like the boy teleported himself at the wrong place and at the wrong time but could it be possible that this is destined.

 

[Mantra]

Idrial's escort led her towards the keep, even extending one wing partly to act as a sort of wind break from the blowing snow for her and Rhys. His shirt was quickly plastered to his broad chest by the blowing wetness, yet in spite of that, he seemed to take no notice of the biting cold or wind. Still, he winced at Idrial's words as she spoke.

"I forgive your words and understand your ignorance. We are not common in the world anymore, but you clearly do not understand the insult you have spoken."He siad, looking back to her. "I am not a 'half-dragon' nor a demon. I am a full-blooded dragon. There are five of us here, to include the Matriarch, yet only she keeps her true shape. The rest of us have these altered appearances you see now. The township and keep are not suited for the lot of us to be galavanting about in our truest selves."
"To be a half-blooded dragon, one would call it, is to be Drakeen, an abomination, fitting into neither world. Worse still, it to refer to one of us as demon. Demonkind and Dragonkind have fought a blood feud since time itself began and some of us are less understanding than others."

He fixed Idrial with a serious gaze. "Phalanx for example would likely kill you where you stood for it."

He suddenly slapped himself aside his head, taking on a much lighter air. "But were are my manners? Allow me to introduce myself. My name is too difficult to say in your words but it means Heartblood of the Earth. I am TrueBlood dragon of Earth and Spirit but I am called Drakkon by your kind." He bowed at the waist to Idrial and Rhys.

At that moment, a stranger quite literally poped into being very nearby and completely unsuited for the weather. Drakkon imeadiatly crouched into a fighting position, but eased slightly at the befuddled appearance of the man.

"I know of no human mage school about us, but who are you?" he asked.

 

[AmenRa]

As O'Bonn sat down at a table with a jerkin of ale, he thought of Idrial. The Fay whispered to him that she was safe. The journey to Thorn's keep could be treacherous, as he should well know. He knew the pendant of black stone he gave her would allow her passage should she be detained. It would not, however, protect her from lesser creatures.

The dragons of the keep there knew O'Bonn's people. Thorn, the greatest, had been a protector and advisor to the High Elves long before O'Bonn was born. This set his mind at ease, and he moved to other thoughts as he drank.

Thoughts such as the mysterious human female that had given recognition to Morrigann. O'Bonn glanced at Thelron, and then to Morrigann, wondering silently should he be prepared for battle. He did not feel at ease here, in this place, yet he knew no one of the village would dare challenge him. Perhaps, though, the Fay said to him, there were some here that were not of the village?

 

[PredatorX]

Forral entered the village on tired feets. His sleep at Kant had been brutally interrupted by a band of brigands looking for plunder. Their number was more that ten so he hid and escaped the area as soon as possible. Remembering the kentaur´s words about the group he had followed their tracks. Some of them led to this village.

Quite thirsty for ale and needing to sit down his eyes wandered over the buildings as he walked down the road. Finding the building he was looking for he wanders in the doors to the inn and scouts the place for any danger or sign of Vandle troops.

 

[Ravenloft]

Grell, Warrior Paladin of Tempus the Mighty:

The heavy crunching hoof-falls of Rock, the stoney skinned Gorgon, a vaguely bull like beast, played out a rhythmic beat for Grells deep baritone war-hyme.

"Blades clash and blood spills, Crys of pain and glory fill the air, Dust chokes and sand slows this weary warrior from his well won rest."

A scent caught Grells attention away from his song. "Hold Rock, someone up ahead, I smell horse hide." Rock slowed, striding cautiously on to meet this stranger along the open trail.

 

[Screech]

A dark hodded shape moved through the wilderness with a degree of grace, yet with heavy footfalls. A clearly visable trail led behind the figure in the snow, just as clearly as the sound of the snow crunching under clawed feet. Heavy breath came from a mouth too elongated to be a human in ragged breaths. It stumbled and fell foward into the soft snowpacked ground and breathed heavilly, seemingly tired or short of breath.

It stopped moving all of a sudden. Then it's hooded head raised in the air, and it's lips curled into a grin. It could smell blood. And in this land, where there was blood, there was normally battle and the spoils of war.

Climbing back to it's feet, it started off at a renewed pace, following the scent. It was not long before it came across the scene. There was blood and bone strewn everywhere in the snow. But it was not the remains of a humanoid battle. This was a scene of wolves torn asunder, and rather too easilly by the looks of it.

"Dang and blast it! Just my luck to stumble across some hunt. No free baubles to be had here. Unless..."

Her looked off in the direction of where the wolves had come from. Perhaps there was better treasure to be found that way. Cautiously, Garfield Thelonius Remmington made his way to the edge of the woods in an attempt to see who else may be in the area

 

[LadyFairy]

Idrial listend as the golden winged man spoke protecting them from the elements with his wing, and explaining who and what he and his kind were. Idrial truly felt bad for the offence she had made, but the knowledge she had found would keep her and Rhys alive... and sence books were few all she could do was ask. Heartblood of the Earth or Drakkon seemed a very curtious fellow and a capable warrior. She was pleased to know him.

I applogize for offending you, Drakkon, and your kind. My name is Idrial and i thank you for explaining. It seems there is a great many things i do not yet.. she stopped mid sentance when a man appeared out of nowhere as Drakkon took a battle stance Idrial immedatly stepped infront of Rhys her sword drawn until she like Drakkon noticed the confused look on the mans face.

 

[Mystical Avalon]

Morrigann watched as Thelron spoke to O'Bonn and for a moment lost her train of thinking. Something about the Drow. She could not put her finger on it just yet.

"Old Mother, I bid you welcome and warmth at our table. Master O'Bonn and Master Thelron of the Drow" Morrigann said introducing the others in her party.

"I have been traveling the weary road Old Mother. I have come with the sickness of death upon me for I am of the undead. It was written in the words of the Fae long before me. I am saddened that I should bring it to you here under the Red Mountain. I have often wished that there be some spell that could show the true instigator of the sickness. I wish to have it and my past off like a weighted cloak. The bounty that I was seeking is no longer of importance to me. For, in the midst of trying, I found that I was neither worthy nor able to take the object with which to win my bounty. He is running with the half-Elf Idrial. You know of her Old Mother?" Morrigann's words sat heavily on her tongue as she dropped her head in shame. Wanting to be shed of her bounds and become what she truley was, she waited for some sign from Old Mother.

"I implore of you Old Mother, any word from the houst of Pendragon? It has been long years since I walked in the quiet country around the castle keep." She sipped her mead tasting the sugary tartness for the first time. Turning her mind to O'Bonn and reaching her mind to Thelron, she thought:

Something is not quite right here Somthing seems out of sorts. This whole town seems out of sorts. Do it not? Hoping they were watching her eyes and reading her thoughts

 

[AmenRa]

Without warning, O'Bonn was up from the table and out the door. He nearly stumbled over some dwarf, who was obviously drunk with ale. As the dwarf planted curses and straightened himself, O'Bonn paid no heed.

The snow was falling quietly now as the village settled into night. O'Bonn stopped just outside the inn, looking down the row of houses and shops to his left. His Elven eyes spotted what he had felt. A glimmer of silvery softness against the darkened snow-covered ground, he felt it watching him as well.

The High Warrior ran after it. As he neared it, he saw it turn, and move into the shadows of a grain shed. O'Bonn ducked under the awning of the shed, and came face to face with it.

It looked like a dog, only more feral in appearance. Silvery-white fur covered the animal, and the beast watched him with crystal blue eyes. It's black lips were drawn up, baring glistening white fangs. O'Bonn smiled, and knelt before the creature.

"Majai-hi ," he said. O'Bonn reached out to it, lingering an open palm near the dog's muzzle. "Are you the one speaking to me? Have you been following us?"

Majai-hi meant "fay hound" or "hound of Fay" in the Elven tongue. They were, for the most part, legendary beasts that were, in all sense, an elemental spirit come to flesh. O'Bonn had sensed this presence before, and not just the usual commune with the Fay that most Elves (and some others) possessed.

The majai-hi leaned forward with its muzzle and sniffed O'Bonn's hand. The dog then licked his hand once. O'Bonn nodded his head. "So the Fay are interested in what plans these dark forces have as well," he said. "Come, friend, and sit with us, and speak with one who was once dead, and tell us of your tale."

The fay-hound followed O'Bonn back to the inn. It followed him inside, where he simply smiled at his companions. No doubt they were a bit stunned by his sudden disappearance, and then his return with a dog. Perhaps they felt the ale had gotten to him as well?

 

[Screech]

Garfield reasoned he had stood still long enough. He could see a small gethering of figures up ahead on the snow. At least, he thaught they were figures. The snow was starting to come down quite hard, and it was getting difficult to see too far. Several thaughts started running through his head. Were they the ones who slaughtered the wolves? Did they have lots of currency on them? Are they in fact carniverous plant-men who will try and eat him? Naah, that last one's not that likley. Chances are they did kill the wolves, but there was a greater chance they had treasure on them.

Sighing to himself, Garfield cast a spell of sanctuary apon himself and stealthily emerged from the treeline, intent on following the figues, one of which he could swear wasn't there a moment ago, from a very respectable distance, his skull-head mace at the ready, just in case they got violent

 

[Keldun_Rae]

Sitting at the table, Thelron studies the unusual hound. As the Drow have lived in deep caverns for many thousands of years, they have completely forgotten the existence of many creatures, the Fay hounds included. He studies the hounds movements, it;s eyes, fur colour, studying evrything he can manage to. Watching it, learning from it. After several stretched out minutes, he looks around at the others once more and drinks wine from his flask.

 

[Mantra]

A scent caught Grells attention away from his song. "Hold Rock, someone up ahead, I smell horse hide." Rock slowed, striding cautiously on to meet this stranger along the open trail.

As Grell slowly rounded a bend in the pathway, a patch of yellowed light cast itself on the snow ahead. A small lean-to was set up against the falling snow. Inside was a young man, perhaps only in his late teens, standing behind an easel and canvas. He was looking out the open end, towards a snow covered field in which Grell and Rock had just wandered. His head cocked to one side as he took in the strange arrivals, regarding them with golden eyes. On his back, silvery white wings twitched slightly before he returned to his canvas.

"Greetings stranger." he said, his voice muffled by the falling snow. "I welcome you, but I also ask you to move. You are obscuring the treeline behind you."

 

[Mantra]

OOC: Dreamboat, welcome, but catch up as you can.

IC:

I applogize for offending you, Drakkon, and your kind. My name is Idrial and i thank you for explaining. It seems there is a great many things i do not yet..

Derermining that the newcomer was not a threat..or would be incapacitated soon by the cold if he was, relaxed his stance.
"This is not a place for chatting I fear." Drakkon said to both parties. "We are fortunate the the weather is still mild, but as the sun sets, the cold will worsen. Come. The keep is nearby and the township is even nearer."

They started off again and as they did, Drakkon addressed Idrial's comments.
"I have already fogiven you dear female. I have spent much more time amongst the other races than many of my kin. I find your species rather facinating. In any case, this is a commune for both travelers as well as knowledge seekers. Feel free to ask your questions, but be aware that some may be asked of you as well."
" So very many come through here, both to travel the pass through the mountains or to seek our counsel. All are welcome so long as they bear no malice towards us. Many have set up shops and homes here, dwarves, men, elves, orcs, but we are the lords here and the law."

Sure enough, houses and structures started to sprout up from the snow in a place where the rocks and cliffs opened up, making a bit of a natural shield for the buildings within. The path continues upwards however, leading up to the open maw of the keep ahead.

 

[LadyFairy]

Idrial nodded agreeing that their conversation could wait, and continued forward admiring what little of the structures they could see as they passed thru the snow. Aware that Rhys was freezing and doing his best not to complain Idrial lifted him up once again onto her back to carrie him, sharing her body heat to keep him warm glad the keep was with in sight. Stay awake Rhys were almost there.. she said softly to the boy.

Thinking about the others who had been with her Idrial hoped O'Bonn, Thelron and Morrigann had made it to the inn safely with no trouble. It was not the dragons she feared trusting Drakkon's word that his kind was the law in this regon, but the lesser creatures could be just as dangerious.

 

[AmenRa]

O'Bonn, now having consumed a considerable amount of ale, became quite talkative. He found the company of others pleasing. He was somewhat sad most of the time, having no one to call his own, but he had many friends. He had just recently made new ones, too. The Drow he especially liked, although he knew little about Thelron. O'Bonn felt the assassin was a skilled fighter, and he could hardly wait till he could witness the Dark Elf's prowess against a foe. Morrigann, well, he wasn't real sure, but he was very much starting to enjoy her charming and very respectful personality. Leana, the newcomer, was also apetizingly pleasant.

"Thou doest know," he said to Thelron, "the majai-hi are really bred from Fay in the first. Understand, that long ago, when the world was made, Fay came into flesh among the first of creations, and unto this brought forth them as wolves. Some of the Fay retreated back from flesh into their own realms, but some stayed on, and as wolves do, mated, and begot offspring." O'Bonn took another pull from his mug of ale and continued, "and as the centuries passed, these majai-hj became few and few. Now, only once in a great while will one come about, and when thus, they may become Fay once again." Finished, he looked at the Drow with an expression that said there was all there was to that, the origin of the majai-hi.

"I wonder," O'Bonn stated now, changing topics, "what evil stalks us? Could it be Elysa, the Dathomir witch and her foul followers? Or perhaps the warlord Dagoth-Ur and his cult of fanatics from the Warlands? Perhaps Gonn-Sul-Trill, the necromancer from Suran? There again, it could be them all. Perhaps they have banded together? I reckon only these things Thorn will know."

O'Bonn sighed, and picking up one of the room keys that was laying on their table, he stood. He bowed deeply, and bade them goodnight as he headed up the stairs of the inn.

 

[Keldun_Rae]

"There is of course another type of evil which may very well be after me, specificly. Drow. They know I live upon the surface and it would not be the first time they have sent some of their people to find and kill me. Sadly, that is what lies ahead for myself and for Drizzt. To ever be hunted by our own kind and to never truly know peace. I hope that one day my life's journey will cross with that of Drizzt. But that is neither here nor there. For now, I must sleep as well. Good night to all, and may your rest be peaceful."

Rising from the table, Thelron grabs a room key and also heads up-stairs. Once inside his room, he closes the door immediately and begins setting a great deal of traps about the room, in case any should enter.