Path of the Taelesol

Mythy the Dragon-Wolf

Hopeless Romantic
Original poster
LURKER MEMBER
MYTHICAL MEMBER
Invitation Status
Posting Speed
  1. One post per day
  2. 1-3 posts per week
Writing Levels
  1. Beginner
  2. Elementary
  3. Intermediate
  4. Adept
  5. Adaptable
Preferred Character Gender
  1. Male
  2. Female
  3. Primarily Prefer Male
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Kaestol Kaes. The capitol of the whole of Aer society. Built into the side of a mountain, hanging above the forest valley of Aestaesar Mi. The ancestral birthplace of the Aer, it held the seat of the council, and was a sprawling city with many an Aer living inside. Waterfalls fell from the high mountain, streaming down strategically placed veins and collecting in pools where the people could gather their own fresh water. Many walkways ended in nothing but air, places for a Pandrylyr to take off or land from, and also where many a lazy dragonwolf laid in the sun. Often seen in the skies were youths riding their windgliders and wild dragonwolves flying without a care in the world. It was an idyllic city, the gleaming gem of their society. And it was one other thing. The training city for new Taelesol.

Taelesol. The knights, the heroes. Every Aer was trained in the guardian arts to defend their homes from the dark menace of the Pasandrylyr, but a Taelesol was something greater than a whole team of guardians. They combined intense physical and martial training beyond that of a guardian, focused mental and magical discipline beyond that of a standardly-trained mage. Take that, the loyalty and shared instincts every Taelesol team shared, and their last advantage, and you got a force of fearsome fighters, the greatest warriors the Aer had to offer.

And what is this final advantage? The bond they share with their pandrylyr.

Pandrylyr. Dragonwolves. Two names for the same being. They are not gods, but they are sacred to the Aer. They are loyal companions and fierce in battle. Most pandylyr are born wild, but there's always a few in every generation that feel a call from the moment of their birth. They seek out this call, and do not stop until they find it. Their Aer. The young man or woman who will become a Taelesol, and fight side by side with the dragonwolf until they fall. To be a Taelesol is rare, and to be chosen by a Pandrylyr a great honor. Become a chosen, and you will soon find yourself in training.

And this, this is where our story begins...

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Kalorn Akamari was one of the latest to be chosen to become a Taelesol. He was as yet a chosen, and would be until he and his team passed their final test, but that didn't matter. It was now his destiny to become a Taelesol. The 15-year-old Aer looked out, far down the valley where he could see a gargantuan pandrylyr soral - dragonwolf titan - laying down in a far-off lake to cool itself off. He smiled a little and looked down at his partner.

Akhari, his brown and green pandrylyr, was plodding along by his side, looking stoic and strong with his imposing size and stature. Kalorn couldn't help but chuckle at that, and seeing a small pebble in their path, he kicked it. Akhari's eyes quickly went to the stone and he pounced, pawing at the pebble and barking to make it shatter. Kalorn nodded and smiled, turning his attention to where he was going.

A large disk suspended over the valley, with two doors leading into the side of the mountain. The training ring, the armory, and the barracks where he would now be spending his days with the other Chosen, those who would be in the same team as him. Eventually he would have armor, a weapon, Akhari would be large enough to ride and wear armor, and he would know how to use magic. Eventually, he would be a Taelesol.

But now, in this moment, there was no one around. Kalorn looked around the area once more before settling down to wait. Watching, wondering what kinds of Aer would be joining him for the rest of his life...
 
The sun's rays glistened down on the city of Kaestol Kaes. Warming the earth and those whom walk it. A greyish skinned Aer sighed contently as he trotted along a cobble stone path, his long pointed ears twitching at the sound of song birds flying by. He stopped momentarily to watch them dance around the other, and then the site is torn from him as he is shoved forward. Nearly stumbling, he manages to catch himself from hitting the path. A gruff voice ordering him to keep moving forward. Keeping his eyes forward, the young boy refuses to show the two city guards behind him the scornful scowl now plaguing his face. He was annoyed immensely from the order, as he loathed being told what to do. His mind drifting back to the birds as he pressed onward. He longed wished he was a bird in that moment. He wished he could just fly away and be free. A gruff chirp met his ears and the boy's icy blue eyes glance to the Pandrylyr beside him. "Don't give me that Uldra..." he mumbles knowing full well that his partner was being a kill joy. She usually was.

"Keep quiet Ruven." One of the guards sneered, but the boy didn't bother to respond. Instead he kept his attention on the view. The valley below.

As the two approached the suspended disk, their new home, a gentle breeze blew in from the valley below. Ruven marveled in awe, transifxed on how the trees moved in wave like ripples. It was like a sea of green with blue rivers expanding outward like roots, and the occasional lake here and there. Ruven sighed at the sight, before his attention was shifted to that of another boy. Another future Taelsol standing before the great large doors of their new home. Ruven eyed him warily before he was once again shoved forward by a guard. The boy scoffed in annoyance but moves closer to the other, and gives him a disinterested wave. "Hey." Is all he says to other before adverting his gaze. Withdrawing in himself he crosses his arms over his chest and keeps quiet.
 
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Helio looked around Kaestol Kaes with equal parts wonder and apprehension. He was still wondering if some kind of mistake had been made. His earrings and the gems in his hair jingled as a gust of wind passed. He should probably stop wearing this stuff. It didn't help that his features were so soft and feminine he was almost always confused for a girl. It didn't help that he liked to look pretty. It didn't help that it made him seem delicate and weak. It really didn't help that he often felt delicate and weak.

He felt something bat at his leg and looked down. Illumi was pawing at him and when she saw she got his attention she nudged her head into the back of his leg, trying to push him along.

"You're really adamant about this, aren't you?" he asked the pup. "I'm still not convinced you don't have the wrong guy."

Illumi barked and her horns glowed, staring at him like she were challenging. The pup couldn't talk to him, but Helio had come to interpret that look as her way of saying "Don't tell me I'm wrong." He sighed and got down on his knees so he was right up at the pup's face. Illumi blinked her big, gold eyes at him and came closer. "You really think I can do this? I've always wanted to be a Taelesol. What Aer hasn't? But...me? Are you sure?"

Illumi yipped her affirmative and licked his nose. Helio giggled and rubbed his nose, scooping up the little pup in his arms and carrying her the rest of the way. They were walking along the edge, looking out over Aestaesar Mi. His mouth dropped open as he saw one of the great titans sleeping in the lake, cooling itself off and turning the forest around it into a marshland. He was right in front of the Training Ring. But...one more minute of freedom. Helio stopped and set Illumi down on the railing and took a minute to look out at the valley. "I suppose one good thing did come out of this. That is an incredible view." Illumi yipped and pawed at his hand. He giggled. "Yeah. And I got to meet you. My tough little pandrylyr." He pressed his head against hers and carried her into the Training Ring.

When he got inside Helio was immediately nervous at seeing there were two others already there. They were boys, and they looked tough. Immediately flashbacks of bullies came to mind and he wanted to turn around and run away. He didn't have to be a Taelesol just because he got a dragon-wolf, right? But then Illumi jumped out of his arms and rushed over to the other two pandrylyr, both a lot bigger than her, even for pups. She yipped and chirped at them, introducing herself to them both. That was one thing about her that Helio had caught onto quick. Unlike him, who was afraid of almost everyone wouldn't describe himself as brave under any circumstances, his little pandrylyr was downright fearless. She'd jumped between him and a pasandrylyr ten times her size without any hesitation. She prodded and nudged him all the way here, telling him in her own chirping language that everything would turn out fine. She seemed to have so much faith in him. Maybe he could live up to that, if he just tried.

"Um...hi," he said to them in his soft voice and giving a little wave.
 
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"Curses, I'm going to be laaaaate!" The alabaster-haired Aer dashed through the paved streets of canyon city Kaestol Kaes. She nimbly maneuvered through the busy market square, swiveling through the many Aers going about their business there. Amidst all the grunts and curses of annoyed adults, her keen Aerian ears caught the hissing trill of a certain Pandrylyr.

Not a few steps away, sprinting alongside her, was the little bolt known as Halilintar or "Hal" for short, her companion and partner. The lithe and flexible Dragonwolf blitzed between legs, hopped on shoulders, and all in all gave Ethel a run for her coins. The way those electric sparks came off his azure fur, combined with the oh-so-smug smirk on his snout, Ethel knew he made no effort in hiding his taunt.

"Oh, it's on now!" The spunky tomboy returned with her own brand of not-so-subtle arrogance. Her pride spurred her on as she raced Hal to the a certain complex of the magnificent capital. Today, they would be joining the esteemed and prestigious Taelesol Order!

@Mythy the Dragon-Wolf
Unlike the subtler approach of the two would-be Taelesols after Karlon's arrival, hurried footsteps (and pawsteps) entered the scene with a thunderous boom. "Haaaaa...! We're here!" Ethel wailed as she skidded to a halt, almost crashing into Kalorn. It took her a few moments of panting and sweat-wiping to finally look up at the familiar Aer and his Pandrylyr.

"Oh, hi there, Kal and Akhari! Been a while~" She grinned, quite delighted to see her friend here. The two went quite a while back, having known each other since they were infants. While they didn't always get along, the two shared a noble principle, that one should protect those who aren't able to protect themselves, an idealistic sense of justice so to speak. After all, this was why they wanted to be Taelesols, right?

"Yes, yes, I know we're supposed to arrive earlier, but I was taking Hal on morning walk-"

*Bark!* The teal-eyed electric Dragonwolf roared in protest!

"...I mean, he was accompanying me on our morning walks. She grinned 'apologetically', "But! That doesn't matter now, right? I'm here now! Fuhuhu~"

@Vio
After she puffed out her chest, Ethel noticed two figures at the corner of her eyes. One was an ashen-skinned boy that shared her eye color, only his was lighter, more of Hal's teal hue than her bright blues. He was avoiding the gazes of everyone who tried to look at his way, perhaps including herself. What a shifty fellow... though judging by the icy Pandrylyr with him, he was here for a similar purpose. Maybe she should say hi?

"Hmmm... He doesn't look like he wants to talk right now. Hehe... I'll bother him later~"

@Quiet One
Ethel's attention shifted to delicate flower of a girl instead. Aww... one of those sheltered princess type, huh? With her long wavy locks, earrings, and other jewelry. What was she doing here? Oh, she had a white Pandrylyr with her. Don't tell her... she wants to become a Taelesol? How cute, the Order was not a place for the shy fragile piece of glass of an Aer. It would do her good to return to whatever pampered household where she came from.

Harsh? Maybe, but rather the truth than false hope.

"What are you doing here, girl?" Ethel swaggered over to Helio, hands on her hips, with Hal perching on her shoulder, "Are you lost?" She gave the feminine Aer her signature smug smirk.

In contrast, Hal's attention was grasped by Ilumi instead. Her beautiful snow-white fur and feathers along with the golden sheen on her paws and tail were simply... breathtaking. Her horns, long and elegant, their light entranced him as if he was a moth.

*Bark!* He greeted her, intent on catching her attention and show off how handsome he looked.
 
Kalorn's ears twitched a little when the others came up, turning his face to look at first the other male that appeared trailed by city guard. That was... unexpected. A future Taelesol already in trouble with Guardians? He had a feeling someone like that will have a tough time starting off. There was a nearly-dismissive wave and short grunt from the other male, making Kalorn frown. Akhari, meanwhile, plodded up to the other Pandrylyr and made a few chirps and trills. The female was larger than normal like he was, which intrigued him.

The next to arrive was what appeared to be a young woman, but before he could reply to her another girl showed up. This one he knew, and he took on a freindly smile to Ethel. "You can calm down, you're not late." he chuckled before looking up and spotting Hal. Akhari had scented Hal as well, looking over and giving a friendly bark though the most of his attention was focused on the other female.

Though when Ethel went over to the young woman, Kalorn frowned and shook his head. He walked up next to his friend, intense orange eyes falling on her. With a bit of studying he found that it was instead a very feminine male Aer. "Don't be mean, Ethel. He has every reason to be here, same as us if he was chosen by a Pandrylyr." he held out a hand for Helio to shake. "I'm Kalorn. Also a chosen - I assume we're all to be on a team. It's a pleasure to meet you." he jerked his head towards Akhari. "That one over there is mine. Akhari's his name."
 
On the mountain side a pair were looking out past the city of Kaestol Kaes and down the valley of Aestaesar Mi. The winds blew and whipped Zephyr's white hair and took a moment to close his eyes and imagine flying. His pandrylyr, Noelani, did the same as they sat on a familiar edge. It was where the two had first met halfway up the mountainside. "Can you believe it? We're gonna become Taelesol." He spoke only to hear excited yips from Noelani. She was just as excited as a new start was here and things were going to change. Whether it was good or bad the two will face it with the same determination they had while climbing that mountain. "Just remember, make everyday count. I push you and you push me, got it?" Zephyr asked with a smile before getting a confident nod from his pandrylyr. With the two on the same page they headed down the mountain with ease.

Coming into the city they started to realize how late they might have been. "Guess its time for a shortcut." Zephyr went near a wall and got himself into position to vault Noelani towards the roof tops. After she was up the young Aer followed suit and it dd help make travelling easier. They hopped across the roofs, making quick work of the leaps as they headed for the training ring.

When it came to the last rooftop Zephyr looked out to see where exactly they needed to be. From a distance he could see a small group gathered and figured that was where he needed to be. "Alright, just straight ahead!" Before Zephyr could get down his pandrylyr had jumped for a short glide and made a mad dash for the entrance. Zephyr didn't think it was fair but Neolani was excited to meet the others. She shook off the mountain dust before approaching them with a smile waiting for her Aer to catch up.

Zephyr had jumped down and made his way towards the group. "Sorry we are late, but had something to take care of before getting here." He said looking down at his pandrylyr. Zephyr took a moment to get a good look at his new team mates and was glad to see so many different faces.

"This was going to be fun!" He thought to himself with glee.
 
When Ethel looked at Helio and started belittling him, confusing him for a girl and suggesting he was lost, the feminine Aer blushed and held himself tight, which ironically only made him look more vulnerable. He wanted to spit back that she was the girl here, not him, but couldn't bring himself to stand up to her. Illumi was more active. When Hal preened himself to show off she barked back, but not in affirmative. Instead, her bark made a bright light appear in front of the pandrylyr's eyes to blind him. She then raised her head in a prideful huff and walked over to Helio's feet.

Just then Kalorn spoke. Helio found himself blushing more and taking a nervous step back. He was the first to figure out he wasn't a girl just be looking at him. And he was coming to his aid against a friend. And he was so tough looking...Helio gave a small smile. "Thank you. I'm Helio. This is Illumi," he nodded at the pup at his feet. He gave a little wave to Akhari. "Hi, Akhari."
 
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Ruven's pandrylyr Uldrana bows her head in greeting to other now known as Akhari, a small trill emitting from her as she does so. Though her attention is stolen away by another with vibrant blue fur speeding into the ring with a white haired Aer following behind. Ruven's eyes glanced at the pair sensing Uldrana's interest, then noticed out of the corner of his eye a second white haired Aer. Both of them seemed to be young women, but their personalities ultimately polar opposites. At least from what he could gather at face value. His attention seems to narrow onto the more timid one, his eyes catching the glistening jewelry she wore. Instinctively his hand twitches and his mind begins to wander on how easy it would to take them. Ethel was distraction enough to do so. Fortunately, his plotting easily slips his mind when his pandrylyr nudges him forward. More people had finally arrived, and were quick to socialize. The sight made him frown, but perhaps only because the idea of talking to strangers made him feel uncomfortable.

Yet that didn't keep Uldrana from nipping at his ankles and startling him to leap forward. "Oi!" He hisses looking back at her, but his warning glare only prompted the Pandrylyr to keep going. She simply growled at him, continued to nip at his heels like a Shepard dog and herd him towards the others. "Oi, oi! Enough!" He cries out harshly, only stopping to give her an annoyed look after he had joined the group. She was just like an overbearing mother with her penchant for manners. The thought forced him to rolls his eyes. Turning to Zephyr Ruven simply shook his head. "No, you're on time. Most of us only just got here." He admits to the boy who appeared to be around his age. Ruven's icy sky blue eyes then dart from person to person before taking a hand out of his pockets and extending it to the light grey pandrylyr next to him, her blue horns glistened in the sunlight like ice on a sunny winter day. "This is Uldrana." He introduces her simply, but flinches when the pandrylyr growls at him. Shifting his gaze to the ground he rubs the back of his neck awkwardly. Then the ashen skinned Aer glances up at the others for a moment to add "I'm Ruven...." in a begrudging tone of voice. Then he stuffs his hands in his pockets once again.

Interactions: Zephyr (@Sairen ), and he introduced himself to the others
Mentions: Ethel and Helio
 
As the group of young Aer introduced themselves near the center of the training disk, one more young woman with her own pandrylyr ran up to them and panted a little, hands on her knees as she caught her breath. She was barely able to get her name out - Enma - before each one of their dragonwolves would sense something. A mere few moments later, during which the dragonwolves would likely try to move their chosen away from the center, a glaive with a blade made of light slammed down into the center of the ring. And another moment would pass before a male Aer landed heavily on his feet, dressed from head-to-toe in white-gold armor. His face was sleek like most Aer, but he had a large vertical scar over his right eye, which was blank with blindness. The other eye was a golden, and his hair was a white-gold. He got up from his kneeling position, grabbed the haft of the glaive, and looked around at the six younglings around him as a fully-grown female dragonwolf landed beside him. She was pure white with golden eyes that shone like stars, golden horns that were short and thick, in essence creating a crest on her head.

"First lesson! Never drop your guard!"
Roared the Taelesol. They would absolutely recognize who he was. Sol, one of the oldest Taelesols, five generations old, eighty years of his near-century of life having been spent either in training, or as a warrior. His padrylyr was named Lumini, and the female looked at the young Aer and Dragonwolves with a softer expression. "If your partners hadn't warned you of my arrival, you would be knocked on your ass right now! You can't depend only on your pandrylyr or anyone else, you must always be ready for anything." his voice was a roar, and it was clear that he was going to take no nonsense. "I am Sol, and I will be instructing you until you are ready to fly off and defend Aer without me." he smirked. "Now, there's no time like the present to get started." he held out a hand, where there were five small bells on ropes.

"You see these? Each one of these bells represents a meal. You are to try and take one from my person. This means one of you will not be able to eat dinner tonight."
he looked around at each of the younger Aer, gauging their reactions before he attached the bells to his belt. The stick of his light-glaive was placed on his back, and he got into an unarmed combat stance. "I won't be making this easy for you."

(This will technically be a combat. If you attempt to do something to Sol/get a bell, post in strike attempts, and the next GM post will hold the effects of said action)

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Kalorn had been looking over at the new arrival, about to introduce himself to her when he heard a growl come from Akhari. The Aer looked over to his Pandrylyr just in time to get a headbutt to the chest, knocking him out of the direct center of the disk just before a glaive landed where he had been standing. He narrowed his eyes and got into a slight stance as Sol landed on the ground. Akhari let out a grumbling growl and stood next to Kalorn as the Aer relaxed, them both listening to the instructor's speech.

As much as he was awed to be standing in the presence of one of his heroes, the young Aer didn't show it. He watched with an intense gaze as Sol spoke about depending on yourself, and then pulled out the bells. Then his eyes narrowed. Five bells, six of them. One of them wouldn't get food tonight? Kalorn didn't see the point in this exercise. What was this supposed to teach? Taelesol were trained as a team and fought as a team, so.. what was the point. As he attempted to puzzle this out, he got into his own combat stance in reaction to Sol's, but he didn't make a move. Just watching, waiting. He wanted to figure out what this was about...
 
Illumi suddenly sniffed between Helio's legs and barked. Helio looked down and his nervous face fell into a hurt frown. Of course. Who else would be his tutor? "It's him, isn't it?" Illumi yipped again and Helio threw himself into a backflip just as Sol dropped down, getting out of the way. He hugged himself as the senior Taelesol spoke, drilling them with the same stuff Helio had heard a thousand times. Illumi wagged her tail at the sight of Lumini and yipped. The big female gave a little nod to her. Helio hoped no one noticed how alike the two pandrylyrs looked to each other.

As he explained the rules of the exercise and strapped the bells to his belt he sighed. So just like last night's dinner, he thought bitterly. I'm suddenly not hungry. But Sol wouldn't let him go hungry. He'd force him to earn a bell.

"Be sure to focus on his good eye," Helio whispered to Illumi. The little pandrylyr wiggled and got ready, her horns glowing. Helio jumped forward and did a cartwheel and Illumi would bark casting a ball of light in front of Sol's face. He reached out in the middle of his flip and reached out for the bells.

(cast light in front of Sol's face while flipping at him to try and catch the bell)
 
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< @Mythy the Dragon-Wolf @Quiet One >

The azure-furred Dragonwolf of Lightning tried his best to woo the Light, but alas, the Light reciprocated by flashing him instead, blinding and disorienting the male Pandrylyr. Hal fell off Ethel's shoulder with a yip, his pride crushed by the rejection. But! This didn't mean he'd just give up. Nothing good came without hard work. One day, o' Ilumi, Pandrylyr of Light, she shall be his!

As for his white-haired Aer companion, she merely huffed with a smug. What did Hal expect? Trying to woo a Dragonwolf who chose such a fragile Aer. "He...?" Who was apparently a boy, as revealed by Kalorn.

"She's a he...?" Ethel raised an eyebrow, leaning in closer to examine Helio from head to toe. Seriously, this one's a he?! She blinked her blue eyes several times, visage full of disbelief. She wouldn't buy it in normal circumstances, however, she had known Kalorn since childhood. He wasn't the type to just say things willy-nilly. "..." Fine, she'd take his word for it.

Hold on, this just meant Helio became an even worse Aer in her eyes. A boy who looked and acted like a sheltered princess. Oh, that was just rich. "Pfft..." She felt so sorry for him, she didn't even want to tease him anymore. He wouldn't stay long anyway.

With the arrival of two more recruits, it seemed their little group had assembled. Great!

"I am Etheldreda Vilam~ but just call me 'Ethel'," The tomboy introduced herself, hands on her hips, chest stuck out, lips curled in a wide toothy grin, "And this wannabe Casanova is Halilintar. Hehe~" She chuckled as she bent down to pick up the dizzy Pandrylyr to settle him on her shoulders.

---

Not a moment spared after her self-introduction, Hal yipped in high alert and blitzed away from the training disk, prompting Ethel to do the same. The girl dashed away just in time as a luminescent glaive slammed down the training ground. Before anyone could ask questions on who was responsible, the culprit revealed himself in the form an adult Aer clad in so much metal, he looked like a walking set of white-gold armor. He only needed to wear a full-face helmet to fully embrace the look.

"Who...? Ethel scowled, that wasn't very nice of him, was it? Maybe he got that nasty scar through his hobby of throwing glaives around. "Oh great..." She sighed the moment her eyes laid upon his white Pandrylyr, a spitting image of Helio's Dragonwolf.

It all made sense now... Yeah, right, this drill instructor-looking guy must be related to that effeminate boy. Cause, no way Helio could be here without some... 'arrangements' behind the scenes. "Oh right... Sol." Yeah, she remembered his name now. Was Helio his son, nephew maybe? Whatever the case, they must be related. Well, whatever, not her business.

---

< @Mythy the Dragon-Wolf >

"Bla, bla, bla..." Ethel crossed her arms, droning out his 'I'm-so-badass' speech... up until he mentioned dinner, now that got her attention. "Heh... you hear that, Hal?" She didn't waste time on small talk, immediately dashing forward with speed, using all of her self-taught acrobatics to swiftly snatch a bell.

At the same time, Hal charged himself with electricity and blitzed forward, attempting a two-pronged attack on Sol to at least grab one bell.
 
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"Great would have been terrible if I was late." Zephyr replied after watching Uldrana force her heir to move towards the group. It was certainly a sight to behold as he's never seen a pair like them. "Its nice to meet you both. This is Noelani and I'm Zephyr." He said to keep his greeting short as he heard a small problem arising near them. Apparently Helio was a guy and not a girl but it wasn't going very well. At first glance sure Helio looked feminine but after getting a good look it was becoming obvious he wasn't. Those first glances from people must be a nightmare for the younger Aer as people mistake his identity all the time. Hopefully with all of this out in the open it won't be a problem for long.

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Noelani's ears perked up and her tail stiffened as she looked at Zephyr. He could feel the harsh gaze and new something was wrong. His eyes darted around but he couldn't see anything. It wasn't until his pandrylyr jumped back out of the way and Zephyr followed her lead. A glaive came crashing down sending a small gust filled with dust and small dust afterwards. The young Aer looked up once the wind had passed only to find an older Taelesol standing before him wearing white and gold armor. Zephyr knew who it was, hard to believe someone who didn't know Sol. He was a legend of a Taelesol knight but now wasn't the time to be star struck. He was serious and even his tone showed it.

The first lesson was easy to swallow to say the least. The second lesson was a different story as he couldn't figure out what it meant. There were six of them, but five bells and each bell represented a meal. Someone was going to be hungry for the night and somehow this was suppose to teach them something. Either way Zephyr wasn't going to sit back and let a meal slip from his fingers so easily. Sol strapped on the bells and placed his glaive away before standing at ease."I won't be making this easy for you." Hearing those words was music to the Aer. Nothing in life came easy or so Zephyr thought. Either way he was ready for what ever Sol had to throw at him.

At first he watched the others go forward. Helio did a couple of graceful cartwheels while his pandrylyr Illumi blinded him. Ethel and Hal tried blitzing straight ahead together for a direct attack. Neither were really Zephyr's thing and looked down at Noelani with a smile. They figured the best thing to do would be to come from behind and strike. "I'll go in and you double up if I get hit." He said and gained a small chirp in agreement.

With that in mind the two separated as Noelani went left and Zephyr taking right. Each running to circle towards the back of Sol before moving in for a bell. With the other's coming in more towards the front Zephy hoped they could dash by with a quick grab.


Action: Coming in from the back and reaching for a bell.
 
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"I don't think it would have mattered either way." Ruven told Zephyr after the boy introduced himself. Crossing his arms over his chest he gave the others a hard look before finally adverting his gaze back to down to his feet. He looked like he didn't want to be there in the slightest, which was different than the others who seemed to genuinely want to be there. This was better than a jail cell though, not that he couldn't manage to escape one if he needed too. His thoughts drifted away from him as he imagines what would happen if he returned to his master. He could probably sneak out after dark maybe? He just wanted to get home as soon as possible. Even if there was a lecture waiting for him when he arrived. Uldrana's yipping quickly snapped him out of his daze. She was tugging on his pant legs, as if to pull him out of the way. Then he blinks seeing a large shadow being casted down onto him. Then he leaps out of the way and tumble rolls to safety just as a giant Pandrylyr lands where they had all been previously standing. Resting on his stomach Ruven blew a strand of hair out of his vision with a clear look of annoyance on his face. Fucking hell this whole ordeal is messing with me! I can't even focus. Did The Master teach you nothing! Idiot! The boy curses himself mentally over his recent failings. Normally he was very aware of his surroundings, but ever since being thrust into the life of Taelsol in training he felt off. When the old man began to chastise them all Ruven got even more irritated. "Never let down your guard." The other mocked quietly to himself, "Had this been my streets..." The Aer huffed, his pride obviously hurt. He was very evident that the boy is disappointed himself. Of course when the next lesson was finally brought up Ruven's eyes lit up. This should be a piece of cake for someone who's been thieving his whole life.

"I won't be making this easy for you."

Ah. Well then, it would make sense for this to be a challenge. Ruven knew that Sol was highly talented warrior. He has probably dealt with creatures that used ambush tactics before, so he would take a creative approach to stealing the bells. For now he was going to watch what the others would do. Ethel seemed to just charge right in with a simple plan in mind. They were hoping that since they were two of them that one or the other could distract Sol enough to grab a bell, but Helio might prove to thwart that. The flash of light provided by Illumi was bright, so those who were not careful could also be blinded by the move. Ruven could see it play out in his own mind, Sol shifting to the side to avoid being blinded, Zephyr who was creeping up behind is then blinded, finally Helio and Ethel would collide into Zephyr. None of them would get a bell if that's what happened. Fortunately for Zephyr his Pandrylyr was still a pup. It would be easy for it to dodge the oncoming Aers and snatch a bell for his owner. There were a lot of ways for Sol to dodge all of these attacks. Ruven wondered if he could snatch a bell if he had his bow and arrows with him. He wondered if that would even make a difference. They have had no training up until now, and if Sol wasn't going easy on them then how could he possible expect any of them to even get a bell in the first place? Something just wasn't adding up and it made Ruven's head ache. Noticing that one of them was missing, he notices Kalorn also standing and watching the others go for their bells. Inching over to Kalorn Ruven speaks up, "We should come up with some tactics. We need to identify what Sol's strengths and weaknesses are, and use that to our advantage. Coming up with a plan that suits our individual strengths would benefit all of us. Maybe instead of everyone aiming for their own bell, we have the majority of the group focus their energy in distracting or tiring Sol out, while a single person swoops in and takes all five bells for the group as a whole. Then we decide amongst ourselves who doesn't eat tonight...." Ruven suggests to the other, wondering if the Kalorn had any thoughts of his own.
 
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Enma rested her chin on her knuckles, regarding the makeshift stone board before her crushing the healthy grass below. Sitting across the board on her haunches, an ivory Pandrylyr with scattered scale-shaped spots of red peered down her nose at the same board, her crimson gaze only coming up to gauge her opponent. The Aer could feel the dragonwolf's eye on her, but willed herself to keep her head down and center, board-view only.

Finally, the Pandrylyr nosed one choice half-dome stone forward onto another square on the board.

Enma's lip twitched. Taking a free grey stone piece in front of her, she placed it down. And, then, broke form. A brilliant smile painted her red lips. She guiltily looked up from the board, right into her Pandrylyr's crimson eyes. "Well playe--"

Madrani chirped, glowering, and then threw her nose into the air, already shifting up onto all four paws and walking away.

"Madrani! Wait!" She tried to keep straight, but as she pushed off the ground onto her feet, she broke into laughter fueled by guilty energy and the rush of the win. This only spurred the ivory dragonwolf on faster. Whenever she heard the Aer speed up behind her, she trotted even faster. "C'mon, Ran," she cooed after her Pandrylyr. Gently slowing her pace, she watched the winged-wolf do the same.

Now! She sped up suddenly and pounced. The Pandrylyr looked back in time to see an Aer rapidly flying towards her. Chirping in surprise, she jumped. Enma hit the grass instead, rolling to her feet. Her dragonwolf watched her go, and although continued her huff-stance, Enma could tell just by looking at her that she was amused. The air about her changed to a more light, jovial one as the pseudo-chase continued all the way back to Enma's house.

There, her mother greeted them outside. "So you decided not to go, then? I admire your decision, Enma--" the Aer cut herself short seeing the puzzled look on her daughter's face.

"Not go? What do you mean, mum?"

"The first day of..."

Alarm flooded Enma. "That's today?" she and her Pandrylyr exchanged looks. "That's today!" She flew forward into the house, running through the hallways to her room. She need her coat, and her bag which held a few of her deemed essential items, and hardy boots in favor over her current casual slip-ons.

"Enma!" her mother called after her, "You don't have to do this! You can choose any role in life, there is no need to follow after mine and your father's footsteps..."

Bursting out with her things and changed shoes, Enma shook her head. "I'm well, see? I am able to run without coughing, run far and fast." At the last word, she beamed at Madrani. "I am better now, and this is what I want." She touched her mother's arm reassuringly. "I will be great, you'll see. I have yours and father's blood in my veins!" Abruptly hopping back, "I must go now!" she pivoted and ran, her Pandrylyr already ahead of her.



By the time Enma arrived, panting and worn, she barely had time to even get out her name before Madrani insistently pushed her away from the center.


A sleek dressed Aer, blind in one eye, arrived with a Pandrylyr who was the same color coat as Madrani, save for the spots.

He plays no games, she thought, exchanging a grateful look to Madrani.

So one of us gets no meal? Only for tonight? She looked upon her group. Not eating for one night seemed like a task to be taken on by the eldest. That said, her mind turned the words around and around, looking for some sort of trick. What would stop us from putting the meals together and dividing them by six? What kind of test is this? No matter what the answer was, she couldn't not try. Like her Pandrylyr, they welcomed the challenge, and wanted the win. Their eyes blazed, the prospect exciting the pair.

She knew what her Pandrylyr was thinking. The Aer would rush his good side, looking brazen and foolish, allowing the smaller, and faster being to run around and then rush towards him from his blindspot, a widened area thanks to his bad eye. She assumed the stance, putting weight on her front leg, ready to take off, when she heard another of the group speak.

< @Mythy the Dragon-Wolf, @Vio >

Maybe if it works out, and we get the bells, I can suggest the idea about the meals. The Pandrylyr and her Aer exchanged looks, the dragonwolf's tail wagging to and fro. She relaxed her leg and came closer to the other two Aer. "Can we utilize his assessment of our inexperience and play on it? Make him think we're rushing in, foolhardy, and take advantage if he underestimates us?" Enma tentatively suggested.
 
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Sol narrowed his eyes as his trainees made their moves. Rather, three of them did. The other three seemed to be holding back, which made the older Aer smirk a little. Perhaps they'd figure this out quickly enough. However, first things first - he had figured that Helio would try and utilize Illumi, which - while not a bad idea in many situations - would prove to be a folly. A ball of light appeared in front of his face and Sol simply closed his eyes, raising one hand and twirling it around his body. The ball stretched and became a ring which surrounded the veteran warrior, and with a clench of his fist it burst, radiating outward and bathing each and every young Aer in disorienting light. This included Helio, whose hand wouldn't even brush a bell as Sol rotated his body. Sol barely had to do anything as the young trainees came towards him, his body twisting to dodge each attempt, only using his hands for slight adjustments to their maneuvers. The other two Aer and their Pandrylyrs would end up coming to a halt after impacting one another, Sol standing now between the two groups of three Aer.

"Is that all you have?" he asked, eyes narrowed, still in a combat stance.

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Kalorn frowned when he saw how easily the other trainees were dodged and adjusted. His orange eyes blinked and he looked at Sol, catching the older's eyes for a moment. "We need to work together." he said quietly, in regards to both what Ruven and Enma had said. "Taelesol.. they can fight alone, yes, but they have their squads. They work as a team much more often..." he paused. At the same time, it wouldn't do for Sol to hear their ideas.

"Group up!" Kalorn called to the other three, moving to a central position, assuming that at least the two of them would join him. He waited for the others before he would take a breath and start to speak. "We need to work together to win this. There's one bell less than there is us..." he smiled a little. "I'll go without food tonight, so no need to worry about that.. but we need to figure out how to do this. I won't be able to hit him, but I can keep him busy up front. The rest of you so far seem pretty limber, you could come in on the flanks, hit and run as I attack... then we need someone to get behind him, take the bells." he looked around at those who had assembled. "We will become Taelesol, we'll be a team. Sooner we act like one, the better."
 
Helio wasn't too surprised Sol showed him up. It probably didn't help that he just wanted to get this over with. He still wasn't sure he belonged there, either. But when he inevitably missed his target the effeminate boy quickly recovered himself in a wide, spider-like stance. No one had gotten a bell, which at least made him feel a little better. He knew the Taelesol's might firsthand, after all. How in all of Shylyr Vasadi were they supposed to beat a veteran warrior with his pedigree?

Then Kalorn called everyone over to him. Hm? What was he calling everyone for? Had he even tried to get a bell? And what's weirder is why was Sol allowing them to regroup? The exercise must not have been as straightforward as he thought. He walked over to the group, his feet not picking up that much. It was bad enough he wasn't tough enough to be here. Was he really not smart enough too?

Kalorn's plan was good, but he looked at Sol again. He'd intimidated him for so much of his life. Every day he'd been afraid of the Taelesol. "You don't know how he got his eye hurt, do you?" Helio asked softly. "He was separated from his squad and had to take on five pasandrylyrs. At once. If he were actually trying, none of us would be a match for him, all together or one on one. Do you actually think we can outpace him?" He thought and looked around at the others. "Hm...any of you know slight-of-hand? Illumi and I have some idea how he moves, so maybe we could direct?" Just then something came to him; Sol's reaction to Illumi. How he'd get down and rub her belly, how he and Lumini were always so close. Maybe that was something they could use. "He's got a soft spot for the pandrylyrs. Get them right up close and tell them to act cute. It'll throw him off for just a second, but that might be all we need, right?"
 
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Neither he nor his pandrylyr had any idea what Sol was capable of. There were stories that gave him his legendary status, but Zephyr had never seen this Taelesol in battle. It was interesting that it took very little for Sol to slip out past everyone. With light bright enough to blind Zephyr stopped in his tracks. Noelani managed to push the young Aer out of the way to keep from getting hurt. "Thanks girl." He said as he tried to regain his vision.

One of the others had called for everyone to regroup. Zephyr walked over after dusting himself off. Kalorn had brought up the idea of working together. It was possible considering they were meant to be a team. "Yeah, not sure if letting one go hungry for the night is such a good idea." To Zephyr it wasn't truly fair even if there was only five bells he was sure there was a way around it. Helio did bring up a very good point, distractions. It could work and could give the window they needed to make this work. "I wouldn't say I have that ability like that but are you sure the Pandrylrys cuteness keep him occupied long enough?" He asked unsure if this can be solved so quickly. A yip of disagreement came from Noelani and Zephyr started to scratch his cheek sheepishly. "I'm not saying you can't be adorable. You're cute but we need to be sure he isn't going to blind us with light again, thats all." It was enough to get to his pandrylyr to simmer down and Zephyr was at ease again.

"I'm not saying it couldn't work, but will it be enough? We might have to add to it and it may take all of us to do it." Zephyr wasn't sure what any of them can do which placed them at a disadvantage. So far Helio is very acrobatic and was quiet agile and Ethel is fast. As for the others that was left to be seen.
 
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Ethel and Hal were fast, embodying the spirit of lightning and thunder, but even they couldn't avoid the bright light blasting off Sol's form. It wasn't rocks or low-hanging branches after all. "Gah?!" The white-haired Aer yelped as she instinctively shielded her eyes, stunning and disorienting her movements. She ended up colliding with the pouncing Hal instead, both of them had figurative mini-dragonwolves circling around their heads after all was said and done.

To make matters worse, the old coot taunted them too. She could just imagine the smug radiating off his white-gold visage.

"Mmmmgh..." With their pride crushed, Ethel and Hal dejectedly dragged themselves back to regroup around Kalorn. "Haa..." She rubbed one eye, still rather dizzy from the flash. "It's not about the food! Hell, I don't mind if go without dinner, finding food is easy," The tomboy proclaimed, "It's about sending a message, we must wipe that smirk off his face! It's personal! *BARK!*, Hal finished off Ethel's fiery declaration with an equally spirited roar.

The plan didn't sound too bad. Fighting dirty? Hah, at the end of the day, a win was a win. "I'm game, let me at him and kick his butt, literally." Then someone else could grab the bells, she didn't care who, she just wanted to get back at Sol.

*BARK!*

"Hal also thinks being aggressive is better than cutesy...ing. Well, maybe Helio can manage, but not us! We kick ass, not lick ass!" She nodded firmly, with hands folded across her chest. "So... shall we go?"
 
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Ruven was relieved that Kalorn took his plan into consideration. Working together and utilizing a plan that suits everyone strengths would be the best way to tackle this lesson. Normally working in a team wasn't Ruven's forte, but sometimes high profile heists required more than two hands. His master had trained Ruven and his other little thieves to be comfortable working together in case a contract required more hands. He listened to the concern of Helio and nodded, but with a determined look. They could do it, there was no way their new mentor was going to go all out on the rookies in training. His attention couldn't be on all of them at once, it wasn't humanly possible. Ruven grinned proudly at the mentioning of slight of hand Ruven. Straightening his posture the Aer finally spoke up "I can do it. I grew up on the streets and had to steal for coin. I am quite good at it actually." He boasts confidently.

The elven looking boy glanced at Zephyr who expressed some concerns and Ruven nodded in acknowledgment. "Don't worry, we can figure something out after we get those bells. Worse case scenario I'll just steal the food from the kitchens. Enough for all of us." The ashen skinned aer shrugs casually. He had no shame in his less than desired talents. Ethel also didn't seem worried about finding food. Yeah they got this for sure. Glancing at Sol and then to the guards his bold smile wavered into a frown just for the moment. This would be a lot easier if Ruven had his tools, but the guards had confiscated all of them save for some spare lock picks he hidden in his socks. Still if the others created enough of a distraction then it this wouldn't be too difficult. It would still be easier with a knife though, so he could cut the rope that secured the bells. "Any of you got a sharpened dagger? The guards took mine." He questions crossing his arms over his chest like before, Uldrana sitting regal by his side.
 

Kalorn looked between the four other Aer that he was going to be training with, evaluating each one of them and nodding as they spoke. Helio, it seemed, had some sort of past experience with Sol, and though his plan had merits, it didn't seem to sit well with Ethel. Akhari twined around his feet, before continuing the motion around the feet of all the rest of the young Aer. He glanced back at Sol and then nodded.

"Alright." he said, looking to each of them in turn. "I want to do this without trickery, Helio.. or at least give it a try this way. I'll take his front. Helio, Ethel, Zephyr, keep moving, flank him. Our job is to keep him distracted. Ruven, you grab those bells." he paused. "You won't need a weapon. Those knots are made to be undone with a simple tug." he paused for a moment, letting everything sink in. "Anyone have objections? We need to get moving soon.."