Dragons of Gralfor

[Angelus]

Gralfor is a land in turmoil. Humans, from their humble city in Pelas Bay began to spread out, claiming all the land they settled in as their own. The races that used to call this land their own were forced to make peace with the invading humans rather than have an all out war; a war they knew would not be in the best interests of the land. The only race that did not do so was the elves as they refused to be pressed by the humans. They signed an accord with the humans that they were to leave each other alone, that the elves stayed in their land and the humans in theirs.

When all was agreed the humans decided they needed more land for their ever growing population and started to spread out further. They took over vast areas of wooded lands, lakes, rivers and most of the coast. It was still not enough for them though and they went to the mountains to see what riches were there.

When they reached the mountains they found them populated by dragons. They had never seen dragons before but wanted what was in the mountains so decided to try and force the dragons out. The dragons knew this was not going to work as several races had tried this before. They tried to compromise with the humans but the humans were driver by greed; of what could be and once again tried to force the dragons from the lands they thought belonged rightfully to them.

The dragons knew that there was going to be no compromising with the humans and did everything to chase they off the land. The humans; still driven by greed and with the belief that the dragons were hiding riches from them went back to the lands and started to fight for it. In one fight several dragon eggs were destroyed; enraging the dragons. The dragons went to the town the humans had come from and razed it to the ground; leaving one survivor. They told that person that they were going to rid the lands of every human and to warn their ruler so he could organize the humans to leave the lands peacefully.

When King Daleus heard of this he was so furious that he ordered a large contingent of his army to the mountains to rid them of the dragons. When they arrived at the mountains the dragons were once again enraged that they slaughtered all of the soldiers and flew out to destroy the largest towns in the area.

The king was so angered by this that he sent another contingent of his army to the mountains. When they were slaughtered and dragons once again destroyed towns the king knew he could not afford to do that any longer. He made several groups of people train as dragon slayers, hoping they could rid the lands of the dragons.

The dragon slayers went to the mountains and ended up killing several dragons which angered them even more. The dragons flew to the main city and destroyed a large area of it, killing hundreds of people. The eldest dragon warned the king that if he did not order the humans to leave that he would be forced to. The king told them the humans would never leave. As they flew off the elder told the king that he had been warned.

For a hundred years the fight went on with neither side willing to back down. Large areas of Gralfor were in ruins but neither side want to give up the lands they had and the humans thought that their victory was just at hand.

One group of five humans knew that it could not go on any longer and decided to go to the dragons with a peace proposal. When they went to the dragons with the proposal they were at first sceptical until they were told they had the backing of the elves; the one race the dragons trusted above all.

They went to King Titus and told him of the peace play only to find that he was also sceptical until he found that one of the group was his youngest son.
When they went back to the dragons the elves told them they would bond a dragon with a human, therefore making their spirits one. The dragons were once against reluctant until the elves tell them it is the only way to keep the peace. They dragons agreed and told the elves to pick five hatchlings to be bonded with the humans. Once it was done the dragons told the humans they would not battle the humans anymore and gave the small group of humans the gift of immortality as their blessing before telling them they are the only hope this land has for peace.

When the group hears of this they wonder if they can undertake the task given to them and tell the dragons so. The dragons tell the group that if they cannot do this then there will once again be war until one race or the other has been utterly destroyed. The five humans know they cannot let that happen and tell the dragons they will do what is needed of them but only if there is one provision. They must be a law unto themselves so they are ruled by neither side. They dragons readily agree but the king is reluctant, given that the group were his subjects and his son is one of them.
The group of humans tell the king that if they were under his rule the peace would not hold and both races would ultimately destroy each other. They king know they cannot keep fighting the dragons as it has cost him too much already and agrees to the provision of the group as well as making peace with the dragons.

Once they make peace with each other the dragons and humans both agree that the group of five must be left alone so they can keep the peace the best way they can. The group moves off to an area in the mountains whey they can be left alone and train in peace.

Five years later the group return to the kingdom riding their dragons and promise to keep the peace in the lands. The first thing they find out though is that one faction of humans that was thought to have disappeared at the end of the war reappears. The dragon slayers try to attack the dragons to start the war again. The dragons and humans ask for help as the kingdom is trying to get bring itself back to normal and they could not afford another war with the dragons.

The group went after the slayers and after a battle that destroyed the slayers they were accepted and named Dragon Knights. They were giving the task of keeping the pace throughout the lands by everyone and given lands in the mountains.

 

[cats]

Amber

IC: My pony tail blew in the wind and I looked off into the distance with well trained eyes. Thankfully I was given eternal youth at 19 and not at 39 so my vision has never lost any of its performance. Three hamlets had been sacked in this area so logically there must be an orc camp around here.

In theory I was going to talk the orcs into expanding else where and not into human, dwarf or elf lands. The idea was unlikely to work, all ten of us agreed there. The real debate we had was over weather or not it was worth even tempting to talk peace, and with a narrow majority it was decided I should at least try.

Still I haven't ever talked to orcs before. My hope was that the camp would be small, 20 to 50 orcs that is all. If it was small I could learn about the orcs socialy with out being at much risk. If the camp was 100 or more then this plan was likely vain, that many orcs would be near impossible to escape if it came to bloodshed.

 

[Angelus]

As the war chief Rorg leaned against his ax and looked at the destruction his band had wrought he could not help but let a smile come to his face. Since he had come to these lands his warriors had had nothing but fun. They had chased down fleeing humans and other races with zeal and nothing had yet stopped them.

He remembered the day when he had gone before the Great Chief Bror and asked him if he could take some of this fellow orcs to the other side of the mountain. Bror had looked at him with a smile on his face; he knew that there would be glory waiting for them on the other side of the mountains but he still warned Rorg. He had told him of the dwarves, the elves, the humans and the dragons that called the lands their own. Rorg had looked at the Great Chief and with a laugh told him that they were the ones who had forced all of the races off these lands many suns ago. The Great Chief had laughed and told him that it was true; they had indeed done so.

Bror then gave Rorg his blessing and told him to take as many as he wanted with him. The other war chiefs were angered by this but when they went to Bror they were told to either send the number that Rorg wanted or be banished from the lands forever. They reluctantly agreed and several suns later the largest force of orcs the lands had ever seen left from their homes to find the glory Rorg had promised them. They moved to the edge of the mountains at such a pace that every town before them did not have a chance to flee. Rorg had given his blessing to destroy the towns and people and those with him did so with abandon.

When they reached the mountains everything went wrong for the orcs. They lost several warriors to rockslides and wild dragons. Rorg knew that they had to go separate ways to reach the lands beyond the mountains and gave orders to a large group of his warriors to leave the main group. At first they did not want to do so but when Rorg had killed one of their group and thrown him over the edge of a cliff they went without any other questions. After Rorg watched them go he took his main fighting force through a separate trail, hoping that the dragons would not find him.

Several days passed and when they had not reached the lands on the other side of the mountains his warriors had begun to complain, many of them wanting to go back. Rorg knew that he could not let that happen and he did not want to kill them so he told them that it would not be long until they reached the lands he had promised them. The warriors were still not happy about the circumstances they found themselves in but they knew that going back would surely mean death as Rorg seemed to be the only one who knew where they were going.

Two days later the lands had appeared and the orcs were so happy that they wanted to rush there and destroy the first thing they saw. Rorg stopped them though when he saw a large mass of bodies lying in their path. He told the group to stop until he saw what it was and moved down the path towards the bodies. He stopped when he saw that they were all orcs; the same orcs who had taken the other path through the mountains. As he stood there he wanted to know what happened, how all of these warriors had been killed so efficiently. He knew that if he didn’t find any answers he would have to turn his warriors around; something that could not happen.

It was then that an injured warrior came to him and told him how the group had been attacked by dragons. Rorg had laughed at him and wanted to know how dragons had killed his warriors like this but the warrior had told him off the people riding them. Rorg looked at him as if he was crazy and lifted his ax to strike him down but the warrior told him of the five dragons and the armored people who rode them. Rorg listened to the warrior but knew that he could not tell the warriors that were with him of this. If they knew then they would not want to go any further and Rorg knew that his honor would be destroyed if he went back without even setting foot on the other lands.

He told the injured warrior to keep quiet about the strange armored warriors before walking back to the main army. He knew they would ask about the injured warrior and what had killed all the others. He knew that he could hot tell them though. He wanted to get to the lands quickly and told the warriors nothing, except for the riches that were waiting for them.

A day later the orcs reached the lands of Gralfor and attacked the closest town without another thought. They went in and killed every human who could not escape, burning everything in their path. It was then that Rorg heard a roar and looked up to see a dragon flying quickly towards them. When he saw the armored warrior sitting on the back of the dragon he demanded his archers to fire on the dragon.

As the arrows hit something in the air and fell to the ground before the dragon and warrior Rorg knew that the orcs had to flee. Before he could tell his warriors so the dragon flew in his direction and landed, throwing a great cloud of dust in the air. Several of his warriors ran at the dragon and warrior before he could stop them and when Rorg heard their screams he stood there, his ax tight in his hand. He wanted to kill this strange warrior for killing his own but knew that attacking the warrior would result in his own death.

As soon as the dust had cleared the warrior stood there, a strange sword in his hand with Rorg’s warrior laying all around him. The warrior walked towards Rorg, as if Rorg posed no threat at all. Rorg attacked the warrior and when his ax shattered on whatever was protecting the warrior he ran at it but was stopped. The warrior looked at Rorg and with a voice that sounded strangely devoid of emotion said, “I am not here to hurt you. If I was I would have told everyone that you had arrived in these lands; oh I have known about you for quite some time. If you do as you are told then we can work something out and you can whatever you desire. Only if you do as I tell you to though.”

Rorg just looked at the warrior and screamed at him. He raised his fists to strike at the warrior. Before he could though the dragon sent out a roar, startling Rorg so much it transfixed him into stillness.

“I don’t think it would be in your best interests to strike me again. My dragon would like nothing more than to strike you down. Now, are you going to do as I ask? If you say yes then you will have my protection, this I swear.”

Rorg knew that he could have no greater ally than this warrior and reluctantly agreed with him. The warrior then took off one of his gloves and raised one hand. He reached out and touched Rorg’s hand who screamed out in pain. When Rorg looked down at his hand he saw that there was now a symbol branded into it.

The warrior then put his glove back on and once he was back on his dragon he turned his head towards the orc war chief.
“I will be back when I can. Please do not disappoint me.”
With that he flew off and Rorg spat at the ground in disgust.

As he stood there looking at the running humans Rorg could not help but touch his branded hand. It was then that he heard the flap of leathery wings and turned just to see the same dragon and warrior landing. He let out a sound of disgust as he moved to the warrior who was getting down from his dragon.
“What are you doing? I told you to stay where you were. I cannot keep the others busy while you are destroying towns and killing people!”
“You expect my warriors to just stay where they are like dogs? The Kirl tribe is warriors! We have always been warriors and will always be warriors! You cannot expect us to sit still until you tell us what to do!”
The warrior went back to his dragon and as they took to the air shouted out, “I did try to warn you Rorg. Maybe next time you might listen to me!”
With that the dragon and warrior flew off, leaving Rorg to watch them, a snarl escaping from his throat.

 

[cats]

Amber

IC: The orcs soon came into view, there green skin readily visible against the red stained ground. Okay that would be four towns sacked, razzed, and destroyed.

I silently qued Fire Opal to fly higher. The orcs kept increasing in number as I viewed them. "Definitely not a small number Opal I get the feeling we just failed our mission by default." A few days ago the ten of us, five dragons five riders went into battle with several hundred orcs, we beat them with no permanent injuries. But we had the advantage of taking them by surprise. It was after that battle that we decided it was best to offer a truce If I land no and raise the white flag I am hopelessly out numbered if they decide to be nasty.

I looked up at the blue sky with a sigh. "Opal... does that look like a dragon off in the distance?" there was a pause before the dragon growled a yes. "What on earth is it doing out here?"

'I don't know Amber.'

Suddenly there was a siren of horns from the orcs still a ways off. With that a number began to make ranks and tide of arrows flew at us, but fell uselessly out of momentum.

"Good thing you flew up Opal. Lets do a quick fly over and I'll bring out the heavy artillery in response." I dropped low to fire opal in response and he beat his wings faster in response showing the speed a dragon of his size was capable of. Before long we were in a dive and racing past there first ranks 200 ft or so over head.

I waved my fingers and said a few words in elvish summoning four catapults into existence, two on each side of my dragon. The heavy artillery promptly fell to the ground shattering there large wood frames on bewildered and squishable orcs.

Then with a sudden twist and a great show of grace Fire Opal reversed his direction and the two of us were off and away from the orcs. "At least we can report there number, but that dragon has me concerned."

 

[Angelus]

Rorg watched as the catapults came into existence around the new dragon just to fall to the ground amongst large groups of his warriors. He let out a shout of anger at what the dragon and the warrior riding upon it had done and knew about all that he hated those things; not just because what this one had done to his warriors but what the other one had done to him. His hand itched when he remembered the brand that was now in his hand and he lifted his ax up, clenching it so tight that his hand hurt.

He watched as one of his warriors came running towards him only to stop and look at him with wide eyes.
"My great war chief. That warrior has killed several of our fellow warriors-"
"I can see that Ragged Tooth!" Rorg screamed, the grip on his ax handle even tighter. "What do you want me to do about it?!"
Ragged Tooth looked at the war chief and he could tell by the look on Rorg's face he could be struck down without a second's warning. He quickly backed away from Rorg but kept his eyes on the ax that was in his hands.
"I did not mean to disturb you my great war-"
"Get away from me you coward," Rorg said just to see Ragged Tooth's eyes go wide. He knew that he had just insulted Ragged Tooth in the worse possible way but he could tell but the look that was now in his eyes that he was not going to do anything about it.

"Go into the human city. Try and find any of them that are still left alive and bring them before me. I want to find out what they know about these warriors and if they know how to kill them."

A smile came to Ragged Tooth's face before he turned and ran down the hill towards the town. Rorg knew that he could let a smile come to his face but there was something that was still annoying him. With that thought his hand started to itch and he looked down at it with a growl.

* * * * *​

Several minutes later Rorg was sitting in the largest building still standing, looking at the humans his warriors had brought before him. All of them had bruises on their body from the recent fighting and nearly all of them had a scared look on their face. There was only two of the group that didn't have one and Rorg had them brought before him first.

As soon as they were standing before him Rorg stood, lifted his ax up and looked at the man and woman.
"What do you know of the dragons and the warriors that ride them."

The man raised his head to look at Rorg before spitting at him.
"You will get nothing from us. We would rather die before telling you anything."

Rorg looked at him, "So be it."

He then swung his ax and as soon as the heads of the man and woman flew from their shoulders the others of the group started to scream with one of the woman shouting out, "I know who they are. What do you wish to know!"

Rorg let a smile come to his face before he moved back to the chair. He watched as the woman was lifted from the floor and pushed to stand in front of him. She slowly raised his head and looked at Rorg, fear clearly written on her face.
"Tell me what you know," Rorg said as he placed his ax over his legs.

The woman's eyes widened as soon as she saw the ax.
"They are called the Dragon Knights. They are the keepers of peace in these lands. They have been around since the Dragon Wars, they are the greatest warriors of the land and nobody knows where they live."

"How do we kill them?" Rorg said as he leaned forward to look into the woman's eyes.

"I do not know. Nobody knows how they can be killed or if they can be killed. They have lived for over one hundred years and their are stories that they are immortal."

Rorg got to his feet and the woman's eyes went wider.
"Please, do not kill me," she said.

"I give you my word that I will not kill you," Rorg said before he turned on his heels. "Ragged Tooth; you may have the honor."

As he left the building just to hear the scream of the women and men within one thought came to him. If he could how was he going to get the dragons on his side.

 

[cats]

Amber

IC: "My fellow knights," I began formly talking to Alezal, Arianna, and their respective dragons via telepathy. "You four our not preocupied in your respective teretories so I ask that you join me in mine."

"I have sited and located the invading orcs, and regret to say diplomacy was not possible. Atleast not yet. I fear there number is greater then I wish to count and I do remind you I was a merchant some time ago. I would place there number between 800 and 1000 strong."

"I ask now that you aid me in lowering the willingness of the orcs to continue there blood shed, and help me to investigate a slightly difrent matter. I spotted a rouge dragon flying above the orcs. I know it had something on its back but what I dare not say."

 

[Wolfsister]

"And the heavy tolls you are putting on the shipments are greatly hampering the progress of the arrival of the ships, thus making the procurement of the desired products in less than timely manners...."

Ari rubbed her temple, trying not to let her boredom show. The merchant's deep bass voice droned on and on in his peculiar way of speaking. As if he had to curl his words around a Dragon Knight.

"Maybe he suspects that if he bores me enough, I'll reduce the levies on his fleet just to get rid of him..." she mused silently towards Rhea, her draconic friend.

The answering chuckle echoed inside her head, soothing the throbbing ache behind her eyes, With his speech, you would think he was smarter than that. Perhaps I should just eat him.

Ari stiffened, trying not to allow the smile show on her face. After all, she didn't want to offend the poor man even more than her taxes were apparently doing. Listening to him drone on for another two minutes Arianna finally had enough. She cleared her throat and the merchant's flowery words dried up in his throat.

"Ship Master Bran, I assure you that your concerns have been noted. However, to continue protecting your fleet, I will have to continue paying my own Ship Masters and their respective crews. I am sure you understand, having to pay wages yourself." She smiled diplomatically, though the smile was more than plastic.

"I am more than sure that my taxes are within reasonable expectations. However, if you feel that you can no longer pay them - then I am afraid that I will have to find another way to ship fabrics and spices along the coast. I am sure that you understand my position, Ship Master Bran." Then she dismissed him, Rhea flicking her tail in impatience and sending the merchant away uttering weak protestations.

Ari sighed and looked down at the list of people that wished to petition her today and the other list of duties she was expected to attend to. The headache had come back. Rhea shifted behind her chair and Ari spared her a pitied glance. They never seem to stop, these humans.

Ari nodded in agreement. She looked up at the pale blue sky above her and not for the first time wished she were up there, amongst the clouds, drifting above the world. She surveyed the Court around her and sighed. It had taken alot of getting used to, but the Suivea Court had finally taken to the Open Air Audience chamber. It was just easier that way when Arianna was attending and Rhea was with her. The red dragon simply had to land and curl up behind Ari's chair - presumeably dozing while Ari attended to her public human duties.

She was about to call the next petitioner when a faint tickling in the back of her mind alerted her to the communication of another Knight. Amber's voice came through strong and clear into Arianna and Rhea's mind and Ari took a moment to listen. The position they were in with the Orc invasion was of great import to the land of Gralfor.

Rhea growled behind her as the message ended. When do we leave?

Arianna called one of her advisors over and spoke to him briefly for a few minutes. Any pressing matters she attended to with a few short spoken comments. Then she stepped up into Rhea's saddle, leaving her Advisors to deal with the matters of Suivea for now. We go now.

And with a great downward sweep of Rhea's crimson coloured wings, she launched herself into the sky above, announcing her departure with a deep throated roar. To Amber, Ari sent this message:

"We are coming."

 

[cats]

Amber

IC: 'We are coming.' I smiled happily at the good news. Arianna was a complete bag of tricks, she was a skilled melee fighter and her elemental spells were second to none and capable of defense and offense second to only one knight in each field. Having her along would do more then double our chances of winning as our combat forms compliment each other nicely.

Fire Opal smiled too, but for a difrent reason. Fire Opal was an insatiable flirt to female dragons, and well on occasion just to females in general. Once he even tried flirting with me. Once I explained we shared a soul however, we became like a married couple and he no longer was interested in sex with me, (much to my satisfaction.) At the moment his flirtatious nature was focused on Rhea as it has been for nearly a year of quite watching fallowed by several months open "courting". I personally was all for it, I very seldom got any action of this type, after all whores are horrible diplomats. At least this way part of me would be able to indulge even if that part was simply a shared soul.

The two of us settled down to wait for the others, each of us with our separate smiles and motives.

 

[Wolfsister]

It was the better part of a day before Rhea and Ari could be seen on the horizon. As the perspective on the crimson dragon got bigger and bigger, so too did the sun sink lower and lower. It was near dusk when Rhea and Ari located and landed near Amber and Fire Opal.

As was the norm for the two dragons, Rhea lifted her head in greeting to Amber, echoing words of welcome in the woman's head... but completely ignored Fire Opal. Such it had been since he had decided to begin his 'courtship'. Somehow, it seemed to just make him try harder.

Emotions ran through Ari as her dragon considered the courtship and as always the feelings were so deep, intermixed and alien that she had no clue as to what Rhea really felt about the situation. Being female should have helped, but somehow, it didn't.

Arianna alighted onto the ground before Amber and smiled in greeting. Even though Fire Opal usually made any excuse to come see Rhea, it had been a fair few months since the Knights had seen each other. Being the two females of the group sort of brought them together a little closer. In any case, they proved to be great company for each other.

"Amber, it has been some time." Her smile was warm as she took of her leather backed gauntlets. She was garbed in her battle gear. That was, a long coat of chainmail that was covered in a deep crimson tunic cut at the shoulders as was her preference and belted at the waist. As well as greaves of steel adorning her legs and lightweight similar steel for boots. The hilts of her two scimitars hung above her shoulders, the blades crossed at her back.

"I saw some of their camp, but we wanted to wait for your report. Are the others here yet?" It was a polite question, as the answer was obvious and after she said it, she wasn't exactly sure why she had. "What is the situation?"

 

[Angelus]

As they flew over the land Alezal could not help but let out a curse. If the orcs could do this to their own lands what could they do to his own. He knew that he could not let that happen.

Do not worry my friend. The orcs will never get this far. The knights will stop them before they can do anything like this.

Alezal could not help but smile at Anoth's comforting words. He knew that no matter how bad he felt that Anoth would always do something to cheer him up. He looked down at the ground but this time he found nothing but pity inside him. The only reason the orcs were in his land was that they had done it to themselves. As Anoth turned with the wind and flew back towards the mountains he knew that the knights would do anything to stop the orcs, short of losing their own lives.

It was then that he felt a familiar prickling in the back of his mind and heard Amber call out to the other knights. He was just about to answer when he heard Ari tell her that she would be right there. His first thought was to tell Amber where he was and that he would be right there but kept quiet and leaned forward to run his fingers over Anoth's neck. He heard a low growl come from inside Anoth's throat before he said, "Let us go and meet the others. There is much to be done and I do not think we have much time to waste."

He felt the exhiliration flow from Anoth and let a smile come to his face a second before Anoth pushed through the air, flying towards the mountains with all the speed that was in him. As they flew through the air Alazel leaned forward once more and thought about the fellow Knights; his friends. It had been far too long since he had seen them last and so much had happened since they had last been together. All he wanted was to see them and talk to them.

* * * * *​

A day later he was flying over Kergal. From the smoke that still hung in the sky he knew that the orcs had made their camp and that there would be no helping the people that might still live in the city. He wanted to fly down and cut down as many of the orcs as he could but he knew that in doing so it would be putting himself and Anoth in danger. He had no idea just how many orcs were down there but he did not want to find out.

He flew lower, just to see what the orcs were up to and it was then that he felt the arrows strike against his wards. His eyes widened when he felt them and called out to Anoth; to see if he was okay.

I am fine. I will take us higher up. That way those archers cannot get to us.

Alezal smiled again and once they were further up in the sky he called out to Amber and Ari.

I am over Kergal now. I am just having problems with the orcs here. I will be with before the end of the day.

 

[Angelus]

Rorg stood there and watched as another accursed dragon and knight flew over the city. He watched as the arrows flew through the air just to bounce off whatever was protecting the knight and fall to the ground. He knew that he should curse at that fact but the truth was that he was just sick of it. He knew that arrows had no effect against these knights as the other one of them had shown but he also knew that his archers would always try and always waste arrows.
He watched as the dragon flew further into the sky before he turned and walked into the building. After he pushed a warrior who was blocking his path out of the way he walked into one of the only rooms that still had a roof and looked at the orc who was standing there.

"We have to kill those Dragon Knights! They are going to stop us if we do not do anything to stop them. Take five hundred warriors and go in the direction that one just flew in. If he has landed by the time you reach him then kill him."
"But what about the other rider. He told you to wait for him; he told you that he would-"

Rorg backhanded the orc across the face, sending him to the ground and as the orc started to get back to his feet said, "Just do what I say Brog. Just because we share the same blood it does not mean I will not spill it here."

Brog looked at Rorg before bowing and moving quickly from the room. It left Rorg there to brood and scratch his ever itchy hand.

 

[Bladesman]

Malyn cast out his mind toward Skie, his anger and pain evident in his call to bring Skie to the cliff Malyn was on. "Malyn?" Skie's reply was puzzled as a faint dark blue form was seen spiraling down from the clouds. Instead of an answer, Malyn threw his arm out and shouted a single word. "Pryofuego!" A large ball of fire exploded into the air and flew for several miles before exploding in a massive flash. The spell served several purposes, one it alerted elven rangers to be on the lookout and also served as a way for him to calm down in a way long enough for him to tell Skie everything.

As Skie landed on the overhanging cliff beside Malyn, Malyn slumped against Skie's right side in agony. Rather then speak the words that were so painful for him to even come close to saying especially when it involved the ravaging and slaying of his betrothed by orc's fifty years before, Malyn opened the bond to Skie and let him see for himself. The dragon snorted then drew back from the bond and let some of his strength seep through the bond to help Malyn. Malyn put his left hand on Skie's right foreleg and stood up slowly.

"We must scout the countryside to see if they are truely returned. If so they will face such a vengance from the elven people for their actions against us. On our return, we will inform the elven capital and see that they mobilize the army and fortify the border regions. Once we are certain the elven realm is safe, perhaps we might see to warning the human realm. " Skie nodded his head and together they walked into the cave where they had lived for the past fifty years after the fateful event that had hardened the elven dragon knight.

In the past fifty years, few elves had seen him save for the King, the Queen and the members of the elven ranger core. Malyn slowly began to strap on his armor, the blue scales of his armor perfectly matching Skie's scales. Then he picked up the twin falchion's and strapped them onto his back so that the hilts were visible over his shoulders. Next he grabbed the dragon saddle and began to strap it onto Skie, the process taking several moments before the saddle was secure. With the saddle secure, Malyn put his helm on, its features matching Skie's features with one exception. His helm bore the scar under the right eye, rather then under the left eye like Skie's was. It would hide the fact that he was elven from humans and other such race's should he meet them.

Finally he reached for his lance and swung himself up into the saddle. When he was secure, Skie leapt into the air with a loud trumpeting call that would echo for several miles. It was the dragon cry for war that was ringing out from Skie's powerful lungs

 

[cats]

Amber

IC: I stood and waited next to my dragon in the growing shadows of the forest. It was now past noon and Arianna still wasn't. I tapped my foot impatiently, and it was swiftly answered by the arrival of Arianna. I smiled feeling like a summoned her.

'Amber, it has been some time.' I stopped and considered. I had been busy, so much so that even Fire Opal hadn't managed a surprise visit. Its been 3 months 2 weeks and a day Opals thoughts entered my mind in a creepy fasion. Some time tell me why you think you arn't stalking Rhea.

'I saw some of their camp, but we wanted to wait for your report. Are the others here yet?' I shook my head no. 'Whats the situation?'

"Grim enough that I wish for at least one more to aid us and suggest cation even then. The number of orcs is great indeed and casualties have been more against us then for us, so I fear their morals are high."

I paused and waited a bit. "Worse still the entire township has been destroyed. I can only imagine the economic and social havoc if we don't stop them soon."

The conversation continued each speaking until dusk and then into night. Topics varied from dragon politics, to pirates, to which knight would join them first. Even the topic of the rouge dragon came up briefly.

The next day was fast approaching and the four went into rest. Rhea sleeping far away from Opal. After a nap the dawn came fallowed by a tardy Alezal. The greatest oddity also came, he came from the direction the orcs had been in.

"Oh good, you came. I was beginning to worry we would need to wait for our former prince to finish his dealings. But now that your here we can discus our plan and let loose the dogs of war upon the orcs."

 

[Angelus]

Alezal could not help but notice the look that Amber had given him. He wanted to ask her what it was for but he knew that it was not the right time, that there were things more important than a suspicious look. He walked towards her, took of his helm and gave a smile before listening to her words. As soon as they left her mouth he shook his head.

"I know that sounds like a good idea but I don't think it is. There were more orcs down there than I could count. They have set up camps in and around Kergal and even if we go in there and burn everything I don't think it will do us much good. What we need is a plan. We have to somehow pull them apart; make them come to us in smaller groups and then destroy their numbers. That way they won't know when we are going to strike or from where."

He moved slowly to sit down and rest for a while and it was just as he did that Anoth's thoughts came to him. Amber does not trust us for some reason. I don't know why but even he said Fire Opal's draconic name is shutting himself away from us. I don't like what is going on and I don't think I want to go into battle this way.

Alezal knew that Anoth was right and looked at Amber again.
"Is there something that I need to know about. You have been looking at me suspiciously since I got here and even Fire Opal is guarding himself and you from the two of us. We have known each other for centuries and I have come here to help. What is it that you are not saying to me?"

 

[Kalika84]

Cherise has finished her duties for the day thank god. More than anything she wished it could just be herself and Shar, flying through the skies with out any worries. Unfortunately, this could not be as many duties came with being a Dragon Knight, especially one stationed in the Capital.

Having finished her audiences, reports and updates Cherise had gone out to Pelas Point and was lounging out in the soft grass that met the sand. Every now and then a great whomping sound could be heard. Cherise smiled while her eyes were closed as she could virtually see the massive black dragon flying straight up in the air only to plummet back down to the ocean below and open her wings at just the right time to swoop across the surface her large, muscled tail 'whomping' the surface.

Cherise! You should come and join me, it is an amazing feeling! Shar's voice boomed into her skull.

Shar, volume! please. Aye, it is fun until you drop me like the last two times. I think I will watch for now dear one.

Casting out her telepathic 'net' Cherise commenced her usual once a week check in with the other Knights.

Hello, comrades. Nothing to report here this week, there has been a higher than usual reporting of sunken ships, burnt buildings etcetera but nothing too drastic. we are still waiting for many messengers from the outerlands....come to think of it they have been missing for several weeks. I may need you to check with your respective people to see if the messengers ever arrived...anything I need to know on your end?

 

[Angelus]

Alezal still kept his eyes on Amber as he still wanted an answer from her. It was then that he heard Cherise's voice in the back of her mind, giving out her weekly report. She knew that she had not heard anything from where they were but for some reason had not heard the call from Amber. If was probably because once again she was either too busy or she had just shut herself off from the rest of the knights. She had the strangest ability to do that and whenever Alezal had talked to her about it, how she could get herself into truble if she had done so she would just look at him, roll her eyes and laugh at him. He wanted to talk to her more about it after that but she just walked away from him, humming a tuneless song as she did.

As he kept his eyes on Amber he cast out her mind towards Cherise, instantly finding her enjoying the sun, sand and water near Pelas Point. He wanted to shake his head at that point but knew it wouldn't do any good.

I don't think you are going to be getting any messengers from the outer lands young one. he couldn't keep the smile off his face as he knew how much she hated him calling her that, The orcs have come over the mountains in large numbers this time and have attacked Kergal. The place is in ruins and many of the people dead. Amber, Ari and myself are planning to attack the place and try to run them off but we don't know if we have the numbers to do so. If you can get over here as quick as you can then it will be much appreciated. Just please be equipped for battle when you do.

He knew that what he had just told Cherise would shock her but he also knew that she was needed in the upcoming battle. He looked at Amber.

"I know for some reason that you do not trust me for which I would like to know why but we do need Cherise with us. That begs one question though. Do we fly out towards Kergal and hope we can win the battle, do we fly out and meet Cherise half way or do we wait here for her?"

 

[Kalika84]

While Alezal was talking to her, Cherise was stamping a mental foot at being called 'little one' he KNEW she hated that. She was one of the taller knights, not the youngest either when she was bonded, but for some reason he always called her that, she could almost feel his mental eye roll when he felt where she was enjoying the beach.

All thought processes ground to halt however when he mentioned orcs and that Kergal had been razed to the ground. She went so still, so mentally quiet that Shar immediately pulled out of her dive and thudded onto the sand behind her so as not to blow sand in Cherise's eyes.

Cherise? Whats wrong? What's going on? Is it one of the others?. Rather than explain to the dragon, Cherise widened the channel to allow Shar to listen in.

Both Knight and Dragon were aghast at what had happened. Sending out one single thought Cherise leapt to her feet and raced up Shar's proferred leg. We are on our way.

Shar sent out a thought to the other dragons as well. Orcs. Will. Buuuuuuurn.

Flying like speeding arrow throw the air, so nimble for a large dragon Shar swept through and around the spires of the capital until she landed at the special opening hewn into the rock that made up the back wall of the Castle. A VERY large opening that tunneled into the chamber that was Shar and Cherise's rooms. Refusing to even be separated in the even of sleeping, a section of the castle had been converted, floors and walls removed to make room for the Dragon and her Knight.

Leaping from Shar's back Cherise quickly threw essentials into a knapsack, then changed. Off with her rough tunic and leggings, on with her dark purple battle gear. So dark they were almost black this armor had been specially made for her, smelted and created in dragon fire. The bracers were inscribed with truesilver, dragons rolling and flying over the metal cuffs. Tough black leather pants were tugged on, gripping her lithe body tightly but still allowing free movement. Black boots were pulled over the top and each strap pulled tight behind her calf. Her dark purple and black vest was next, made from leather and purple cloth, thin chainmail draping her arms from shoulder to elbow.

Next came her adornments that she had stocked with power for her to draw on in battle so her strength and others - as she could channel this power to them - was not depleted. An amethyst studded belt was slung around her hips, her two swords thrust into their scabbards and attached. She twisted her dark red hair back at the temples and tied the two pieces together behind her head with a simple leather tie. A black metal choker was put around her neck from which onyx and amethyst was studded.

Ready to go she turned to see Sharineth had donned her battle gear as well. a Metal head piece was on her massive draconian skull, her swirling silver eyes and range of vision unobstructed by large holes cut into the piece. Horns swept back from the headpiece, while the whole thing was made from black metal, made especially for dragons, true silver had been inlaid in swirls and patterns that while delcate made Shar look even more ferocious.

Shar refused to have armor on any other part of her body as she said it hampered her flight and movement. She also appreciated that her Knight did not wear full metal body armor as she would be more cumbersome during flight.

Let us leave CheriseShar's voice flowed through her mind.Yes Shar, now we leave. Straddling the dragon again between her neck and wings shar launched herself out of the keep and southeast to Ari, Amber and Alezal. She repeated again to all their minds, dragon and knight alike, Watch for us, we are coming.

 

[cats]

Amber

OOC: Well no clue why she is avoiding Alezal but aparently she is. So I will make something up.

IC: I crossed my arms and looked at Alezal. "If you can't recall why I am upset with you then I feel no obligation to inform you." Fire Opal aided my silent strike against my comrade with quiet support. After all he is the one who felled to meet me for dinner.

"Now if its all the same to you, I suggest we stop bickering and put it behind us. We are likely to enter battle soon, and I'd rather not be mad at you during our fight or vice versa."

 

[Bladesman]

A day later, Malyn and Skie came upon a band of orc's on the border land between the elven realm and the human realm. In fact the orcs had just come into sight of the human border post. Malyn grinned as he heard the snarl issuing from Skie's mouth. "Shall we end their miserable existence? Melt their stench from the earth and cleanse it with purifying fire."

Skie laughed in a manner only a dragon could laugh. "In the words of my sire, Malyn. I love the smell of an electrified orc in the morning." Malyn joined Skie in the laugh before comment that Skie's sire had been an exceptional dragon. Though not many people knew that Skie's sire had led many of the assualts against the human kingdom. Skie chuckled again and motioned toward the human border posts and toward the human soldiers that were running from the border post.

"You know Malyn, the humans can see us and we don't exactly resemble any of the five. This might get back to human knights." Malyn nodded and motioned for Skie to circle the orc raiding party while he pondered.

"No worries Skie, if this does get back to the human knights and they complain about it. The elves will deny it, after all we were the first that were bound together before the humans were bound with them. Besides if they do try something, the elves arestronger and better prepared and trained."

A moment later Malyn motioned toward the sun and Skie headed for the sun, then rolled sharply around so that he was coming toward the orcs and the sun would blind them as Skie swooped in for the kill.

Unleashing his anger once more, Malyn shouted a single envocation "Pryofuego!" A massive dark blue ball of fire burst into existince and streaked toward the band of orcs. The orcs saw the massive ball of fire streaking toward them and turned to try to run away but failed to do so as the fireball exploded and killed half of the orcs in the blast. The blast was followed up by a blast of lightning from Skie which killed nearly all of the remaining orcs leaving only a few orcs to run away or be killed by the humans.

With that band of orcs killed, Skie swooped past once more then took to the clouds again.

 

[Angelus]

OOC: I was thinking that Amber would be suspicious of Alezal because of the direction he came in and her seeing the dragon flying away from where the orcs were.

IC: Alezal could not help but smile at Cherise's comments and the mental foot tapping at his "young one" comment. He liked her as a knight but he knew that part of him would treat her as someone who he would always look after. It was something he had just fallen into the moment they had met and even though they were only a year apart he could not help but call her "young one".

He turned back to look at Amber and it was the first time that he noticed Ari standing there which he mentally kicked himself for.

"Ari. I am so sorry that I did not say hello until now. I am not ignoring you but with everything that has been happening lately my mind seems to be everywhere all at once."

He then turned back to Amber just to see that the look on her face was still there only a little softer.
"I just came from Kergal and I truly don't think that it can be saved for which I am truly sorry Amber. I know that you want to fly out and fight the orcs in Kergal, seeming as what they have done but I think that we still have to wait for Cherise to fly out here. I personally think that we should leave this place in case any of the orcs saw which way I flew from Kergal and I don't want any of us to be caught on the ground. I know that we have to talk about what to do but I say that we should fly out to meet Cherise."

 

[Jedi_Khan]

Atherron

The warm summer sun glared down upon fields of golden summer wheat as a breeze blew across the land. It was a perfect day for harvesting, and many farmers could be seen spread out for miles doing just that.

A shadow passed over the land, causing one farmer to look up from his work and smile. This particular farmer looked like any other farmer, weathered and worn, and a dark tan from working out in the sun day in and day out. What made this farmer different was what had caused the shadow: a dragon. Silhouetted against the blue sky was a fair sized dragon, gliding upon the air currents, its scales glimmering with a dark green color.

This dragon was not just any dragon; this dragon was bonded to the farmer who had looked up, a farmer by the name of Atherron. At first glance, Atherron appeared to be thirty years old, but closer examination would reveal that he actually looks twenty, with a weathered and worn face. But he’d be the first one to tell you that he is actually two hundred and twenty years old. His age is a side effect of being bonded with a dragon; he had stopped aging when he had been bonded with the dragon that flew above him, shortly after his twentieth birthday.

Atherron is a Dragon Knight, and Shela is his dragon. Together they watch over the northern region of the kingdom of Gralfor called Riverdale. It helped that Atherron was born and raised on the very farm that he was working on, several miles north of Riverside, the main city of Riverdale, so Atherron knew the countryside, and the people, even if he didn’t know them personally, he knew how they behaved.

The people of Riverdale were independent and down-to-earth people, especially the farmers. They frowned upon outside help, unless they asked for it, in which case they scowled at the fact that they had to ask for help in the first place. It was this trait among the people of Riverdale that allowed Atherron to live in peace on his farm with Shela, undisturbed. In fact, he had a fraction of the worries that the other knights had, mainly because of the way Riverdale worked; the people of Riverdale were largely self-sufficient, at least in terms of providing food for themselves and dealing with problems.

Come on down, Shela, I need your help, thought Atherron, communicating mentally through his bond with Shela.

I’m a dragon, not a farmer, Shela replied, her voice clear in his head. Do the work yourself.

You’ve been saying that for the past 185 years, Shela, and it’s never stopped you from helping me before, Atherron countered. So get your scaly butt down here and help me.

Atherron heard Shela’s mental grumble, but he knew that she really didn’t mind helping him work in the fields, she just liked being difficult. Shela landed with a heavy thud not far from Atherron, and together the two of them worked the rest of the day, cutting down the wheat stalks in broad swaths and hauling it to the grain bins for storage.

Little did either of them know that in a few days time, they would end up fighting a horde of orcs in the southern desert.

 

[cats]

Amber

OOC: Didn't guess that, but likely because Amber is trusting of her comrades. After 200 years one can't jump to conclusions, (other then Rhea shags like a minx.)

IC: Fire Opal was used to some dragons going nuts over his legendary fame as a dragon knight, but all the same he had some skill at flirting. At the moment he was relying on those skills since Rhea was also legendary as a dragon knight.

"Yes, why don't we go out of our way and abandon those orcs dumb enough to fallow you. If we desire to split up the orc forces I say we wait and see if your fallowed by few orcs or even a thousand. It makes no difrence to those that still live in Kergal."

I paused and looked to the ground clearing my head. "Your right. I am not being myself. Perhaps we should call the farm boy and the prince too. We'll go out in full force like we did against that first group of orc raiders. It won't be pretty but between us we can come up with something to increase there death rate or reduce ours."

 

[Wolfsister]

Ari looked from one to the other, not sure what exactly was taking place. Amber was wrapped in the self righteous anger only a woman can call forth and Alezal seemed to be stepping on eggshells.

Do you think-?

Oh come now, Arianna. Are you that blind you cannot see what is in front of you?

She frowned at Rhea's tone but shook her head, I'm not sure, but if they want it, then there is nothing that will stop them. The crimson dragon at her side snorted and shifted on her haunches into a better, more comfortable position. Rhea could not help it if sunlight now hit her scales in such a way as to make them glow and sparkle red directly into Fire Opal's eyes.

But, as per usual, she ignored him and instead engaged in some minor pleasantries with Anoth while they communicated with their Dragon Knights. Making herself clear to Ari, they formulated a plan.

Ari was the one that spoke up about it, "Splitting forces may be a dangerous thing to do in this case. There is such a force of those orcs, but neither can we fly away and ignore the threat until we are more prepared. We swore our lives hundreds of years ago to protect Gralfor - and I intend on keeping that oath."

Rhea - as was her habit - continued on Ari's behalf, We propose that you, Alezal and Anoth, go to meet Cherise. Because of your defensive skills, we're confident you can handle things by yourself should you get in trouble. Fire Opal, myself and our Sisters will stay here - we will harry the Orc force so that they are so preoccupied with us that they will not draw further inland and cause more strife than they already have. When you return, hopefully with the others, then you can flank them and we can gain the advantage.

Ari took over, "Amber and I are well suited as a battle duo - our," she paused, "- inventiveness could come in handy when holding the army off. They have desert in front of them and mountains at their back - they are not in a good tactical position. I believe that we can hold them, at least for the few days it will take to get the others here."

Crimson flame spurted out as Rhea growled her agreement. She grunted and there was a twinkle in her eye as she said, besides, it will give Fire Opal a chance to show off.

 

[cats]

Amber

IC: The smallest of the dragons stood in a manner showing his impressive size... which was still less then most dragons. "Can do."

Amber placed a hand on her face in embarrassment. "It sounds like a good plan, or will be at least once my partner returns to earth."

That left one minor item of business. "Alezal, do take care. And if you get a chance I saw a rouge dragon flying by the orcs unattacked before. Though the orcs were quick to attack Fire and I. See if you can find any signs of it as you travel that way."

 

[Angelus]

Alezal mentally slapped himself because as usual he had thought the wrong thing. Amber hadn't been suspicious of him in the least; she was still a little pissed over his not showing up for their dinner. He wanted to smile at her and tell her sorry but he knew that he did not have to. Amber would not have taken anything to heart over what he had or more importantly had not said. He listened to what Ari had to say and looked at her before shaking his head. He wanted to tell her that it would be a crazy thing for him to leave as they would need his defensive powers with the number of orcs that were more than likely out there. He knew though that there was no way he was going to win such an argument and with a look out at the desert nodded.

"Okay. I will go and meet Cherise on the way here and then we will fly back. Just promise that you will still be here."

He turned to Amber, "I am sorry for what I did not do but I promise that if I get another shot at it that I will show up next time. And I will look out for the rogue dragon. If I see it then I will tell you."

He watched for a second as Fire tried to make himself look bigger than he really was and tried hard not to laugh.
Now now. Be nice. Just because he is the smallest of us and tries to have every female in the kingdom; which he does not succeed in doing it does not mean that you have to laugh at him.

With that Alezal burst out laughing and looked at Anoth, getting a mental laugh back. He ran his fingers over Anoth's side and said under his breath, "You have a very weird sense of humor."

Well I did learn from the best. You did teach me everything that I know.

I will have to stop doing that then. was all Alezal could think to say.

That brought another mental chuckle from Anoth and a flick of the tail. He then looked at Fire and Rhea.
You two be careful. I want to come back and see the two of you alive and without any injuries.

Without having to say anything else Alezal got back up into his saddle and waved his arm to Ari and Amber. He sat back as Anoth took to the air with a big sweep of his wings and took a look back as they flew further into the air. He hoped that Amber and Ari were with him, flying at his side as they had not flown together in a long time and he missed it more than he could put into words. They had been knights for two centuries and he could count on probably both hands the number of times they had all flown together since they had gone to their provinces. He felt a moment of sadness flow from him and knew that Anoth had an unanswered question over it but he knew that it was something Anoth was not going to ask.

As they flew through the sky Alezal felt the wind flowing over his face and closed his eyes. This was the one thing he prized above all else. When he was flying above everything on the back on Anoth he was truly free; there was nothing holding him to the ground, he had no responsibilities, there was only him and Anoth. He leaned forward, lay his head down onto Anoth and let out a breath.
I know exactly how you feel. We were meant to be here in the sky together, not stuck on the ground sorting things out. We are the most free up here; just the two of us.

Alezal once again ran his fingers over Anoth's scales, a sense of peace flowing over him. Even though he knew they were flying towards Graliel to meet up with Cherise and Shar they were still flying together. He then searched for and found her mind.
I am coming towards you, just keep flying in the direction that you are. We should meet up shortly.