Return of the Dragon Tamers: The Plague of Ogual

[Soulserenity20]

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• 
  
  
  
  
  
  Return of the Dragon Tamers
  The time has come for the dragons and the humans to join forces once again...​
  
  
  
  
  
• 
  
  
  Hunting the Blackshire Stags
  
  Narien, Illyria, Avren, Pomona
  
  Reverie, Xylia, Alder, Saira
  
  ​
  ​
• 
  
  Terria has been rescued and returned safely to the meadow. Her retrieval came at the cost of another talented tamer: Goliath, and his dragon Hezekiah. Terria slumbers in sickness of the body and the mind even as Merrik has spent more than a week at her side, healing her thrice daily, doing everything in his power to bring her back to the Order.
  
  The party that ventured to eastern Galidus to sort out the issues in Kibran returned with a new stranger who turned out to be the bondmate of the Valor dragoness, Andraste. Alder Grey has joined the ranks of the Order and now works to find his place.
  
  Shortly after the Order's reuniting in the meadow, a council was called the a vote was ordered for the army's next tactical move. With the votes in, the Order is now set on unlocking the memories of the strange man Bren and travelling to Galidus to meet with the new king, Kylvest Brohn of Trespa while simultaneously meeting with the People of Dragons elders.
  
  Before the Order sets off once more, they are taking time to return to their training at the meadow and heal their hearts and bodies. At current, Merrik has chosen to mix things up and brought the Order out to the north-eastern woods to hunt for Obsidian Nova's favorite game: Blackshire Stags. After a great deal of drama in Kibran regarding Merrik's decisions on leadership, he hopes that the Order will begin to sort itself out within the ranks and grow to trust each other more deeply in a time when trust among comrades is a necessity.
  
  
  
• 
  
  Character Hex Colors
  [spoili]
  Aerarya is #800080
  Saira is #33cccc
  Merrik is Red
  Nova is Black with Shadow and Italic.
  Avren is Green
  Viridian is Yellow Green with Italic.
  Terria is Dark Azure
  Taega is Medium Gray with Glow and Italic.
  Requiem is Maroon
  Aleria is Dark Green.
  Agni color is #999999
  Narien is #0092b3
  
  [/spoili]​
  Soulserenity20 ---- Merrik Tetra ----- Obsidian Nova, Nightmare Dragon
  Soulserenity20 -----Terria Tetra ----- Ataegana Kuu'iah, Lunar Dragon
  Soulserenity20 -----Avren Lebram ----- Viridian, Forest Dragon
  Rainjay -----Saira Rinien ----- Aerarya, Atmosphere Dragon
  Rainjay -----Illyria Rowena Renthir ----- Mirazh, Desert Dragon
  Firejay1 -----Narien Ki'ila ----- Angi, Arcane Dragon
  White -----Rèverie Gray ----- Celeste, Celestial Dragon
  Mowkie ----- Pomona Ayelet Muldell ----- Katla, Vanity Dragon
  Mowkie ----- Alder Balthazar Grey ----- Andraste, Valor Dragon
  Crimson77 ----- Xylia Kalei Iwalani ----- Deventh, Swamp Dragon
  
• 
  Tetra Estate - Coliseum, 8:17am
  
  The morning air was cool and crisp, the last signs of Winter nipping at Spring's hold on the lands. There was a deep fog rolling in over the eastern forest, blanketing the ancient trees with an eerie, chilling veil. A pair of deep green eyes scanned the surrounding landscape from a hundred feet in the air. Their owner felt no fear, no discomfort of the altitude, being as much at home in the skies as he was on the earth. While the height and the crisp morning air did not bother him, a deep concern was festering within the corners of his mind. It was not unusual for worry and concern to waft about in his thoughts, but the intensity of today's concern was unprecedented.
  
  There was a silence that surrounded him, cocooning him in its peaceful tendrils, broken only by the steady whoosh of powerful wings. With each heavy downbeat, the man in the sky would exhale, taking in the pristine air the ancient woods provided and letting it out in a meditative manner. His dark hair swayed gently, not by breeze, but by wing-beat. The man was concentrating on the legend that was about to begin a hundred feet below him. The man was sorting out his thoughts, organizing his concerns, perfecting his plan of action. Worrying. Concerning himself. Stressing.
  
  The mind is of no use when it is tangled and knotted with stress and worry.
  
  Merrik Tetra opened his eyes as a wave of reassurance swept into his mind, settling what had been stirred up, putting his last lingering thoughts in the right place, and shouldering the mental burden that so commonly threatened to crush him.
  
  "Your wisdom could not have been more welcome. But to execute concern would be unwise. Today the stories of the world will shift mid-sentence, a new chapter forcing its way into a tale of growing darkness. Today the legends of old will be reborn, history repeating itself at the hands of peril upon these lands." Though his lips did not move and no sound rang out into the air, his words found their way into the mind that commanded the wings beating powerfully at Merrik's sides.
  
  The man in the sky was not alone.
  
  A hundred feet above the Tetra Estate, a creature of myth lingered in the air, sustained by the grip of its thick wing membranes on the cool morning air. The creature was massive, larger than any common animal of the lands, and it wore a cloak of scales as black as a night sky devoid of any stars. Blood red eyes that made every onlooker feel like prey blinked slowly as they stared at the distant fog bank. It's vast wings, cloaked in the same obsidian scales that coated the beast's muscular body, wore rings, red as the most scalding lava.
  
  The creature was a dragon. A Nightmare Dragon, to be specific; a beast of legends and fairy tales from a time long ago, long before the memories of even the oldest human. For hundreds of years the sound of heavy wing-beats parting the air could not be heard in these lands, or any other for that matter. For hundreds of years, the great draconic race was thought to have been extinct, perished by the hands of elves or man or even time itself.
  
  Few would believe their eyes. But Merrik Tetra would not so much as blink at the site of such a creature, for the dragon of nightmares and terror that claimed the skies was his dragon, and Merrik was its human. They were soulmates, best friends, companions, one.
  
  More than 2 decades ago, when Merrik was just a little boy, he was brought down into a damp, dark cellar in the depths of his family's manor. There, he received an egg. From within that egg came a voice, though not one any other person would hear, unless it so chose to be heard. Within that egg was a hatchling nightmare dragon, the same drake upon which Merrik sat at that very moment. The dragon was given to him by a strange, mysterious old man who called himself The Oracle. This man changed Merrik's life, shifted his path of fate to one of severity and ultimatum. His life for the next two years was leading up to this moment, this cool spring morning.
  
  Today, Merrik was going to form an army, a re-birthed order of old, summoned up again to bring forth a the great protectors of Illos. Today, Merrik was going to change the lives of a group of individuals, the very same individuals that stood a hundred feet below him in the center of a coliseum. Behind the doors that lined the walls of the coliseum were more dragons. More disbelief shattered by flesh and blood. Two years ago, Merrik had once again been summoned into that musky cellar where The Oracle appeared once agian. This time, Merrik didn't receive one egg; he received an entire clutch, each one a different color, texture and size.
  
  From those eggs hatched dragons, one of each of the draconic species, apart from the Nightmares. Those hatchlings had spent the last two years of their lives growing and learning from Merrik and his dragon, Obsidian Nova. They were being trained and prepared for this very day, this moment. Each of the drakes behind those heavy wooden doors lacked a piece of its soul, a part of it that could never have been filled. Not until now.
  
  The group of people standing, uncertain in the middle of the coliseum, were chosen long ago, though they could not have known it. The Oracle had selected them at birth, when their souls entered into their bodies with their first breath. Each soul chosen, was the missing half of one of the dragons below. And today, those two souls would collide and fuse together, changing the fate of Illos forever.
  
  "They know so little of what is to come." Came Merrik's soundless voice from his own mind into the dragon's.
  The less they know, the less they can fear and fight what is to be. Though we know that each of the humans below is the soulmate of one of our yearlings, the yearlings do not know for certain. They believe that these are mere potential candidates for the bond. They will test them just as a wild dragon would have tested the first of the dragonlords so long ago. The humans will pass these tests, of this we have been assured by The Oracle. Everything is set into motion.
  
  Let their oblivion be their guide, for both dragon and human. Let the bond work in its natural ways, it will give them strength in the long run. The humans MUST prove themselves to their drake, not only for tradition's sake, but to unlock the power that hides within their blood. Tamers are not made, they are born at the very moment a dragon's soul awakens. In that moment, the two become connected, separated only by distance and time. The tamers have an ancient magic within their veins, though they do not know it yet.
  
  Today, the bond with unlock that magic and change their lives forever. We should not delay it any longer.
  
  Obsidian Nova had a way about him that commanded submission and trust. There was no one else in the world that could calm and reassure Merrik in such a way as the black dragon. Nova had an ancient wisdom to him that came with being a direct descendant of one of the first bonded dragons of the Order of Old. Though merely 21 by age, the dragon's wisdom went on for centuries. Merrik agreed without a word or thought.
  
  With perfect intent-directed synchrony, the dragon descended, lowing the pair and coming to rest on a great stone perch that sat at the head of the coliseum. As the dragon's talons touched down on the stone and his great wingspan retracted to a resting position, Merrik stood up from his place at the base of Nova's neck and slipped down off the dragon's back without a sliver of difficulty, landing on the thick, stone perch below.
  
  The attention of the visitors in the centre of the round mass of earth focused on him. Some eyes shone with excitement, others with a sly intent, and others with a plain annoyance. There was too much personality within that circle for Merrik to handle all at once. He silently thanked the gods of old that he didn't have to get up close and personal with the entire group just yet. For now, the focus of attention was on dragons, and Merrik was completely at home in the realm of dragons.
  
  "You have all be told of your purpose for standing her today. I can understand if some or many of your minds linger in disbelief, this is an event of dreams and myth. But make no mistake, you are here to become heroes, legends, and leaders. You are here to become one with beasts of old, powerful creatures not seen in these lands for hundreds of years." He walked to the end of the perch, balancing casually on the round, stone hold.
  
  "The doors that surround you are the temporary dens of the dragons of Illos. The doors will open in a few moments. You must all be strong, be fast, and be brave. Today, you become dragon tamers."
  Then, Merrik's deep green eyes became twice as vibrant as any human's and he swirled his right index finger in a curious manner, concentration clear on his expression. The doors slid open, lifting up to reveals cascading plumes of steam as the temperature difference made itself apparent. The cool morning air welcomed the sound of wingbeats, too many to count, as a mass of dragons shot out of the dark spaces and soared up into the air. Flames of every color decorated the skies, scaled beasts of every shape, size and color bolted about before peeling off from the group and honing in on select individuals.
  
  One of the dragons shot a jet of colored flame down at the ground, nearing searing one of the soon-to-be tamers. The tests had begun.
  
  Merrik and Nova watched silently as the young dragons they had raised from hatchlings attacked, questioned, chased, scared, and tested the group of visitors. Each was seeking a human worthy of their soul, of their life, of their bond. Each would find a human, though they did not know it, and until then, they would test their worthiness endlessly. Merrik pitied the men and women below, for they had not been informed of what the bond was, nor were they informed of the fact that the tests the dragons subjected them to would look more like an attack than anything, despite the fact that the drakes would not actually harm them. This pity went away mere moments after it arrived as Nova's presence in his soul shifted with the drake's emotion. Any amount of terror and confusion was worth the bond of dragon and tamer.
  
• 
  
  Combat Event Guide
  +Steps+
  

  1. GM Scenario Introduction.​
  2. Player Response. Combat Begins.​
  3. GM Response to Combat. Required die roll will be presented.​
  4. Player Response. Player Roll. Player may close combat.​
  5. GM Combat Close Response (if necessary)​

  
  +Basics Behind the Rolls+
  
  Three Types of Opponents: Basic, Challenging, and Boss.
  Basic: Just classic battling. It is generally expected that your character can handle this with general ease.
  Challenging: These will require higher rolls and a bit of strength in whatever technique the character uses to attack.
  Boss: These will require the best rolls, the most creativity, and the best weaponry/spells/approaches suited to the character.
  
  Three Types of Character Approaches: Strength, Weakness, Long Shot.
  Strength: The character attacks within their class/strength/ability.
  Weakness: The player attacks in a class/ability that they are not necessarily comfortable or entirely skilled at.
  Long Shot: The player is being an idiot and doing something that would never work unless the die gods are on their sides.
  
  +How Opponent Types and Character Approaches work together+
  BASIC OPPONENT
  Strength Base Roll: 12
  Weakness Base Roll: 14
  Long Shot Base Roll: 16
  
  CHALLENGING OPPONENT
  Strength Base Roll: 14
  Weakness Base Roll: 16
  Long Shot Base Roll: 20
  
  BOSS OPPONENT
  Strength Base Roll: 18
  Weakness Base Roll: 20
  Long Shot Base Roll: 25 (requires stat bonus)
  
  NOTE: In a boss battle, there will be much more discretion for creativity and teamwork between players. Successful rolls will mean successful hits, NOT kills. Furthermore, for boss rolls, because they are much more difficult, the player will get a 'second chance' roll if their first roll is not successful.
  In Step 3, where the GM presents the required roll, it will have the relevant stats already added in and will be presented in a manner to explain the reason the roll is what it is. Stats are applied by level of skill, as portrayed:
  5% = Beginner ----> No Mod
  10% = Applicable ----> No Mod
  20% = Novice ----> +1
  30% = Adept ----> +2
  45% = Advanced ----> +3
  50% = Expert ----> +4
  65% = Sage (Mortal Mastery) ----> + 5
  
  Example:
  Shirin Vs. Challenging Opponent, Strength (Longsword)
  Base Roll: 14
  35% in long sword, +2 Bonus
  14% in valor, +1 Bonus
  14% in strength, +1 Bonus.
  
  14 - 2 - 1 - 1 = 10 Required.
  
  The player will then post a blank post with "Rolling..." posted and then roll a 20 sided dice (D20) on that post. Then the player will post a SECOND post with their response in accordance with how their roll went. They can wrap it up themselves (Step 4), or the GM can add a post in at the end to wrap it up accordingly.
  
  WARNING: If you delete ANY POSTS in these events, I will assume you're trying to cheat and get a better roll. I don't want any explanations, I won't believe a word you say, and I'll roll FOR you with a penalty of 5 added onto the battle. This means, for example, Shirin would need a 15 instead of a 10. If you make a mistake, for example, roll a D6, or roll twice. LEAVE IT. I have eyes. I can see the mistakes.​

[spoili][/spoili]

 

[Rainjay]

Saira accepted Merrik's second hand after Reverie, smiling herself as she rose. 'Family' struck a chord with her; she wasn't sure how she felt about it, though it was a fitting description. It was the optimism in her two companions that filled her with warmth and comfort. They had overcome such great obstacles, proven that they could even infiltrate the home of their enemy, that they had the world and then some to fight for and the inner strength to do it, and would keep that passion and meaning close to heart when times were at their worst.

"A swim before we prepare dinner would be nice," she agreed. It had been awhile since she'd had the chance for a relaxing dip.

Towards the hall, Aerarya moved slowly down the halls, stopping before Taega and Terria's room. The door closed, she sat outside, before gently calling for her sister. Taega? She questioned. Are you awake?

 

[Mowkie]

Avren's excitement, Alder considered, was somewhat intoxicating. Unable to help his smile, he followed after the strange, rope-haired man and Baern, who was still ecstatic about the fact that he could walk again. For Pomona, it was a little more difficult, but she - too - would follow in the rear, keeping her gaze on all sights and her ears open to any signs of distress.

When they had arrived at the house with the man, Feraborn, and asked about what was happening in the woods, Pomona heard the bells ringing in her head. "Are they burning the trees in a straight line? As though they are making a path? Or is it more erratic, as though they are just trying to start a wildfire?"

Alder peeked over towards her, his brow furrowing. She had a sharp mind, alert to any possible dangers. And it was obvious that she, too, had seen just how much devastation these plagued creatures had caused.

Avren, however, showed his great excitement at the smallness of the number. When he mentioned that they could take them on easily, Pomona turned her gaze towards him, giving a small smile before shaking her head. "Avren, think about it for a second. It's just like in Kuhl, when we saw that all of the creatures just suddenly disappeared only to find out that they had taken the tunnels to get under and behind us. At the same time that this happened, the blood eagles attacked. Don't you remember Dalaith and A'untyr? They gave their lives to save us from that bloodshed. If we were to go out there with only 200 of those creatures burning trees, only to find out that they're burning trees for something much bigger to get through, one or both of us could die, and this village would be doomed. We need to take the entire group. Narien is our leader, and we cannot make decisions without him. I say before we head out there, we go to the church where they had mentioned heading towards, regroup and give the news of what's going on, and then attack with the full force of our power as tamers. That way, even if it's only 200, we will be guaranteed a victory instead of testing the odds with only the two of us."

Alder gave a nod. "From a soldier's perspective, I say this lady has a point. Even if what you say is true about being able to take on thousands, this was with the full force of your Order. If only the two of you were to head out, you'd have around a hundred each, minus the few that Baern and I can take on. Why not grab all forces and wipe the floor with them instead? A guaranteed victory sounds much better to my ears."

 

[Soulserenity20]

[dash=purple]

Taega lifted her head slowly and quietly, glancing over at the door. She saw Nova's hands resting on the ground and heard his quiet breath. He hadn't left once. But it was not his presence that had awakened her; Aerarya's silver figure stood in the door and Taega offered a gentle wave of welcome. "Good day, Aerarya. What brings you here? Perhaps to check on Terria? She is well. . . physically. Her mind and soul are struggling, however. "

[/dash]

[dash=white]

The trio made their way to the cool waters of the meadow lake and Merrik began undressing. He his clothes in a pile on the shore, keeping only his underwear on. He stepped into the shallows and let the cool water cleanse his body. He waded farther in and quickly the waters deepened and he allowed himself to submerge and dive for a time. When he resurfaced, he looked to where Saira and Reverie were. Celeste swam down at the bottom of the lake, the clear water dancing about her white scales. She was probably thirty feet below him, near the bottom of the water, and for a time, he remembered how he had first learned how to swim in these waters. Obsidian Nova would stay at the bottom and encourage Merrik to swim deeper and deeper until they finally met. Then, Nova would pull him back to the surface. When Terria was about six, Merrik taught her to swim in the very same way.

He smiled and swam closer to the shore where the others were. He rarely swam with the others and this was the first he had ever seen so much of them exposed, as it would have been for them and his own body. His mark was out in the open, something the tamers rarely saw, as he often kept his shirt on to avert attention. Having a giant, black, dragon-shaped mark on one's skin was considered unusual and outlandish in Illos. It was completely unheard of and unseen, save for in some tribes who drilled dye into their skin with sharp tools. Nevertheless, it wasn't something anyone expected on a noble and so even when working out and training, even on the hottest days, Merrik tended to keep his shirt on, a shadow of the insecurity he possessed as a child.

[spoili]

[/spoili]

"Where's Aerarya, Saira?" But Nova answered him in his mind. "Ah, visiting Nova and Taega. I see. Well, are you enjoying the water? Are you both strong swimmers?" He asked the pair, realizing he knew little about their personal lives, the small details close friends or family would know about each other.

[/dash]

 

[Soulserenity20]

[dash=white]
Avren's expression dimmed and he cast Pomona an annoyed glance. Why did she always have to be so negative? Then. . . well, she was a lot newer than him. She had less experience with mana and it was mana that gave Avren such confidence. It was knowing the power the Order possessed that gave him confidence. When Pomona mentioned that Narien was their leader and that they needed his permission, he grew even more agitated. Narien? He wasn't their leader. . . Avren followed Merrik's command, Merrik was their leader. Sure, Merrik had assigned Narien as the leader for the trip, but he hadn't been doing much leading since they had arrived. If Merrik had been here, he'd have gotten things done. Narien hadn't gotten anything done and now Avren was trying to do it for him, and Pomona was standing there telling him that Narien needed to be consulted.

He was annoyed, and then he was surprised. He was surprised that another person had annoyed him. That never happened. He was so fascinated by other people and so bewildered by trying to navigate any social interactions that he never had a chance or a reason to be annoyed. But Pomona was annoying him. What was going on with him? Was he . . . getting used to her? Taking her for granted? He felt guilt then and it all became more confusing than he would have liked.

"Well, if Narien is our leader then I guess we should go and inform him of the progress we've made, the information we've gathered, and the plan we're making so he can give us permission." He had put trust in Pomona. He saw her a leader, someone willing and able to take control and get things done. After all, that's what warriors did, didn't they? Wasn't she a warrior? Perhaps not. Her behavior then reminded him more of the unmotivated stable hand that wouldn't muck the stalls unless told, even if he was standing knee-deep in manure. And he turned and left, making his way back through the village to seek out Narien. He found the man near where they had parted ways and he approached.

"Pardon me, good sir. We'd like to - and by we, I mean Pomona and I - save the town from Ogual's forces. There are 200 of his soldiers in the west woods, burning the trees and making their way here. We'd like to go and get rid of them but we need the whole team and Pomona insisted you give the order." He stood there awkwardly for a minute, shifting his weight and trying to decide if he should maintain eye contact or look away. "Er, so. . . could you give the order, good sir?"
[/dash]

 

[Soulserenity20]

[dash=white]
Esvier didn't bother to look her in the eye, rather he continued to watch out the window as a bird hopped about the grounds, snapping up crawling morsels in the grass. "Dear child, what a naive question you ask. If you cannot see the obvious identity of what plagues me, perhaps you should not be out of the care of your leader." He turned then and walked to the door. "If you would leave me be, I'm trying to run a village without a mayor, protect a people without warriors, and redeem a sinful society without the help of the Old Gods. I've not time for small talk." And he opened the door, gesturing for her to leave.
[/dash]

 

[Rainjay]

Aerarya was relieved that her sister hadn't become as lost to grief and worry as Merrik and Nova had. Even hearing Taega speak boosted her confidence, and she gently nosed a few inches through the doorway so that she could see Terria. Where she lay, she seemed so small... Saira was her favorite tamer, of course, but she always did enjoy seeing Terria about. It pained the dragonness to see her so lifeless.

She will wake... right? She looked towards Taega, seeking reassurance that the elder dragonness may not have to give. I admit, I was scared to come sooner. I'm sorry. But I want to help, in any way I can.


Saira tried her best to pay little mind to the mix of emotions coming from Aerarya. She was worried about Terria too, but this was a moment too precious to waste with fear. Arriving at the lake, she undressed quickly, removing the outer layer of her clothing and entering the water with just her undergarments. The exposure of her body at this point was something she thought very little of. Instead all of her focus was on the cool feeling of the water against her skin, easing her aching muscles and the residual pain in her arm. For a few moments, she floated there, enjoying herself until Merrik's voice stirred her.

"Very much so. I'm not sure why I hadn't thought of coming out here sooner," she said with a laugh. "I can swim, but I'm not the best at it. Not many particularly large nor deep bodies of water near Dawn City, and I'd hardly traveled outside of home. There is a spring my father took me to when I was young to teach me."

"I don't think I've heard the story behind the markings on your back, Merrik," Saira then said. They weren't wholly unfamiliar to her, but she'd never thought to ask.

 

[White]

She made small steps towards the water, unlike the two of them, she never learned to swim. A few steps in and she let herself down into the water with only her head poking out of it. She had seen the markings on Merrik's back and averted her eyes away from it. The cost of the crown, she thought in her mind. The oath, probably the sign of the dragonlord.
Reverie merely shook her head when Merrik inquired to weither or not they could swim and Saira spoke up to answer. Saira had been floating on the water and the odd eyed tamer wondered what it would feel like but did not dare to attempt copying it. She was seriously afraid of sinking, never having tried before.

 

[firejay1]

Narien was kneeling down in front of several children, asking them questions, as he caused his glassy flames to form strange shapes of men, women, four large ones hovering above to represent the Old Gods. The priestess had made everyone uncomfortable, it seemed. A tenseness had filled the air among the Order when they had entered the temple, and it seemed only Illyria hadn't been subdued by the encounter. He thought of that while he asked the children questions about what they had been taught to believe, particularly about the loss of one of their priests. He hadn't bothered to speak back at the temple. While he had a great love for information, he had felt that talking to the lady directly, particularly with all of them present, would simply give them more talk of prophecies and sacredness and he knew not what. The beliefs she preached were clear enough without that. It was what the people believed that he wanted to know. That was why he had come here.

In the morning, it had seemed as though Avren and Pomona had had some mishap with the old warrior, and it was to his interest that Pomona had seemed humbled by Avren's warmth, as though she had done something wrong. He had not inquired about it. Perhaps he should have, but there had been something oddly private about their reactions, and if they could clear those up themselves, it would mean less work for him. Xylia had gone to see her dragon, which he thought wise considering her discomfort the other day, and Illyria he would trust to do fine on her own for now. She ran her mouth off a little, but she had a curiosity for all things that he thought may prove useful if left to her own devices. The children had been a stroke of luck. He had barely wandered far when he caught a glimpse of a small girl peeking her head around the corner of a nearby building to watch him curiously. They were mysterious heroes. He would expect nothing less. He hadn't looked at her, instead bringing one hand up and inspecting it carefully.

With a slow but unnecessarily dramatic twist of his hand he built a small flame into existence, wrapping around his fingers like a snake. He had heard the little girl gasp and had sent another fire to to dance in front of her like a ghost, before returning slowly to him, drawing her out of her hiding place tentatively. Soon enough he had gathered a small following of children to whom he began quietly telling a story of the priest who had been "murdered" and Old Gods being put in danger by bad priestesses. This was sensationalized nonsense, but it would help plant the seeds of doubt in their minds and opened the door for the children to correct him with what they believed to be true, and soon he was having full-on discourse with them about the people in the village. Old Man Baern was a drunk, but Ms. Mira said he was a hero, so they were supposed to be nice to him. Councilman Esvier liked to talk about money. The heroes would save them. The priestesses words were always wise - even if some of the children didn't quite know what "wise" meant. Some of their parents would argue late at night about whether or not the Old Gods were punishing them for their faithlessness. The children themselves seemed to disagree on this point and one began to cry until Narien changed the subject and built a small, fiery replica of Agni to show them a dragon. He told them the story of how the Order had retaken Kuhl, which the boys had especially liked, and returned to quietly questioning them about how the village felt about the Order. Children everywhere were always so useful.

It was here when Avren interrupted him, and he stood, brushing the dirt off his knees as the children hid behind his legs at the sight of another stranger, and one somewhat larger in stature. The first thing that struck him was that Avren exuded discontent somehow. He was as awkward as ever, but seemed also upset about something. Maybe upset at him. Another thing children were good at sensing. He wanted a chance to send the children away before Avren could say anything too damaging, but was hardly given a chance as the other man asked him for permission to save the town. This was indeed an unusual turn of events, though the word "order" struck him as resentful. Was Avren doubting him? No matter, he had not expected any respect from any of the other tamers nor wanted it, though Pomona and Merrik seemed all too willing to give it. Narien's pale eyes flashed down at the children with visible worry, but the first girl peeked up at him with hope in her eyes and in a shy, quiet voice asked, "Does this mean the Order is going to save us? Are the Old Gods not angry anymore?"

He smiled gently at her, and ignoring Avren for a moment knelt down in front of her. Holding both of her hands in his for a moment, he responded equally quietly. "I don't know about the Old Gods, but I think we're supposed to be here to protect this village. Now go back home." He leaned up and kissed her on the forehead before whispering so quietly even she might not have been able to hear it, "May Fate bless you and yours till the end of days, Brave One."

He stood again and turned his full attention on Avren as the children scattered to their respective homes. He bit the inside of his upper lip, brows drawn together, barely trying for a smile. "Erhm... I wish you wouldn't call me good sir." He blurted, as if looking for a way to give himself more time to think. "And I don't think Merrik meant for me to order anyone around. You're... actually more experienced than me. I don't know why he picked me as leader and why he wouldn't let me say no...." That bit was true, at least, but back to the matter at hand. "If it's only 200, though, don't you think it could be a trap of some sort? If we can find Illyria and Xylia, maybe you, Illyria, and Pomona could go out and face them. Illyria would probably be better as a dragon warrior, like we did with Kuhl, I think.... Don't you? And uhm, Xylia and I will patrol the other edges of town to make sure attacks don't come from other sides and the villagers stay calm. The children are probably telling everybody now...." He heaved a quiet sigh. "Do you- Would you rather I come with you to make sure Pomona's okay with that or.. something?"

 

[Rainjay]

Illyria frowned. "If you see no reason to take a moment of time from your so busy schedule to assist the men and women trying to save your sinful, warriorless, leaderless town, then I must wonder what busies you at all." Crossing her arms, she stood her ground. "Or perhaps that is why your gods had to send somebody else to your rescue. You take no action yourselves. Staring out a window will solve you no problems, ser, and I say that with the best of intentions."

She then made her way to the door, stopping just before the man and looking him in the eye. "If you happen to decide to do otherwise, we have open ears and minds. Sent by gods or not, we are men, and men make mistakes that I doubt you would wish to befall a town you so care about."

Ria left then, turning down the street towards where Mirazh said the others had gathered to talk. Some part of her felt upset; not because of his insult, but because of his behavior. Were it not a matter of life, she would demand to walk away, and leave the man to figure things out himself. But it was no fault of these people that they lacked proper leadership. She would just have to seek help elsewhere.

Still somewhat disgruntled, she came to where several of the others stood discussing a plan, as Mirazh had forwarded to her, to clear the woods. "Don't you think it would be a better idea to see what they're doing first? Sneak out and... I don't know, observe? It seems the village people know the gist of what is happening but I don't blame them for not wanting to get close enough to examine the details. It might help us determine why they're burning the woods, and discern if it is a trap of some kind."

 

[Soulserenity20]

Avren stared at Narien with a dead look. Was he kidding? Avren didn't understand humor, so he could never tell if it was being applied but in this case, it all seemed like a big joke and he was seriously missing Merrik's leadership. He took a calming breath and spoke with an even voice. "Narien, sir, I don't think it matters why Merrik chose you, it only matters that he did choose you. He put his trust in you, we've all put our trust in you. These people need help. They need action. The sentinels have been sitting around watching this progress for days, if not weeks!" He was speaking more to Illyria now, addressing her suggestion. "We can see it when we get there but we just need to get there first."

Then he looked back to Narien, trying his best to sound upbeat. "Maybe it is a trap. Does that change the fact that these people need help? Does it change the fact that we have to get out there and fight?" The mumbling and complete lack of direction and confidence Narien had in anything he was saying made Avren feel an immense letdown. Was this really how war worked? A leader picked someone, regardless of who they were, and everyone was just supposed to sit around and wait idly until the leader could make up his mind?

Avren was beginning to lose his hope. He was starting to see that he wasn't the only one in the Order that came with problems. He always imagined the other members were so. . . effective and functional, but seeing Pomona incapable or unwilling to act when lives were at risk, all for the sake of getting the approval of a man who sounded like he was half asleep or simply lacked the motivation or and interest to be involved, well it was all very depressing.

"Sir. . . just. . . let me know when you make a decision." And he walked away. He was disappointed, ashamed of the Order, and whatever motivation he had to defend the innocent people of this town had been stifled by the mediocre state of the party.

He made his way away from the streets and into the forest where Viridian met him.

"You cannot expect them to waltz into the woods without a plan, Avren." The dragon landed lightly on the ground, having been perched on the side of a large tree, claws dug deep into the bark.

"So make a plan! Do something!"

"These things do not happen instantaneously. It takes time."

"I get it, or . . . I would. Maybe if anyone else was actually doing anything, I would get it. But all Narien can do is ask a bunch of questions. He's supposed to know things, he's supposed to have answers. How can you lead if you don't know anything and can't be bothered to find it out for yourself?"

"We cannot know what he knows or what he has sought out. He had numerous suggestions for you, but you wouldn't hear them."

"It doesn't matter what I say. I spoke out to Pomona and she shut me down, insisting Narien have the final say. And when I spoke out to Narien, he failed to do anything. He couldn't even give the command to move out, he wouldn't go and summon the rest of the Order, he just tells me what we might be able to do without any drive to actually do it. It's. . . lazy. They all talk so much but without Merrik nothing ever happens."

"It can be difficult when the spearhead is removed."

"Merrik trusted him. And we've been here two days. I've been trying my best to get things done but . . . it isn't like it is at home. At home, I see what needs to be done and I do it. No wandering about the fields spending the daylight hours thinking about maybes and ifs, I just do it. If a problem arises, I solve it."

"It is different. People die is problems arise."

"It's only 200 soldiers!"

"What if Pomona is right? What if there's a bigger foe coming?"

"What if there is?"

"It could prove to be a dangerous task."

"All the more reason to do it! We can't leave these defenseless people to handle it on their own. We're supposed to be heroes. We're supposed to fight the big fights for the weak, the innocent. . ."

"Would you risk the lives of your companions for the townspeople?"

"I. . . you can't tell me it'd be my doing. Every one in this Order, they know the risks. They've taken on this role, they've flown out here to fight, knowing full well that it's dangerous, knowing it's in defense of the defenseless. I'm not risking their lives."

"Would you risk your own?"

"Yes."

The dragon stepped closer, kneeling to offer Avren a step up. "Then we fight. We fight for those who cannot."

Avren looked up at his soulmate and smiled, climbing up onto the foresty hide and grasping the flowing plant-like hairs as the dragon took off into the skies in the direction of the plague.

 

[firejay1]

Narien was alarmed by the sudden change in Avren's attitude. Just because he had not chosen to immediately set out and begin the fighting, did the other man think he had no intention to fight at all? What lunacy was that? The other man stormed off before Narien could say another word, but he was starting to get used to being interrupted before he could say anything. Sir? He had to stop calling him sir. It was irritating. What expectations did this man have of him, anyways? It looked as though Avren had not heard him at all, and people losing their heads - exactly as the councilman had warned - meant bad things were about to happen. Without the time to pull together a sentence with less eloquent words, he turned to Illyria, all seriousness, eyes blazing. "I know not what his intentions are, but follow him. Take Mirazh if you must. Xylia should also be with the dragons. Get Mirazh to send a message to Deventh and take her with you to stay with him. Should Avren do anything reckless there is no telling what will happen. I shall go seek out Pomona. Be swift. There is no time to lose."

They had gone to see Ser Baern, right? Chasing down one of the kids who had dawdled, he got one to tell him where Baern's place was and ran in that direction. Whatever Avren was thinking, Pomona would know what had triggered it. He found them on the way and spoke quickly, voice strong, but not shouting. If the whole village could hear them, they would have problems. "Pomona. What did you and Avren speak of? He is not himself. Speak quickly and do not waste time with unnecessary questions. I will explain once I know more."

 

[Rainjay]

"I know he's a bit strange," Illyria said in the moments after Avren stormed off and recklessly towards the woods, "but what could have gotten into the man?" He hadn't seemed all that reckless ever before.

She nodded to Narien as he turned heel to find Pomona. "Will do!" Mirazh ran up beside her, and offering her a leg up onto his shoulder before jumping into smoothly flight. She climbed the familiar path of scales from his shoulder to her seat on his back. And I thought I was pigheaded! At least I can take orders.

Not pigheaded, Mirazh interjected. Perhaps struggling with his morals and our differing logic.

Deventh? Mirazh called, circling over where he'd last seen the dragon. Take Xylia and follow our lead. Avren and Viridian have run off to the woods.

Illyria huffed and sat silently as they fast approached the boundaries of the woods. From this height, she could see smoke--burning trees--and Viridian's silhouette. Even then, she thought. It was stupid.

"Avren!" she called, cupping her hands as though it would make her voice project further despite the winds.

Viridian, Mirazh called as they drew somewhat closer. You know this is not safe! Turn back!

 

[Soulserenity20]

The sound echoed clear through the skies and by Avren's will, Viridian dropped down into the thick trees to continue the flight. He heard the voice of Mirazh in his mind but he would not give in. "At times we owe our loyalty to our leaders, but at times, we owe it to ourselves. Avren is as much of me as I am of myself and in this, I must remain loyal to myself, true to who I am. . . who Avren is. Long has he sought a place in this Order, long has he stumbled and struggled to find out who he is, what he is. Today, he has started a path of discovery. I understand the risk, but I fear the risk of keeping this from him will leave us far worse off. I am sorry, brother, but today, I am loyal to myself."

In the trees, Viridian was at home. He weaved in and out of the thick forest with ease, dipping under branches, curving and bending around trunks. His narrow wings and compact build made him ideal for this form of flight and he moved quickly towards the northwest.

"Avren, there will be repercussions."

"I once read in a book that a hero must do what is necessary at all costs."

"You're a hero now, then? A hero from a storybook?"

". . . I don't know, really. But those people. . . they believe we're heroes, god-sent or not. They believe in us. They've been waiting, helpless, defenseless. . ." His mind then drifted to the people he called his own. "I know they'll be mad. I know they'll be angry and they wont trust me after this but. . . at all costs, Viridian."

"All that matters is that you find something to stand for and you stand by it. I cannot tell you this is wise but neither can I tell you it isn't necessary. Each being must find their own purpose, their role in this world. You are not exempt. Once you were a warden of the wilds, and now a warden and warrior of all of mankind. You must find your purpose in this new fate or you will never live up to your potential. If this is what you've chosen, to defend the defenseless, then you must stand and fight - at all costs."

Avren nodded firmly as the scent of smoke wafted in the breeze. "We're drawing closer, slow down and conceal yourself." Viridian did as told, enacting his color-shifting ability and effectively cloaking himself from the prying eyes. He was so careful in his movements that he would have only looked like a part of the landscape shifting in the wind. Avren nestled into his mane, hiding himself in the concealing effects of Viridian's spell. As they drew closer, Avren found himself steeling his resolve at the sight of mighty, thousand year old trees being hacked down and burned. It made his blood boil. "Why, Viridian?"

"I cannot be sure, but we must find out." The dragon's heart ached at the cries of the falling trees and his soul cringed with each axe strike. The pair began moving through the woods at a safe distance, hidden under the cloak of Viridian's chameleon ability, keeping a safe enough distance to avoid detection. They observed and began working out the best plan of attack.

 

[Crimson77]

When Deventh received word, even he huffed with frustration. "It appears our brother has decided to make his own plans, little one." he explained to Xylia as she picked up the last of the herb she had been scouting for in the slight outskirt of the forest. "We must meet with Illyria and Mirazh instantly."

Xylia quickly grabbed her spear and boarded Deventh's back. "Well, we could be close to where they are. Let us go before all of us fly into more fiddleweed than we came to scrap!" Being left in the dark brought turmoil to Xylia, though she hadn't asked for details in the first place but she understood what was meant for her.

"And here I thought I would be the one who would pull something like this off, Mirazh," Deventh chuckled humorlessly as he flew beside his brother. "Why is Viridian going along with this?"

Xylia scanned the forest with full precaution and alertness before her brows furrowed in defeat, turning to Illyria. "He's become one with the forest, it's no good." she stated, her accent thick with all seriousness. "We may only find him when e' chooses to act on is' own if e' chooses to go rogue." Xylia questioned, her eyes moving to the destruction of the forest and frowned. "And acting rogue will be no good if this is an ambush." she stated, questioning the actions of her fellow Tamer as she scanned the area around it, knowingly as a scout if Arven did not attack meant that he was watching, planning and about to act.

 

[Rainjay]

Illyria shared the feelings of frustration. "You're right," she replied, glancing at Xylia. "I suppose we follow the preliminary plan--Narien, Pomona, Katla and Agni scan the village for a back ambush. We stay here, and watch for Viridian to reappear and for any activity from above." Calling for their return would do no good. They would simply have to do their best to keep the pair safe.

He mutters about loyalty, Mirazh said to Viridian. They desire to save lives, without thinking of the lives that may be lost due to their actions.

If they make it out of this alive, Merrik and Nova will have to see to it. For now, you are right, Ria. We must keep a watchful eye. Viridian can get closer without detection than you or I, brother. But we will stand ready.

"And if they decide to attack on their own?" For now, the forests stood still apart from the faint smoke rising in the distance. She heard nothing but the sound of wind slapping her ears, but was sure if Viridian entered combat they would see it, and didn't doubt that the pair might.

We join them, I suppose. Mirazh said. But for now, we wait--unless you have thoughts otherwise, brother?

 

[Crimson77]

Xylia nodded at Illyria's instructions. She would scan the forest grounds herself if she could, but there was too much ground to cover. There had to be a better way for them but for now watching would have to do.

"If you are to making an impactful decision, one shouldn't cause a negative impact to others as well." Deventh muttered solemnly, noting this were one of the effects of what even he had done before. Xylia merely offered a pat to Deventh's neck with comfort.

"We will be ready." Deventh nodded his head at his brother's words, "We have no choice, we will wait. Mistake or not, he is still our brother and if he makes the first move then we must protect him."

Xylia too nodded her head at his words, "If we all make it out alive, we'll kill im' after." she joked, grinning at Illyria and Mirazh as she said so.

 

[Mowkie]

Irritation had welled up from deep within Pomona. Avren was acting arrogant, spiteful, and...well...childish. He was acting like a child that wanted to take all of the glory for himself instead of making sure that his life - as well as the lives of his comrades - was not on the line. Having not even bothered to wait for her, he stormed off, once again reminding her of a child who didn't get what he wanted right then and there. Like she had taken away his favorite toy. He was not fit for war.

Turning towards Baern, Alder, and Feraborn, Pomona gave a low bow, her fist over her chest formally. "My apologies for the way my comrade has acted. Thank you for the information, Lord Feraborn. Ser Baern, Ser Alder...if you'd please follow me so that the best information can be passed on to our assigned leader for this task, I would greatly appreciate it."

"No need to be so formal, m'lady. Lead on, we'll follow." Alder gave her a wink before nodding his head. As she turned and made her way after Avren, he gave a sigh and looked to Baern. "Seems these heroes of ours have just as many problems as we do." Then, just like that, he began to walk as well.

When Pomona had finally caught up to everyone, which had been a few moments later, Alder and Baern in tow, Narien came forward quickly. Avren was nowhere in sight, and her leader seemed almost frantic. "He wanted to go take on the two hundred that are burning down the trees, and I told him no. I stated that we needed the entire group, just in case there was an ambush or something bigger coming. I tried to talk sense into him, and when that didn't seem to work, I said we would at least need to report to you and ask your thoughts and permission to head towards the forest." She was quick and concise, and her next words were simple. "He's gone out by himself, hasn't he?"

"That boy might get himself killed...even with the kind of power he has, there's just no way he can handle it on his own." Alder looked to Baern before bowing before Narien. "Alder, good sir. I'm an old friend of Ser Baern, and a sentinal of Otamur. I wish to help in any way I can in fighting the plague and ridding these people of the darkness. I can go on foot or dragonback - whichever you deem more necessary."

"Narien, where do you need me?" As Pomona said this, Katla swooped down and landed beside her, ready to have her tamer mount when given the order. ~I am ready to retrieve and help in any way I can.~

 

[firejay1]

Give the order?! Give the order, indeed. It seemed he had intended to go off on his own from the beginning. Narien shut down the irritation he was feeling and launched straight into work mode, grateful for Pomona's good sense. "Yes." No point mincing words. He looked at Alder and Baern briefly, noting the old man was no longer favoring his leg... as strongly. No time to ask whether Avren had healed him or not. As for the other man, (everyone needed to stop calling him good sir before he took a blade to their throats) he seemed as though he could be of use in a fight. They older man's experience, the younger man's strength - both could be assets, even if they were not mana users. They did not have enough people. They did not have enough dragons. They had no time to explain anything to the villagers. He made a snap decision in response to Pomona's question. "Take Ser Baern on Katla and head to the forest. Illyria and Xylia should be following Avren, but if he is indeed heading for the forest, the woods are his element. They will not keep up with him for long if he does not want them to. Meet up with Xylia and be prepared for a fight. If you hear signs of Avren attacking, move to back him up. Attempt to contact Viridian and let him know you wish to help. If Ser Baern's leg is not healed, do not allow him to disembark Katla, no matter what. Use Agni to report back to me as soon as you meet Xylia. Should a fight start, I will trust your judgment. Stay quiet and subtle. If it is a trap and they are yet unaware of Avren, we do not want to alert the enemy."

He turned to the unfamiliar man. "Alden, was it? You shall come with me and help check there is nothing odd with the other borders." Agni thudded into the ground behind him. "We will direct Illyria to start to the side. We don't have enough people to fully patrol the border in case of a separate attack, but she has a sharp eye, and we can have her scan the area as well." Mounting Agni quickly, Narien helped Alder up and set off, not waiting to see if Pomona would follow his "orders."

He had Agni call to Mirazh. Narien wishes for you and Illyria to pull back and began scanning the border of the village to the left of the forest. He says to stay low, but go quickly. We will scan the other side, then meet with you and see if we can hem the soldiers in and attack from all sides.

 

[Mowkie]

Though she could not place exactly why the true knowledge of Avren's actions made her anger burn even hotter, Pomona found herself swimming in it. After telling Merrik that she would follow him only if he started acting like a true leader, here she was trying her best to show that she knew how to be a good member of a group despite her loner nature. And there Avren was, marching off like she used to do. It was selfish - and she knew just how selfish of an action it was, for she had made the same action many times before. She had truly grown to think that the man was better than this. But his lack of respect for Narien showed his true nature. Though it was very much the same as hers, she saw the indirect impacts of his actions. By showing his disrespect for Narien - a leader chosen by Merrik, himself - Avren was disrespecting the man he held in such high regards. It was a rookie mistake.

She listened intently to Narien's words, nodding her head and mounting Katla. "Understood. Ser Baern, are you up for a fast flight? Katla won't be going slow by any means. You will have to hold on tightly." She reached her hand out towards the older gentleman as Katla extended her leg a bit farther than she had for her own tamer to allow for an easier route up. Though the pair wasn't as experienced as many of the others within the Order, Pomona was sure they were up for the task. Their bond was as strong as daimonds, and though they did not outright speak to one another in words or phrases, they had a deep understanding of what needed to be done.

The moment Baern was on Katla's back, held fast to Pomona's waist, as they didn't have any of the straps the held them down, the great dragoness was airborne, soaring as quickly as she could towards the forest and the signs of smoke.

It took very little time for the Vanity pair to find Xylia. Katla reached out towards Deventh, a questioning and alert tone as she spoke. ~What has happened? Where is Viridian and his tamer? Narien and Agni would like a full report.~

As Katla spoke, Pomona looked towards Illyria. "Did he disappear? Should we go after him? Or wait until everyone else is set up and ready for an ambush?"

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[dash=#800000]
"Alder," the soldier smiled as he corrected Narien's pronunciation before bowing his head in confirmation. "I would be happy to join you in any way I can." With that, he watched the man mount his magnificent-looking dragon before reaching out. Taking Narien's hand, Alder scrambled up, much more clumsily than the tamers appeared, and seated himself on the back.

Somehow, he felt right here. Her scales were smooth and supple, and he could feel the power radiating from the muscles beneath her thick hide. What a beautiful and magnificent creature. But now was not the time to take in the sights of the dragoness. Now was the time for action. He held tight to Narien's sides to keep from falling off as Agni took off from the ground with a powerful push of her wings. "We are looking for more than just plagued men, right? Pomona mentioned that they might be leading something much bigger in. Could they be flanking Kibran?"

He knew he had asked more questions than necessary, but Alder felt the need to understand what all he might have been dealing with. After all, the sentinel had never seen any more than plagued men spreading out from Ogual's lair in Otamur. He didn't know how the plague had affected other creatures or what they might possibly have looked like. Still, he kept his eyes out, scanning the tops of the trees and the borders of the village for any possible signs of danger. After all, he did at least know what danger looked like.
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[Soulserenity20]

Merrik laughed lightheartedly at Saira's response. "I can imagine the waters would be quite cold, too, wouldn't they? We are lucky these woods are alive with mana, it keeps the region warmer than what you'd expect this far north." He dipped under the water and used it to move his hair back off of his face before swimming around lightly, listening to her next question.

"Oh," he said casually, "it's really a fair bit more dramatic looking that what it actually is. When Nova hatched, my role as dragonlord began. I didn't perform the oath until I was a fair bit older, more accountable for what I was vowing, but when Nova's egg broke, it expelled mana and this mark appeared on my skin, signalling the presence of a living dragonlord. It was quite something for my mother to deal with. After all, who would want such a dramatic alteration on the body of a five year old?" He laughed then, fondly recalling his mother's constant annoyance with the mark as he grew up.

Merrik noticed that Reverie had been staying in the shallows and looking rather uncomfortable in the water. "Rev, can't you swim?" The answer was obvious on her expression however and Merrik smiled. "Would you like to learn to swim?" He moved forward and stood in the shallower waters, letting the water drip from his upper body. He offered her his hand, standing a little ways from her to encourage her to move towards him.