Dragon Heart: Riders of Nernwyr

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Zalie quietly waits for the others to leave and makes sure to stay out of the dwarves way, too. She feels a bit bad not being able to help, but shoves the thought away. She'll focus on watching their steps to make sure everyone is alright and occasionally watching their surroundings. They'll make it up the mountain. They just have to.
 
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Ascending the narrow, icy path, carved into the Drakeback Mountain...

​

C'yra crept to the entrance of the cave and peeked inside. It was dark and empty. Nothing was inside, and nothing seemed amiss - at least not at first. Two rocks sat in the centre of the cave floor, large enough to fit in the palms of your hands. They felt warm to the touch - like they had been bathed in the hot summer sun - now cooling as the chill of the winter mountain set back in. Observing them closer revealed scuff marks on the sides facing each other like they had been smacked together to make noise. Otherwise, nothing else was amiss.

C'yra made a gesture, signalling for everyone to keep moving, making the call that it was too dangerous to stop at this cave. And so they pressed on. They followed the path winding up the mountain, with the knowledge that their hunter had also gone in this direction; the threat of him lingered in the forefront of the scouts' minds, knowing that they didn't have time to go back and warn the rest of the group of what they knew.

Then, an explosion shook the mountain.​

Your feet slipped on the icy path, but you each managed to hold on and prevent yourself from falling as the rock groaned in protest all around you. Loose stones rained down from above, some sheathes of snow falling from its peaks, dumping over the larger group as the scouts found the entrance to the next cave entrance.

A scream - like before - followed the rumbling as it quietened, but seemed to come from further away this time. It didn't hurt your ears, but you felt that same welling dread as you all hurried into the cave, quickly hiding as a different sound rumbled through the sky. It was a rolling, growling sound, like a windstorm before it hit, growing rapidly closer.

As the last of you scurried into the cave, backing away from the opening, another ear-piercing screech deafened you momentarily. It made your eardrums ache and your heart pound in your chest knowing how close it had gotten in such a short time. Sir Garrus hurried to put his spell over the entrance, but no sunlight came this time, and you swear you heard Garrus curse under his breath.

"Krein'paal, aal hi dir nau daar strunmah."

You didn't recognise the language, but somehow you knew what he said. Or at least, you understood two of the words - which was two more than you thought you should understand: 'sun-traitor' and 'mountain'. You weren't sure why you recognised and translate them, you just could. Hell, maybe you were even wrong about that, but in your gut, you felt it was right. When he said strunmah, you knew he meant mountain - and even just thinking the word made you feel connected to the stone somehow. Maybe it was just your imagination, but you felt as though the mountain was suddenly alive - like a conscious entity stirring under your touch. The feeling faded quickly.

But the word 'krein'paal' you felt translated very roughly to 'sun-traitor' or maybe 'enemy of the sun'. Was Sir Garrus referring to the one hunting you? Or maybe it was just the name he'd given the hunter.

"It won't be distracted for long," Garrus said. "Quickly, will we stay and wait it out, or keep moving? Scouts, what did you see?"

 
Name: Coryn
Location: In another Cave
Interaction: Talking to Garrus, then looks towards Scouts
Status: Elves suck

When the explosion shook the mountain, Coryn repeated the same action as before. Regardless of whoever was in front of him, they felt a firm hand on their shoulder, helping to keep them balanced. It was followed by another brusque apology, Coryn simply not wanting them to fall. Using his spear to awkwardly guide the back of the ground through the darkness, everyone filtered into the cave.

With his mind not-so hazy, Coryn makes a slight face at the Knight's words. He's never heard such a language. Was it normal to spontaneously understand random bits and pieces? Sun-Traitor. Does that mean this creature only hunted at night? He squinted outside at the crevice. How long was it before dawn approached?

"Sir Ardell, what do you mean by 'Sun Traitor?'" Coryn asks, before going quiet. He gestures to Ernest and Cry'dora, waving for them to speak first. If the wind had blown away Cry'dora's hair to reveal their ears, Coryn would keep a straight face. Mentally though, he nurses the knot in his stomach. Three elves. Fate truly was picking on him.
 
Sir Garrus glances at Coryn, his hard gaze flickering across at the others before resting on the blue-haired male. He contemplated a response very briefly, then relented.

"I'm surprised you're already picking up the tongue," he said thoughtfully and then sighed. "Krien'paal is just a name for it. Others call it the 'yuvon kendov' - it's not its name. I don't know what it is, but it seems fitting, doesn't it? The way it lights up the night sky... it's been an age since I've seen something like it. I wonder how... Hm. Nevermind."

Garrus stopped himself from thinking out loud and shook his head.

"Oolomnir isn't far. Without delays we can reach the summit in four hours."
 
Name: Coryn
Location: In another Cave
Interaction: Finishing up talking to Garrus, Waiting on Scouts
Status: Four Hours? Can we survive that?


Coryn held all other questions. With his hazeless mind, all those questions were tickling at his brain. Truly what kind of insane situation was he in right now? Nodding his head, he looks to the others, waiting on the scouts. Unless what they said was too dangerous, he was going to suggest moving forward.
 
Plans set into motion, Bastian took his place behind Garrus' at the front of the group, but had missed not the chance to tell the man his vision was impaired- hopefully only for now.

Frowning at the light beam up ahead , which surprisingly the returning light helped his eyes adjust better, and the events taking place, the boy carefully climbed his way up the steps with everyone else when-

BOOM.

And there was his plan set into motion. Bastian held on to the mountainside with an iron grip as he felt his boots slip on the ice, the tremors travelling from the stone all the way to his arms and chest. He could only see black and the faint glint of falling snow from above- the rest of the scene remained to his other senses, as he felt the falling rocks banging on the wall around him, heart them crashing in the depths bellow. The nightmarish scream came back as expected, but further away- so the plan worked.

He moved quicker now, able to see where he was going with more ease, as they all filed into the cave.

Surprised by the little comment Sir Garrus' made under his breath in a foreign tongue- what should be a foreign tongue, but somehow its words rung familiar- the boy took a seat on the cold floor.

In four hours they could be in the clear. Alternatively they could hold fast and keep stopping at the caves, but that seemed unsafe to the boy. He wished to push forward, especially without knowing what the light they saw was or why it was even there.
 
They skirt along the pathway for what feels a long time in silence or close to. She keeps herself occupied by watching their footing and surroundings. Zalie holds her breath at the sound of the explosion and the screeching that happens afterwards. She finds herself watching the others steps, making sure they're footing is good.

When they're rushed into the cave, she backs up along the cool surface with wide eyes. She feels her heart skip a beat as the sound still rings in her ears. Her attention is brought back from her panic at the sound of a stange language, that she understands a little. Furrowing her brow in confusion, she watches the man in fascination. Coryn beats her to the question that burns in her mind. She listens eagerly to the answer.

The girl silently agrees to the others about pushing forward. The sooner they're able to get to safely, the better in her opinion. Not that caution should be thrown out. They'll just have to keep watching and listening as they rush along.
 
Ascending the narrow, icy path, carved into the Drakeback Mountain...
​

The group listened as Crydora and Ernest recounted what they saw - though it was dark, they described the man they saw, and the magic they used, explaining that was why they didn't stop at the last cave.

After some deliberation, it was decided that they would keep going. Due to this, the group decided not to linger and keep going, but an addendum was made to their positions. Coryn and Bastian were tasked to scout ahead just in case a situation arose that would benefit from their combat expertise.

Once that was resolved, Coryn and Bastian headed out ahead of the rest of the group, who followed shortly after them. How will you proceed up the mountain? What precautions are you taking, and how alert do you remain? The group follows your pace - make sure to note how fast your moving and at what noise level; include if anything on you makes noise, such as armor or gear jostling.

 
Name: Cardis
Location: In another Cave
Interaction: Open
Status: Being on this mountain sucks


Cardis walks along with the group. stopping when they stop, etc. Making as little noise as possible. He hates this.
Then the mountain shakes? Losing his grip for a second? More hating. AND THEN THE SCREAMS? Oh god. Not again. Cardis thinks to himself as that dread settles back into his heart and gut of him and Cry's warm and comfy home. He tries to transport himself back to that space as he scurries into the cave and tries to be silent. He doesn't notice that he understood those words until he actually processes that he does. The mountain seems comforting to him. If only he could stay in their embrace.

The Sun Enemy or whatever it's called- this seemed an apt name. Cardis thinks for the hundredth time that he doesn't wish to be here but he also doesn't wish to die so here he is. He doesn't care whether they wait or push forward but the group seems to be saying to push so he just nods and shrugs. He has no such faith that either option will be good. He will follow silently and do whatever they ask to survive.
 
vanissh said:
Ascending the narrow, icy path, carved into the Drakeback Mountain...
​

The group listened as Crydora and Ernest recounted what they saw - though it was dark, they described the man they saw, and the magic they used, explaining that was why they didn't stop at the last cave.

After some deliberation, it was decided that they would keep going. Due to this, the group decided not to linger and keep going, but an addendum was made to their positions. Coryn and Bastian were tasked to scout ahead just in case a situation arose that would benefit from their combat expertise.

Once that was resolved, Coryn and Bastian headed out ahead of the rest of the group, who followed shortly after them. How will you proceed up the mountain? What precautions are you taking, and how alert do you remain? The group follows your pace - make sure to note how fast your moving and at what noise level; include if anything on you makes noise, such as armor or gear jostling.

Click to expand...
The young man had nodded and taken up his position at the front with seriousness. A little part of him, perhaps not as little as he believed, was satisfied that he were placed in such a position equal to the knight of the order.

Having taken it out of its scabbard which he securely placed among his blankets within his bag, the man held onto his sword with the hand that faced the void, for freedom of maneuvering it and to lessen the sound. Unfortunately, within the silence that followed the scream and their departure from the third cave, even the very chaffing of his clothing as he climbed and the ever so slight crunch of the snow and ice beneath his boots seemed too loud for him, to set him on edge. His armor was fairly quiet on the move as far as armors go at least, containing metal only for his chest piece and fastening holds, and his breath was impressively silent for a guy climbing up a mountain- though his body labored, he kept it even, kept it calm. Before he learned how to properly speak he had been... encouraged to master that.

His eyes were, finally, fully recovered from the light flash and readjusted to the dark. Pale blue irises kept darting around from the cliffside to the path above. Especially now that he knew they were being actively sabotaged, his stride, though careful, was haste when the path exposed them for too long. Perhaps a tad too haste.
 
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Coryn stepped outside of the cave, opting to let Bastian go first. He seemed lighter on his feet and he trusted himself to catch him if anything bad happened. Alright, a stranger on the path and they wield magic. This either meant they were beloved by the gods, they had their own Dragon or they were part of the sludge of monsters potentially coming their way. He kept his footsteps light, terribly aware of every step he took. His shield is held high, ready incase of an attack. He mostly kept an eye on behind them and to the sides rather than in front since Bastian already seemed so prepared.
 
Ascending the narrow, icy path, carved into the Drakeback Mountain...

​

This method proved to be extremely efficient. Whatever the case may be, the group ascended, spending the next three hours uninterrupted by man or beast, yet the closer they came to the summit, the heavier the tension became.

It was the final hour, and the large monastery tower could be seen from your position below. A brilliant, blazing beacon of fire alit in its brazier at the very top. On one side, it inspired hope - you would all soon be safe - but on the other side, there was still a long way left, and you had reached the very last cave.

There was a few minutes rest to gather your courage.

"Remember," Sir Garrus said, "I can't guarantee your safety between here and the barrier that surrounds the castle. We may all die, but no matter what you hear or see you must keep running, do you understand? Do not stop, do not slow down, just run for your lives."
They weren't very inspiring words, but they were at least honest. Whether or not honesty was called for in this situation remained to be seen, but at least you knew that in the end, your survival was up to you.

The group left the cave. You ran; the ToMs allowed you to race at full sprint, giving 110% without wearing you out or making you uncomfortable for even a second. Your feet pounded against the stone slope of the mountain, your lungs strained in the high altitude, but you didn't slow down.

You reached a part where the mountain path turned inward, opening up much wider through a channel in the stone, rock curved up on either side like a half-pipe, trapping you in a funnel where there were only two ways to go: forward, or back.

The sky was beginning to lighten, and soon the sun would break across the horizon. And as that thought crossed your mind, you heard it - a heavy flapping of wings through the air.

"RUN!" Garrus yelled. "DON'T STOP!"

You wondered, as you continued to try and outrun doom, if Sir Garrus had yelled that specifically because someone faltered. You wondered what they might have seen, and whether you would lose your balance and trip over if you tried to look back. Would you die if you tripped? Would someone try to save you? You didn't want to find out.

Sir Garrus shouted something else out. You prayed it wasn't an instruction, because you couldn't make out exactly what he said, and there was no time to turn and ask.

Then, you saw it. You weren't really given a choice.

It was incredibly beautiful and yet inspired such terror you thought you might actually die from the fear - that your heart might spontaneously combust. The creature was enormous. You had heard the stories - seen the drawings and carved artworks, especially during the Night of the Drake Dance - but nothing compared to what was in front of your eyes. To give you a general understanding, one of it's toes was almost as tall as you - you were barely the same size as it's foot, which, as it landed on the path ahead, had one perched up with its mighty talons hooking over the overhanging stone above.

It stood bipedally - which had been controversial, as most of the time people assumed it had four legs - and yet it front arms extended back from its shoulders into massive, leathery wings.

You noticed the mix of feathers and scales, and the large fangs overhanging its mouth. The way its horns curved inwards, just below its eyes. Eyes which were as black as the void, but still as it cocked its massive head you knew it saw you.

The most notable thing, perhaps, was that it looked to be made of solid gold. Its scales and feathers had an almost metallic sheen, dazzling brighter as the rising sun's rays cast off of it reflexively.
IMG_1565.png
You hadn't noticed at first, not until the dragon lowered its head, that someone was perched on his back. He dropped down onto the ground; black armor adorned with white scarves that resembled more northern attire, like nomadic folk from the Ariyad Desert. The scarf wrapped over his head in a hood, and a carved steel mask concealed his face, but behind it you could see his eyes, gold, like the scales of his dragon.

IMG_1644.jpg

This was the man Crydora and Ernest had seen hours ago when they scouted ahead. He radiated such anger and hatred, and the way he glared felt as though you were truly seen. You were seen to your very soul. The hunter had found you, and a sinking feeling of dread told you that he wouldn't stop hunting you now - not until you were dead.

"Keep running!" you heard Sir Garrus shout yet again, breaking you out of the trance. "Under! Run under the dragon!"

Will you run underneath the dragon?

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Name: Coryn
Location: Running Under a Dragon
Interaction: Anyone
Status: ON MY HONOUR I WILL-
Those three hours were tense bliss. Coryn stayed unwavering, backing up Bastian and staying diligent in his watch. Even when the Monastery's tower peaks over the snowy mountain tops, the grip on both weapon and shield never loosened. In the few minutes it took to gather themselves, Coryn re-tied his hair and did a quick headcount. Everyone's still alive. Good.

Sir Garrus wasn't the most comforting type, but it mattered not to him. He'd rather the truth over prettied lies. For anyone who wore a nervous look, Coryn reached out and patted them on the shoulder.

"Smile my friend," he smiles, holding up his shield. "For it is dawn. Keep your pace with me and I promise I will see you to the end." Whether or not they were actually his friends didn't matter. Half-foot, Human or Elf, Coryn was a knight first and foremost. Though his noble house says otherwise and his heart wretched at the sight of pointed ears, his smile is true. In the wake of darkness, it only takes one shining light to guide the wary

=

Part of Coryn's training was that he could take an order like a true bitch. Years of mindless drills caused his muscles to kick into high gear. Every morning, before the sun could hang high into the sky, he and his troop would be doing laps around the city, his captain screaming obscenities to keep them going. So when the heavy flaps of wings were heard in the distance, Coryn's feet only sunk deeper into the snow.

'Go Faster. Go Stronger. Go Further.'

He didn't want to look, but his eyes couldn't help but be drawn to the creature. his focused gaze falters under the weight of a legend, but still his legs continue to run. He followed the dragon's head till he finally saw the person riding it. It clicked. That elven woman and Half-foot mentioned a hunter and here it had met them, waiting for an ambush. How dirty. How dare they. Coryn raised his shield and stuck to their promise. Those who kept his pace he promised to protect them. What is a knight without their word? Their trust? Their dignity?

So of course Coryn runs under the dragon, readying to put himself first in danger.
 
Zalie had been as quiet as a mouse as the group ascended the side of the mountain. She found it a bit difficult, seeing as she's always the one to break silence to ask questions or anything else that makes the quiet less uncomfortable. But none the less, she occupied herself with keeping track of everyone's foothold in front of her along the pathway they took.

When the huge brazen appears in their sights, she perks up with a grateful smile. Of course they have the long last push, but still. They've made it this far. Her hope seem short lived as the group is stopped by a massive creature. The girl's violet eyes widen in surprise and fear at the shear size of the best. If it wasn't for the fact that it's hunting them, she'd have been fascinated, as well. But alas, fate has not been as helpful as normal, for the dragon, and the one she's presumes is hunting them, stands in their way to safety.

It just registers in her mind that Sir Garrus is shouting before her focus draws back to what's going on. Her body had continued running as her thoughts had wandered, but before it can lead to problems, she bites her lip hard to keep her focus heightened. With what could be argued as a stupid amount of determination, she rushes to follow his orders, heading straight for the opening under the giant creature before them.
 
Bastian released a breath, clouding and crystallizing in the crispy cold air, as the shine of the monastery became visible to them. His boots struck the snow covered rock as he run ahead at the top of his speed. In out, in out his lungs pushed and strained against the thin cold air, eyes cold and zeroed in on the path ahead.
A peculiar sound resounded, one that he could only say reminded him a little of when sheets would billow and flap in the wind when hanged out to dry, but there was so, so much more force behind this sound- the force which he felt a moment right after as the very mountain side tremored from a terrific weight being placed upon it.
You wondered what they might have seen, and whether you would lose your balance and trip over if you tried to look back. Would you die if you tripped? Would someone try to save you? It did not matter. He wouldn't allow it to happen, no he

Gold shined up ahead. Icy eyes, ones of calm water about to be disturbed, gazed up.
And immediately his step faltered.

It was enormous. It was huge and it felt like death. Never once had Bastian seen something so regal, so awe inspiring in his life, and the primal instinct beating against the walls of his heart, begging to take flight and run away from whatever this beast was, cried out that it would be the last time too.
As he saw the rider drop down before them on the path, the young man's eyes finally broke off the spectacular lethal glow of the dragon and landed on a more believeable- or a more reachable target.
Reaffirming his grip on his sword and on his heart, the boy ran ahead right behind Coryn and attempted to keep himself ready to go low- to duck behind the shield his forerunner was holding were the beast or its rider to fire something at them. It didn't occur to him until a second too late that a normal shield wouldn't be able to hold back whatever force only magic seemed to be able to save them from earlier in the first cave.

Bastian run ahead, following Coryn's lead.
 
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