Dragon's Roust(private)

[BiSmiley]

How long had it been hard to say how far had the wolrd of man come in his absence even harder to comprehend. His kin had a way of tipping the scales, and there he was trapped in his own mountain the raging volcano long dead sealing the exit. The dark oily pools of water deep below the bridge like outcroppings of stone. The nidhogg were his only companions though the dumb beasts learned fast not to venture too far into the center of this cathedral like cave.

The tunnels that funnelled the hot life blood of the planet hollow and empty thanks to the work of the leviathan Culain forcing them shut with gouts water and ice. The old beast had room enough to fly and hunt the smaller game that fled into from the ash forest into the caves. No tunnel large enough to allow and exit and the rock itself sapped magic, the wonders of obsidian.

From time to time a galant and capable knight would cut a swath through the serpents in the marsh or brave the ash fields without suffocating and find ‘him’. He’d toy with them admire the new tricks humans learned over the years. The old dragon had picked through there equipment and treasures, the collection was getting better and much of the junk dropped into the abyss below.

He had spent much of his boredom sorting through it dividing the piles and imagining what some of the stranger items were used for. Though most were obvious and some ridicules. Many a weapon over exaggerated and pointlessly decorative… Why were humans so obsessed with ornaments, and all that glittered.

It was this late morning that drew more attention than most. A grand clattering of armour and the cries of dying serpents and men alike. An army…or explorers and their gaurdians. Today was going to be entertaining…perhaps he’d let one live if only to have someone to speak to until he grew bored or hungry whichever came first.

This sleek beast was none other than Gerat an old name of a forgotten creature…well not quite forgotten apparently.

 

[Perplexia]

Princess Rosalynn Chambers LaFroy sighed in great contempt as she received another lecture from her head counsel that she wasn't equipped to run the kingdom of Delsopherlies.

"You are but a girl, it is a mans job, and yours is to produce heirs." he scolded once again. "Unless you marry you will loose the kingdom to your cousin Peter. He is second in line. You know this, your time is running out. Three months left and that is all. Marry Prince Edgar, Calvin, Horatio, Rubenstein, any of them are sufficient suitors which would create a handsome alliance."

Rosalynn scoffed at him. "Prince Edgar, as the IQ of a tubular slitherer (worm), Prince Calvin thinks my name is Jocylynn, and Prince Horatio and Rubenstein, are old enough to be my grandfathers." With that she stormed out of the room and to her room. Taking one of the many secret passages down to the armory. She had a trunk that simply remained out of site that she unlocked with as much stealth as possible. She would show them all that she was as good as any man.

Placing on her suit of armor and tucking her long red locks up under the helmet she put the visor down. Her 5'8 Frame stood as tall as only a few of the men. In armor her curves of her 19 years were hidden. The only way it would be possible to tell she was a woman was for her to speak, or be unarmoured.

Making her way to the stable she stepped up on the lift waiting for them to bring her a horse. This armor was heavy, but she would manage. With her sword holstered and a package of a few days supplies she set off. She was as skilled as any knight, and as brave as any man. She would show them by bringing back a dragons head. That was her quest, her mission, find one of the several scaled villains and slay him. Then they would have no choice but to step aside and over turn that silly rule that said she had to be a man.

Night came quickly and stopped her midway through the desolate forrest. She was far enough away to loose some of this armor. She decided the legs and boot covers could go. It would give her more mobility on horseback. The trousers she wore were big enough to still help conceal her curves. It took her a bit to loose what she needed to. Placing the other items to the side she now looked for twigs to start a fire with some flint.

She built the fire up enough to keep the critters at bay. She refused to let her nerves get the best of her. One of the two suns rose waking her the brighter one trailing behind. Getting her helmet gauntlets and chest piece on she got on her horse and began again.

The islands were all connected. From the stories she had heard. Most would burrow deep in the cave walls of volcanos or mountains. So this is where she would start to look.

 

[BiSmiley]

The would be invaders were very…cautious though it wasn’t quite enough numbers over skill. Scouts wandering the tunnels aimlessly and well guarded they weren’t looking to fight just yet scurrying into the tight corners every time they felt the slightest notion of danger.

Gerat had his eyes open watching them ever so closely swooping in on the few stragglers. Their short cries echoing only to end in a short wet thud and sickening snap. The black scaled monster made nary a sound save for the subtle beating of wings. And the shifting of rock as he climbed the rock spires.

They were fools to think he couldn’t hear them, couldn’t see them. Fools knew nothing of dragons, at least nothing useful. The scouts had retreated to report passed the narrow entrance large enough only for a handful of men, and not the stature of a dragon.

What were they planning with so many soldiers, to massacre in single file or was there something else a work. Gerat simply sat back on his haunches a waited for the next group to tour his lair.

 

[Perplexia]

The brush had been allowed to grow wild by the farmers. They believed it would please mother nature and keep the creatures from preying on their livestock and crops.
When the occasional creature would get through they would then draft for virgin sacrifices. Unbeknown to the people she would rescue these sacrifices and relocate them. They were given a choice, most chose a new life, a very few thought it was their solemn duty. In which case she would leave them to it.

When she reached the coast line she took a trail less traveled. Her fear was minimal compared to most. Perhaps that was a good thing, and perhaps it didn't. The tides of the water were too great for her steed. So she dismounted and took what she needed placing a note in her saddle bag. He would return home, and she would move forward.

The tide carried her a bit further then she had wished to go. Eventually she made it upon the shore bogged down by wet armor. It made traveling by foot slower then she would have wished for.

When night began to fall she created a fire and dried her armor. Her food was drenched with salt water. There was no savaging it. She would simply need to make this a quick voyage so she didn't starve.

The next morning she re armored herself and head forward. This trail lead her a different way then she had ever ventured or knew existed. One of those caves ahead must hold what she was looking for. But with the sun falling once again, It was time to set camp.

 

[BiSmiley]

The next group seemed to be working at the caves entrance, hammer and chisel, they seemed to want to open the cave wider… It gave all the more reason to wait and see what these creatures were doing. Though the scent of magic piqued his interest, they’ve definitely become a bit diverse in their methods compared to the would be thrill seekers.

Gerat loomed across from the bright hole cut against the shadowed rock, the dragon perched atop the central spire over looking the work as it went.

Before long there stood at the entrance the source of the magic. A figure robed in blue and violet, chanting as a means to focus. Better than the archaic dancing and sacrifices that did absolutely nothing but amuse the more sadistic members of his species. It was the far from constructive though it held weed out a few undesirables from time to time.

This mage was…correction a witch. Interesting last he remembered it was ‘heresy’ or some other thing for women to use magic. Human’s so stuck in old ways but things were progressing if only slowly he’d yet to see a warrior of the fairer sex.

Gerat watched as she entered the feint light swirling about her an attempt a warding away any evil. Funny how he could sense the power bleed away slowly magic was useless here.

Retreating the second the ward dropped she reported the failure to a man in bright armour just outside of the dragon’s reach. The intention to draw him out and fire from range…effective if Gerat wasn’t eavesdropping though the temptation to break passed them was almost worth the wounds.

 

[Perplexia]

During the night she awoke to what she thought sounded like screaming. It ended as quick as it began so she set another log upon the fire. Settling back she watched the flames until she dose off once again.

Her stomach rumbled her awake as the suns began to rise. She was going to need to find something before she continued. This led her back into the brush. Now she had wished she had brought her bow. The armor being to noisy to hunt she left it by the fire and stalked a deercorn. It's antlers were three upon its enormous head. She stalked it and then flew at it with the tip of her sword drawn out beheading it almost instantly. Hitting its jugular covered her in it's fresh blood.

"gross" she muttered to herself halling its carcass back to her fire leaving a trail of blood. With some vines she secured it and hauled it up so she could gut it. "i'm sorry" she whispered the the dead animal as she began to strip it down and taking a nice bit of meat and placing it on a spick over the fire. As it cooked she made her way down to devils stream. Washing her bare flesh in it's currents and the blood from her clothes. Hanging her clothes up near the fire she sat naked. Watching the meat sizzle and bubble over the fire. This time she kept the fire build higher. She slapped her skin after being bitten by a buzzbutt. The suns started to go down again. The deer corns meat was delicious, it practically fell off the stick into her mouth.

Placing another chunk of meat on a stick and over the fire she prepared it for morning. Tomorrow she would continue her mission. She determined. Then her thoughts were interrupted with a rustle in the bushes. Grabbing her sword she poised listening. Eyes flashed around her not one not two but six. That meant either there were two nindahogs or one bearkin. She hoped from the later, but the stench that hit her nostrils told her she was wrong.

The first one ran for her causing her to duck and roll with her sword, causing it to wail out as she removed its left rear leg. This seemed to anger the second one. Leave it to her to get attacked by a mated pair.

One began to cough a venomous spit ball and she ducked just in time for it to hit its mate this cause them to fight each other for a moment and allow her to grab her shirt and throw it on. With any luck she'd be able to get the armor on before they noticed her again. quickly getting her pants on she reached for her helmet and they both stopped clucking at her, inching toward her. Dropping her helmet her locks flying she reached into the edge of the fire and grabbed a partial burning limb. Becoming even more agitated they tried to tag team her. Stabbing the three legged one in the throat she ended it's existence.

The remaining nindahog screeched with a bellow that made her cover her ears. Then it lunged. The last thing she remembered before her head hit the rock was "oh fuck"

 

[BiSmiley]

Minutes, hours, days Gerat didn’t notice time pass as often as he should have. Isolation does that to even the hardiest of minds though one finds means to entertain themselves with. Speaking of which the dragon came to notice the entrance being chipped away crossbowmen lined up and ready to defend the mason’s that chiselled the way in.

They had numbers but it was difficult to tell how many through the growing hole but the numbers kept rising. The dragon still watched lazily scouts were wandering the other passages in relative safety Gerat had his meal already and refused to leave his perch or miss his chance.

The witch had ventured in again a tome in hand…curious. They’d figured out enchantments, she was using it to fuel her abilities. The dragon leapt from his perch and swooped under the bridge she traveled clinging to the underside of the rock with his talons.

“Sir I don’t see it!”

“Keep looking Prince Levant needs the Dragon’s head, how else does one impress a kingdom.”

“Not funny sir you’re not risking your life.”

Now was the time to spring his own trap whipping his tail into the thinnest portion of the bridge and shattering it beneath the witches feet letting her plunge into the darkness. Ending with a splash, the thick tar and oil below enough to break her fall and slow he demise long enough to make noise.

Her screams called the others into the cave the crossbow men and soldiers filing in defences formed well around the workers and their attempt at aiding the downed ally. Gerat took his chance then they weren’t prepared. Bursting over the ledge knocking them back he broke free toward the entrance the pin pricks in his scales signalling the first of many crossbow bolts that peppered his sleek muscled form.

He was through the entrance and the armoured knights moved against him the device they’d planned to use unready but deadly. A giant crossbow aimed but not loaded.

They hollered and battled in vain as the dragon wasted no time in fleeing the scene. He’d rather his freedom than a good fight galloping through the swamp passed them he soon took flight the second he saw sky. A bellowing roar signalling his personal victory the dark of night brighter than he’d remembered it. To the east he saw the glow of a rising sun andn flew toward it.

It was a joy to finally be free, landing near a river and sheltering himself from the impossibly bright sunshine. Basking for a few hours he finally took notice of a commotion close by the shrieking was unmistakably familiar. Nidhogg’s, death lizards disgusting creature ridden with the smell of decay and rot.

Gerat couldn’t abide them fouling his air crying out with another shuddering roar and moving toward the sounds and smell. Bounding into the clearing and slamming one of the beasts into the earth under his talons. The other beholding the dragon in awe as it bled out from a previous wound dying shortly after.

Huffing in disgust he tossed the dead beast in talon aside and looked around to see what the excitement was spying a figure unconscious on the ground…curious. Human…female…armed and armoured strange…perhaps it was time to sate his curiosity as opposed to hunger. That too was a matter of patience, so the dragon sat across from the woman watching over her until she woke.

 

[Perplexia]

The light flickered as she grabbed her head letting out a painful moan. Her vision was fuzzy and blurry. Double the smell of rotten nidhoggs invaded her senses cause her to wince and moan painfully again.

A sound caught her attention and she turned her head as her hand fumbled for her sword. "hello" she whispered nervously gripping the hearth having a hard time telling between shadow and object. Waving her sword in front of her like a blind person she scooted herself backwards until she couldn't move any more. "Identify yourself or i will slice you from naval to forehead in one swipe" The chuckling that came after that was almost haunting. The deep roll of it was unlike anything she'd ever heard.

The pain thundered through her head forcing her to drop her sword and grab her head in agony. "please" she found herself pleading as she clenched her eyes closed. "don't kill me."

 

[BiSmiley]

"One swipe you say...you must have a longer arm than I am aware." Gerat chuckled aloud the low rumble in his chest. This was amusing the girl obviously worse off than she appeared but regardless aware enough to know he was there if not what sat across from her.

"Curious to see a female play at war isn't that still tabboo?" He wondered curiously "or have things changed that much. The dragon tilted his horned head and flicked hisspiked tail carelessly as he made his questions.

"But I must admit you to be a interesting creature considering." The scent did not match the average warrior, but that of pampered royalty and slight smattering of blood...an odd bouquet.

 

[Perplexia]

"Curious to see a female play at war isn't that still taboo?" He wondered curiously "or have things changed that much?"

It then occurred to her that her head wouldn't hurt so bad if she had her helmet on, nor would this stranger know her gender.
The tongue flickering, although she could not see it, she could almost hear it. "what are you?" she gasped still going for her sword.

"Look I'm not a worthy opponent, perhaps if you come back in a day or so i'll have regained my composure and we can see whether a woman playing at war is all that outrageous. But surely one of your stature would want the full glory of sparing with one of my sex. Truly what glory is there in killing a wounded opponent?"

 

[BiSmiley]

The dragon chuckled aloud a low growl in his throat "A day or month I'd imagine you male or female would stand little chance...but its an amusing thought." Gerat couldn't imagine being brought down by a human though stranger things had happened.

"Should I tell you what I am? Or should we just wait untuil you can see straight I much prefer the conversation at hand to the inevitable confrontation such a truth would inspire." Smirking to himself, the magic's swelling in his chest as he spent more time free of that void of a cave.

The smells of warriors on the west wind meant they were searching him out, though far from where he sat it would do him little good to be caught here...But time enough to entertain his curiosity.

"Tell me where do you hail from mountains to the north forest to the east or some other kingdom or tribe I've forgotten or formed between my absence?"

 

[Perplexia]

As normal with a concussion the smells over came her and she found herself spilling the venison she had eaten all over the forest floor.
regaining her composure she looked back in the general direction where the voice had come from. "You seem to like to toy with your victims, or those unable to defend themselves. So perhaps you will show a bit of mercy and slay me now, or lead me to the stream so i may wash out my mouth and tend to my wound. I am more nauseous now then i was at start."

Not waiting for a decision she rose up wobbly with the help of her sword, turning toward the trees and waving it in front of her like a blind persons cane. Only to stop bend over and heave once more. "gods of zeus have mercy" she mumbled before she collapsed again.

 

[BiSmiley]

The dragon watched her stagger off "Toy with you no...I'm a tad behind the times and you seem to be in a more pliable state to answer me." Rising up to his feet he moved to her side.

"But I cannot have you keeling over so I suppose one small kindness is appropriate." Pressing a single talon to her back the blue flash striking her form like lightning forcing her muscles to convulse the pale blue whirling about her body searching out the injury. Until sinking into her flesh and fading away.

"The numbness will pass, but try not to stand for a time." The dragon walking sitting aside the woman now holding the blade under his talons should she find a reason to strike.

 

[Perplexia]

"Don't" and then her mind got fuzzy as her body seemed to convulse and then go numb leaving her on the ground. The sudden lift of pain from her was an overwhelming relief. She barely heard what he said. She drifted a little and woke finding herself laying next to a dragon. Scrambling in shock she realized her sword was under his talon.

Sitting up and pulling her knees to her chest she stares at the fire. "Why save me if you're just going to kill me?" she questioned lightly. "Or you could have hurried things a long, let me have my sword and in a few hours we could see if female knights were such a laugh."

It was an empty threat and she knew it. This dragon was of the ancients, she could tell by the power of his magic, and his size. She would never succeed in bringing back his head, even quite literally if she had her horse she still couldn't drag it.

"Well thanks again, i'll be off now" she started to get up only to be pushed back down. "ouch"

 

[BiSmiley]

The dragon was more than amused by the reaction so...ungrateful and fearful. Though masked with anger and the like. She had fire regardless so it made her all the more entertaining to parle with.

"I've had my fill for the time being but you've yet to answer my questions, and I don't think I'll allow you to retreat until I get my answers." Leaning in with a wicked grin tapping his talon to the sword "Or if your truly averse to living you could run, hide, fight or be obstinate and I will ply my bargain to another more cooperative human." The word bargain was likely to entertain a thought of the humans they were always seeking fame, power and riches, why should females be any different.

"You should know dragons rarely choose to speak unless its for a reason or have you burned down all the libraries, destroyed the scrolls and forgotten the old stories." listening to the distance for the search parties as he spoke, they would be a bit longer before coming upon them if they weren't beset by some monstrosity or another.

 

[Perplexia]

"I am in no need of your bargains Dragon" she said the word dragon as if it was a distasteful word.

"There is nothing I need that you could provide, short of my sword so i may leave and go back in which i came. But i will give you this. Your kind have not been forgotten, some still pray to you, but most feel resentment and abandonment.

The world is still run by men and their hunger for power and wealth. Yet I am not a man so that does not interest me. My desire is for prosperity for my ...family and friends and the freedom to be what they wish."

It was a bit short of the truth, but why put her royal head on a plate for him.

"I simply wish to be let go and on my way, there will be nothing gained between us."

 

[BiSmiley]

Gerat shook his head at the warmaiden dissappointedly "Well then if you've no interest in cooperation..." Stepping off the sword he flicked the blade toward her with little need or care. "I see no reason to waste my time."

The search party was moving in and this was getting nowhere to stubbourn to submit to opportunity "Nothing to be gained indeed." Turning back he strode into the thick back toward the clearing caring not if she chose attack it would be a fools choice regardless but it was hers to make.

Humans...so short sighted.

 

[Perplexia]

"What if there's something that would be beneficial for both of us?" she questioned not quite sure she wanted to take this path. But she had read it once in her studies. Not even sure if it was possible, but what if. "What if I can offer you a kingdom that would worship you, so you wouldn't need to hide in a cold cave. In return you would allow me, and only me to ride you, showing my people that I a female can rule. I don't know if the stories are true, but I am in need of a husband that will let me rule my own kingdom. Your only duty would be to make appearances, nothing else."

She almost regretted mentioning it as soon as she did, but if this dragon could do this, then it would be a solution and a chance for her kingdom to prosper.

 

[BiSmiley]

"Hmmmm," Stopping mid step his long neck curling back to look upon her curiously his body snaking around and rest on his haunches "Debase myself as a beast of burden..." A concept unheard of by himself or any of his kind though the unlikelyhood of it had such an allure. "Husband...that's assuming I can take the shape...and a kingdom? That would mean you to be royalty would it not?"

All interesting peices he derived from her words "What proof do you have that you can offer such a lofty prize as a 'kingdom'?" He was most certainly interested in this prospect, and seeing over the human flock of this region would prove entertaining if the proposed battles on a winged steed didn't sate his intrigue enough.

 

[Perplexia]

"My name" she said removing her armour "is Princess Rosalynn Chambers LaFroy of Delsopherlies. I am daughter of Edward the IV, who was son of Edward III Son of Edward II son of King Edward Chambers LaFroy. He won his throne in the battle of Mount Sicilias, in which he took the throne from King Fredrick Whitling of Delsopherlies, which at that time was known as the Kingdom of Dragos."

Pulling out the medallion from beneath her frock which showed her royal crest.

"Unless I marry my kingdom under the current rules will go to my cousin. Who will make it his mission to seek out and destroy every last one of your kind. My family once had an alliance with the Dragon Vergo, he named us the keepers of the dragon heart. I can tell from your size and skills that you are an ancient. I know that you are bound by your word and that if your kind wanted the human race extinct you would have done so ages ago.
I offer you the chance that none of your kind has had. To be one of the people, or the guardian of the people and treated as the gods you should have been."

 

[BiSmiley]

"A moving testimony, though Vergo was a pup when I sealed away." Hard to believe that creature put together a kingdom but wonder never ceased did they. The medal meant nothing but the fire in her words rang quite true to the dragons' ears.

"True dragons rarely go back on their word, and I could careless if my kin are hunted to extinction." He rumbled "...however you pose something too tempting to resist." Hearing the rustling of the incoming soldiers they were an hours time away now.

"Appealing to my pride will get you nowhere but 'excitement' that is a valued commodity to me and you seem to offer this in abundance so I say we strike an accord you and I." Bowing to honor the agreement spoken "But before we 'finalize' this I suggest we depart I've unwanted guests...or we could make a show for them." Gesturing to the woods the soldiers would be coming through.

 

[Perplexia]

"Then a show of it we shall, I will need a bit of cooperation on your part however. Since your pride is of no issue, then you won't mind too much." She smiled at him and went about quickly gathering some vines.

Having him lower his head she made a make shift bridle and rein, in the dark it would look real enough. Building up the fire she had him lay down so she could lean against him and waited for the soldiers to arrive. She made herself as presentable as could be hiding the armor in the bush.

When they arrived she rose and the fire flickered off her medallion. Upon recognition they dropped to their knees. "Your royal highness" The shock of seeing the dragon laying there docile and bridaled was overwhelming.

"Make your way home and tell of my capture of the great dragon of the mountain. He will be the new guardian of our kingdom, a great weapon of destruction for any that wish ill upon us. Also have them prepare a giant feast for him, he is not to be chained but allowed to be free and cherished by all. This is my word as princess. Also, preparations are to be made for my husband to be. He shall arrive soon after we do. Make haste"

 

[BiSmiley]

Gerat made a beastly shreik to shake the soldiers, mocking intent in his eyes a few jumped and hurried to obey the princess' orders. This was rather amusing to say the least much better than counting out the pieces of armor and trinkets of the dead. He never liked over playing his hand letting them think him a wordless creature would save from many an annoyance.

He listened to her and waited for the soldiers to flee before lowering a wing for the princess to climb upon his back "Clever though a back-story for your would-be prince may be necessary," the vine bridle would hold for now though was a touch different to feel "And speaking of which once we are in the air I would like to hear what your 'ideal' husband would look like...something for me to take into consideration once we arrive."

 

[Perplexia]

"Whats your name?" she asked as she got on his back. It took her a moment to gain her balance when he started to move, but in no time she would seem like an expert dragon rider.

"Gerat" he replied as he took the sky. She pointed him in the general direction of the kingdom and thought about his question. "I've actually never really thought of what my prince would look like, I suppose it's because I despise being told that I must marry. But ideally he will be tall broad shouldered, foreign looking would be best considering we have to come up with a back story. His presence should command respect. Yet his eyes should be kind, and his word true."

"I never did care for those uptight prim and proper guys. They always seemed weasley. You are the ancient one so think of a land far beyond that noone would know the difference of, and you shall be Second Prince, since you come with no kingdom. Again, it will just be appearance, once we're married we can change the laws over a few years, and then if you wish to move on, that will be up to you."

 

[BiSmiley]

The concept was quickly coming into mind the shape in which he'd take and the proposed voice and stature that was required. Posing as royalty was nothing new but retaining the rank for a time now that was something new.

"Very well once we arrive I'd require a still pool or mirror," Sure taking a form was easy but a seamless one needed such things overlooking little details was damaging to pulling off the look. He dipped low to the sea cutting the paths between the islands and over the heads of the defeated soldiers returning home with little to nothing to show for their efforts.

"Should we land outside the city and make a parade 'my dear'." He chuckled wondering if she were the type to want to ride through the street as if she was a returning hero showing off a prize stag.

Rising into the sky he caught sight of the grand city below was quite the sight to behold. The long bridge being the only way in or out of the city and the castle "I'd assume we're landing else where I'd likely be shot out of the sky by your 'machina'...machines." Pointing out the ballistae on the castle roof too far for the human eyes to see.

"You've a lovely kingdom, should be fun exploring it."