Plagued by a Rose [concluded]

(Haha trust me you're fine @Enuky K )





Kuvira got off the horse and preceded on foot without another word. When the arrived kuvira eyes never left the sight of the ring of volcanoes as it stood proudly almost intimidating those who approached. She k ew that she was with disbeliever but she didn't care. If she didn't find what she was looking for at least she would be sure of it. Dragons haven't been seen for centuries so she knew there were reasons.


She watched as Yaro approached, looking at him with disgust before shifting her attention to the rest. "You have the right to stay out here but I will find myself a dragon one way or another." There she walked towards the center, seeing a puff of smoke on the northern volcano, Monte flammae, it could be a dragon or just lava but there was one were to find out and thus she started her hike. The valley was vast and fruitless. No plant could be seen for miles. Something she expected. Climbing the volcano with determination not leaving any time for small talk until she reached the top.


A cavern laid near the top, dark and dreary. She turned back to see the people who remained with her. "I'll go in first." She entered inside after reciting the word. "Illumanus" to dimly light her way. She remained quietly as she explored more. Seeing corpses of animals even people along the way. Making her want to puke. She held one hand on my nose and the other with her wand. She could feel herself approaching it, her heart racing faster. In all honesty she didn't want anyone to occupy her. She felt that it was necessary for the dragon to trust her and her alone if it was there. Dragons were known for loyalty but only to one person. Something she had to ensure was her but it also had something to do with heritage. Dragons only accepted a specific type of person to follow. Either the first people they see or something with certain ancestry. Something that she had to ensure was her and her alone.
 
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Yaro speed after the group, his feet used to the rough terrain. This wasn't the only mountain that he's ever been too.....just the first. Yaro soon found himself crossing familiar footing, as he sped after the group. He was curious as to what exactly Kuvira would be after. This wasn't like her, as the Kuvira that Yaro knew wasn't always so......foolhardy. When they approached the cave, and the smell began to grow worse, Yaro began to start fearing the worst.


Kuvira may be the Dragon Queen of Yunakai, but Yaro knew how the Dragon's operated: They would not listen to anyone, and given how Kuvira was acting, Yaro was afraid she wouldn't be up to the task of taming one. He'd seen his fair share in the world, all different dragon's in their small enclaves, some hunting by the shroud of dark, others more unique methods. Yaro knew his blood-line had a history of Dragon Tamers, the last being Shamsel Almalexia Azarus several hundred years ago, but Yaro himself had never attempted to tame one. Given, he never had a reason too.


Yaro would lightly press his gloves to his boots, as they began to glow. Using the increased speed from them, he would simply......'front-flip' over the group at the cave, looking towards Maeve with his all-to-familiar cheery smile. "Long time, no see.....Maeve. "He said, before running inside. He had to be sure that Kuvira was not about to make the biggest mistake of her life.





Lanister would nod towards Thornton. "It shall be done. "He said, before turning to leave. Exiting through an Active Moon-gate, he'd watch as the Wilting Rose were preparing for full on conflict. Such a force had not been seen, since the end of King Moyesii's reign. It was a marvel to say the least, but Lanister still felt at unease. Even though this was what he was raised to do, what he was trained to do, The sudden weight that everything was now on his shoulders, the defense of his very homeland, felt extremely heavy, nearly crippling, but he pressed on.


Lanister would approach a large Prison, and he felt his blood run cold. He knew that his Ancestors used every available method to defeat the Demon Raiders, but to use them against each-other.....it was chilling to say the least. He would then approach one, before speaking. "In one age, you were our enemy.....now it appears, that you are our salvation.......I wonder how the history books will remember this?....."He said, as he stepped away. The cell would then slowly open.


Setting out of it, would be two figures, dripping with corruption, with only glowing red eyes to tell that you're not staring into complete darkness........
 
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Maeve nodded quietly to Yaro's greeting, although behind her mask she was smiling. The assassin was sure to trail a ways behind, however, where she could rush to Kuvira's rescue yet not attract a dragon in the wrong way. Before Yaro could dart forwards to the queen, Maeve caught his sleeve, hauling him back.


"I can feel it. She will command one of them, I'm sure of it. Don't worry," Maeve whispered to the ex-agent.


Lance watched as Kuvira, one of her soldiers, and another unknown face disappeared into the cave. "Dante," he said, catching the attention of his guard. "Have you always known what I was?" he asked, and Dante looked away, as if ashamed.


"Why didn't you tell me?" Lance's voice was a hiss now, and Dante knew he was angry, although the king was fighting to restrain it.


"I.. I have no excuses, sir," Dante answered, her voice professional and distant. Lance seemed to wilt somewhat at this, and turned to peer up at the rising ring of volcanoes.


"...Don't worry about it," Lance responded with a sigh.
 
@Trombone Geek @Robyn Banks


Yaro would look behind him, to see Maeve holding onto his sleeping, trying to pull him back. He would smile sadly towards her, move moving her hand away. "Maybe she does.....but than again, maybe she doesn't. She may be the Dragon Queen of Yunakai, but that does not mean she has the will to command a dragon......As a Descendant of the Last of the Dragon Riders, it is my duty to be there. I wouldn't be an Azarus otherwise.....besides, I am sure you've never dealt with a fully grown dragon like I have. They're ESPECIALLY territorial around nesting areas, and this cave qualifies. "Yaro said, before pressing his finger to his boots, and taking off high speed again.


Yaro would notice the familiar smell of decay, before holding out his hand. "Hewa Mitne"He said, as a small orb of light would appear, circling his head. It wouldn't be long before he came to the back of Kuvira. Yaro had not seen her in years, and he had two things to think: For one, she was still as dazzling as ever. Even though he was from a major house, he doubted he'd ever have a chance at being with her (especially given the fact that he left her realm to search for adventure), but that did not mean he couldn't appreciate her figure. The second, he saw how.....'hard' she looked, like she didn't care who lived or died in her wake. Yaro knew he had to speak to her, this wasn't the same girl he saw 3 years ago.


"Kuvira......"Yaro would walk behind her, but keep his distance, rubbing his gloves together in case she attacked him. "Stop."He said, in the most commanding tone he could muster, but Kuvira would be able to hear obvious worry in his voice. "You travel on sacred ground.....Think carefully about what you're doing."
 
Lenin...


Lenin rose up from the ground to look at the destruction caused by the battle. Houses burnt, lifeless men laying on the ground, and the Rose kingdom flag down along with her men who tried to defend her. He looked at the remaining Yunkai soldiers. As two replace the previous flag with one of a dragon. "Today we have won our battles and we will win the others after. We will bring civilization to these lands!" He announced as the soldiers started to roar with pride. "Some men may stay her to secure this territory, the others move out. There are far more land to conquer." He placed his wand back in his pocket before giving a long and heavy sigh. He hasn't slept sense the night before and he hoped that it wouldn't take its toll. 100 men stayed while the rest moved on. Going to the the next city Kortain, hopefully the battle will not be as bloody as the last.


Kuvira

Kuvira approached the dragon eggs carefully. Not wanting to disturb the dragon that played beside them. As she heard Yaro's warning she felt like rolling her eyes but knew it wouldn't be proper to do so. Instead she turned towards him raising her eyebrow. "Do you try to command your queen? Don't you think I know what do I what not? You may have come from a family of dragon riders but don't think that I haven't come from the same." With that she proceed. she was never a fan of being told what to do for obvious reason esoecially from a man who returned from years of trying to find 'adventures' with the unlikeliest people. There was three dragon eggs laying on carcass of varies animals. She gently picked up two which was by far heavier than she thought. Leaving the last one for the mother. She admired them for a bit, stunned by the fact she was holding something that most didn't expect to exist. She started to place them gently into her bag. Before moving out slowly until she heard a crack. The dragon's eyes flew out as it started at her prey. Kuvira held her breath before cautiously turning to the rest. "Run." She said as the dragon prepared to breath flames. Kuvira took her own command after everyone before taking out her wand. Sure she was being reckless but that wasn't on her list of things to be at this point. The survival of the people who accompanied her was the only thing she cared for
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@Robyn Banks @Enuky K @Trombone Geek


The air around the battlefield would grow especially cold, like the deathly calm after the storm.....Soon, there would be the sound of footsteps approaching the town where Lenin's group was, and the sound of fire burning. There was also the unpleasant smell of brimstone, and the feeling of darkness coming. Soon, a figure would appear in front of Lenin's group. It was a Demon Lord, a very powerful Demon Soldier. It wasn't trying to defend or retake the city....No, it was 'laughing', as if it enjoyed watching the carnage....


It had been waiting for them to tire themselves out in the city. It would then extend it's glowing red claws as it began approaching Lenin's force's carefully. When a few would cast magic, it would simply......bounce off of his chest. The Demon would then grab the one that cast magic at him, before crushing it's head in it's hand. He then looked towards Lenin.....


Though it was hard to see it's face, It was easy to tell it was smiling at Lenin.


Yaro would run after Kuvira, mentally cursing the woman for her foolhardiness. As he saw the flames approaching, and Kuvira attempting to take a stand with them, he did the first thing he could think of: He pushed her out of the way. "GET BEHIND ME!"He yelled. He knew Kuvira was an exceptional mage, and had a very powerful wand as a focuser, but she had no experience controlling Dragon fire, she would not be prepared in time to actually block it out. She would be badly hurt, or worse, killed!


That is what Yaro had thought.


Approaching the exit with the coming flag, Yaro did not focus on building a barrier, there was simply no time: Instead, he began using his magic to.......control the flame itself! As they fire began circling around the entrance, Yaro seemed to be straining to focus on the fire itself. Internally, he was trying to find something that made him angry, that made him want to destroy something. His mind then began playing at the other Houses in Yunakai....


They Murdered his family.


They took his land from him.


They would PAY!


Grounding his teeth with the resolve in his body, the fire of his own magic burning bright, he took one step forward, and pushed his arms in a motion as if he was pushing a cart. Instead, the fire ball would be....'redirected' back into the cave. Whether it would hit the dragon or not was uncertain, but the immediate danger was past.....


Now, onto more important matters....


"KUVIRA! What in the name of the Lord's Green earth were you thinking!? YOU COULD'VE DIED IN THERE!"Yaro yelled, obviously uncaring at the fact that she was 'his' queen. "With your father dead, rest his soul, and you without an heir, this whole country would've descended into civil war! Did you stop to think about the repercussion of your actions?!"He said, before walking over to her and.....hugging her!? Yaro expected her to push him away, or to outright attack him, but he was relieved nonetheless. "Dear lord's.......Don't do that again! I was worried sick, you know!......"
 

Kuvira stood back gripping her wand by her side. she was stunned that he put himself in the line to protect her but then again she wasn't, it was something subjects were expected to do. She made sure the dragon eggs were alright before sighing in relief that they were. She was stunned her even more was the way he spoke to her. As if she was merely a child! "I was thinking about my country! If I have dragons it will make me have an advantage in this war. I knew my chances and I have taken them willingly. Watch the way you spea-" she was caught off guard when he embraced Her.She pushed him off of her whilst adjusting her clothing. She had a clear look of disdain on her face. "Release me. If you cared about my well being you wouldn't have left." She turned her attention to Prince Lance and Dante. "Are you alright?"





Lenin


The fumes of brimstone overpowered his nose as a chill crawled down his spine. "Men brace yourselves!" He commanded as he turned around to see a demon lord. A few soldiers casted their spell only for it to be redirected. As the demon crush one of their head, merely laughing at the thought sickened him. This had something to do with the wilting rose no doubt but he knew some light magic of his own. "Expecto patruim!" He shouted as a burst of light went out his wand as others joined him. He didn't know how if it would surely kill it but it will leave some damage.



​
 
((Dante and Lance stayed outside, Robyn. xD ))


"Damn idiot.. The dragon minght bond with him, being of Dragon Rider blood and all. Now that will piss Kuvira off.." Maeve muttered, but she didn't chase after him. Yaro didn't know anything about Kuvira; he hadn't seen her in years! Now he was rambling on about her will not being strong enough.. Bullshit.


Yaro's words drifted to her ears from further down the cave. "Think carefully about what you're doing." She already had! Kuvira had thought long and hard about this.


Maeve eventually caught up to the two of them, although she remained a small distance back, watching the scene with crossed arms. It was funny how Yaro thought Kuvira would listen to him in the first place; he had left Kuvira's service, and that was something she wasn't very happy about. Now that Yaro had returned, she noted sourly how bossy he was, and how he thought he was in charge. They weren't his group of adventurers and followers, but apparently he'd decided to act like they were.


Maeve hung back at the entrance to the cavern as Kuvira and Yaro entered, watching quietly as Kuvira approached a small group of eggs. The queen picked two up.. and suddenly a dragon's head snaked out of the shadows, staring right at Kuvira with rage. Maeve's eyes widened behind her mask, but Yaro had already defended Kuvira.


Striding forwards, the assassin let the demon she caged wrap its unholy aura around herself, keeping the dragon away in the process.


"I suggest you watch your place from now on, Yaro. Kuvira is not your biggest fan," Maeve advised, watching carefully for any sign of the dragon's return.
 
"Oh for the love of- are we honestly going to do this now?! I left to avoid the politics that got my father killed, that got many people I cared about killed. I wanted to find my own way, not the way others wanted to lead me. You were still not a Queen, and Maeve seemed to be the only person that understood that this was something I had to do for myself."He said to them. Yaro was brash, young, and a take-charge type of person.....But he was an honest one. Though Naive and Idealistic, he still had a very honest heart, one thing that the world had not beaten out of him.


"As you said, Kuvira, My journey was a huge risk......But I learned. I made mistakes, I made sacrifices, and I'll have ghosts I'll live with for the rest of my days, and I'm still young! But you know what? It paid off: I made my fortune, and I saw more than most people my age ever see. I wouldn't trade what I saw, what I learned, for anything. "He said. He then heard that she was planning on using the Dragon's for war. Yaro just stared at her as if she was mad. "Has sense complete abandoned you, Kuvira?! What the hell happened in the last three years that caused you to act like this?! You're putting Dragons, A race that borders on the line of extinction, on the battlefield where they very well may die, and all of a sudden I'm learning you have a war on your hands?!"He asked her. His face betrayed his inner most emotion: Worry and fear. It was odd he thought of the worst possible scenario now, when Maeve would remember that Yaro was ever the optimist. What changed that?


"Answer me this Kuvira......and I want a straight answer, because I'm not speaking to you as a subject to a Queen, because as you said, that time long since past. I am speaking to you as an Equal: Do you know, the first thing, about taking care of a youngling? Not something from an age old book, actual hand-to-hand care of a Dragon?!"He asked her. "Do you know what to feed it, how to keep it from dying at night, how to properly care for an infection?"He asked her, knowing that Dragon's were as rare as diamonds. He had met enclaves that treated their younglings very preciously, it was these that he avoided.


Yaro had then looked towards Maeve as she spoke. "I know I may not be the the most favorite Maeve, and don't think I'm being disrespectful, I am no. I am saying merely because I didn't know if she could handle it. True, I should've waited before passing judgement, But the way she rushed in there like that wasn't exactly the biggest vote of confidence! That wasn't something a leader does, that was something a fool does! Believe me, I know, because I've done it more than once, and I have the scars to prove it!"He said to her, knowingly insulting himself, as the realization came onto his face. "and........I may have just done that myself, goddamnit Yaro..."He said, hitting himself in the head. He was still brash and impulsive himself.





Yaro would then looked towards Kuvira again. Truly, he cared about her wellbeing, despite the constant attacks that he was a traitor, that he abandoned Yunakai, or whatever. It was evident that the only reason he was acting like this was worry over the wellbeing of the two, who he owed much too. "I may not have been here for the start of this whole mess.....but I am here now, and it seems I came at an opportune time.......You may not have first-hand experience at taking care of a dragon......."He started saying, before turning towards Maeve.


"But you're in luck, because I do. "





The Demon would stumble back from the hits, his armor noticebly damaged. The Creature would then look towards the group, and utter and ear-piercing roar. As he rushed forward, he brought up his arm, and slashed four of the casters across the chest, killing them instantly. He would then turn towards Lenin. It would pick up the body of one of the dead, and simply fling it at him, to knock him off his horse.


The demon would then proceed to pull a horn off it's belt, before using it to utter a war-cry. It was calling for help!
 
"Then leave! no one asked to return back here. Go back to the wilting rose for all I care. I will put my own life in the line for my country and I will go against the devil himself if I have to. You judge me? I brought this country out of bankruptcy, built an army, establish a stable economy and yet you still don't think I deserve to be a queen?" She said moving up to him. She could only withstand certain things but being called our for her position wasn't one of them. "I wanted to bring a new era not only for my country but for others as well. Tell me how badly I am when the king Thornton abandoned his own people. And I'm the monster? All I want to do is bring hope and yet I'm the bad guy! You don't know me!" When he asked her the queen saying they were equals she scoffed. "We will never be equals. I think you should ask yourself that question. Don't you dare think because you came from a family of dragon riders that you are my equal. I doubt that you have any experience yourself since dragon haven't been seen in centuries. I will learn it on my own. You underestimate me and I will not tolerate it. I am a QUEEN and I done a far better job at it than most. I will not give you my trust you have to earn it!" She looked at everyone before starting to walk away."we have to meet the troops before Dawn. We tell no one what happened here. We will keep dragons a myth for now. It will be best that the rose kingdom don't know what we have right now."

​
 
"I am here now, and I am here to stay, I will not be forced out of my home! Not again!"He said to her. He then heard her speak about Thornton, before rolling his eyes. "That isn't a King.....that is a Glorified dictator, which is why I am arguing with you now. Do what you think you must, But don't sacrifice the heart and soul of your country, no, MY country for whatever reason. If you sacrifice our beliefs, you make yourself no better than they are!"He told her, obviously trying to get her to see reason.


"Really? I have no experience? I don't know what I am talking about?"He said, before reaching into his coat. He then held out a roll of hide, which he would unravel. IT was a set of Dragon scales, all of varying type. He would hand them to Maeve, as to not antagonize them by approaching her. They were all authentic. "I found a handful of dragon enclaves during my travels. Don't expect me to betray their locations, I will take those to my grave, but I watched how the acted, I studied, and I learned. "He said, holding up a notebook. "I recorded everything I saw and know in my journal......but unless you're willing to trust me, you'll never get it. "He said, placing the notebook back in his armor.


"Also, as you said yourself, I WAS a Wilting Rose, which means what, Kuvira?"He said, trying to get her to understand. "It means I know how they fight, I know their tactics, I know their secrets, and most important? I know where they are based at. "He said to her. He would then take his sword off his side, and his crossbow off his back, before laying them down before Kuvira, a sign of submission. "I am NOT your enemy. I already told you things that I know you'll find useful, I am actually 'trying' to help you! I just need you to trust me!"He said, making one final plea for Kuvira to see reason.


This was a sign that Yaro was laying out everything he had. He was literally placing his life in Kuvira's hands, as he knew that she could easily just kill them. He was trying to earn her trust by placing his life completely in her hands.





@Trombone Geek @Robyn Banks
 
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"Don't ever presume to speak my name or touch me without my consent ever again. To you its your highness, my queen, your majesty, etc. If you want me to trust you again, you have to earn it. I will not argue with you any longer. If you see me as a dictator fine by me. But don't ever say I don't put my country before myself ever again or so help I will cut your tongue off personally.You will be my guardsman but if I for one second suspect you of betraying me. You will wish you were dead and that is not a threat. That is a promise." She kept walking, holding her tongue only looking forward. She blocked Yaro out this time. She didn't have time for doubt. He made it seem like she was the enemy of her own people. Something she that was her greatest fear. She didn't care how much experience he had or what he thought he did. In the past forgive and forget would've come so easy to her but now it was harder to trust anyone. Sitting in the throne changed her whether she would like to admit it or not.


Her feet started to feel heavy. She was acting stronger than she really was at this point. The person who said words would never hurt them must've been lying. Her face was unfazed as she walked with Maeve beside her. The person she knew would support her in the end. She speaker to her in a hushed tone making sure the others didn't hear. "I know I'm not acting like the nicest person but am I really just like the Thornton king? Everything I do, I put my country before myself. Am I really no better? I have only been on the throne a couple of months, I admit. But I have to look forward for if I turn back I'll realize how lost I am." She said glancing at her. She didn't say a word following making her way back to the camp where the troops were. The night was going to begin soon and kuvira took that as an opportunity. Men made way for her as she walked to the commander. " I suggest we leave tonight. The rose kingdom troops will be more relaxed. Giving is a quick way through the mountains. We will probably make it close to a major city in a matter of hours." The commander nodded before ordering the men to pack up and get ready to depart. Kuvira turned to Yaro almost as if his words did not bother her whatsoever. Since you been through these mountains multiple time you will find a way for us to get in... Don't fail me." She shifted her appearance towards lance though a full Moon was not going to occur tonight she still felt worried for his safety. He would have to be her priority since his fate would affect the allies of their two kingdoms and she couldn't be seen as unable to protect him.




Lenin covered his ears as the rest of the troops did as well soon he found himself on the ground from his horse that sped off. Lenin unsheathe his sword as the demon made his battle cry. "Kill the beast!" As they began to charge at it. "Illuminas!" He yelled as his sword began to glow by the light magic spell.
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Little did Kuvira know she was completely wrong. The Rose Kingdom was quickly preparing itself for battle. Upon learning that the Yunakai nation was successful in entering Rose territory, Thornton was forced into action. He immediately commanded all able bodied men be entered in the armies and coordinated crash training sessions for them. The highland men would be preparing to use brute force. They would certainly live up to their barbaric reputations tonight.


The remaining special forces, the trained rose armies, and the new recruits resulted in a decently numbered army. It was no smaller than the armies of Kuvira. Thornton was then quick to strategically place the men. Night fall was approaching and Thornton decided he could not risk the dangers of remaining inactive for a night. He commanded his men to march through the mountains. The men would then hide among the thick forests and in the darkness of night await any sign of the Yunakai forces.


The Yunakai armies would be met with surprise ambushes of heavily armed brutes. Special forces were also hidden throughout the mountain, but their numbers increased the closer one came to the kingdom's center. The closer the Yunakai got to the kingdom's capital, the more forces they would be met with.


In the kingdom's capital Prince Thornton sat upon his father's throne. He was not expected to enter battle so long as his father remained absent.


From her cliff Cecile watched in disdain as the Yunakai forces advanced further into the Kingdom. She began to worry. The girl paced in thought. There had to be a solution. Finally the girl lifted her broomstick and secured her staff to her back with the strap she had previously used for her broomstick. She then ran straight off the cliff and caught herself in the air before taking off in the distance. She scanned the grounds until the distant view of Yunakai flags came into her view.


Then Cecile practiced a small trick she had thought of. She clutched the broomstick with both of her hands and yelled out into the fast moving air, "invisibilia!" The girl and her broomstick then completely vanished. Her idea had worked. The broomstick really was another form of magic medium, and Cecile could utilize this function mid-flight. She then flew through the air over Kuvira's camp. I have to find Lance, she thought to herself. She was completely invisible.


@Trombone Geek
 
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The demon would grin as something came up from the ground, and took the attack......then another something.....then alot more something's! Stepping out of the hissing earth, cackling, was a small group of Corrupted Lycans, humans that willingly gave into their beastial forms. The Lycans roared with unrestrained rage at the soldiers, before charging, as they began massacring the guards there.


The Demon Lord would approach Lenin, huffing a laugh, before pulling back his hand, and knocking his weapon out. He would then proceed to pick him up, before speaking finally. "General Lenin.......Do you hear that?........It is the sound of your soldiers, screaming in the void......"He said, as he used both hands to press on his ribs, and began pressing down, aiming to crush them, and the man, with his own hands.


Yaro would sigh in relief, and the look of enthusiasm appeared on his face. In his mind, he was working with one of his closest friends again, and that was always a plus. Immediately taking charge, he pulled out a crystal, before whispering to it, as it was infused with fire magic. The air around it would group unnaturally hot. "One thing you should know is that eggs like that rely on their mothers for warmth, especially those that grow in the Volcanic Regions. This crystal should provide the necessary warmth. "He said, as he walked over to the two eggs, and placed the crystal next to him.


Unfortunately his hand brushed against one of the eggs.


A bright light would envelope his arm, and the egg. It was all Yaro could do to try (and fail) at not screaming. His arm was glowing his, and he was writhing around as if he had just placed his hand in lava. Pulling off his left arm gauntlet, to see what had caused the sudden pain, he would notice his skin was being......burned. It appeared as if something marked his arm with various symbols.


"Oh my god this burns......wait.....what.......Oh no....."He said, as he started at the markings. He knew these symbols. "Ignis.....Terra.....Aqua......Ventus.....Oh no, this is not good."He said. He read about these symbols in the old stories. They meant one thing.


The Dragon had marked Yaro as his Chosen.
 
Maeve watched the whole scene unfold, emotions carefully hidden behind the bronze cloth of her garb and the white hardness of her mask, made of discarded dragon scales, ancient yet stronger than steel. She didn't make a sound, but her fists clenched tightly at Yaro's presumptuous words.


"The Thornton King does not put himself before his people. He is a terrible, cruel person, with no regard for the feelings of anyone else," Maeve answered just as quietly. "Don't let Yaro get to you. He's foolish and naive, and knows little about running a kingdom. You've done better than anyone else could ever have hoped to do."


Before Maeve and Kuvira could make it far, Maeve spun around as a bright flash burned out from the cavern behind them. Her eyes widened behind the slits of her mask as she watched Yaro's face contort in pain. Strange markings were being burnt into the poor kid's arm.


The demon Maeve caged roused from its slumber, drawn by the sudden burst of power. :So,: it rumbled, :he got himself marked. By accident.. How amusing.: Maeve's expression dipped into a frown.


Really? Kuvira's going to be pissed.


:Shush, human. I'm listening to the screams.: Kalamitat--for that was the demon's name--always enjoyed making Maeve shudder for one reason or another, and it'd succeeded.


"Kuvira.. He's been marked," Maeve murmured, casting a glance to her queen.


Lance and Dante had been escorted to their separate tents, and shown the general lay of the camp, and so the Bathelon prince-- King, Lance reminded himself with a hint of resentment--had taken to restlessly wandering the maze that was almost like its own town. The knowledge of what he really was was churning throughout his mind, and now that he acknowledged it, he could feel it humming in his blood as well. He was itching to do something, go for a run, climb, do anything, anything to get rid of the boredom.


He had seen Dante disappear into the forest a small time earlier, and briefly thought of copying her, leaving the camp to find something to do. However, that would prove as a distraction for the half-elf; Lance knew she was preparing a ritual to boost her abilities. Connecting to the earth was the main dependence for Elves and especially Fae when it came to magic. Without that connection being made at least once a month, their magic would dry up and they would weaken.


A strange tingling feeling washed over Lance, and he instinctively looked up. He saw nothing but the faintest ripple in the sky. Deciding not to question it, Lance made up his mind and disappeared into the woods, going in a different direction than Dante. It was easier now, to make it through without tripping, and to know where he was going, so easy it was almost scary. He could get used to this 'werewolf' thing.


Eventually, he came to a clearing, where he sat down and stared at the unending blue above him, lost in thought.
 
In the same moment that Lance noticed the ripple in the sky Cecile finally caught a glimpse of the young king. He was headed towards the forest. She wondered what he could be doing there and kept her distance. She flew silently through the forest and past Lance, creating a slight wind among the forest floor and a rustling of dead leaves. She then went ahead of him and perched herself in a tree, watching as he continued through the forest until he came to an open meadow and took a seat.


For a long moment Cecile watched from her perch. She gave the king enough time, or so she thought, to let his guard down. He did appear to be resting after all. The witch darted away again on her broomstick this time sending a small breeze through the tree's leaves. She landed a good distance away from the meadow and reappeared. Now she carried her broomstick and walked as quietly as she could through the forest and back in the direction of the meadow.


She was soon approaching the king from behind. She crept cautiously towards him through the clearing; planning to surprise the king. At first glance; however, Cecile would look like a Rose Kingdom knight there in her brother's kilt and armor. She looked like a scrawny man in her brother's old Rose uniform. The only indication that she was not of the Rose Army were her big blue hues.
 
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Lance sat there for a while, staring absentmindedly, before a subconscious growl rippled through his throat. A tad embarrassed at this, Lance turned to apologize, realizing from that faint not-wind whisper that someone was near, but his eyes immediately narrowed. A Rose Kingdom knight, here..?


But as he studied her, he realized just how familiar those blue eyes were. "Cecile..?" Lance questioned hesitantly, standing slowly. "What are you doing here? What's with the broom? And.. Why are you dressed like a Rose Kingdom knight?" His voice remained steady, although he was obviously quite curious. He didn't hold anything against her from her choice to leave and protect the Rose Kingdom, and would remain neutral towards her for as long as he could.


Once Lance straightened, he immediately bent down again, brushing dirt and grass from his trousers. He couldn't help but wonder if Cecile had met a witch, or something, because for some reason that broom seemed oh-so-familiar.


"This is your grandmother, Lance. Treat her right, will you? She's.. strange." Weren't those Varudian's words, at some point in time? Shaking his head, Lance focused back in on Cecile, honestly glad she hadn't decided he was her immediate enemy.
 
Cecile took a startled step back when the king growled and appeared nervous when he noticed her so quickly. She had hoped to be the one to initiate the conversation, but like usual the king's senses were much more keen than the girl's. She eyed him as he began to question her, knowing her purpose would be a difficult topic to discuss. Finally, the blue eyed girl mustered a smile as he asked about her broomstick. It distracted her thoughts from the matter at hand. "It's for me to fly with", she said. It was clear she was very proud of her accomplishments, despite the long road ahead of her before she could ever be considered "skilled".


At the question about her dress the girl glanced down on her body. "It's more suitable for battle than a dress, of course", she said and paused. She bit her bottom lip and hesitated. "Lance, we are losing to the Yunakai nation". Cecile had sought out the king with the intention of persuading him to betray Yunakai. She knew he would be reluctant to, but to her Bathelon was their only hope.


"I believe I can get you the cure without Kuvira's aid. There is no need for you to remain loyal to her". The princess then eyed him with her an innocent stare. "I need you to tell me what next she is planning".
 
Lance nodded, listening to Cecile's happy statement about her broom, although he frowned slightly when she mentioned fighting. Someone like her, so fragile, really shouldn't be on the battlefield.


"Your losing is a good thing for me," Lance replied stiffly, but he didn't meet the princess's innocent gaze.


"I.." He hesitated then, his frown deepening further; why was he considering betraying Yunakai in the first place?


"I can't. What she is planning is not mine to tell." He turned his head to face Cecile again. "Why do you return them? Your father obviously didn't care about you. Why do you run back to defend them? Why not stay out of the war, and go with whatever happens? It would be so much easier for you." Lance knew how hard of a time Cecile was having, but no amount of sympathy could make him put crucial alliances aside in order to care for what people felt. His kingdom was his first priority, no matter what.


There was no guarantee Cecile would even have influence within the Rose Kingdom's courts, or become queen.. especially without killing her brother and father. Her father wouldn't hand the throne over to a girl, with all the sexism floating about in Thornton's twisted, savage dictatorship, and Cecile's brother likely wouldn't either.


"Cecile.. You know you have little to no chance of ruling the Rose Kingdom, even if Kuvira loses the war," Lance said quietly. Yes, he felt bad for his degrading words, but he wasn't sure Cecile knew what she was doing entirely. "Why do you care so much for a place that holds so little love for you?"
 
Cecile became visibly disappointed, but she had expected the prince to say no. She bit her lip again and her eyes continued to follow Lance. She could tell he was avoiding her gaze. His brute honesty eventually caused her lips to curve into a small frown. She hesitated as it was evident that even Cecile struggled to answer his questions. The truth was she had no interest in remaining in the Rose Kingdom or ruling over a kingdom, but she would not leave her brother there to face the consequences of defeat. He could be held prisoner or executed.





In a sudden shift in atmosphere Cecile let out a laugh. "It is also the only place with any love for me", she finally said. Cecile had always considered her twin to be the only person who truly loved her. "My brother has a good heart", she added. Cecile then straightened herself, appearing slightly more confident again.


"Lance. I know a way into the kingdom. We could get the cure tonight", she continued in her attempt to persuade him. She trusted the king and did not realize that she was offering him the very information Kuvira needed. "There is a lot of it in the palace, and all we would have to do is steal it."


"Are you really not threatened by Kuvira?" she asked as an after thought.


OOC: Im sorry my posts are short tonight xD


 
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[QUOTE="Enuky K]Cecile became visibly disappointed, but she had expected the prince to say no. She bit her lip again and her eyes continued to follow Lance. She could tell he was avoiding her gaze. His brute honesty eventually caused her lips to curve into a small frown. She hesitated as it was evident that even Cecile struggled to answer his questions. The truth was she had no interest in remaining in the Rose Kingdom or ruling over a kingdom, but she would not leave her brother there to face the consequences of defeat. He could be held prisoner or executed.



In a sudden shift in atmosphere Cecile let out a laugh. "It is also the only place with any love for me", she finally said. Cecile had always considered her twin to be the only person who truly loved her. "My brother has a good heart", she added. Cecile then straightened herself, appearing slightly more confident again.


"Lance. I know a way into the kingdom. We could get the cure tonight", she continued in her attempt to persuade him. She trusted the king and did not realize that she was offering him the very information Kuvira needed. "There is a lot of it in the palace, and all we would have to do is steal it."


"Are you really not threatened by Kuvira?" she asked as an after thought.


OOC: Im sorry my posts are short tonight xD

[/QUOTE]
((Same here, don't you worry xD ))


"The only place.." Lance repeated to himself. He had an idea that might've been able to keep Cecile out of the war and the terrible battles that would follow, but he let her speak first. He perked up at her mention of getting into the kingdom.. undetected.


While he didn't want to hurt Cecile by manipulating her--Since when have I cared so much?--he had a duty as Kuvira's ally and to his kingdom. He hesitated for a moment.


"Get into the kingdom, unharmed? And just how would we do that? The Galicia Pass is heavily guarded."


"And.. No. I am not. She will not betray our alliance, I know it. Not after as much as she has put into it already." Reluctantly, he held up the Wolfsbane potion for Cecile to see, for only a moment, before slipping it back into its hiding place. It was both a warning to what he was, and a display that he truly believed in his position as Kuvira's ally.


"Cecile.. If I could make sure that your brother was left unharmed by this.. Would you stay out of the conflict?"
 

OOC: I didn't even take the dragons out the bag yet.

Kuvira sat up to hear what he had to saw about whatever he wanted about dragons until he brushed his hand the dragon egg and marking himself with it. He screamed in pain as the marks burned him. She listened to Maeve murmured only to know that Maeve was right. She was pissed. She approached Yaro only to immediately punch him hard hard enough to almost breaking his nose."you fool what have you done! I have given you a second chance and this is what you do?" She said furious. "I almost died for those eggs and you decide that you can claim one for yourself?!" She kicked him in the guts to make sure he stampled over himself "and what do you want me to think? that it was by accident! You disgust me!" She took our her eggs from her bag whispering to herself. Falling to her knees on the ground. "No.no.no. this can't be. I went too far to get this." She looked up at Maeve with sorrow in her eyes. "Please Maeve is there something you can do? Anything! I can't just let him be claimed like that!"
​
 
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As Lance spoke Cecile began to hug her arms and shiver slightly in the cold. Her clothes were all still damp from the rains and as such she was terribly cold. She shook her head, "will I stay out of the conflict? Is that what this is about?"


The princess frowned at the king. How could he show this concern while refusing to join forces with her? The princess could not understand the responsibilities of a king. A cold gust of wind swept through the forest sending more shivers down Cecile's spine.


"I'm more prepared for battle than you think", she said as he retrieved his vial for her to see. They girl let out a soft sigh at the sight of his wolfbane potion, but made no comment. She only continued to gaze at him with a look of disappointment.


"I do know a way in", said Cecile.She let go of her shivering arms and reached a hand out to touch Lance's. It was an icy touch.


"Won't you come with me there?" she was prepared to lead him to it that night.
 
((Get ready for character death, a really long post, and lots, lots of drama.. Mostly from our dear Lance. Poor kid. Sorta sloppy, sorry, don't have much time.))


Lance didn't reply to Cecile's first question at first; he only looked out into the woods warily. The back of his neck tingled, and Lance was almost positive something wasn't right. It had originally been somewhat warm, for a winter, and suddenly the temperature had dropped several degrees. He kept himself alert, but turned his attention back to Cecile.


"Perhaps it is," he answered, more to himself. Do I really want to hurt her like this? ..I have to.


"Yes.. I guess I should. But, I feel tonight is not the best night to venture into the castle, not with the camp so busy.. Maybe you could show me the passage, and we could meet there tomorrow night?" When Cecile's hand touched his, Lance immediately knew that a human being shouldn't feel that cold. The chill of the princess's hand was especially sharp against the heat of Lance's own.


Taking her hand in his, Lance frowned. "Cecile, are you okay? You feel a bit cold, even for it being winter.." Even as he spoke, he pulled her forwards, into a slightly awkward hug--Lance didn't normally touch people in the first place--in an attempt to keep her warmer.


A twig cracked somewhere out in the woods, and Lance barely held back another growl. He looked out into the shadows of the trees, watching closely for any moment.


"Did anyone follow you on your way here?" Lance asked quietly, fighting the urge to hunt whatever was out there down.


Before Cecile could so much as answer, a figure burst out of the shadows, and a sword that looked an awful lot like Dante's came to rest on Lance's shoulder, sharp edge dangerously close to his neck. Moving so Cecile was nowhere near the blade, Lance growled.


"What are you doing?" he demanded, half expecting for Dante's murderer--for the half-elf wouldn't attack him--to respond with some overly glorified "freedom from tyranny" or "for the Rose Kingdom!" spiel. However, it was Dante's voice that answered.


"Well, dear king of Bathelon, usually I wouldn't be doing this. But.. I've had a change of heart." Lance darted forwards just as he felt the slightest twitch in the blade, and narrowly missed having his head cut off. Sweeping Cecile off of her feet, he sprinted to the edge of the clearing, setting the princess down gently before turning to face Dante. The elf's normally green eyes were now a bright, glowing red, and it was unnerving. Almost demonic.


Lance reached for his own sword, only to realize that, like an idiot, he'd thought himself safe and had left it in his tent. Every time he needed his sword, he was left without it, but at least his lesson would be learned.


"Stop this, Dante," Lance pleaded, but Dante shook her head. Instead of responding vocally, she lifted her sword and approached Lance, ready to strike. The king took a step back warily; without a weapon, there wasn't much to do. However, Dante suddenly changed direction and began running towards Cecile. Lance leaped at Dante, barely managing to grab at the Wolfsbane Potion and swallow a drop before his form blurred into a slightly larger wolf-like shape. His unenchanted clothing tore in the process, and the bottle dropped to the ground.


Growling lowly, Lance pinned down Dante, and didn't even hesitate; his rage at her betrayal and the urge to protect Cecile paired with almost forgetting the potion had left him a little closer to out of his mind. He was conscious enough to somewhat control himself, but as Lance's teeth tore into Dante's throat the king realized he couldn't really do anything, and so he shrunk away from the seat of control and wished he could close his eyes against the sight.


Long after Dante had died, Lance's beast form had continued its work. When he felt control returning, the wolf took off into the bushes, only going a small distance before shifting back to his original form.


"What have I done.. Oh, god.." Lance felt like he was going to be sick. He would never go out into the woods again, not without remembering this; he could tell. Every small detail of the murder he'd committed was etched into his mind. Could he really return to Kuvira now?


The worst part was.. just before Dante had died, the red color engulfing her eyes had faded, leaving a dull green, and the half-elf had smiled almost gratefully. He couldn't stand it. Lance wanted to scream, but he knew better than to attract attention to himself. He sat there for only a few minutes, before standing and turning back in the direction he had come. He could smell the blood even from here, and the hunger remaining from his transformation made him resentful. Carefully distancing himself from the situation, Lance returned to the clearing, doing his best to avoid looking at Dante's desecrated corpse as he picked up what remained of his shirt and pocketed the Wolfsbane potion.


"I'm.. sorry you had to see that," he murmured, not even caring whether Cecile was still there or not.
 
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