Kora spat on the remains of the construct, “I am beginning to see why Dalf doesn’t like fighting non-sentient beings. They are too easily dealt with once you know their weakness and unlike a sentient opponent constructs don’t learn and adapt unless their creators will them to do so.” Kora looked around for Vanzerion, but all she saw was Draco picking up the man’s abandoned scythe. Kora cursed, either he had been forcibly teleported or… Sure enough the ground began to tremble as a mound that looked much like a tumor began to form. Kora had no flights of fancy of taking on the black dragon that emerged, not in her weakened state. She wanted the fight, but she wasn’t stupid enough to take it when she wasn’t at her full strength.
The whole point of her attempt to bait Vanzerion had been to give the others time to escape and she could see the others crossing an ice bridge. Kora sighed, the kodo stampede wouldn’t stall the dragon for long, but perhaps she could aid the distraction. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes and when she opened them they had changed from the night elven glowing eyes to her serpentine dragon eyes. Her form began to expand as her purple flesh gave way to red scales, her clothes melding into her body as great leathery wings erupted from her back. She let out a roar as where once stood a beautiful night elven woman now stood a gargantuan red dragon.
She of course wasn’t anywhere near the size of the aspects, perhaps only a little smaller than Vanzerion, whereas his size came with age hers came from daily combat training with her friend Illisidel Lightsun. The point being she was larger than one of her age should be, she roared again as she took to the skies, flying directly over the distracted Vanzerion. She took another deep breath and unleashed her fiery breath, blasting the distracted black as well as creating a wall of flame around him, being sure to leave an opening for the kodo to both run into him and get out. The red knew the fire wall wouldn’t deter him, but she hoped the combination of her attack on his body as well as the wall and kodo would buy her and the others to get as far away as possible. Her job done, the red blew one last blast of fire at the black before flying towards the ravine.
Darkness. Darkness was all Mortre could see, as she kept her eyes closed. Her head pounded from the strike she vaguely remembered receiving. Vinarion had come to her again, pleading with her to join his cause. She refused again, of course, but then everything went black as sparks flew from her head. Now, her eyelids were too heavy to even open as she felt like energy was being sapped from her very being. She tried moving her arms, but she could feel the cold metal of chains binding them and her legs together. Mortre could feel a bouncing sensation, like she was being moved, and the air was noticeably more sulfurous and warm than before.
Mortre felt herself lifted; and then pain in her left side as she was tossed onto a warm stone. The clang of metals followed shortly after, followed by the click of a key. So she was relocated to a new holding room. Still, she felt weak, beyond that of simply not eating. Mortre gave up trying to will herself back to conscious, and slipped again to sleep.
“Tch.” Vinarion stood outside the cell his mother now resided in, up on a stage like platform in a grand chamber beneath the earth. Lava simmered and boiled not 20 feet below them, visible through the ornate glass flooring that striped the room. Stone passages, large enough for a dragon, were carved leading out in several directions from the chamber, and the chamber itself could house the four aspects and then some with ease. Its ceiling was a glass mural, letting in the light of the sun above. Its walls covered in ornate gold and onyx with banners bearing an onyx stone sprouting black and gold dragon wings on a violet background. The center of the platform housed three throne like seats, and to their left was the newly fashioned cell housing Mortre.
Vinarion stood, looking down on his mother for a few more moments before turning and slouching onto the middle throne. Vanexia was already seated on the left most seat, discussing something with two other half elves. Sensing her brother’s mood, Vanexia shooed the two away and turned her attention to him.
“I just don’t understand.” Vinarion sighed as he glanced back at Mortre’s sleeping body. “Why doesn’t she just join us? Are those mortals really so important to her?”
“She just doesn’t understand, brother.” Vanexia smiled at him. “She may never understand, just stop tormenting her and let her go. No reason to keep her trapped here.”
Vinarion slammed his hand on the arm of his seat. “No! I cannot!” He growled, his eyes glowing a vibrant gold for a moment. “She’s seen too much, knows too much! She’ll run to the aspects, I am sure. And we will be eradicated.”
“Maybe if you just explained-“
“It won’t do any good!” Vinarion spat through his clenched teeth. “She wouldn’t understand, the aspects wouldn’t understand. Those who so willingly let corrupted, destructive mortals run the show!”
“Mother might. She is our mother, she has felt the pain.”
“So willing, she is, to cast us aside. Do you think she gives a rat’s (!@#$) about Anaxia?” Vinarion seethed and rubbed his temples, trying to calm himself down. “Whether she comes around or not-“ he said after a few minutes of silence. “she will witness the corpses of those mortals that so foolishly charge to her rescue, strewn about before her.” He glanced over to the right throne. “Where is Vanzer?”
Vanexia looked to the empty seat for a moment. “I believe he was surveying the blue and her allies.”
“He should be back by now.”
“Maybe he engaged them?”
“I don’t care. I want him back. NOW!” Vinarion snapped. Stones began to form an arm where he had none, and the man stood. Vinarion made his way to the wall behind the thrones. He pulled his stone arm back, and shoved it forward into the wall, it melding in like the wall was liquid. “VANZERION!” Vinarion shouted. “RETURN! NOW!”
Mortre felt herself lifted; and then pain in her left side as she was tossed onto a warm stone. The clang of metals followed shortly after, followed by the click of a key. So she was relocated to a new holding room. Still, she felt weak, beyond that of simply not eating. Mortre gave up trying to will herself back to conscious, and slipped again to sleep.
“Tch.” Vinarion stood outside the cell his mother now resided in, up on a stage like platform in a grand chamber beneath the earth. Lava simmered and boiled not 20 feet below them, visible through the ornate glass flooring that striped the room. Stone passages, large enough for a dragon, were carved leading out in several directions from the chamber, and the chamber itself could house the four aspects and then some with ease. Its ceiling was a glass mural, letting in the light of the sun above. Its walls covered in ornate gold and onyx with banners bearing an onyx stone sprouting black and gold dragon wings on a violet background. The center of the platform housed three throne like seats, and to their left was the newly fashioned cell housing Mortre.
Vinarion stood, looking down on his mother for a few more moments before turning and slouching onto the middle throne. Vanexia was already seated on the left most seat, discussing something with two other half elves. Sensing her brother’s mood, Vanexia shooed the two away and turned her attention to him.
“I just don’t understand.” Vinarion sighed as he glanced back at Mortre’s sleeping body. “Why doesn’t she just join us? Are those mortals really so important to her?”
“She just doesn’t understand, brother.” Vanexia smiled at him. “She may never understand, just stop tormenting her and let her go. No reason to keep her trapped here.”
Vinarion slammed his hand on the arm of his seat. “No! I cannot!” He growled, his eyes glowing a vibrant gold for a moment. “She’s seen too much, knows too much! She’ll run to the aspects, I am sure. And we will be eradicated.”
“Maybe if you just explained-“
“It won’t do any good!” Vinarion spat through his clenched teeth. “She wouldn’t understand, the aspects wouldn’t understand. Those who so willingly let corrupted, destructive mortals run the show!”
“Mother might. She is our mother, she has felt the pain.”
“So willing, she is, to cast us aside. Do you think she gives a rat’s (!@#$) about Anaxia?” Vinarion seethed and rubbed his temples, trying to calm himself down. “Whether she comes around or not-“ he said after a few minutes of silence. “she will witness the corpses of those mortals that so foolishly charge to her rescue, strewn about before her.” He glanced over to the right throne. “Where is Vanzer?”
Vanexia looked to the empty seat for a moment. “I believe he was surveying the blue and her allies.”
“He should be back by now.”
“Maybe he engaged them?”
“I don’t care. I want him back. NOW!” Vinarion snapped. Stones began to form an arm where he had none, and the man stood. Vinarion made his way to the wall behind the thrones. He pulled his stone arm back, and shoved it forward into the wall, it melding in like the wall was liquid. “VANZERION!” Vinarion shouted. “RETURN! NOW!”
White Fang looked up at the druid as his master rode off. he watched as she changed into a doe and darted towards her friends with him following closely behind. The frozen bridge was a new sight in the barrens but not an unwelcome one. He was after all a frostwolf and dealt with frozen constructs on a daily bases in Frostfire ridge. If the Druid could cross it then so too would he; stopping only after making it safely across. He watched by her side as others did the same in turn.
_________________________________________________________________
- Brave Baine Bloodhoof -
Baine remained at his post as he watched the herd of Kodo make their way towards the great divide, "The Earth Mother smiles down on us this day. It seems they were able to find the herd after all." and the Dragon that suddenly appeared on the battlefield. So his suspicions were right, The Druid's opponent was a member of the Black Dragonflight. But how was this possible when most if not all of them were wiped out. This was something else the Tauren would have to ask of the Druid when he returned to her. First things first, he had to be sure his band was safe and unharmed.
The Tauren Brave snapped the reigns of his raptor and moved to intercept his fellow Tauren before they came upon such a creature as Vanzerion. He managed to locate his party by following the trail of barrens dust back to it's source. Simple tactic, but one had to always be aware of wind changing the trail to suit its own merits. Thankfully this was not as much an issue today as he came upon the Hunting party in hot pursuit of the kodo herd; stopping only briefly upon seeing their leader return to the hunt. "Sir, it is good to see your safe return, but without the captive? Dare I say she eluded your grasp?"
Baine smiled at the young druid before him. "No young one. Our trip was successful thanks in part to the timely intervention of the Kodo stampede. I hope Vynianyx and her companions made it safely across." Baine responded before giving a sigh as he remembered his vision from the other night. Something still pulled at him. It was not over, this path the Earth Mother seemed to want him to travel. His ceremonial hunt would end here and another must take his place for the time being. He had to walk a separate path, one he must do without the aid of his Tauren companions.
The young druid could tell something was up and questioned Baine about what he wanted to do next as the rest of the band were eager to follow the herd; he was eager. It was his first hunt and young as he was, wanted to come back a hero to the tribe. Baine saw this as well. The choice was made for him. But the Tauren Brave did not intend to leave them without some advice.
"My path has been chosen for me young Noctauro Ravenfeather. As it would appear yours as well. I have to see where mine leads and so I leave you in charge. Finish the hunt I started." This news brought mixed feelings to the young druid but he was proud and very eager to take his place at the head of the hunt and show the tribe he was capable.
"Are you sure that was wise? he is very headstrong." Another of the Tauren would ask as he approached on his Kodo. He was older than Baine and had been on several hunts in his day. "You really should be the one to lead us on this hunt." Baine simply shook his head at this response. It was not his intent to abandon his brothers during a critical time in their development. Once more the Tauren sighed.
"Was I no different on my first hunt? Some days I felt cursed with the burden of my name. To be constantly at odds with being compared to the High Chieftain's son. Cursed to always be inferior and in a constant battle to hold up to the standards thrust upon me. It was these burdens that made me into the Tauren I am today. It is these trials and burdens the next generation will have to overcome in their own right." Baine looked at his mentor. "Noctauro Ravenfeather is young, but there may be a leader in him somewhere. One similar to the one you once saw in me so many years ago. He has to face this trial; it will be good for him. Besides. I am leaving them in your capable hands." Baine would finally state with a smile as he pat the older Tauren on the shoulder.
"Permit me one last word. Make sure they do not follow the herd directly. They seem to have come across a rogue black dragon. Time is short so I am unable to go to greater details. Just know that it is a monster and would be wise to avoid at all cost. Have Noctauro lead them north around, to cut off the herds advance. There they can lay their traps. Good Hunting my brother." Baine pulled on the reigns as he departed the band and made his way towards the Great Divide likely missing his opportunity to cross with the others...
_________________________________________________________________
- Brave Baine Bloodhoof -
Baine remained at his post as he watched the herd of Kodo make their way towards the great divide, "The Earth Mother smiles down on us this day. It seems they were able to find the herd after all." and the Dragon that suddenly appeared on the battlefield. So his suspicions were right, The Druid's opponent was a member of the Black Dragonflight. But how was this possible when most if not all of them were wiped out. This was something else the Tauren would have to ask of the Druid when he returned to her. First things first, he had to be sure his band was safe and unharmed.
The Tauren Brave snapped the reigns of his raptor and moved to intercept his fellow Tauren before they came upon such a creature as Vanzerion. He managed to locate his party by following the trail of barrens dust back to it's source. Simple tactic, but one had to always be aware of wind changing the trail to suit its own merits. Thankfully this was not as much an issue today as he came upon the Hunting party in hot pursuit of the kodo herd; stopping only briefly upon seeing their leader return to the hunt. "Sir, it is good to see your safe return, but without the captive? Dare I say she eluded your grasp?"
Baine smiled at the young druid before him. "No young one. Our trip was successful thanks in part to the timely intervention of the Kodo stampede. I hope Vynianyx and her companions made it safely across." Baine responded before giving a sigh as he remembered his vision from the other night. Something still pulled at him. It was not over, this path the Earth Mother seemed to want him to travel. His ceremonial hunt would end here and another must take his place for the time being. He had to walk a separate path, one he must do without the aid of his Tauren companions.
The young druid could tell something was up and questioned Baine about what he wanted to do next as the rest of the band were eager to follow the herd; he was eager. It was his first hunt and young as he was, wanted to come back a hero to the tribe. Baine saw this as well. The choice was made for him. But the Tauren Brave did not intend to leave them without some advice.
"My path has been chosen for me young Noctauro Ravenfeather. As it would appear yours as well. I have to see where mine leads and so I leave you in charge. Finish the hunt I started." This news brought mixed feelings to the young druid but he was proud and very eager to take his place at the head of the hunt and show the tribe he was capable.
"Are you sure that was wise? he is very headstrong." Another of the Tauren would ask as he approached on his Kodo. He was older than Baine and had been on several hunts in his day. "You really should be the one to lead us on this hunt." Baine simply shook his head at this response. It was not his intent to abandon his brothers during a critical time in their development. Once more the Tauren sighed.
"Was I no different on my first hunt? Some days I felt cursed with the burden of my name. To be constantly at odds with being compared to the High Chieftain's son. Cursed to always be inferior and in a constant battle to hold up to the standards thrust upon me. It was these burdens that made me into the Tauren I am today. It is these trials and burdens the next generation will have to overcome in their own right." Baine looked at his mentor. "Noctauro Ravenfeather is young, but there may be a leader in him somewhere. One similar to the one you once saw in me so many years ago. He has to face this trial; it will be good for him. Besides. I am leaving them in your capable hands." Baine would finally state with a smile as he pat the older Tauren on the shoulder.
"Permit me one last word. Make sure they do not follow the herd directly. They seem to have come across a rogue black dragon. Time is short so I am unable to go to greater details. Just know that it is a monster and would be wise to avoid at all cost. Have Noctauro lead them north around, to cut off the herds advance. There they can lay their traps. Good Hunting my brother." Baine pulled on the reigns as he departed the band and made his way towards the Great Divide likely missing his opportunity to cross with the others...
Kersia watched as everyone made it across the bridge. Draco and Torin added their own magic, making the bridge sturdy with better traction than her ice. She smiled, releasing her magic as the stone and vines aided the bridge enough that she no longer had to channel the spell. She jumped up on her talbuk and darted across the chasm. She turned to look behind her and saw Kora in her dragon form, making her way and the tauren Vyn was with heading towards the bridge. Kersia hoped the vines of the bridge would hold out long enough for him to cross, as it appeared he was on their side.
As her talbuk reached the group, Kersia slowed her pace. Torin was the first to speak up, eyeing the verdant overgrowth in the distance. Be cautious. The nightmare still pollutes this land.” His words held ominous weight, and Kersia mulled them in her mind.
“We should head south and east. Give that overgrowth a wide enough berth and get us to the marsh.” Kersia motioned with her talbuk towards the eastern mountains. “The mountains may provide some cover on one of our flanks at least. If our enemies approach by air, we should be able to spot them.” She glanced around the group. “If there are no objections, we should move before psycho realizes exactly where we have gone. Stragglers will catch up.” She turned her talbuk towards the direction she wanted to move.
-----
Vanzerion roared in anger. Fire blocked his immediate path, pathetic, weak, and useless fire. Had it not startled him, he would have ripped the stampede apart. He wildly survey the area, and spotted the glistening red scales of one of Alexstraza’s ilk. The very sight of the red boiled his blood, but then he realized his prey had escaped. He looked in the direction Kora was flying. He spotted the figures on the other side. A grumble escaped his jowls and he sunk into the earth.
Kersia stopped abruptly as the earth heaved in front of her. The form of Vanzerion’s half elf physique rose up from the stones. He had his scythe once again, and leaned against it, a smirk plastered across his face.
“Leaving so swiftly? Ahehe.” He cackled. He took a wide stance and hoisted his scythe across his shoulder before pointing his free hand’s finger at Kersia. “I’ve only just met you! I don’t want you to LEAVE! Ahahaha!” He grinned wildly at her, but kept his eyes trained on the group. “After all, it was thanks to YOUR sister, all those thousands of years ago. Her little bitty magical enchanted thingies.” He cackled. “Oh if only she hadn’t! Right? You wouldn’t be here right now! Mother would be dead, ages ago! Ahahahe! Oh the irony. Is it irony? Oh the whatev-“ Vanzer was cut off as a stone hand sprung up from the earth and wrapped around his midsection. “Oh dear, must go. Toodles! AHAHAHA!” He spoke quickly just before the hand pulled him back into the earth.
Kersia remained guarded for several minutes, before reaching out with her arcane magic and seeking any sort of presence within the earth. Vanzerion was gone, for now. She sighed, and relaxed. “He is gone, I assume summoned away by his master.”
Vynianyx stepped forward and nuzzled the pandaren. Kersia chuckled. “His words mean nothing to me, blatherings of a fool. Let us continue.” Kersia urged her talbuk forward and began to head towards the mountains once more.
As her talbuk reached the group, Kersia slowed her pace. Torin was the first to speak up, eyeing the verdant overgrowth in the distance. Be cautious. The nightmare still pollutes this land.” His words held ominous weight, and Kersia mulled them in her mind.
“We should head south and east. Give that overgrowth a wide enough berth and get us to the marsh.” Kersia motioned with her talbuk towards the eastern mountains. “The mountains may provide some cover on one of our flanks at least. If our enemies approach by air, we should be able to spot them.” She glanced around the group. “If there are no objections, we should move before psycho realizes exactly where we have gone. Stragglers will catch up.” She turned her talbuk towards the direction she wanted to move.
-----
Vanzerion roared in anger. Fire blocked his immediate path, pathetic, weak, and useless fire. Had it not startled him, he would have ripped the stampede apart. He wildly survey the area, and spotted the glistening red scales of one of Alexstraza’s ilk. The very sight of the red boiled his blood, but then he realized his prey had escaped. He looked in the direction Kora was flying. He spotted the figures on the other side. A grumble escaped his jowls and he sunk into the earth.
Kersia stopped abruptly as the earth heaved in front of her. The form of Vanzerion’s half elf physique rose up from the stones. He had his scythe once again, and leaned against it, a smirk plastered across his face.
“Leaving so swiftly? Ahehe.” He cackled. He took a wide stance and hoisted his scythe across his shoulder before pointing his free hand’s finger at Kersia. “I’ve only just met you! I don’t want you to LEAVE! Ahahaha!” He grinned wildly at her, but kept his eyes trained on the group. “After all, it was thanks to YOUR sister, all those thousands of years ago. Her little bitty magical enchanted thingies.” He cackled. “Oh if only she hadn’t! Right? You wouldn’t be here right now! Mother would be dead, ages ago! Ahahahe! Oh the irony. Is it irony? Oh the whatev-“ Vanzer was cut off as a stone hand sprung up from the earth and wrapped around his midsection. “Oh dear, must go. Toodles! AHAHAHA!” He spoke quickly just before the hand pulled him back into the earth.
Kersia remained guarded for several minutes, before reaching out with her arcane magic and seeking any sort of presence within the earth. Vanzerion was gone, for now. She sighed, and relaxed. “He is gone, I assume summoned away by his master.”
Vynianyx stepped forward and nuzzled the pandaren. Kersia chuckled. “His words mean nothing to me, blatherings of a fool. Let us continue.” Kersia urged her talbuk forward and began to head towards the mountains once more.
Richard sighed, trudging onward with his companions. He had a mind to tell the pandaren off. He almost decided not to do it, but he let himself get the best of him. Whipping his head towards her direction he began. "DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA how screwed I would be had this horse gotten lost, injured, or killed. I don't even know how it managed to be here but at this point I don't care! I just want to know what in the world all that nonsense was back there! Drakes or dragons, whatever they were assaulting us, that weirdo with the scythe, and who knows what else."
He continued talking in a faster pace. "Also, did you have any IDEA that we might be encountering dragons. Because if you did you little insipid, mangy furball that might have been good information to know back when I signed up for this adventure. A sort of P.S There might be dragons involved would have been nice to know. Some sort of indicator that I might be ripped to shreds, squished, have my back broken, get melted by flames. ANY OF THAT INFORMATION WOULD HAVE BEEN USEFUL!"
"Who knows maybe I would be better prepared. I just...It would be nice to have clear communication around here. You were snooping around during the morning in Ratchet, what were you even doing then! Huh, I thought I was an early riser, but no you and that other one was already standing around the edge of town."
His forehead furrowed as his mind raced with the possibilities. "Waaaaaaaaaaait a minute. IS SHE A DAMN DRAGON!? ARE HER 'OFFSPRING' dragons or drakes or whatever the hell they are called!? Because that would have been nice to know too."
He continued talking in a faster pace. "Also, did you have any IDEA that we might be encountering dragons. Because if you did you little insipid, mangy furball that might have been good information to know back when I signed up for this adventure. A sort of P.S There might be dragons involved would have been nice to know. Some sort of indicator that I might be ripped to shreds, squished, have my back broken, get melted by flames. ANY OF THAT INFORMATION WOULD HAVE BEEN USEFUL!"
"Who knows maybe I would be better prepared. I just...It would be nice to have clear communication around here. You were snooping around during the morning in Ratchet, what were you even doing then! Huh, I thought I was an early riser, but no you and that other one was already standing around the edge of town."
His forehead furrowed as his mind raced with the possibilities. "Waaaaaaaaaaait a minute. IS SHE A DAMN DRAGON!? ARE HER 'OFFSPRING' dragons or drakes or whatever the hell they are called!? Because that would have been nice to know too."
Morician rested uneasily in the saddle as he trailed along with the others. Casting a glance at the ground, he tightened his grip on his runeblade, keeping the weapon at the ready in case more of the strange constructs or something else decided to burst out from underfoot and attack. However, it was a roar sounding from behind that really made his hair stand on end.
He cast a quick glance over his shoulder, widening his eyes at the sight of a great red dragon locked in battle with an equally impressive black dragon...not that it was hard to be impressed by dragons in the first place. What the fel is goin' on?! Thankfully, the two seemed to be focused on each other, at least for the moment. Morician tapped Steel's sides, picking up his pace a bit. The sooner they could get away and avoid attracting the dragons' attention, the better.
Is this place haunted or somethin'?! Morician thought to himself, casting another unsettled look at the ground as the hostile figure appeared and then disappeared almost as quickly. This was supposed to be a simple rescue mission, or so he had thought when he signed up in Booty Bay. Then these strange cultists came out of the woodwork, and if that wasn't bad enough, there were dragons involved as well. While the current band of adventurers was strong in their own right, what were they really supposed to do against full-fledged dragons?
He shivered, trying to concentrate on the path ahead and untangle the nervous knot twisting itself in the pit of his stomach. It would seem that some of the others shared similar concerns, as Parker exploded in a bit of a tirade.
He cast a quick glance over his shoulder, widening his eyes at the sight of a great red dragon locked in battle with an equally impressive black dragon...not that it was hard to be impressed by dragons in the first place. What the fel is goin' on?! Thankfully, the two seemed to be focused on each other, at least for the moment. Morician tapped Steel's sides, picking up his pace a bit. The sooner they could get away and avoid attracting the dragons' attention, the better.
04/08/2017 11:39 PMPosted by KersiaKersia stopped abruptly as the earth heaved in front of her. The form of Vanzerion’s half elf physique rose up from the stones. He had his scythe once again, and leaned against it, a smirk plastered across his face.
“Leaving so swiftly? Ahehe.” He cackled. He took a wide stance and hoisted his scythe across his shoulder before pointing his free hand’s finger at Kersia. “I’ve only just met you! I don’t want you to LEAVE! Ahahaha!” He grinned wildly at her, but kept his eyes trained on the group. “After all, it was thanks to YOUR sister, all those thousands of years ago. Her little bitty magical enchanted thingies.” He cackled. “Oh if only she hadn’t! Right? You wouldn’t be here right now! Mother would be dead, ages ago! Ahahahe! Oh the irony. Is it irony? Oh the whatev-“ Vanzer was cut off as a stone hand sprung up from the earth and wrapped around his midsection. “Oh dear, must go. Toodles! AHAHAHA!” He spoke quickly just before the hand pulled him back into the earth.
Kersia remained guarded for several minutes, before reaching out with her arcane magic and seeking any sort of presence within the earth. Vanzerion was gone, for now. She sighed, and relaxed. “He is gone, I assume summoned away by his master.”
Vynianyx stepped forward and nuzzled the pandaren. Kersia chuckled. “His words mean nothing to me, blatherings of a fool. Let us continue.” Kersia urged her talbuk forward and began to head towards the mountains once more.
Is this place haunted or somethin'?! Morician thought to himself, casting another unsettled look at the ground as the hostile figure appeared and then disappeared almost as quickly. This was supposed to be a simple rescue mission, or so he had thought when he signed up in Booty Bay. Then these strange cultists came out of the woodwork, and if that wasn't bad enough, there were dragons involved as well. While the current band of adventurers was strong in their own right, what were they really supposed to do against full-fledged dragons?
He shivered, trying to concentrate on the path ahead and untangle the nervous knot twisting itself in the pit of his stomach. It would seem that some of the others shared similar concerns, as Parker exploded in a bit of a tirade.
04/10/2017 05:11 AMPosted by Pärker"DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA how screwed I would be had this horse gotten lost, injured, or killed. I don't even know how it managed to be here but at this point I don't care! I just want to know what in the world all that nonsense was back there! Drakes or dragons, whatever they were assaulting us, that weirdo with the scythe, and who knows what else."
He continued talking in a faster pace. "Also, did you have any IDEA that we might be encountering dragons. Because if you did you little insipid, mangy furball that might have been good information to know back when I signed up for this adventure. A sort of P.S There might be dragons involved would have been nice to know. Some sort of indicator that I might be ripped to shreds, squished, have my back broken, get melted by flames. ANY OF THAT INFORMATION WOULD HAVE BEEN USEFUL!"
"Who knows maybe I would be better prepared. I just...It would be nice to have clear communication around here. You were snooping around during the morning in Ratchet, what were you even doing then! Huh, I thought I was an early riser, but no you and that other one was already standing around the edge of town."
His forehead furrowed as his mind raced with the possibilities. "Waaaaaaaaaaait a minute. IS SHE A DAMN DRAGON!? ARE HER 'OFFSPRING' dragons or drakes or whatever the hell they are called!? Because that would have been nice to know too."
"Is who a dragon?" Morician asked, frowning in puzzlement and shifting nervously in his saddle. The mage was bringing up several points that, when he considered the events in retrospect, were starting to seem suspicious. Either he'd missed the details before, or they didn't really strike him as important at the time. Still, while the current events seemed a surprise to him, they didn't really seem to be phasing some of the others...Kersia especially. "I'm gonna have to agree with him...somethin' doesn't seem right about this whole thing. I thought we were just supposed to be rescuin' someone from bandits or somethin', not fightin' dragons."
Kora saw the rest of the group make it safely across the bridge and she smiled wearily, she had used up far too much energy in trying to bait the big bads out of hiding. She had hoped dealing with them would make getting Mortre to safety easier, but perhaps she had gone a little overboard. She could barely keep herself aloft at this point, if she had been at full strength she may have been able to handle that psycho. On the bright side she had gotten under his skin which she hoped would make him focus more on her when the final battle inevitably happened.
She still didn’t agree with Kersia inviting just anyone, few mortals had the strength, let alone the nerve to face down dragons. In fact there was only one mortal she knew that would face a dragon on his own with a smile and that was Dalfein, if he wasn’t looking for Master Moonfury Kora would begin to think he would have been more useful here than she was. She had been on the receiving end of a battle with Dalfein in her dragon form and it had basically ended in a draw. Dalf’s power terrified her which was why she tried to keep Dalf and her friend Illisidel Lightsun apart. If Dalf lost himself to his blood thirst she only knew of three people that could take him down.
She shook her head to get herself back into the present, “Dalfein has never truly lost control I should worry more about the here and now. It was reckless of me to transform like I did, but I am fairly certain no one noticed, but the others definitely noticed that psycho’s transformation. Mortals tend to have a respectful awe and fear of the flights of the Accord, but the blacks? No, the blacks instill nothing but fear in most mortals, the mortals in our group are likely worried and perhaps a little frightened, maybe I should reveal myself so they know they have a dragon on their side?”
She thought for a moment, “At the same time it could frighten them further, likely leading to them suspecting Kersia and the blue isn’t ready to reveal herself.” Kora was breathing heavily as her altitude began to decline, “I-I can’t keep myself up any longer, looks like my weariness is going to make my decision for me.” Her body began to revert to her mortal guise, it was a failsafe spell she had placed on herself if she ever found herself exhausted and in need of help. Passerby were much more likely to help a beautiful night elven woman than even go near a full grown dragon injured or not. She began stumbling in the direction she had spotted the group heading hoping to catch up to the sooner rather than later.
She still didn’t agree with Kersia inviting just anyone, few mortals had the strength, let alone the nerve to face down dragons. In fact there was only one mortal she knew that would face a dragon on his own with a smile and that was Dalfein, if he wasn’t looking for Master Moonfury Kora would begin to think he would have been more useful here than she was. She had been on the receiving end of a battle with Dalfein in her dragon form and it had basically ended in a draw. Dalf’s power terrified her which was why she tried to keep Dalf and her friend Illisidel Lightsun apart. If Dalf lost himself to his blood thirst she only knew of three people that could take him down.
She shook her head to get herself back into the present, “Dalfein has never truly lost control I should worry more about the here and now. It was reckless of me to transform like I did, but I am fairly certain no one noticed, but the others definitely noticed that psycho’s transformation. Mortals tend to have a respectful awe and fear of the flights of the Accord, but the blacks? No, the blacks instill nothing but fear in most mortals, the mortals in our group are likely worried and perhaps a little frightened, maybe I should reveal myself so they know they have a dragon on their side?”
She thought for a moment, “At the same time it could frighten them further, likely leading to them suspecting Kersia and the blue isn’t ready to reveal herself.” Kora was breathing heavily as her altitude began to decline, “I-I can’t keep myself up any longer, looks like my weariness is going to make my decision for me.” Her body began to revert to her mortal guise, it was a failsafe spell she had placed on herself if she ever found herself exhausted and in need of help. Passerby were much more likely to help a beautiful night elven woman than even go near a full grown dragon injured or not. She began stumbling in the direction she had spotted the group heading hoping to catch up to the sooner rather than later.
Kersia had halted her advance as Sterixia moved from Vynianyx's back to sit with her on the talbuk. The whole ordeal seemed to upset the netherdrake somewhat, and she wanted the comfort of another. As she finished getting situated in front of Kersia, the mage Richard suddenly went off the deep end, ranting and raving about nonsense. "DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA how screwed I would be had this horse gotten lost, injured, or killed. I don't even know how it managed to be here but at this point I don't care! I just want to know what in the world all that nonsense was back there! Drakes or dragons, whatever they were assaulting us, that weirdo with the scythe, and who knows what else." Well, it wasn't entirely nonsense. Sterixia shrunk down into Kersia as she heard the yelling. She felt like she was being yelled at, and she hated the feeling. She just wanted to hide.
Richard continued, his pace growing as he spoke. "Also, did you have any IDEA that we might be encountering dragons. Because if you did you little insipid, mangy furball that might have been good information to know back when I signed up for this adventure. A sort of P.S There might be dragons involved would have been nice to know. Some sort of indicator that I might be ripped to shreds, squished, have my back broken, get melted by flames. ANY OF THAT INFORMATION WOULD HAVE BEEN USEFUL!"
Kersia herself was starting to feel small, like a child getting scolded for haphazardly using the arcane. She knew such revelations were bound to come the moment she realized this cult was probably made up of Mortre's children. Though she wasn't certain enough to speak up before, this last encounter certainly shattered any doubt.
Richard continued, as one does when angry. "Who knows maybe I would be better prepared. I just...It would be nice to have clear communication around here. You were snooping around during the morning in Ratchet, what were you even doing then! Huh, I thought I was an early riser, but no you and that other one was already standing around the edge of town."
He paused for a moment. Kersia felt an anxious foreboding feeling about seeing the cogwheels in his mind turn. "Waaaaaaaaaaait a minute. IS SHE A DAMN DRAGON!? ARE HER 'OFFSPRING' dragons or drakes or whatever the hell they are called!? Because that would have been nice to know too." Yup, Kersia felt a sinking feeling. Someone had cells between their ears and the capacity to use them, for sure. She knew if the mortals stuck around for the entire trip, they were bound to figure it out. The bad guys were going to keep it a secret, and Kersia knew their power was going to mean she wouldn't be able to either. Shame she held off explaining before, because now she had to do it on the fly.
Morician was one of the first to speak up after Richard's outburst. "Is who a dragon?" Kersia almost felt a superiority snicker, as she inwardly made a note that undeath certainly kills brain cells. "I'm gonna have to agree with him...somethin' doesn't seem right about this whole thing. I thought we were just supposed to be rescuin' someone from bandits or somethin', not fightin' dragons."
Vynianyx had shapeshifted at this point, back into an elf, and stood almost protectively next to Kersia. Suddenly, movement in the sky not too far from the group caught the druidess's eye. She spotted Kora, now in elf form, falling. She pointed it out to Kersia using a subtle nudge and a motion with her head, and the mage quickly casted a slowfall on the falling dragon elf. Kersia motioned for Vynianyx to go, as she silently worked out how to approach Richard's outburst.
Vynianyx chuckled. "Good luck." before darting off in stag form and positioning herself to catch the slowfalling Kora on her back.
Kersia sighed, and focused her thoughts. "First, let me adress your assumption that I knew any of this before posting for help or leaving. Okay? All I knew was that Mortre was investigating a cult of dragon worshippers and was kidnapped. Did not know at the time they had dragons in their ranks. I had a building suspicion when we fought the pirates but I still wasn't sure." Kersia formulated her words carefully as she weighed her choices. "I didn't want to cause alarm until I was certain, so for that, I apologize."
Richard continued, his pace growing as he spoke. "Also, did you have any IDEA that we might be encountering dragons. Because if you did you little insipid, mangy furball that might have been good information to know back when I signed up for this adventure. A sort of P.S There might be dragons involved would have been nice to know. Some sort of indicator that I might be ripped to shreds, squished, have my back broken, get melted by flames. ANY OF THAT INFORMATION WOULD HAVE BEEN USEFUL!"
Kersia herself was starting to feel small, like a child getting scolded for haphazardly using the arcane. She knew such revelations were bound to come the moment she realized this cult was probably made up of Mortre's children. Though she wasn't certain enough to speak up before, this last encounter certainly shattered any doubt.
Richard continued, as one does when angry. "Who knows maybe I would be better prepared. I just...It would be nice to have clear communication around here. You were snooping around during the morning in Ratchet, what were you even doing then! Huh, I thought I was an early riser, but no you and that other one was already standing around the edge of town."
He paused for a moment. Kersia felt an anxious foreboding feeling about seeing the cogwheels in his mind turn. "Waaaaaaaaaaait a minute. IS SHE A DAMN DRAGON!? ARE HER 'OFFSPRING' dragons or drakes or whatever the hell they are called!? Because that would have been nice to know too." Yup, Kersia felt a sinking feeling. Someone had cells between their ears and the capacity to use them, for sure. She knew if the mortals stuck around for the entire trip, they were bound to figure it out. The bad guys were going to keep it a secret, and Kersia knew their power was going to mean she wouldn't be able to either. Shame she held off explaining before, because now she had to do it on the fly.
Morician was one of the first to speak up after Richard's outburst. "Is who a dragon?" Kersia almost felt a superiority snicker, as she inwardly made a note that undeath certainly kills brain cells. "I'm gonna have to agree with him...somethin' doesn't seem right about this whole thing. I thought we were just supposed to be rescuin' someone from bandits or somethin', not fightin' dragons."
Vynianyx had shapeshifted at this point, back into an elf, and stood almost protectively next to Kersia. Suddenly, movement in the sky not too far from the group caught the druidess's eye. She spotted Kora, now in elf form, falling. She pointed it out to Kersia using a subtle nudge and a motion with her head, and the mage quickly casted a slowfall on the falling dragon elf. Kersia motioned for Vynianyx to go, as she silently worked out how to approach Richard's outburst.
Vynianyx chuckled. "Good luck." before darting off in stag form and positioning herself to catch the slowfalling Kora on her back.
Kersia sighed, and focused her thoughts. "First, let me adress your assumption that I knew any of this before posting for help or leaving. Okay? All I knew was that Mortre was investigating a cult of dragon worshippers and was kidnapped. Did not know at the time they had dragons in their ranks. I had a building suspicion when we fought the pirates but I still wasn't sure." Kersia formulated her words carefully as she weighed her choices. "I didn't want to cause alarm until I was certain, so for that, I apologize."
Kersia then considered the last bit. "Well, I suppose that one I could have mentioned." She looked between the members of the group. "I wasn't certain who kidnapped Mortre until this last encounter. Now I know for certain it was her children. So I might as well tell you now, so you can make an educated decision in remaining or not. Mortre is a black dragon. She escaped the old god's through the aide of an enchantment thousands of years ago. Her mate had enough made for them and their offspring. She always thought those offspring were dead, and only Sterixia remained, but that is false. Her children lived, and for whatever reason, have taken her against her will."
Kersia rubbed her temples. "Mortre is an old dragon. Judging by what we've seen, I would hazard a guess that her living offspring are from one of her first clutches, meaning they are old and most likely powerful." Well, it is now or never. If he was smart enough to pick up on the black dragon's words about Mortre, he would be smart enough to pick up on my sister. Kersia shot a glance at Torin and Draco. Their decisions would be their own, but for now, she hoped her choice was right. "I have known Mortre for years now. She sought me out, because my sister was the one that made that enchantment to block out the old gods." She almost glared at Richard. "So if you use half the brain you seem to have, that adds up to me being a dragon as well. A blue dragon to be precise. Vynianyx and Sylstyx as as they appear however." She smirked at that last remark. "Better you find out now, now that I know who has Mortre. Rather than our enemies use that to their advantage."
"Now," She turned her talbuk as Vynianyx was finally getting close to the group again. "You can leave now if such adventures unsettle you, or you can stick around. I have quite the sum of coin if you see us through, otherwise I'll pay you for your service up to now when I get home."
Kersia rubbed her temples. "Mortre is an old dragon. Judging by what we've seen, I would hazard a guess that her living offspring are from one of her first clutches, meaning they are old and most likely powerful." Well, it is now or never. If he was smart enough to pick up on the black dragon's words about Mortre, he would be smart enough to pick up on my sister. Kersia shot a glance at Torin and Draco. Their decisions would be their own, but for now, she hoped her choice was right. "I have known Mortre for years now. She sought me out, because my sister was the one that made that enchantment to block out the old gods." She almost glared at Richard. "So if you use half the brain you seem to have, that adds up to me being a dragon as well. A blue dragon to be precise. Vynianyx and Sylstyx as as they appear however." She smirked at that last remark. "Better you find out now, now that I know who has Mortre. Rather than our enemies use that to their advantage."
"Now," She turned her talbuk as Vynianyx was finally getting close to the group again. "You can leave now if such adventures unsettle you, or you can stick around. I have quite the sum of coin if you see us through, otherwise I'll pay you for your service up to now when I get home."
Richard visibly drug his hands slowly down his face, slightly stretching it as he did so. He let out a loud, long groan as he did so. A blue dragon. Of all the people he worked for this was certainly the most troubling. And to be working towards the goal of rescuing a BLACK dragon. That spelled a danger in greater detail than before.
He simmered down a bit, just sitting there for a few minutes before responding. He heaved a sigh. "Well, at least now I know. In the future I would like you to be more honest. I don't ask much from my employers but honesty is one of them. Being open makes my job easier and makes your life easier."
"Now as to why you bothered recruiting us for the job, I don't know. But I'm here now so if I can I'll still help. But before we continue on does anyone else have any burning secrets that would be useful to know. I don't want any more surprises sprung onto me. "
He simmered down a bit, just sitting there for a few minutes before responding. He heaved a sigh. "Well, at least now I know. In the future I would like you to be more honest. I don't ask much from my employers but honesty is one of them. Being open makes my job easier and makes your life easier."
"Now as to why you bothered recruiting us for the job, I don't know. But I'm here now so if I can I'll still help. But before we continue on does anyone else have any burning secrets that would be useful to know. I don't want any more surprises sprung onto me. "
- Dracnyxion -
Draco had managed to catch up with Vynianyx's Hippogryph and jump onto its back before the bridge had collapsed. Having arrived mounted and safe on the other side as the Human was making a go at Kersia; calling her furball and alike. The Dwarf for his part smirked at how wrong the boy was. If he only knew that Kersia was far from fuzzy.
He did not know the Blue very well if a all, but did not expect her to take the boy's berating, justified though it may be to some, without aggressive repercussions. What the dwarf saw and heard was far from what he expected. Or perhaps what he was hoping. When Kersia looked over at him his Draconian horns were still on display as he'd not hidden them since the battle. It was unlikely that in the chaos anyone had noticed they suddenly appeared, however given light of the newly revealed information. They would stick out like a pink Elekk in a Dwarven pub.
"Now as to why you bothered recruiting us for the job, I don't know. But I'm here now so if I can I'll still help. But before we continue on does anyone else have any burning secrets that would be useful to know. I don't want any more surprises sprung onto me."
Draco got down off the Hippogryph and walked over to the boy. "You want open lad?" The dwarf responded as his wings materialized and his eyes shifted in appearance as they began to glow like an iron forge. Reaching out his hand the Earth beneath his feet shook as a single plume of magma bubbled into the air and into the Dwarf's awaiting claw like a returning yo-yo.
"I do believe you were informed there would be risks involved. This is Azeroth, where even going outside to use the outhouse could have the very grass at your feet leap up and attack you. Insects the size of small huts, Magic of every kind flowing through the very air you fill your lungs with. Magi, even if you did not know every finite detail you knew enough. I am surprised it took the appearance of an actual fully grown dragon to spur that young mind of yours to the truth."
Draco's dwarven voice had grown even deeper than it already was, "Though I suppose you were right. You deserve to know as much as we do about what we are up against. Now that it has been confirmed by our leader, you have been. Congratulations you are now on the same page as everyone else of this little adventure. Though I dare say you were not far behind in the story. You were hired to save a black dragon. One of the most misunderstood and hated flights since our father took it upon himself to try and control the others during the war of the ancients. Yes, Richard; Mortre is a Black Dragon... and so am I. While not as old as our goal or the opposition I have several centuries under my scales. Do you have an issue with that?"
Draco had managed to catch up with Vynianyx's Hippogryph and jump onto its back before the bridge had collapsed. Having arrived mounted and safe on the other side as the Human was making a go at Kersia; calling her furball and alike. The Dwarf for his part smirked at how wrong the boy was. If he only knew that Kersia was far from fuzzy.
He did not know the Blue very well if a all, but did not expect her to take the boy's berating, justified though it may be to some, without aggressive repercussions. What the dwarf saw and heard was far from what he expected. Or perhaps what he was hoping. When Kersia looked over at him his Draconian horns were still on display as he'd not hidden them since the battle. It was unlikely that in the chaos anyone had noticed they suddenly appeared, however given light of the newly revealed information. They would stick out like a pink Elekk in a Dwarven pub.
"Now as to why you bothered recruiting us for the job, I don't know. But I'm here now so if I can I'll still help. But before we continue on does anyone else have any burning secrets that would be useful to know. I don't want any more surprises sprung onto me."
Draco got down off the Hippogryph and walked over to the boy. "You want open lad?" The dwarf responded as his wings materialized and his eyes shifted in appearance as they began to glow like an iron forge. Reaching out his hand the Earth beneath his feet shook as a single plume of magma bubbled into the air and into the Dwarf's awaiting claw like a returning yo-yo.
"I do believe you were informed there would be risks involved. This is Azeroth, where even going outside to use the outhouse could have the very grass at your feet leap up and attack you. Insects the size of small huts, Magic of every kind flowing through the very air you fill your lungs with. Magi, even if you did not know every finite detail you knew enough. I am surprised it took the appearance of an actual fully grown dragon to spur that young mind of yours to the truth."
Draco's dwarven voice had grown even deeper than it already was, "Though I suppose you were right. You deserve to know as much as we do about what we are up against. Now that it has been confirmed by our leader, you have been. Congratulations you are now on the same page as everyone else of this little adventure. Though I dare say you were not far behind in the story. You were hired to save a black dragon. One of the most misunderstood and hated flights since our father took it upon himself to try and control the others during the war of the ancients. Yes, Richard; Mortre is a Black Dragon... and so am I. While not as old as our goal or the opposition I have several centuries under my scales. Do you have an issue with that?"
Morician just stared...and stared...and continued to stare as Kersia began to divulge more details that had previously not been mentioned. Much to his surprise, she was also a dragon, or at least claiming to be a blue one. Even more shocking was the fact that not only were they being expected to save a black dragon, but that they also had one working alongside them on the mission, judging by Draco's confession.
He looked over at Richard, whose reaction to the revelations summarized his own thoughts and feelings fairly well. Truth be told, he was rather skeptical about the concept of a "good" black dragon, given what had happened during the Cataclysm. However, he hadn't gotten the sense that Kersia had ill intentions, and if the "dwarf" was up to no good surely he wouldn't have fought back against the cultists. There were still a few details bothering him though.
"So who's the red, then, that showed up there at the last to distract the black?" Morician asked carefully, not wanting to upset Kersia. Given that there were two dragons in the expedition, and they were searching for a missing dragon, the appearance of the red couldn't have been an accident. Or at the very least, it was unlikely to have been a mere coincidence. Furrowing his brow in confusion, he continued, "And why pick us few to help? There's not many of us here as it is, and if these cultists have more dragons on their side, I'm not really sure how we're supposed to stand up to them...no offense, miss."
He shrank back in his saddle a bit, his frosty gaze flicking nervously back and forth between the dragons and Richard. Though the dragons had been friendly so far, it was the first time he'd really come face-to-face with one...at least, one that wasn't a reanimated skeleton potentially trying to kill him. Remaining on his best behavior now would hopefully keep him from being roasted to a crisp on the spot. Questions still burned at the forefront of his mind though, causing his confusion. What had he been chosen for the mission? Why had any of them, for that matter? Why not draw from the power of the dragonflights themselves, or even go to the leaders of the Alliance or Horde for help? Surely they could have an army at their disposal if they asked, or at least that's how it seemed to him. With these thoughts swimming around in his mind, he remained sitting quietly in his saddle and observing, waiting to see what would happen next.
He looked over at Richard, whose reaction to the revelations summarized his own thoughts and feelings fairly well. Truth be told, he was rather skeptical about the concept of a "good" black dragon, given what had happened during the Cataclysm. However, he hadn't gotten the sense that Kersia had ill intentions, and if the "dwarf" was up to no good surely he wouldn't have fought back against the cultists. There were still a few details bothering him though.
"So who's the red, then, that showed up there at the last to distract the black?" Morician asked carefully, not wanting to upset Kersia. Given that there were two dragons in the expedition, and they were searching for a missing dragon, the appearance of the red couldn't have been an accident. Or at the very least, it was unlikely to have been a mere coincidence. Furrowing his brow in confusion, he continued, "And why pick us few to help? There's not many of us here as it is, and if these cultists have more dragons on their side, I'm not really sure how we're supposed to stand up to them...no offense, miss."
He shrank back in his saddle a bit, his frosty gaze flicking nervously back and forth between the dragons and Richard. Though the dragons had been friendly so far, it was the first time he'd really come face-to-face with one...at least, one that wasn't a reanimated skeleton potentially trying to kill him. Remaining on his best behavior now would hopefully keep him from being roasted to a crisp on the spot. Questions still burned at the forefront of his mind though, causing his confusion. What had he been chosen for the mission? Why had any of them, for that matter? Why not draw from the power of the dragonflights themselves, or even go to the leaders of the Alliance or Horde for help? Surely they could have an army at their disposal if they asked, or at least that's how it seemed to him. With these thoughts swimming around in his mind, he remained sitting quietly in his saddle and observing, waiting to see what would happen next.
Vynianyx regrouped with Kora on her back as Richard had simmered down and Kersia had finished her explanation. Kora was still drained and hadn’t stirred since landing on her back, so she did her best to keep the unconscious elf from falling off.
Kersia sighed as Richard seemed to take the news with a bit of grace. More than she expected from a mortal considering how little she usually regarded them. ”Well, at least now I know. In the future I would like you to be more honest. I don’t ask for much from my employers but honesty is one of them. Being open makes my job easier and makes your life easier.” He seemed to pause for a moment before continuing. Now as to why you bothered recruiting us for the job, I don’t know. But I’m here now so I can I’ll still help. But before we continue on does anyone else have any burning secrets that would be useful to know. I don’t want any more surprises sprung onto me.”
Before Kersia could respond, Draco spoke. She had a feeling he was younger than her, as he seemed a little juvenile in his little power display revealing he was a black dragon. Kersia didn’t care how he revealed himself, though she had wished he used a little less shock factor. She could vouch highly for Mortre, but she did not personally trust this young black.
The other mortal, Morician, also spoke. He had inquired about the red dragon that had appeared earlier. Of course it was Kora, but with her unconscious form still out, Kersia had no desire to reveal her identity for her. Torin had also remained silent as well. She wondered how the pair of them would react to learning that their damsel in distress was a black dragon, if they weren’t already aware. Morician also echoed the remark about why Kersia would recruit mortals as well, and so few. Kersia sighed and formulated her thoughts.
Sterixia raised her hand to get Richard’s attention. She pointed to herself and then used her hands to mock claws and made a scrunched up growled face. Kersia chuckled as the mute netherdrake elf tried to communicate that she was a dragon too.
“First, to translate for Sterixia here. She is a netherdrake if that wasn’t already obvious. Mortre’s last child, at least before this cult showed up. Second. About the red dragon. I have a close friend, Xinaristraza. She stays with a sin’dorei doctor, learning about the medical ways of you mortals. They were in the area for a house call, and I sent her a relay for help. She responded but,” Kersia paused, wondering how much Morician even saw before continuing the little red lie. “The black injured her. She left to nurse her wounds and return to her work with the doctor. She has a duty to the doctor and does not like to leave him long, and she cares little for Mortre even though they… kind of? get along.” Kersia hoped that lie would buy Kora some time. It wasn’t Kersia’s place to reveal her. “Third. I had no idea who we were going against. If you weren’t aware, the flights are rather scattered after the fall of Deathwing. We’ve all gone off to pursue our own interests, at least my kin have. I don’t just have a back pocket full of dragons I can summon on a whim to aide in saving a black dragon. Most would just jump to killing Mortre too, and I would rather it not come to that. I did not intend to be dishonest, but I did not think my dragon blood would be pertinent until I realized what we are against. To be fair… I never said I was pandaren either.”
She sighed again. “I do not think this cult is all dragons. I have a feeling the young prince of the black flight had his hunter’s decimate their draconic ranks over the years, or mortals and their hunts for glory. I feel like they are more mortals than dragons, though the ring leaders will be the big problem. Though, if we use our heads and some strategy, they will fall. They must.”
Kersia sighed as Richard seemed to take the news with a bit of grace. More than she expected from a mortal considering how little she usually regarded them. ”Well, at least now I know. In the future I would like you to be more honest. I don’t ask for much from my employers but honesty is one of them. Being open makes my job easier and makes your life easier.” He seemed to pause for a moment before continuing. Now as to why you bothered recruiting us for the job, I don’t know. But I’m here now so I can I’ll still help. But before we continue on does anyone else have any burning secrets that would be useful to know. I don’t want any more surprises sprung onto me.”
Before Kersia could respond, Draco spoke. She had a feeling he was younger than her, as he seemed a little juvenile in his little power display revealing he was a black dragon. Kersia didn’t care how he revealed himself, though she had wished he used a little less shock factor. She could vouch highly for Mortre, but she did not personally trust this young black.
The other mortal, Morician, also spoke. He had inquired about the red dragon that had appeared earlier. Of course it was Kora, but with her unconscious form still out, Kersia had no desire to reveal her identity for her. Torin had also remained silent as well. She wondered how the pair of them would react to learning that their damsel in distress was a black dragon, if they weren’t already aware. Morician also echoed the remark about why Kersia would recruit mortals as well, and so few. Kersia sighed and formulated her thoughts.
Sterixia raised her hand to get Richard’s attention. She pointed to herself and then used her hands to mock claws and made a scrunched up growled face. Kersia chuckled as the mute netherdrake elf tried to communicate that she was a dragon too.
“First, to translate for Sterixia here. She is a netherdrake if that wasn’t already obvious. Mortre’s last child, at least before this cult showed up. Second. About the red dragon. I have a close friend, Xinaristraza. She stays with a sin’dorei doctor, learning about the medical ways of you mortals. They were in the area for a house call, and I sent her a relay for help. She responded but,” Kersia paused, wondering how much Morician even saw before continuing the little red lie. “The black injured her. She left to nurse her wounds and return to her work with the doctor. She has a duty to the doctor and does not like to leave him long, and she cares little for Mortre even though they… kind of? get along.” Kersia hoped that lie would buy Kora some time. It wasn’t Kersia’s place to reveal her. “Third. I had no idea who we were going against. If you weren’t aware, the flights are rather scattered after the fall of Deathwing. We’ve all gone off to pursue our own interests, at least my kin have. I don’t just have a back pocket full of dragons I can summon on a whim to aide in saving a black dragon. Most would just jump to killing Mortre too, and I would rather it not come to that. I did not intend to be dishonest, but I did not think my dragon blood would be pertinent until I realized what we are against. To be fair… I never said I was pandaren either.”
She sighed again. “I do not think this cult is all dragons. I have a feeling the young prince of the black flight had his hunter’s decimate their draconic ranks over the years, or mortals and their hunts for glory. I feel like they are more mortals than dragons, though the ring leaders will be the big problem. Though, if we use our heads and some strategy, they will fall. They must.”
- Brave Baine Bloodhoof -
Baine arrived at the intended crossing to find that the large Black Dragon had vacated the area. Did he pursue the band of adventurers, or the herd? Dropping off his mount he looked to the ground for clues. Scrapping away some of the dust that settled he could see the strong imprint of the Kodo herd in the tracks they left behind. "The herd moved through here, but what of the dragon?"
Flying beasts were much harder to track then their land bound cousins due to the lack of physical tracks left behind. There were multiple scorch marks however that no doubt came from the heat of a dragon's flame. "Another dragon perhaps?" The Tauren thought aloud. The trail seemed to almost avoid the Kodo tracks as if their creator aimed to not harm the herd. This was unlikely to be the case had the attack come from Vanzerion the scorch marks would have overtaken the herd.
"Interesting..." He finally replied as he looked towards the great divide seeing the decrepit remains of a small makeshift bridge. "We better get moving, I do not think they would have gotten far, after such a battle rest would be the most likely choice. Besides, White fang will be missing us." Baine gave a slight chuckle at the last part as he mounted back up.
The bridge would not hold their weight for very long. This was going to have to be an all out sprint rather than a marathon if they were going to cross successfully. Thankfully Raptors were well known for being light on their feet and very swift. "Let's move!" Baine cried out as he snapped the reigns and made for the bridge and the other side of the Divide.
Every clawed step caused the bring to buckle and fracture under their weight with nothing truly holding it together but friction. They had only made it a few yards over when tension broke and the construct started to collapse. By this time they were in full sprint reaching tops speed by the half-way mark. Though gravity and time was not on their side as the end of the bridge crumbled behind them with nothing but a fast drop to the awaiting magma pool below being their last reward should they miss even a single step.
With the end of the line in sight Baine knew they would not make it. He had to think of something or plummet to a fiery grave. Grabbing his spear he latched one end of a long rope to its base and another to the horn of his saddle. There was only time for a single toss as the Tauren Hunter aimed for the other side of the Great Divide. With all the might he could muster he tossed the weapon into the air and sent a prayer to the Earth Mother that it would make contact with something strong enough to hold their weight.
The fractures caught up to them as bridge collapses and gave-way under them as the pair dropped to their possible deaths...
__________________________________________________
The large Draenor Raven that had snatched Vyn out of the sky was circling overhead peering down at the group and making quote a lot of noise. This seemed to alert White Fang whom was winning and fidgeting as he looked up and to the group as they seemed to argue about something he did not quite understand.
Baine arrived at the intended crossing to find that the large Black Dragon had vacated the area. Did he pursue the band of adventurers, or the herd? Dropping off his mount he looked to the ground for clues. Scrapping away some of the dust that settled he could see the strong imprint of the Kodo herd in the tracks they left behind. "The herd moved through here, but what of the dragon?"
Flying beasts were much harder to track then their land bound cousins due to the lack of physical tracks left behind. There were multiple scorch marks however that no doubt came from the heat of a dragon's flame. "Another dragon perhaps?" The Tauren thought aloud. The trail seemed to almost avoid the Kodo tracks as if their creator aimed to not harm the herd. This was unlikely to be the case had the attack come from Vanzerion the scorch marks would have overtaken the herd.
"Interesting..." He finally replied as he looked towards the great divide seeing the decrepit remains of a small makeshift bridge. "We better get moving, I do not think they would have gotten far, after such a battle rest would be the most likely choice. Besides, White fang will be missing us." Baine gave a slight chuckle at the last part as he mounted back up.
The bridge would not hold their weight for very long. This was going to have to be an all out sprint rather than a marathon if they were going to cross successfully. Thankfully Raptors were well known for being light on their feet and very swift. "Let's move!" Baine cried out as he snapped the reigns and made for the bridge and the other side of the Divide.
Every clawed step caused the bring to buckle and fracture under their weight with nothing truly holding it together but friction. They had only made it a few yards over when tension broke and the construct started to collapse. By this time they were in full sprint reaching tops speed by the half-way mark. Though gravity and time was not on their side as the end of the bridge crumbled behind them with nothing but a fast drop to the awaiting magma pool below being their last reward should they miss even a single step.
With the end of the line in sight Baine knew they would not make it. He had to think of something or plummet to a fiery grave. Grabbing his spear he latched one end of a long rope to its base and another to the horn of his saddle. There was only time for a single toss as the Tauren Hunter aimed for the other side of the Great Divide. With all the might he could muster he tossed the weapon into the air and sent a prayer to the Earth Mother that it would make contact with something strong enough to hold their weight.
The fractures caught up to them as bridge collapses and gave-way under them as the pair dropped to their possible deaths...
__________________________________________________
The large Draenor Raven that had snatched Vyn out of the sky was circling overhead peering down at the group and making quote a lot of noise. This seemed to alert White Fang whom was winning and fidgeting as he looked up and to the group as they seemed to argue about something he did not quite understand.
Richard looked at the dwarf as he changed. Yet another black dragon. Well, at least they were all honest and open about it. He hadn't even thought of that red drake as Morician asked about it. Suppose it was a heat of the moment thing. He wasn't sure he could believe the story about working nearby with some doctor or whatever, but he really had no choice in the matter. "Right then.....I suppose there's not much else to say is there." He ushered Swiftwind forward, Synthara in tow.
Torin watched as the others gave out their identities carelessly. He opted to remain silent. The humans brash outburst while not unwarranted was annoying to him. He summoned his stag from the dream and mounted the beast. If they were being watched he would prefer his secret remain just that. The cult and their masters would have the fury and surprise of an ancient green dragon to deal with. A surprise they would not truly be ready for.
He listened to Kersia, it was true that he would have killed Mort at one point. The black dragon flight has caused nothing but woe since Deathwings betrayal. He had an unsettling feeling about the dragonsoul but no proof of any ill intent until he saw the massacre of the blue flight with his own eyes.
He shook his head back to the present. "I am at your side my Lady." He said to Vyn with a faint smile. Though he was here to protect Vyn, not rescue Mort the two missions happened to coincide.
He listened to Kersia, it was true that he would have killed Mort at one point. The black dragon flight has caused nothing but woe since Deathwings betrayal. He had an unsettling feeling about the dragonsoul but no proof of any ill intent until he saw the massacre of the blue flight with his own eyes.
He shook his head back to the present. "I am at your side my Lady." He said to Vyn with a faint smile. Though he was here to protect Vyn, not rescue Mort the two missions happened to coincide.
Sylstyx looked around as everyone spoke. Her eyes scanned the other side of the ravine. The spirits made her feel as if she was needed. Her stomach felt queasy. Sylstyx slid off her mount's back and moved back towards the ravine. She thought she saw movement where the bridge was, but could not see quite that far.
As she approach, Sylstyx saw a tauren making his way across the bridge, but it gave out. She broke into a sprint, arriving in time to see a spear fly up. Sylstyx prayed to the earth, and a strong stone elemental spring to life. It attempted to grab the the spear and pull it's rope up.
As she approach, Sylstyx saw a tauren making his way across the bridge, but it gave out. She broke into a sprint, arriving in time to see a spear fly up. Sylstyx prayed to the earth, and a strong stone elemental spring to life. It attempted to grab the the spear and pull it's rope up.
Morician frowned as he listened to Kersia, still eyeing the dragons cautiously. What she said certainly made sense, for the most part, save for the mention of the netherdrake. He wasn't sure what one of those was, except for the fact that apparently Sterixia was one of them. Given her earlier appearance during the battle, he assumed it was some kind of dragon, though what they did or where they came from he had no idea.
While the thought of working alongside dragons was a bit unsettling, simply for being an unfamiliar concept, they hadn't tried to kill him yet. And he, along with the rest, must have been picked for a reason. Morician nodded silently in agreement with Richard's words, slowly edging his way closer to the mage and keeping his distance from Kersia and Draco. True, they were friendly, but it was comforting to be around something more familiar. Sterixia, on the other hand...well, she was possibly the weirdest one of the bunch, but for some strange reason she worried him the least of the dragons despite being the strangest one. Perhaps it was the hug she'd given him earlier--there weren't many who'd do that. Pushing the thoughts to the back of his mind, he continued following along behind Richard, keeping an eye on the scenery.
04/22/2017 11:26 AMPosted by Pärker"Right then.....I suppose there's not much else to say is there." He ushered Swiftwind forward, Synthara in tow.
While the thought of working alongside dragons was a bit unsettling, simply for being an unfamiliar concept, they hadn't tried to kill him yet. And he, along with the rest, must have been picked for a reason. Morician nodded silently in agreement with Richard's words, slowly edging his way closer to the mage and keeping his distance from Kersia and Draco. True, they were friendly, but it was comforting to be around something more familiar. Sterixia, on the other hand...well, she was possibly the weirdest one of the bunch, but for some strange reason she worried him the least of the dragons despite being the strangest one. Perhaps it was the hug she'd given him earlier--there weren't many who'd do that. Pushing the thoughts to the back of his mind, he continued following along behind Richard, keeping an eye on the scenery.
Kora slowly began to regain consciousness, the feeling of soft fur cluing her to the fact she was on the back of some animal. She opened her eyes blearily and looked around, coming to just in time to hear Kersia and Draco reveal their true identities. Kora feared the others had put two and two together and realized her true identity, but Kersia’s excuse about her other red dragon friend seemed to alleviate the mortals’ suspicions about the sudden appearance of a red dragon.
Kora sighed in relief as she looked at the animal she was riding, it was immediately obvious that she wasn’t riding an animal at all, but on the back of a druid in the form of a stag. That could only mean Vyn had gone to retrieve her, she smiled as she readjusted herself and patted Vyn’s neck, “Thanks for coming to get me. I would kiss you, but I am afraid it is taking a lot of energy just to talk and pat your neck. You wouldn’t mind if I stayed like this for a bit would you? Just until I can regain enough strength and energy to move on my own?”
Kora sighed in relief as she looked at the animal she was riding, it was immediately obvious that she wasn’t riding an animal at all, but on the back of a druid in the form of a stag. That could only mean Vyn had gone to retrieve her, she smiled as she readjusted herself and patted Vyn’s neck, “Thanks for coming to get me. I would kiss you, but I am afraid it is taking a lot of energy just to talk and pat your neck. You wouldn’t mind if I stayed like this for a bit would you? Just until I can regain enough strength and energy to move on my own?”