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]

 

[Ghostie]

Ahab sighed deeply, rubbing the bridge of his nose. He was missing his crew more than ever; They never squabbled like this. Even if someone complained, it would be solved quick and cleanly. These people, though... Bemoaning, demanding, even leaving in what the captain would harshly refer to as a tantrum. Why in the world wasn't Merrik taking control of this situation? No leader should be allowing this horrid lack of discipline. Hakeem was spot on, really, Ahab would not have allowed this. Not even half of this was as much as tolerable.

Don't do anything rash. Ahab looked up in annoyance at Calypso, fire glistening off of her shimery scales and her chin turned up. She looked attentive. The fact that the message came from Merrik of all people probably was a decisive factor for it. I can tell you want to speak up, try to take control of things, but Merrik knows what he's doing, I promise. Ahab simply grumbled at her in response. Merrik was powerful, sure, but the boy was still young. Did he really grasp leadership? The captain supposed that was to be seen soon...

With all this said and done, though, he still wished to give his own thoughts about the discussion. He glared into the center of the meeting table, leaning his bearded chin on netted fingers as he spoke, as clear and quiet as the move of the tide. "Hakeem is right. Merrik is our leader. None of ye milky sods should allow yourself any illusions of equal standing. Without him, ye'd still be where you came from, not knowing of the precious creature ye've now bonded with," he patted Calypso's front leg for emphasis, "Show yer damn gratitude, and bloody obey him!" Perhaps he was being a bit too harsh, but the discord, lack of respect and late hours of the night... It was trying his patience, and he was failing.

 

[Kyara]

Tara watched the argument unfold in silent dismay. Some of the riders had shown they were overdramatic and lacking in maturity over the last two weeks but this was ridiculous and illogical. It was Hakeem who most surprised her though as she had been beginning to trust his leadership and judgement. Angrily shutting down Isolde for simply asking for more information though? She would very reluctantly accept it if Merrik decided there were things they shouldn't know, but he hadn't said that and there had been no disobedience as far as she could see. Hakeem would have to learn that his army ways would not work here, or it seemed they would not be getting very far. Much as she hated the idea she decided to talk to him later when it would not add to the drama of the group. They both had a massive and emotional personal stake in defeating Ogual; they both needed this to work.

She sighed, five years alone had lessened her patience for working with others. Not that she had much skill in that area before. She glanced at Yennefer who looked concerned and agitated. Yennefer had shared her lack of understanding of normal social conventions and reasoning with Tara only a week into their friendship and Tara might have felt protective of her if she hadn't clearly seen that Yennefer could handle herself anyway. She was more worried about Yennefer caring for their prisoner. Merrik said he was confident she couldn't harm anyone but Tara was reluctant to trust in that, especially as Yennefer would have to be very close to treat her. She decided to go with her, then corrected that to; ask Merrik if she could go with her. While the woman's skeletal companions were far removed from the rotting hordes of Ogual's army, necromancy would always be associated with those horrors for Tara. Besides, she wanted to ask Yennefer what the Mare of the Woods was.

 

[Soulserenity20]

The Meadow's Center-6:53pm

Words flew back and forth across the table, some dipped in venom, others in a sickening sweetness. Anger, spite, upset, frustration. Merrik said nothing for a while, finding it more important to listen and observe the behavior of the tamers. This was the first time they were truly acting as an Order, this was their first true order of business and because of that, it was crucial that he get a good look at what he was going to be working with. What was going on before him told him much about the character of the tamers, it told him much of what he could expect from this group of strangers-now-comrades. Until he assessed the way the men and women before him could handle situations like this, ones that will face the Order time and time again, he had not right nor means of moving forward. It wasn't until Ahab spoke up, his standing in all the bickering now apparent, that Merrik decided to speak. He had seen and heard enough.

"Nova. You'll have a word with Ploar'z and Auntyr about their tamers." His voice projected out over into the air, finding its place in the great black dragon's mind. The serpent nodded in response, allowing Merrik to continue on in his thoughts. It would appear the man had much to deal with and work through if this order were to ever become the pinnacle of leadership and protection for all of Illos. At a break in the exchange of words, Merrik sat down his now empty goblet and spoke.

"And so our minds are freed from hiding and come out to collide and clash as they will. It would seem our Order of Tamers has more than a few differences, which is both to be expected and appreciated. The differences that have arisen in the short moments that have passed are symbolic of the very Order itself. Each of you has a different mindset, a different view, a different opinion, on the matter at hand. Each of your perspectives are to be respected and taken into account with great consideration for the diversity of wisdom and philosophies brought to the table by your diverse backgrounds and characters. Just as your opinions are respected and acknowledged, so are your whole selves in the grand scheme of this order." He sat up in his seat, leaning forward to address the tamers in a more intimate manner as he looked each of them in the eye as he spoke.

"I understand that not all of your agree with how I've chosen to approach this situation, and I understand that some of you believe Hakeem has no right to stand where he stands. While you're entitled to your opinions on the situation, you're quite wrong. Hakeem is a seasoned commander of war, a great asset to this army and I would be a damn fool to ignore his experience in a situation where war has crossed our boarders. I would be no leader to ignore his opinions when they are very much relevant and invaluable in their credibility to our cause." Then, he motioned to Yennefer as he continued to speak.

"I wonder. Should one of your sustain great injury, a splinter of the bone or a poison of the blood, would my standing as your leader be tarnished for seeking guidance from Yennefer, a skilled and credible healer, when my own knowledge does no suffice? Should a great text present troubling difficulty in translation while holding crucial information stand in the way of a well planned tactic against the dark lord, would my standing as your leader falter if I sought the help of Dalaith, a creature more of words on paper than of air in lungs? If your answer is no, why then would I, as your leader, not seek the guidance of an experienced tactician in a time when tactfulness may well be the thing to tip the scales in our favor in an unfavorable time? A leader uses what resources are available to ensure the greatest chance of victory for his army. Each of you is a resource of infinite value, and each of you will play a key role in the success of our great task. But, just as you would trust Yennefer to heal or Dalaith to crack a code of words, you should trust me in my leadership to make the best decisions for this order. I speak only of what I know, and until I know more about the trespasser, I will have no more to say. You can respect my decision and thereby show your trust in me, or you can choose to not accept me as your leader. Should the latter be the case, I promise you the time will come when you will grow to trust and respect me, for my intentions are only of the best for this order."

As the last of his words lingered in the air, he took a moment to continue to meet the gazes of the others around him. He was aggravated at the manner in which Isolde had chosen to depart from the meeting and just as unimpressed by Dalaith's decision to recede, but these were obstacles he was well prepared to face in a time where so many pieces of a different puzzles struggled to assimilate into one masterpiece. It would take time, but their differences would one day become their unifying quality and no doubt win this war against Ogual.

Merrik removed his eyes from Shirin, the last of whom he let his gaze linger upon, and allowed them to meet the sight of a half full pitcher of wine. "Ah, there we are." He collected the silver pitcher and once again replenished his goblet's wealth. He found his mind fall fondly onto a memory of his mother as he appreciated the impeccable wine that she herself had selected from the great wineries of Calidar. Her strength and wisdom had been with him that day, and for that he was eternally grateful.

 

[Rainjay]

Sairantha

Sairantha sat silently throughout the discussion- the argument, rather- as the tamers and their tempers unraveled, viscous words beginning to fly that Saira had never expected would be said at this particular table. She had seen all the tamers as too just for that, but here they spit out nasty things that tempted her, too, to follow Isolde away from the gathering. It was true- how could they hold together an army, albeit a small one at that, if they were already disintegrating so easily at the mention of necromancer and a spoken opinion? Sairantha herself was not too fond of working together with men and women that would hastily turn to anger and harshness, and nor was she fond of the military man, Hakeem, treating the rest as inferior. The redhead was under the impression that all of the tamers were equal under Merrik, but suddenly this stranger was grasping the reigns of the group as if he were their General and they were hastily-assembled troops marching towards a fight they could never win. Her blood was beginning to boil just listening to him speak.

Merrik's words managed to settle some calm in Saira, but she still glanced towards Hakeem with disdain. "Merrik's words hold true, but I still believe that if we are to make this work, our tongues must be much more ... guarded ... in tone and in diction. We appear not to be uniformed soldiers, but we are not a ragtag collection of misfits that need guidance through fierce fists and strict order, much less from persons we may not yet know or trust. While I care not who Merrik defers to for assistance, and much trust his choices and actions, I do care of how those individuals treat the rest of us. I find it difficult to respect those that even Merrik holds in high regard if their unruly actions are dissipating the order that this Order has." she spoke slowly, trying to retain a calm and mature demeanor, fearing that her youth or inexperience would count her words out of having value.

All too aware of this, she busied herself with her meal as she waited for a response. Aerarya was quiet in the back of her thoughts, and the girl tried not to be unsettled by this unusual silence from whom she had begun to see as her greatest ally.

 

[Mowkie]

Upon Veshna's reaction towards Dalaith's challenge, Byriarti swooped in, landing mere feet behind Shirin's seat, grumbling at his small sister in disapproval and blowing hot air into Shirin's still cleanly braided hair. As the young warrior smoothed the stray strands back across her head, she listened to what Hakeem had to say. His words actually made her flaxen brows rise, her amber eyes glowering towards him for a moment before she managed to regain control over her flaring temper. Irons, he says? Perhaps in his armies. Perhaps even upon the ship of Ahab. But in the many wars of squabbling peoples, chaos was all that ensued. War is chaos, and order within chaos is near impossible. Obediance is necessary, yes, but blind obediance was what got people killed. That much, Shirin understood.

She watched him silently as he backed up, frowning disparingly towards the group of rag-tag tamers. He was a truly impossible man, old and lost in his traditions and the habits of an army that was not around him. Every army came with a different set of rules. Every individual made the group either stronger or weaker in some instance. There was personality to a group, even if there wasn't necessarily individuality. In war, people fought and died for people. For causes. For what they believed in. There was always something they all deemed worth fighting for. Sure, Shirin didn't always have this attribute. But she had seen the many aspects of it. And primarily when people fought for love - for each other - they fought better. Some even overcame the sheer numbers they were up against. That was what this army was going to need.

Then, Ahab spoke, his views slightly more correct. Each of them were gifted with something more beautiful than anything they had ever seen. It was Merrik who gave them that. She, alone, was more thankful to him than she could ever explain. He who pulled her from the grips of death to give her a life worth living. But being thankful and obeying were two very different things. No one should be forced to obey if they did not wish, even if he was the wonderful person he constantly proved himself to be. Still watching silently, unable to speak through the torrent of words from other tamers, the warrior was slightly relieved to hear her mentor finally speak his peace.

Though Shirin still did not agree with Merrik's choosing Hakeem over all else in his opinions of war, she remained silent and courteous as usual, choosing to wait to express her opinions until a more appropriate time. She liked Hakeem. He was a man who easily reminded her of her Papa, loving, hearty, and strong. But his views of war were twisted in the wrong direction, and she feared for the very fabric of their Order would he continue to belittle the other tamers through his self-righteousness. It was hard for her not to speak up. She was always quiet when things like this came around, but the past couple of weeks had allowed her to open up. So closing again was harder than she had anticipated. It was like a rose trying to revert back to a bud - impossible.

But when Merrik's eyes came to linger upon her, she felt as though she could do anything. She sent her mentor a nod and a small smile before looking away and finishing her beer in one last gulp. Byriarti sent her mind a growl of disapproval, which for the sake of this meeting, she ignored. Taking a moment to finish her cooling meal, she listened to her fellow tamer, nodding in agreement. But before she could give herself the chance to also speak, the warrior once more looked to Merrik. "Mentor, may I be excused from this meeting? I believe my peace has been said for this night, and I do not wish to cause further disagreement." She rose from her chair, her right hand coming to rest comfortably on her sword. "If it would be alright, however, I would like to seek out your assisstance later this night. There are a few trifling questions I would wish to ask of you." She gave him a bow, showing her full regard for his leadership before going to stand beside Byriarti, who glared at her questioningly, awaiting her mentor's answer.

 

[Soulserenity20]

The Meadow's Center-7:28pm

Sairantha made a strong point as she spoke about the need for decency and respect among the tamers, despite their current standing in advisement for the task at hand. He looked to her as she spoke and nodded warmly in approval of her words. "Truer words could not have been spoken, Saira. I would say there's nothing more crucial to an army than cooperation and trust between soldier and their leader. I may be the one leading this army, but I too am a soldier and I would treat you as brothers and sisters, stopping only to do my duty as your leader."

Upon Shirin's request, Merrik found himself taking hold of the perfect opportunity to bring the meeting to a close. The woman's cool, mature manner by which she chose to seek her own leave left a lingering impression on Merrik. After the outburst of emotion from so many of the other tamers, he found himself being grateful that not all the women were as emotional or confusing as some seemed to be.

"M'lady your thoughts are on par with fate, I think this is a good place to adjourn tonight's meeting. I'd be honored to answer any questions you have to the best of my ability, that goes for all of you. Do not hesitate to approach me with questions, but as I stated this evening, I will only speak of what I know. Do no expect me to fabricate answers to problems I do not know how to solve. Yennefer, when you've found your belly full, please, join me in tending to our... guest." He offered the fiery haired woman a warm smile, suddenly wishing he was in the kitchen in the early morning preparing a breakfast fit for a king. He enjoyed their morning chats, she was often the first to join him in the mornings and they spent much of the morning chatting and joking about as the rest of the Order woke and joined them for the meal. Methuzar and Obsisian Nova had always had a mutual respect for each other, Merrik felt this each time his dragon interacted with hers.

As his gaze left hers he then let his mind drift for a short while, wandering between the thoughts of his dark soulmate and his own concerns.

"If they do not learn to accept and deal with each other's differences, I can't imagine the hell that will surface when it comes time for me to assign actual ranks and positions. Perhaps I should seek the advice of the Oracle..."

"Do not be so quick to doubt yourself, Merrik. Let things play out as they will and allow yourself the chance to reveal your true potential. Keep tonight's happenings within your mind but do not let yourself dwell. You have more sense than you care to acknowledge but it is not hidden from me." The dragon purred, though Merrik only knew this by the sensation of movement within the dragon's mind wafting into his own. "I'll seek out the blazing one when I return in the morning. Be safe in the dungeons, keep the red-haired one so too."

The great shadowy serpent let his thoughts return to their neutral state as the steady rhythm of his wingbeats pulsed through Merrik's mind. When his mind returned to himself, Merrik took another sip of his wine, enjoying the flavor as he waited for Yennefer to ready herself. It would be a long night without Nova around, one of less than 20 nights he'd spent in the silence of his own mind. His bond with Nova was strong, but where the dragon was going, even Merrik couldn't reach.

 

[Esmeray]

Asa remained silent throughout the first half of their gathering at the table. She sat comfortable next to Yennefer, having discretely becoming more accustomed to interacting her while doing small chores and the like before the scouting mission. The young lass thought highly of Yennefer and of her talents. Medical care had always been something that Asa lacked ever since she was younger and Yennefer had always seemed to be of the motherly sort when they talked. Right now Asa needed that. Ever since they have arrived from their scouting mission, Asa's demeanour had changed drastically. She was in no mood of interaction, and she didn't want to eat or train. She hadn't slept since they've been back at the estate. Since they've returned Asa almost immediately attached herself to Yennefer's hip during the day, and remained with her dragon Verebera during the night. As Merrik spoke Asa wasn't entirely sure what he was talking about. What exactly was the mare he was speaking of? And the Oracle? What did he mean that they all would be visiting this oracle at some point? Asa was even puzzled with his recap of her own recon mission. Necromancy? What in all the lands is necromancy? The young girl let out a quiet sigh as she curled up in her chair next to Yennefer.

"Training will resume as usual. Now that you're all aware of the presence of this woman, I want you all to be on edge. If she is what I think she is, I think it'd be in the best interest of everyone for us all to work harder now than ever in our training."

Asa's face grimaced slightly as the memory of that night in the woods came to mind. The memory alone was enough to quicken the beating of her heart, and her chest became tight. It was just a horrible nightmare, but for some reason the dream felt so unnatural. Whatever caused that nightmare took something from her that night, her since of security and the fire that keeps her going no matter the obstacle. What she to do though when the obstacle is something unaware to her, or maybe even herself? No, that strange aura had nothing to do with her; even Verebera agrees that it was the work of another. She could feel it in her gut, and she trusted Verebera's instincts.
Asa's thought's were interrupted by the sudden argument that broke out. The whole argument was uncalled for. Isolde was not questioning his orders, she was asking for guidance so she knew how better to protect herself! How can you even properly train and run an army without teaching them what exactly to aim for when in battle!? Asa thought Hakeem was being ridiculous and for the moment really doubted his skill in being a war general. The thought of her dream came to mind, the not knowing. This was not something she signed up for, she did not join this so called army to have her sense of security to be stolen from her from both an unknown intruder and her own leader! It was bad enough she had to care for the safety of others around her, but after what happened, how could she possibly protect anyone when her own mind was violated. From what she's felt then, and seen now, all of Illynos was doomed.

"Show yer damn gratitude, and bloody obey him!"

Asa's patience with this petty argument and their current situation finally evaporated into nothing. She stood up hastily, with a force strong enough to topple over her oak chair. Rose her seemingly feeble curled up right fist when suddenly Merrik spoke up. Halting her fist midthrust Asa gasped for air, had she been holding her breath this whole time? She hadn't noticed. Flustered Asa stood her chair up and returned to sitting with her knees to her chest and her arms wrapped around her legs tightly. She listened quietly, and behaved. She agreed with him on the fact they must get along, but that doesn't change the fact that changes needed to be made in their training regimen, and she herself needed to be dealt with. Grabbing her book and quill Asa feverishly began writing out a paragraph onto her paper.

Merrik, sir, before you read further I highly suggest you consider we discuss the contents of my note in private. I must openly speak on the events that have occurred before us. I know not of the oracle and of the mare, but they do not really demand my concern during this meeting. I regret to inform you that I have been withholding information that could very vital to the safety and security of this establishment. I am unaware if Hakeem mentioned to you upon our return from our mission of Verebera's outburst the previous night. I fear that what caused her to lash out in such a way would not be the common animal or rustle of leaves. You raised Verebera, thus should know fully well that she does not become so protective unless provoked by serious danger. I fear that something far more sinister may be at hand for I was plagued by the most dreadful and surreal nightmare prior to her lashing out. A nightmare so disturbing that it has forced me to realize the severity of my past before having met you and causing me to doubt my being here. Furthermore, this did not occur until after we acquired the strange woman, thus you must understand the gravity of my worries with her presence. Not just the pointy eared maiden but myself included, for I fear that she or some masked player in this game of war has breached my mind and tainted me. How can I possibly trust in you and the others when I no longer can trust myself, nor feel secure in my own place of rest? I am terrified, I beg of you to provide me with more guidance than what has been said so far, or I fear I may become a hindrance to our team and our cause.

Asa hand writing was sloppy as her hand shook, but the words were still legible. Surely Merrik would understand as to why she was so gravely concerned. She felt she should be locked away herself, for now not only is she a murderer, but a threat to the team's security and their cause. Just writing the note alone was enough to make her eyes water as a mixing pot of emotions and thoughts boiled with in her. Standing, Asa side stepped around the oak chair and walked over to Merrik with her note in hand. Her heartbeat thudded loudly and rang clearly in her own ears with each step. She could feel the anxiety with in her rise as she approached and quietly slip the paper in front of him. Unable to even handle watching him read her note, Asa steps a few feet away and looks up to the sky above trying her hardest to stay calm.​

 

[Ghostie]

As Merrik declared the meeting adjourned, Ahab was quick to join the other tamers that had chosen to leave, grabbing hold of plate and mug for cleaning as he left. Surprisingly, he did not storm away with heavy steps, rather, he looked exhausted, scratching his eyes and muttering to himself. He was tired, both physically and mentally, and as much as his tired mind wanted to bark at some of these people... He could reason that it was better to get his rest. The morrow could tell if he truly was as furious as he felt, and more importantly, it would give him some time to consider what he thought of this young boy's leadership.

Calypso was not far behind either, only giving a quick and curt "Good night" to Merrik before heading to the stables for her own rest.

 

[Soulserenity20]

Outside the Stables-Thursday 4:30pm Study Hours

​

The week had flow by in a manner almost resembling that of the weeks before the incident at the Ancient Woods' edge. The tamers were excelling in their training, as if motivated by the events of the last weekend, by the uncertainty that had entered the foreground from the shadows of the war. Merrik was preparing himself to enter the prison once more, as he had each day that week to ensure the woman and her companions were in reasonable health. Yennefer had accompanied him every night, administering any necessary medical procedures and lending him an ear for his concerns. Tonight she'd join him once again, meeting at the back of the stables at 9:00 before venturing out into the woods together. As it stood, all the tamers were about the meadow and the stables preforming whatever tasks they set for themselves during their studying hours. Merrik had specifically asked that they all be well educated in an article found in one of their mana texts, one focusing on soul spying, a commonly used technique from the time of mana wielders in which the caster could locate and gain access to the victim's soul, and with it all the person's knowledge and memories. In the old days it was standard practice for members of the Order to be well trained in the simple recognition and deflection techniques used to defend them from the spell. Given the circumstances that had taken place at the forest's edge during the scouting trip, Merrik decided now was as good a time as any to get them started. If he couldn't give them exact details on what they were facing, the least he could do was help them to defend themselves in a general, but very useful manner.

Furthermore, he'd been focusing the efforts of the mana training each day on defensive spells, ones used to create simple barriers of elemental mana which could deflect basic physical attacks such as arrows or minor weapon swings. Seeing that they were advancing quite well was reassuring as he wanted to teach them more demanding techniques, but could only do so at the rate of their improvement.

During the days that had passed, Merrik found himself thinking long and hard each night about what Isolde had said at dinner on Sunday before storming off. They deserved to know how to defend themselves, she was right about this. It was because of her words that he had decided to embark on defensive maneouvers that week instead of continuing on general mana advancements. The dragons had also been brought into the defensive training and were learning useful techniques to physically and magically defend their tamers while using as little energy as possible. Obsidian Nova had returned late on Monday night, to Merrik's relief. The news the drake brought with him was reassuring and Merrik felt more confident in the plan he had been working out as the events had unfolded.

Merrik found himself at his desk that evening, his thoughts pooling and draining as he flipped through the pages of an old text, pausing only to wet his quill and scribble a few notes on some blank parchment. A cool breeze drifted in from the great, open doors near his quarters and he glanced out at the meadow from his place in his loft. It was quiet enough in the stables for him to be able to keep the heavy curtain that served as a fourth wall open to the main hall. Below, Obsidian Nova's stall showed no signs of life, for the great drake had decided to up his own training and was currently soaring high above the forest practicing advanced fire and mana techniques.

In two days time Merrik would be making a decision on whether to give the necromancer a chance to comply and leave the prison for a time, or if she was too much of a threat to the young Order. He was already leaning greatly towards the former, having seen great cooperation and unexpectedly enough, sincerity in all the woman said throughout his visits. He only hoped his judgement was as precise as his mother always told him it was.

Returning to the task at hand, Merrik began to flip through the pages of the dusty book before him once more, quill in his hand and determination in his eyes.

 

[AnastiaCrest01]

Diari was intently reading a book on fighting techniques, one mentioned to her in one of her daily trainings with Hakeem, lost in her own little world as she pictured each technique described. The chilled breeze gently played with her hair, which was now just above her shoulders due to it having always gotten in her way during training. As she read, she bit deeply into a juicy Red Delicious apple and hummed a catchy tune. She had a large wooden sword next to her, leaning against the tree she was under, her real one still in her room awaiting repair. Halazes stretched out beside her, having done quite a bit of training today. She had been trying to become a stronger fire-breather so that she may protect her tamer from most anything much easier, but pushing herself to her limit makes an incredibly exhausted drake. Diari, herself, had been quite tired lately because, just as the green dragon, she has been pushing her bod to the limit. That doesn't mean the dark haired girl would head to bed, though. Quite contrary, she would rather spend her time with a good book, or honing her skills more. Halazes, on the other hand, was a lazy dragon that slept whenever a chance to was provided. When finished with her apple, the young adult sighed. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't get the dinner scene on Sunday out of her head. The argument was so heated, she didn't want to get involved. She actually wanted to leave right then, for it reminded her of the arguments her parents had before her drunkard of a father left her and her mother alone, and she didn't want to remember that. In fact, she really didn't want to remember her father and his abusive nature. The vibrant drake opened an eye and glanced over to the juvenile, concerned. "Diari, you mustn't think of such horrid things.... It doesn't fit your character, and certainly does you no good...."

Looking over to the concerned winged reptile, a subtle sad smile fixed on her lips. "I know Halazes, I just can't help it.... I can't get the fight off of my mind, and it keeps making me remember how much of a jerk my father was. I somewhat glad he left when I was so young, because I don't want to have been abused for longer. But on the other side of things, he's my father and I wish I had gone up with him so I have that figure in my life. Oh well, what's done is done, right? I just... After witnessing that the other night, I started to get an inkling that I will see my old man again soon, and that it's not going to be pretty. I can't shake the feeling either, so I'm just hoping it's wrong....." Before the jade drake could react, the girl got onto her feet and grabbed the wooden sword. "I'm gonna practice a few of those techniques I just read about, because I know I don't remember half the stuff I read within an hour of reading it." The dragon sighed, whispering, " Don't push yourself too hard now," and went back to her slumber. Diari lifted the smooth wooden blade above her head before swinging it downwards, a scene playing out in her head as she pictured being in an actual fight. In her mind, the decoy blow didn't work, so she turned the angle of the blade as it went down, catching her imagined enemy in their side. She stumbled a bit due to the weight but managed to recover and follow through with the swing, striking another fake enemy. Her moves were shaky and inexperienced, but it was safe to say she was far better than she had been against Hakeem in her very first fight. Or spar, as everyone seemed to call it. Diari shook her head, slightly dizzy from the last strike, due to the blade dragging her into a complete circle too quickly for her to process the change fast enough. Once her mind was cleared, she preformed another powerful strike, starting to really understand how difficult two-handed blades were to wield. To anyone who would spot her, the young amber eyed girl looked very amateurish, but in her own eyes, Diari saw gradual improvement, which excited her and kept her going. Strike after strike had gained the girl more improvement, but eventually she grew weary and had to stop, sitting on the packed earth, her breath coming out as short gasps. She fell to her back and tried to catch her breath, gazing at the shifting clouds. Before she could do anything, Halazes used her tail to pull the girl close, almost as if Diari was the drake's teddy bear. The dark haired woman didn't seem to mind, cuddling with the dragon, and she was trying to stay awake, but to no prevail. Her exhaustion became so great that she had no control as her eyes started to close and her body relaxed. The green dragon purred slightly, glad that her tamer, her soul's other half, was now resting soundly, something the girl had not been able to do since Saturday, before the dinner fight. Diari had been staying up late, waking early, and been walking during the period she was asleep, simply because of nightmares, so even though she had collapsed from exertion, Halazes was happy that Diari would be able to sleep tonight.

 

[Shadicmaster]

Study Hours
Merrik's Quarters​

With another week of training having gone by, A'untyr and Dalaith's relationships would grow more tense, but they were working well enough together and tolerating each other to the point of not harming one or the other. But due to the strain of the rigorous schedule that was always demanded during a training week, Dalaith had to pull away from her academic studies, only able to find herself in pursuit of them during study hours, though even those times were occupied with other matters, those pertaining to what any school child would call homework. She had no complaint upon the matter, however, and complied without resistance, appreciating the task to study something of some use to her own physical, and perhaps spiritual protection. But, she was bothered. The silence in her mind and the distance of her soul from A'untyr's had drawn her to the very edges of her wits and energy, and she was quickly loosing her ability to keep up with the others. There was only one way to mend the problem, and A'untyr had already set his price.

Closing her book and grabbing the one she had already finished, Dalaith rose from her seat and climbed down the ladder into the main section of her stall, finding a sleeping golden dragon, he offering no acknowledgement of her presence whatsoever. Looking away, The young, silvery haired tamer walked down the hall to the quarters belonging to their leader, Merrik, taking one last glance down at the book in her hand. It was the compilation of all of the prior tamer's journals, all rendered as best as she could possibly hope to get it, and translated to the common tongue where needed. After having walked into the main stable that would normally house Obsidian Nova, Dalaith knocked upon the wall by the ladder.
"Might I request a brief presence, Master Merrik..?"

Hearing the sound of a gentle knocking on the wall from the place where the ladder pushed up from the ground into his loft, Merrik set down his quill and turned to see a head of silver hair peaking up from the hatch on the floor. His thoughts pushed away the images of his imaginations and ponderings as he stood he beckoned her into his quarters.

"Of course, m'lady, be it brief or not, your presence is welcome. What can I do to appease you?" He offered her a seat on the love seat against the west wall of the loft, taking a place in an arm chair across the coffee table from her.

Dalaith was unsure as to if she wished to sit so formally, but her choice of words did seem to connote a hearing of the sort. With a slightly silent sigh, she sat, resting the book upon the small coffee table.
"I come with both news of joy and words of confession..... I... I finished compiling the journals of the tamers past.... A cause of rejoicing, Im sure. But I'm also sure that you have noticed the... tension between my bondmate and I..." She began, unsure as to how to proceed. The only way, though, to mend the relationship, was through this confession, the one and only demand that A'untyr offered to the female tamer to mend their bonds.

Merrik found himself harboring a curiosity of the most unsettling kind, Dalaith's choice of words and her behavior were enticing all sorts of imaginations from within his mind and he couldn't find a single path of assumption that seemed reasonable. Obsidian Nova had always been better at empathizing with others, Merrik wished he had been around at that moment to help Merrik navigate the woman's non-telling words.

After seeing how the women, and there were so many of them in this new Order, react at dinner on sunday his fearful respect of the sex had grown. Momentarily he allowed himself to consider what kind of trouble he and the other men would be in when the women had spend enough time together for their very body cycles to align and furthermore how they would face a group of hormonal women with dragons bonded to their emotionally turmoiled souls.

Tearing his mind from such thoughts, he looked at Dalaith with a deep curiosity and a level of concern. "You have my attention, Dalaith. Please, tell what needs to be told."

Meanwhile, over the tops of the trees in the woods not so far away, Obsidian Nova's lips curled into a smiled as much as any dragon could smile and a light chuckle caused his powerful flame to waver in rhythm with the amusement. Humans were silly creatures in most cases, but a man among women was the silliest of all.

Dalaith closed her eyes, taking a deep breath and calming her senses, coming to the decision that it must all come out at once or else she wouldnt have the strength to try again for a long while.
"Merrik.... I must apologize for my rash and irresponsible behavior at the dinner... I... should have come to you earlier, but no matter what my mind tells me is the more beneficial and logical thing to do, my heart dissuades me from seeking help to mend the situation.... This seems to have really all started after having met with the Oracle.... His words to me..... They carried a fear that I haven't felt in a long time...." A part of her mind grew impatient with her fears, urging her to stop speaking in such rounded ways and cut with a honed verbal blade to the core of the matter, but she was a lady of fair manners, and brash, uncalculated words were not what would solve her problems.
"Am I... permitted to speak of the meaning of his words..? Or at least, the most obvious interpretation that has been plaguing me...?"

Concern began to weigh down Merrik's brow and he leaned forward in his chair, giving her his full attention. He hoped the Oracle's words had not burdened her in too dark a manner. He himself could never decipher what the old man was saying to others, the Oracle had a way of speaking to one person and one person alone. Even if there was a room of people, only the intended audience would really hear what the unusual elder was saying.

"Of course, you may always speak freely here."

"He spoke of the halls, ever changing, unmappable, with doors, some of which were impenetrable to most.... I... took on two different meanings to the words spoken, though one of the meanings is far more prevalent at the moment.... With what little contact you have had with me before the return visit to the grand manor, I remember you having described me as a scholar, one of logic and knowledge. I can only maintain that position through a state that I tend to call, mental priority.... And in such... I tend to lock away my emotions so as not to use them as swords more honed than even the sharpest of minds.... I have, in the past, killed many a thriving bonds between others and myself, and even people I havent even come to know, just through use of emotion, and ever since the visit, I had been thinking about such..... I haven't a clue how to open my mind and heart without wreaking such havoc as i had at the dining table, and even after having left, It took an hour of being pinned and reasoned with by A'untyr to return to my senses.... I-I dont quite know what it is that I had come to you for anymore... Though it may have been for nothing more than finding a person to confide in, as well as to alleviate the stress upon my soul mate's bond with me.... But.... Have you any advice, I am open to hearing it...."

The silvery haired tamer spoke in a way to which it sounded she was specifically choosing some words instead of others, planning her thoughts as if plotting a route up a perilous mountain range. Any wrong word, any wrong footstep, may well end in a disaster, as the only time she had ever said anything about her emotional state was to her grandfather before leaving. Halfway through her journey to find her bondmate, she had received word of his death, bolting the final lock upon the final door in place until now.

As the silvery-haired woman spoke, Merrik listened, an ever-present veil of concern settled upon his expression. Over time he began to wonder if he was being asked a question or simply spoken to, a rhetorical statement wandering about the air. But when she closed and opened herself to any advice from him he understood. She was confused, worse yet, she seemed to be confused about what she was confused about. His experiences with the opposite sex had been taxing at best this week, this was simply pressing the boundaries of his coping abilities. He took a calm breath, keeping eye contact with the woman before him, and remembered what his mother once told him on a day when he had found himself nearing his mental limits in regard to the tedious studying schedule his father had set in place.

"My beloved son, the mind has strength that may never show its face, for it may never be needed. But know that it is there. Your wisdom was given to you at birth, you merely need to unlock it as you need it throughout life. Your experiences will be the keys, your trials and adversaries will be the locks as they present. Use your wisdom not only to protect and comfort yourself, but for others. It is through this service to others that your wisdom will deepen and grow. When you are faced with the burden of others, look to this wisdom, use their need as the key and unlock what needs to be found. Through this, you will lead, and you will do so with an air of elegance and greatness so offered to you by your lineage."

Truthfully, Merrik didn't feel like he had much wisdom to unlock in this particular situation, but as he considered what Dalaith had said, he found himself relating to her. She was lost in the deep, personal statements of the Oracle, as he once was on a regular basis. She was lost within the halls of her mind, or so the Oracle believed, and she was afraid of opening the doors that had long since closed themselves. She was afraid of what her mind could do to the people around her when her skills and intelligence were harnessed by the powerful emotions she had locked away. What would they do with her mind if they were allowed to run free through the halls within?

He understood.

"Dalaith, while not all of us have the ability to shatter and ruin the people we love, the people who pull our strongest emotions from us - be they love or hatred - many of us do. And many of us fear what might happen when our abilities are harnessed by the forsaken gift of humanity: emotion. But it is this very gift that makes us what we are, and without it, we can never truly achieve our potential as humans. Emotion may be a dangerous thing when it consumes our control, but it is through emotion that all the greatest leaders, rulers, philosophers, and scholars have come to power. It is through the conquering of emotion and the harnessing of its power that we are able to scale the last steps to greatness."

He stood then and, after seeking permission with his gaze, took a seat next to the woman. He looked into her eyes, feeling a connection with her that he never had. She felt the same sense of alienation he felt: hers by her mind, his by his predestined role. She was lost, as he so often found himself.

"You, of all people, have the ability to be great, Dalaith. You harbor greatness within every inch of your being. Your mind is a well of power and a sea of potential. You fear what that potential may do if harnessed by the chaos that is emotion, but know that you are strong enough to control it. And when you do, you will be unstoppable in your rise to whatever you may pursue. A woman like you is intimidating in your mind alone, should you choose to begin your pursuit in harnessing - not controlling, there can be no controlling - your emotions, there won't be a soul on this earth that won't feel the weight of your greatness. Whether you choose to lead or teach, it is no difference: you'll excel. And m'lady, if you feel you do not have the strength to open these doors on your own, know that I offer you mine, may you harness it if and in whatever manner you so choose."


As Merrik spoke, slowly, Dalaith began to understand why she was forced to speak with him. A'untyr had spent his life under the guidance of Merrik and Obsidian Nova, he would have known that wisdom and empathy of this sort would come from the man who was set in a place to lead this very loosely strung band of men, women, and their soul bound dragons. A murr of approval resonated through the silver haired tamer's soul as she realized this, A'untyr having returned to his stall, happy to know that his tamer was on her way to recovering her composure in a more safe way.

Dalaith felt insecure, alone, vulnerable, but as she was asked for permission to be sat down next to with a mere glinted look from Merrik's kind, understanding eyes, she scooted over slightly to accommodate. His following words were strength enough for her, worth their weight in gold for the comfort they gave. Like removing a splinter from its wound, however, though it may be beneficial, causes pain, his words slowly broke her down, showing her just where she had failed. She always thought emotion to be a tool, something to be mastered and controlled. She had recently thought that matters of emotion and control were to be handled on one's own, without the interference of others, but this experience showed her something she always knew. One's knowledge is useless unless shared. Merrik was kind enough to share his words with her, help her towards recovery, but he never would have been able to if she hadnt come to him first.

Teary eyed, Dalaith looked up to Merrik, hands lightly shaking, though she hid such as best as she could by clasping them together. Uttering a faint 'thank you', she hugged him tightly, all sense of personal space and boundaries having left her mind in stead of the need for the comfort of a human touch. She faintly repeated her words of thanks once more before forcing herself to let go and get up, wiping her eyes.
"I will remember your offer.... and your words, Merrik... You may have just saved a great many lives through one act..." she said softly before taking her leave from his quarters.

 

[Soulserenity20]

As seen on the walls and bill-boards across Meltha. Merrik has decided such an event is exactly what the Order needs to relax. The Order will attend the festivities in Meltha while their dragons undergo festivities of their own. Remember, the arrival of the New Order is not yet to be announced. But who's to say the tamers can't have a little fun outside their roles as leaders and heroes?

A Note From the GM:

Welcome all, to our very first IC Event!
Events like these will be held at special times throughout the year to celebrate holidays and work as a fun time for highly active IC roleplaying where you can win in-game prizes and use the opportunity to build relationships with other players' characters as well as NPC's from around Illos!

How it works:
The event will be held from Friday, December 19th to Sunday, December 21st.
I will be most active on Saturday night (December 20th) and Sunday throughout the day (December 21st).

During this event, all posts will be done in the IC. These posts DO NOT have a minimum post length. For these three days, you can simply post a quick response to a conversation you're in, etc.
Because of this method of posting being allowed, I ask that you all start your posts by writing your character's name and the character's name that you're interacting with at the top of your post.

EX)
[Merrik to Shirin]

Leave a line, and then type your post. Please type it in RED and BOLD.
This will allow for players to skim through and read only what pertains to their character, if they so choose. ALSO, because there will be NPC's played by Erran and myself, please post your character's name and the name of the NPC if you're interacting with one of them.

There will be a number of small tasks or events to take part in, most of them have no requirements for completion beyond taking part in them. Some will require a "right choice" or a "right answer" to receive the prize. You will see this written when there is a new task to take part in. Each one is first come first serve, lenience will be given for those who are trying to be active but keep getting ninja posted on lol.

EX)
[EVENT]

Player requirement: 3 (This means up to 3 players can do this event)
Task Giver:
Merrik Tetra

"Hello, tamers! I need some help preparing a great feast! Help me gather ingredients and I'll give you a special reward in return for your time!"


Happy Feriswell everyone! See you in the IC this weekend!
[rainbow]~Soul[/rainbow]

+Participating Players+

Soul
Erran
Vio
Ghostie
Mowkie
Kyara
Rain

 

[Ghostie]

[Ahab to Merrik]

"A feast you say?" the massive captain grinned, "I was known in Syntra for throwing some o' the mightiest feasts the town had ever seen! Some would even cheer when they knew I was dockin'!" he boasted with a booming laughter. "Now, my boy, what needs be done?"

 

[Soulserenity20]

The weekend had arrived at last. Merrik was surprised with himself that he could have forgotten about Feriswell up until just a few days ago but now that the festivities were nearing he could feel the vibrance of the woods around him as not only he, but all the living beings in the Sylvian Woods, began their preparations to honor the God Faeren for all he had provided them with. Truthfully, Merrik didn't believe in the gods that most the Sylvians did, rather he took opportunities like this to honor the bounty of the land pay thanks to the earth and to the fates for allowing such abundancy of life to thrive. He had a deep level of appreciation for the fine balance of the land that had allowed man to come forth.

Earlier that week, he had pinned up a notice at the end of the grand hall so that whomever would venture towards the toilets and the kitchen, effectively everyone, would see the advertisement for Methla's celebrations. He'd decided this event was the perfect destressing event for the order and it could be used as an opportunity to assist Hakeem with his personal affairs. Merrik realized he had taken these people out of their lives with no questions asked from them. If he owed them anything, he at least owed them his unquestioned assistance and support in any endeavor to make them more comfortable after they so loyally came to his side to fight in this army.

One by one, the tamers began waking and making their way to the kitchens and when at last they had all gathered in the dining hall, he addressed the group as a whole.

"My friends, as you all know, Feriswell is upon up. Tonight there will be great festivities in Meltha which we will attend. Because the world cannot yet know of our return, the dragons will go off and celebrate festivities on their own. There will be a great feast tonight, followed by a traditional dance during which couples are meant to celebrate the bounty of the land in a slightly... intimate display of dance. While it may be a bit uncomfortable for some of you, I encourage you to partake and adhere to the traditions of the Sylvians for it is important for our Order to gain the grace of the people, even before they know to respect us as the tamers of their day. Now, with this, it's tradition to exchange gifts to display kindness and gratitude, as Faeren does with our kind. For those of you from Galidus, this is nearly the equivalent of a holiday you hold in the winter with the decorating of trees and the giving of gifts. Take this time to express your gratitude to your fellow tamers, I know I, myself, couldn't be more grateful for having met each and every one of you and to have your by my side in this war. After breakfast, we can begin decorating the meadow and preparing food to bring to the feast, as well as preparing handmade gifts as a treat for the children of Meltha. Do not be surprised if we get some company throughout the day, for the life in the woods celebrates this day just as much as any other Sylvian. The gardeners are already here."

A glint in his eye followed by a wink towards the doorway would reveal the face of a tiny gardener peaking around the corner. This one was a familiar face and smiled shyly as it acknowledged that it was caught. Slowly, it came out from behind the large door frame and looked about until it spotted Shirin. Squealing with joy, it shuffled up to where she stood and reached up in a toddler-like manner, clearly filled with joy to see her again. When she reached down to pick the small creature up, she was presented with a small parcel made of thick leaves and wrapped with the roots of a plant. Smaller, glittering leaves adorned it, as did berries of a bright red. She would open it to find a small carved bird, about the size of a plum. When she would touch the bird, it would come to life, wooden wings flapping and it would fly around in a small circle, whistling a beautiful, simple melody before setting back down to where it had first lifted off. A toy, a special gift from the gardeners.

At that, a 3 more of the little creatures poked their heads in and began pulling at the clothing of others, holding up their tiny fingers saying they needed 2 helpers. They wanted to make wreaths and garlands to hang from the stable and the trees, and while they couldn't explain this, per say, they would quickly show their volunteers what they were doing.

Who would help them?

[EVENT]
Tamers Required: 2
Task Giver:
The Gardeners

The gardeners want some help creating decorations out of some materials they've collected from the woods! Finish your breakfast and head out to the meadow to help them. In return for your assistance, you'll receive a very special gift each.

Reward
To be revealed!​

 

[Soulserenity20]

[Merrik to Ahab]

Merrik couldn't help but chuckle at the hardy old pirate displaying such enthusiam, but then again, who could be more merry than a pirate? With a bright smile he clapped the man on the back. "And with time I've no doubt we'll get the people of Meltah cheering when they see you soaring in on Calypso's beautiful, blue hide! Come, we have to select some ale from the wine cellar and hunt down a boar! Anyone else who wishes to join us on the hunt, we'll meet outside in an hour!"

[EVENT]
Tamers Required: 2 1, Ahab is coming.
Task Giver
Merrik Tetra

We're going boar hunting! But these are no ordinary farm boars. Ancient Sylvian Boars are something else, and a fair bit larger. It'll take 3 strong men to complete this task. With Merrik and Ahab on the job they'll need at least one more to take down the 700lb animal.

Reward
To Be Revealed!​

 

[Erranruin]

[EVENT]
Tamers Required: 2 1 (Tara participating)
Task Giver: Yennefer

Yennefer has been considering how she wishes to properly greet her parents after all these years, and has decided to craft them a special wreath that will emits a scent that will bring good health to anyone inside the house. However, the ingredients she requires are located in some dangerous canyons a few miles away and she requires some guards to help her retrieve what is necessary. Who knows what we shall find there? She has left a notice outside the lofts, asking for anyone who wishes to help to come and speak with her about the matter.

Reward
To be revealed!​

 

[Mowkie]

Since she had seen the notice pinned to the fine wood of the grand hall, Shirin had felt herself flood with excitement and glee. A holiday to celebrate with the denizens of the woods. How spectacular that sounded! It was rare to find herself filled with such happiness, particularly since her last conversation with Rita. And yet, the words of her mentor had made things smooth over in her thoughts, allowing her to completely relax and enjoy the time that came to pass. Destiny was something she just had to let fly around her and lift her away when it needed to do so. The gods always had plans, and the young warrior simply needed to remember that.

The morning of the holiday, Shirin woke with a smile, having dreamt of flying to the sun and befriending phoenixes. Did fiery birds such as those even exist? It could be possible, no? Dressing quickly, for once leaving her armor tucked away in the thick chest at the end of her strong bed and only taking her sword, the mercenary darted from her den to find that her great dragon had already woken and stretched himself, ready for the day. He bowed his head just slightly in acknowledgement, a smirk rising across his scaly lips as his stormy blue eyes sparkled.

~Greetings, my human. Ready for the holiday?~

Giving her drake a slightly exaggerated bow, loosed hair falling in a curtain around her shoulders, Shirin allowed herself a small laugh. "Indeed, I am, my fiery friend. I do wonder what this holiday has in store for us all." She rose, her face alight with glee.

~Well, my brothers, sisters, and I shall be celebrating elsewhere. However, I am quite certain the great Merrik will have plans in store for his order.~

"What about you, though, Byriarti? You are saying that you will not be with me this day?"

~Only this morning, my friend. But fret not...I trust you will have many moments to share with other friends. This is a moment to embrace life with others, not just me. Take it, and be free from your burdens for a few hours.~

Her smile fell away for a moment, and she stepped towards her fiery drake, wrapping her arms as far around his neck as possible in a hug. "I shall, Byri. But you will be missed."

~Do not go so soft on me now, human. Have strength, for I will not be far. Now go. I wish to fly.~

Byriarti huffed aloud, nuzzling Shirin from him and pushing her out the threshold, forcing a surprised laugh to slip from her. "Good day, my friend. I will see you again soon." The dragon gave her a nod before roaring happily and leaping into the skies on his massive wings. Then, taking a deep breath, the warrior made her way to the great hall.

A while later....

When hearing all that Merrik had to say, Shirin found herself to be both nervous and excited. What all could she do when she was always so nervous around strangers? And what did he mean by intimate display of dance? He did not mean mating, she hoped. Her face had grown quite hot, and she had backed slowly towards the door, finding that her strength had quickly fallen away to fear. Perhaps this was not such a good idea. But before she could completely back out of the room, Merrik finished his speech, and the Gardener that she had so adored had come squealing in.

Instantly, Shirin looked towards the door, her hot face cooling as a grin of completely happiness stretched across. She bent down, meeting the small creature halfway and lifting him up. "Long time, no see, my friend! It is so great you are here! What is this?" Unwrapping the gift, she found herself to be even more delighted. Mesmerized by the little wooden bird as it fluttered around her and the little gardener, Shirin found herself at a loss for words, even as the tiny toy once more landed in her hand.

"I will always cherish it, friend. But I cannot go without giving you something in return." The warrior was glad that she had started carrying chocolate in her trouser pockets since her visit with the gardeners. Adjusting herself to where the little bird was in the same hand as the arm that held the gardener, the warrior reached into her pocket with her free hand and pulled out a bar. "I made this one myself...it has been quite the trial and error, but I do hope you like it." Taking the chocolate with another squeal, the creature took a bite and tasted the hard work of its friend. For a moment, they were silent, but instead of turning away and spitting the chocolate out, the gardener nodded and smiled before taking another happy bite.

[Shirin to Gardeners]

By this point, the gardeners had all swarmed in, hoping to find two tamers to help them with something. Shirin smiled at the creatures. "I'll help, of course! I'd like to get into the spirit of the holiday."

 

[Kyara]

[Tara to Yennefer]

Tara grinned at the mention of dancing. She had taken any opportunity to dance growing up in Otamur and in towns around Galidus whenever she travelled. Since Otamur's fall her heart had not been in it anymore, and she'd given up after a few lacklustre attempts. The weeks at the meadow with the other tamers and, most importantly, with Zarketh had raised her spirits and she surprised herself by how excited she was at the prospect.

Tara had noticed the sign Yennefer put up earlier which was somewhat of a relief as she was hopeless at making things and not much of a fan of hunting. She made her way over to Yennefer with a smile.

"You need some help today?"

 

[Rainjay]

Sairantha found herself growing more and more distanced from the rest of the group as time progressed. She couldn't help it. What with the conflict at the usually peaceful dinner table and the intensity of their training, and even further so, the great differences between her and the others in the Order, she found herself beginning to despair. She had never really felt like she belonged, and perhaps was hoping to find some semblance of solace with the drakes and the tamers, but now she was reconsidering. What foolish thoughts must I have been thinking? She had pondered to herself at night, training on her own with her bow and arrow in the dark. She'd recently found it a personal hobby of hers to play with and try out the other bows she had found for practice, although none really suited her as well as her own. Did I really think I would find friends in people I have never before seen, from lands I have never before been? I think I've only found strife.

Am I not a friend? I think of myself rather lucky to have bonded with you. And what of Merrik? Perhaps not quite as a friend, but at least as a trustworthy ally. And the mare; you would not have been on that adventure had you not joined us.

Saira had only sighed in response, although she knew of the truth of the drake's words. Besides, where else would she be? Traveling aimlessly, perhaps for the rest of her life. It didn't sound very appealing to her.

Aerarya proved to be a decent voice of reason, though, and motivated Saira enough to keep up with her studies, both with the others and on her own. She continued to practice with her bow at nights, and enjoyed her flights with Aerarya. They both found themselves comfortable in the air, even without steady conversation to hold their time.

It was later on her return indoors after her archery practice that she saw the notes about the Feriswell celebration, a holiday she'd rarely heard of, but instantly found intriguing. She was a little reluctant at first, but Aerarya convinced her to join in the celebrations and preparation. Perhaps it will bring you some new friends, and some relief.

[Saira to Ahab & Merrik]

And so there she was, dressed in some 'decent' clothing- which by her measure meant dressing in a blouse she hadn't managed to tear or rip in some fashion through her riding and archery- waiting in the dining hall for Merrik to begin his explanation. After the tamers began to scatter, readying themselves to prepare for the festivities, she noted Ahab and Merrik talking aside, before Merrik announced something about hunting down a boar.

Now, that sounded like something she could handle. It wasn't unfamiliar magics or flight through the air. She'd hunted plenty before, and had caught some impressive gain in her hunts before she joined the Order. It was something she'd quite like to get a chance to do again. Setting her unease aside, she approached the two men, trying not to look as daunted as she felt.

"I'd like to join you on this boar hunt; if you don't think of me as unfit to join the hunt, that is. I'm sure men such as yourselves could handle quite the large boar without much trouble," she remarked, tying her hair back into a green ribbon as she spoke. "But in the off chance you suppose you might desire some help, I'd be happy to come along."

 

[Shadicmaster]

The posted sign upon the wooden brace of the wall just before the bath-houses was torture enough for the tamer of the dragon of intellect. Dalaith couldn't stand holidays back home in the Mystic Lake Town, let alone anywhere else. Surely there would be a way to weasel her way out of this ridiculous debauchery and loss of all good sense. A'untyr was never one to be the most keen on holidays, but enjoyed them none the less, which provoked both confusion and understanding in the ways of his tamer. Even so, he would try to convince her to at least be there with those whom she would likely call friends. Her heart, however, was set. At breakfast, she sat and ate, grumbling as the festivities had already begun, even within the halls. She huffed slightly, fixing her long, deep red blouse and plain black skirt, underneath being a pair of short pants (for the just in case of having to ride a dragon or train in fighting through the day) and got up from the table, eating one last berry before fixing up her hair in a red ribbon. She then approached Merrik, only after he had finished his discussion with two of the other tamers and was preparing to leave.

[Dalaith to Merrik]
"Master Merrik, I would entreat you on the matter of this fo-... Well, This holiday that I honestly dont approve of in the slightest. I wish not to dampen the joy of any of my fellow tamers, though. Might it be an acceptable trade for me to spend the day out in the forest, to study what there is to be seen and to relax from my many day's work on writing and transliterating books?" She asked this in the most polite way should could think of, hoping to have such increase her chances of the request being accepted.