Fantasy The Dragon Wardens

[CloudyBlueDay]

Feria & Ifer

The Twisted Woods

They seemed to be doing alright. Ifer was practically slicing through wyverns, and some seemed to be retreating when they realized that their prey was putting up more of a fight then they hoped. As one jumped towards Feria with it's mouth open, preparing to chomp down on her arm, she jumped back, smirking, proud of herself that she had seen it coming. What she had not realized is when she backed up, she backed up into the spiked tail of another.


It sent her falling forward, the katana flew out of her hand. The spikes dug into her back as she was face forward in the muddy earth. She jumped up as quickly as possible, wincing because of the gashes in her backside. Half her face was covered it mud, and then she realized; mud. Mud meant water. And water meant ice. How had she not realized it before?


Ifer let out a loud screech seeing his companion fall, and instantly directed his icy breath at the one that had hurt Feria. He curled his long tail protectively around her, and Feria silently thanked him. She tried to squeeze as much water as she possibly could from the earth and she came with a thin wall of ice. Ifer flicked his tail in surprise, watching her work out of the corner of his eye while making sure no one stepped near.


Feria shattered the ice wall into a million tiny spikes, giving each Wyvern it's fair share, mostly trying to aim for the eyes. Ifer snarled, intrigued by her approach, and combined his breath with her ammo.

 

[Macaberz]

The air rippled. Something big passed over them, like the shadow of a predator creeping over its prey. Olsten glanced skyward. Nothing. Calm down, it's just the wind...


"As to your Mentor...I'm sorry. Happy to help you look, but I...I lost mine. Getting your hopes up is a terrible thing, Olsten."


Shoulders drooped at the news. No sign of Malcolm then. He refused to believe the hardened rider had fallen. A fat, coarse lump solidified in his throat and he merely nodded before turning away. Come on, don't start crying now, you're not the only one who has lost someone... Whatever salt lingered on the rim of his eyes was swiftly brushed away when a distant bang distracted them both.


"Feel like making sure those killers are kept silent?"


Grybil looked up from his scanty meal and growled. "That's a yes," Olsten translated before he hoisted himself on Grybil's chiseled back. Like a statue coming to life, Grybil rose to his full height and kicked off hard. Rider and Warden fused their hate into a fiery blur. Olsten had only a moment to see a downed Warden and its Dragon in the dirt below. Three against one...you're out of luck


Roaring, Grybil crash-landed before the remaining bounty hunter. But no fire came, no snap of the jaw separated torso from abdomen. Whooshing, Grybil flung his tail at the bounty hunter, knocking the man backwards. Kneecaps cracked as Olsten leapt from the saddle. Groaning, the man began to scramble to his feet-


-only to be tackled to the ground once more as Olsten threw himself at the wretched looter. Little fingers grabbed the hunter's throat. Grybil loomed behind Olsten, ready to pounce. "Who are you?! Who are you working for?" He'd never been the strongest, but he shook with enough force to make the man's teeth chatter in his skull. "You'd better tell me or I'll have you eaten alive!"

 

[Llamadragon]

Perhaps the fate of Barrod the shepherd would've been different if he had actually been spotted by the distant creatures he so feared. Then, perhaps, the Dragon Warden would have decided that they valued his silence more than they valued his life. But as fate dictated, for better or worse, Lupin touched ground without either of them being alerted of this sharp pair of eyes. The little specks of grey and white wool, so tiny and distant, were simply so similar in color to the solid bedrock that they escaped their notice, that shrill whistle being so far away it did not have a iota of a chance to reach them in the howling autumn winds that whirled around them.


The Earth dragon hit the ground running, claws drumming quickly yet softly, silently against the vivid grass. Despite his bulk, Lupin was as quick as any horse, although his gigantic steps made riding this way somewhat of a workout to keep up with for his elderly Warden. There was a prance in his steps every now and then, excess energy that he was still eager to get rid of.


Not that Rion held it against him. Besides, she did not wish to linger any longer than she absolutely had to. Lupin knew where he was heading. She would simply be the eyes and the shield, keeping a lookout for spies or soldiers and do her darnest to keep out of their way. She pulled her hood up over her face, covering every last strand of whitened hair, wanting to keep the advantage of being unidentifiable as a Warden should they be spotted. With that, she let her grey eyes sweep over the waving grass as bared, rugged bedrock. Her mind relaxed. Expanded. Became aware. In a sight her eyes could not see, she saw the strings that weaved the world with cold soil and breathing roots and hard stone. Strings of magic, and life, that she could move to her will. She sent a thought to ruffle the trampled grass and top soil in their wake, eliminating the dragons footprints. Another into the soil, feeling the cool clay with her mind and pulling it up. Some was swiftly smeared against Lupins vulnerable wing joints, ready to be hardened into a thick layer of cheramics at a moments notice. Some, she kept close to herself, embedding it in her dragons thorny scales if she was ever to need it.


Things entered her awareness and faded as they flew by. A flock of birds, a mountain hare, a weasel in its underground burrow. Hopefully, this would be an uneventful ride.. she just wished she believed it actually night be.

 

[Effervescent]

Cliffs of Anova

​

Julaeus had never personally seen a dragon up close. In his youth he saw a few fly overhead, but he never expected a dragon to have so many spikes! The fire dragon snaked her head out of the cave's entrance to inspect the elf, and he found himself holding his breath as he braced for the coming fire. It never came. As the dragon's head retreated back into the cave he released a heavy sigh of relief.


He could hear her voice faintly echo from inside, but the crashing waves below made it difficult to discern. The dragon's yelp came more clearly causing Julaeus to jump nearly off of the cliff side. Despite the cool air, sweat continued to drip off of his forehead in growing anticipation. He knew his work was still not complete, and he would never be able to forgive himself if he did not follow through with his task.


Carefully, he edged himself closer to the cave entrance. He was about a two feet away from where he could hop onto the lip when the dragon suddenly poked her head out once again. This time, a high pitched yelp escaped Julaeus, but the dragon did nothing but sniff him, the inhaled air wafting the loose fabric towards her face. Her head lingered close to him without malice, and he hesitated as he tried to discern the gesture. Was the dragon blocking his way? A hesitant hand reached out to touch the spike upon her snout. The dragon did not seem to mind, and he used it as a means to hoist himself to the lip of the cave.


"Thank you, friend," Julaeus said as he quickly released his hold on the dragon's spike. He cleared his throat before continuing, his attention turned to the girl. "My apologies for startling you, but I bring urgent news. Reports have entered Syth of possible Dragon Warden activity along the coast, specifically in the cliffs. They know you're here, Dragon Warden. Syth has amassed at least twenty volunteers to go in search of you, and another twenty north in pursuit of other sightings. Miss, you must leave. They're likely a league from this location by now. You do not have time."


@Keitsumah

The Northeastern Border of the Twisted Woods

​

The last bounty hunter finally felt his fear set in. He had lost sight of his coworker, and did not even know he had succumbed to a terrible demise. His feet carried him further and further into the Twisted Woods, his heart racing as his surroundings began to darken. As a precaution, he knocked another disorienting arrow onto his bowstring and let it loose. It flew back from where he came, though he did not particularly notice to what it would hit. It was meant as a distraction or possible deterrance should his enemies be close to the impact site.


He traveled further and further into the woods, running as fast as he could, never looking back. Thick brambles and large trees caused his path to snake and turn unexpectedly, and he was beginning to lose track of which way he had come in the first place. The bounty hunter was lost, but he would run even past the point when his lungs burned.


Outside of the Twisted Woods, all seemed to have calmed. The falcon circled above like a dot in the sky, a faint cry escaping its beak as it called out for its master. It wanted to warn him of the two Dragon Wardens that retreated into the woods. Its call was blocked by the thick canopy of the ominous woods below. The bounty hunter did not know of his coming fate until a dragon crashed through the trees to loom before him.


The dragon's thick tail smashed the man against the tree, the wind escaping his lungs from the impact. His head swam as he gasped for air, and as it returned to him he clambored back to his feet. The bounty hunter reached back for an arrow in his quiver, but found none. The bow in his right hand was broken in two. The Dragon Warden tackled him to the ground and seized his throat in his small hands.


"Who are you? Who are you working for?" the boy commanded. The bounty hunter couldn't help but laugh at this pitiful attempt. The boy was acting on impulse, forgetting that choking a man prevented him to speak. The Dragon Warden was effectively deterring his ability to gain an answer. And it would be just his luck to die by the hands of an unseasoned child.


Locks of greying hair whisped from the hair that was haphazardly pulled back from his face. The thick beard upon his jawline still clung to golden colors denoting a man who was pushing past mid-life.


"You'd better tell me or I'll have you eaten alive!"


The bounty hunter weezed a chuckle, for it was all he could manage before airily struggling a response. "How much is it worth to you?"


@Macaberz @Red Thunder @CaptainDorran

Twisted Woods

The poison contained within the spiked tails of a wyvern is activated as soon as it makes contact with blood. It is slow and painful as it eats away at the flesh, muscle, and then bone, and if left unattended, the poison is fatal. Due to the location of her affliction, the Dragon Warden has two days before the poison eats through her organs and kills her.


It wasn't the shriek the dragon emitted, nor was it the wall of ice conjured from the damp mire around them that caused the wyverns to quickly flee. As the ice wall shattered from caster's magic, the stragglers felt the sting of impalement as they rushed away and cried out with the pain. It was coupled by the dragon's breath, and together they drove out the threat completely.


For a time the two would be left in complete silence within the Twisted Woods. Their once blazing campfire was now ash and smoke, and the muddy ground beneath them a mess of tracks suspended to display the chaos that had once surrounded them. Something drove them away, and that something was quiet and near.


Fear could almost prickle the hairs on the back of the Dragon Warden's neck should she be keen to her senses. Someone or something was there, nearing the girl and her dragon without fear. Another silent moment passed until an unsuspecting man journeyed out from a path behind a line of trees. He gathered his robe about him and stopped suddenly at the sight of the two. He showed no fear, but concern pushed his brows downward.


"My... I heard wyverns. Have they gone?" His hooded head craned to look about in search for the beasts.


@CloudyBlueDay

The Northern border between the Twisted Woods and the Northern Mountains

​

Barrod herded his sheep safely over the foothill and headed towards home. It would take a few hours, and the entire time would be spent on pins and needles. The dragon and its rider did not follow, nor did they seem to care if they ever did see them.


The ride through the foothills would be particularly uneventful. The sun rose ever higher into the afternoon sky, the dull clouds thinning to invite more of its light. A falcon glided above them called out a mournful cry before turning towards the Twisted Woods. It would not hover above the gnarled mess of trees and kept along its border.


It is possible the old earth caster would sense the distress within the flora of the surrounding land. Sturdy evergreens and barren oak bristled with whispers of a happening further down the border. The grass sighed with relief that the earth further down the way was no longer disturbed. Tension remained within the magic of the inanimate that cast towards the Twisted Woods. These inklings would grow the further down the border the two would journey, and should they do so, they would travel a little less than a league before finding evidence of a bounty hunter's disorienting arrow cast to the ground after areal impact.


@Llamadragon

The Northern Woods of Eversyth

​

Eosphelon's head turned at the sight of Erramun, and he snapped his teeth in his surprise as he urged his companion to turn from the house. Before Idhrenan could even look upon the dweller, she turned about to see the large earth dragon, her eyes wide. Was it hurt? She could not determine its reason for such caution as it approached the home. It was a rather large creature who likely would attract attention with or without trees.


"Both of you come in," the dweller urged. Idhrenan turned back towards the doorway to find a young Naveri elf, her face frought with concern. "And bring your dragons to the Northern facade."


"But I am the only..." Idhrenan's voice trailed off as she felt another presence. Whoever it was, their presence was faint and slipping. Without word, Idhrenan relayed the plan for him to head for the Northern side of the home. He groaned and slithered across the open grass as if it were on fire, quick to get back into the shadows of the trees. As he passed Erramun, he sniffed the air and playfully brushed his wing close to his leg as he tested his bounds with the newcomer.


"Quickly!" the dweller said before retreating into the house. Idhrenan cautiously approached the imposing earth dragon and bowed low.


"Please allow me to aid you," she requested.


@LadyMatsudai

 

[CloudyBlueDay]

Feria & Ifer

The Twisted Woods

When the wyverns fled, Feria was surprised. Was her attack that powerful? She didn't feel very powerful. Maybe Ifer's screching and growling had done the trick. Her back was stinging as she stared at the empty space before her which had been filled with danger only moments ago. Feria took a shaky breath. I thought I could handle this. She brought a hand to her face, touching the already drying mud that resided on her cheek and began to try and pick it off. Ifer whined, staring at her backside worriedly.


How had those wyvern appeared so quickly, so stealthily, so silently? Attacked in an instant, threw her around like a rag doll. Feria was ashamed of her awful performance. She could've done better. Realized they were standing in mud sooner. Heard the wyvern coming sooner. Idiot. She was an idiot. Ifer could probably guess what was going through her head right now and whined once more. He would have nudged her thoughtfully if it were not for the hundreds of ice spikes that covered him. Ifer didn't want to impale her.. again.


Now that she was grilling herself for not being keener, Feria felt something. Like something was coming. As quiet and swift as the wyvern's, but she knew in her gut it was not that. She stood up, looking around for something to prove that she wasn't going insane and hearing things. Ifer raised his head, following her gaze.


"My... I heard wyverns. Have they gone?" Feria flinched. She raised a hand towards the hooded figure and generated a small but deadly ice spike in her hand, prepared to fire. Ifer let out a roar and stood alongside her, prepared to blast the stranger with icy breath. "Who are you?" Feria growled, firm and strong, despite being half covered in mud and hurting awfully. Was there poison in the wyvern's tail? She couldn't remember. Oh, no...


@Effervescent

 

[LadyMatsudai]

Erramun was surprised himself to the sudden site of another dragon. After so long, the site of another of his kind was just so...foreign. The dragon was much smaller than he, causing Erramun's talons to shift a little nervously, afraid he might step on the tail of the smaller dragon, his massive size making the trees shake, leaves falling quickly to the ground. The Earth dragon sniffed at the air, his golden eyes soon locking on to the red haired Dragon Warden in the distance as a sense of anxiety consumed him. Anxiety...and fear. What if this Dragon Warden was not as nice as he had hoped? What if she was corrupt in some manner, in which she would wish to harm his own Dinyla?


The Earth dragon grumbled in slight surprise to the brush along his leg, little chirps of uncertainty escaping from his throat, immediately growing defensive to Idhrenan approaching him, growling deeply in his throat to warn the Dragon Warden to tread lightly. His eyes followed the woman slowly approaching him before he tilted his large head to her bowing deeply. Snorts and short growls escaped his lips as he tried to decide what to do, keening to hearing Dinyla throw up again on the saddle before he purred. His large stone scaled wings slowly opened, spreading them to their full wingspan as Dinyla was revealed on the leather saddle, breathing weakly as her skin looked pale and her body shook, unaware of their fortunate find.

 

[Red Thunder]

The Northwestern Border of the Twisted Woods

​

The young one had blasted off, shooting forward on pursuit of the remaining hunter with more fury than Hale had thought possible for one so young.


So young. He's barely that much younger than you.


But Hale shrugged at the thought. His dragon would keep him safe, surely, despite any rash actions on Olsten's part. And there was that other bounty hunter...


Kraeg, seemingly having the same idea, slowed, Olsten and his dragon involved in...whatever off in the distance. The half-elf glanced about, the dragon doing the same. Finally they spotted what they were looking for and turned for it. Before them lay a familiar face: the bounty hunter, a knife shoved in his throat. But not far off were two unfamiliar faces: an arcane dragon of reasonable size, and her Warden. He seemed to be a middle aged fellow of skill and experience.


He also seemed thoroughly dazed, as did his iridescent wyrm. Hale climbed off Kraeg's back and eased up to the older man. Carefully he examined him, probing and searching for broken bones or injuries. He seemed okay, save for a gash on the back of his head where he impacted the ground from falling. Hale gently adjusted the Warden's head, retrieved some herbs from a pouch in his cloak, and began ministering to the scabbing and dirty wound. His earth dragon watched him protectively, waiting patiently for some kind of response.


@CaptainDorran

 

[CaptainDorran]

@CaptainDorran[/URL]

Malcolm lay there after the arrow hit, he couldn't hear and his vision was naught but swimming stars. He tried to move but winced in pain from the point blank attack. With extreme effort in his dazed state he managed to heave the dead hunter off of him, his protection now a hindrance to breathing. He felt something or someone feeling at him and his arms weakly tried to bat them away. In fact they barely left his sides, the strong paralysing effect of the burst arrow resurging now the immediate need to move the dead body was gone. He felt his head being moved, and as (unbeknownst to Malcolm) Hale worked his craft on Malcolm some degree of life returned to him. He could make out the shapes of the forest around him, and the warmth of his body, thankfully all of it. He blinked his eyes slowly over and over, trying to clear them of flashes in his mind caused by the arrow. He reached out with his mind and felt Elain's confused mind, and the earth mage behind him, he managed to speak as more vitality flowed into him "Who... Stop... E-Elain, is sh-she...?" He said, the sound clear but words indistinct. What ever the healer was doing was working as his throbbing headache ceasing to be quite so insufferable. "Elain, my dragon... Is she okay...?" he asked through gritted teeth, internally enraged he had concentrated so much on dealing revenge to the man he killed that he had lost focus on the other.

 

[Red Thunder]

The Northwestern Border of the Twisted Woods

​

"Elain, my dragon... Is she okay...?"


Hale glanced up. The arcane wyrm's scaly hide had likely prevented any kind of damage that she might have otherwise sustained from collapsing to the ground. She was probably just fine, though he couldn't be absolutely sure. His limited knowledge of medicine didn't extend far.


"Hush," he chided gently. The half-elf continued spreading salve onto the gash. "She's fine, I think. But don't worry about her; she has scales to protect her head; you don't."


Beside him, Kraeg loomed over the fallen Elain. His face bespoke his curiosity, but his stance was cautious, alert. He stared at her for a full minute, occasionally sniffing the air, before looking back at Hale. The cripple nodded.


"Thanks, mate. Glad to hear it."


The final bit of salve in place, Hale sat back. He wiped his hands on the grass and sighed.


"Well, that's about all I can do, I'm afraid, sir. Ah, forgive me; I've not introduced myself. I'm Hale, and my friend is Kraeg'zech." He smiled and chuckled. "I'm sorry if he's being overprotective about Elain. He always wants to help."


@CaptainDorran

 

[Keitsumah]

Day 85: Cliffs of Anova: Ava and Feral

​

Ava drew out a half-sword with a faint rasp and laid it across one hand. Her eyes had narrowed -her amber gaze glazed and thoughtful. Suspicious. "What would they want with us but to kill us? We have caused no undue trouble. I have yet to see anyone but you come by this place." She snorted, her lip curling back to reveal unusually sharp canines -the girl had carved her teeth to further adapt to the tough meat in her diet. "Do they claim they own the seagulls, as well as the fish in the ocean?"


The tip of her sword made a sharp ringing sound as it struck the stone, the flat of the blade having slipped off of her hand and now gleaming in what sunlight that entered the cave. Her gaze burned with that old rage -clouded by the whispers of vengeance and hatred.


Children screaming. Hatchlings raining from the sky. Dragon's pitiful death hisses as they struggled in vain to protect their companions. Only to see the one they loved cut in twain. Ava fled through the back alleys, using every shadow, every flame to burn alive those who she came across. Feral clambered over the rooftops, body low as she parted the flames with ease, hiding her blood-red form out of reach of seeking arrows. Just ahead, a large, grey dragon nearly the size of a full grown earth dragon bellowed, a tongue of blue flame arcing into the sky as the human astride his back severed a man's arm from his torso.


Ava and Feral both screamed when their mentors fell.


She would burn them. Every last one. A deep, guttural hiss escaped Feral's jaws as the memories passed between them and the dragon lowered her head close to the ground, the ever-present glow in her neck and chest intensifying. Ava picked up her sword again and let it sway from side to side, her arm hanging off one knee as she crouched.


Breath whooshed from her lungs and Ava glanced in the direction of the elf again. She knew he must feel like a rabbit cornered by wolves at the moment, but she was careful to keep her mind on the enemies outside, rather than the enemy within.


"I thank you for your warning. And I thank you for the letter. Should you need it, we can provide you flight to where you need to go. Or at least as far as is safe for us. But should we come across enemies, we will take our chances." she said lowly. Feral growled in agreement, padding forward until she stood behind her partner. "We saw too much to not feel the urge to slaughter and maim everyone we can. Would you not, as well, if you saw children murdered heedlessly? Children who had dreamed of becoming the great heroes of legend." Ava's eyes narrowed. "I was one. And now am not. My only purpose from now on is to wreak vengeance for the dead."

 

[explosiveKitten]

Tamrana and Sassy

Southern woodlands of the Forests of Valnahar
​

After touching down, Sassy had settled into a large forest clearing, watching her injured rider rest and attempt to remedy her injured shoulder.


"Sassy... I love you and all... But please... Next time, check the surrounding area of the camp before you go off to hunt... Did you at least leave me any food?" Tamrana asked, leaning against Saskan's leg, pressing her hand against her open wound. She had no medical supplies. No way of healing herself. All she could hope to do was tear up her spare shirt and use that to dress the wound, but then she'd be out of shirts once the one she was wearing was torn to shreds! "... I really hope it doesn't end like this, Sassy... I just can't imagine dying because I got an infected wound..." Tamrana sighed, not able to think of anything else to say. What was she living for anyway? The Dragon Wardens were being hunted and weren't accepted anywhere. She was living on the run. Constantly hiding.


"... No food, Sassy?" The dragon snorted at her regrettably and made a worried trilling sound, resting her muzzle on the ground beside her. "Ah, don't worry about it... I'm sure we'll figure something out..."


Hopefully.

 

[Effervescent]

The Twisted Woods

The hooded figure’s eyes widened at the dragon’s roar, and he took a step back, his hands held up in surrender. “I don’t want any trouble,” the man said. “I’m lost and…” He looked back the way he came. “I… You’re the first people I’ve come across. Please don’t kill me. I just want out of here. Do you know where to go? Or can you at least tell me which way the wyverns ran off to so that I can head the opposite direction?”


The icicle within the caster’s hand looked sharp and just as menacing as the spiked dragon next to her. He kept his hands upward to signal his surrender to their threats, though his demeanor was somewhat calm despite the situation. The afternoon sun dimly lit the floor of the Twisted Woods, barely allowing Feria and Ifer to see much of the man’s face at this distance.


“I’m Edmund, by the way,” the man said as he took a careful step forward into a lighter area of the woods. Slowly, Edmund brought his hands around the fabric of his hood and pulled it back to reveal himself. His light brown hair was pulled back at the nape of his neck, though it could not contain the shorter flyaways that curled about his angular features. A short beard shadowed his cheeks and jaw denoting a man that would otherwise shave given the opportunity to do so. His cloak looked to be made of Sythian Silk in a deep hue of blue, but otherwise his attire was rather weathered and unimpressive. The boggy mud had collected around the soles of his boots due to his travel within the Twisted Woods. Just how long he had been within its canopy remained uncertain, for the leather to which his boots were crafted were stained dark.


@CloudyBlueDay

The Northern Woods of Eversyth

Idhrenan took the reveal as a sign of compliance from the dragon, and she quickly moved to the side. The purring dragon was very tall compared to Eosphelon, and climbing up to where the weary Dragon Warden rested proved a bit of a challenge. She took note of Erramun’s hesitancy and proceeded with great care and caution. They were unfamiliar with each other, and the unfamiliarity showed in how awkward it felt to get to its back. She took in a deep breath and collected the other Dragon Warden in her arms and situated her carefully to insure their descent off of the dragon’s back.


Eosphelon sensed Idhrenan’s concern and uncertainty in her climb downward and slinked back towards the earth dragon. Emitting a few guttural clicks, he looked up at Erramun hesitantly before bringing himself to the side and sat up on his hind legs. He used his front claws to delicately collect the two and bring them down to the ground safely.


“Back in the trees,” she said out loud to Eosphelon, and he understood her meaning without needing to process the words. A light trill escaped him as he padded back to the shadows, keeping a wide birth around Erramun once his task was complete. Once under a tree, he snapped his teeth together in an attempt to garner the dragon’s attention.


Idhrenan carried Dinyla inside the cottage and closed the door behind her. The woman that greeted her was now rummaging through a shelf while muttering contemplatively. Her dark blue hair was pulled back in a knot that did not seem to diminish her youthful features. The fabric of her dress clung loosely to her form, and when the woman turned a certain way it held closer to her frame to reveal a small baby bump upon her midsection.


“Lay her on the bed,” she said, pointing over to the only bed available. The cottage only had one room and was only divided by a decorative hand painted screen. The details within the painting depicted a forest scene, and within it two lovers in search for each other. Idhrenan placed Dinyla onto the bed and looked her over more completely.


“Are you with us, Dragon Warden?” she asked.


@LadyMatsudai

Cliffs of Anova

“Verily, they wish to seek out and drive you from Eversyth,” Julaeus explained. The girl bared her teeth, and in turn he involuntarily grimaced and began to lean back towards the cave’s side. It had only been a little over eighty days since the new year came that marked the fall of the Haven and this girl seemed so barbaric. It was unlike any Dragon Warden he had ever come across, even after the fall. They had all been diplomatic, albeit frightened. Those leaning more towards untrusting were still not as prone to violence. It was why Julaeus volunteered for this mission. He thought it was safe. He thought he could return to his family.


But that notion was slowly beginning to wane. There was something about this Dragon Warden that made his senses scream at him to run. Even after her thanks he felt his heart race again, and he desired to find his rope along the cliff side and run away.


“We saw too much to not feel the urge to slaughter and maim everyone we can,” the girl explained to him. The pounding in his chest grew, and his ears began to ring as he watched her eyes narrow. He honed in on her words and took them with great heed. “My only purpose from now on is to wreak vengeance for the dead.”


He begged what he heard not to be true. Julaeus cursed himself mentally for his careless need to help, for upon this day he had found one of the corrupt. These were the Dragon Wardens he had heard reports on. These were the ones wreaking havoc and causing the world to turn on the good. As scared as the elf was, he knew that if he were to make it out alive he would have to continue his diplomacy. He knew he must make it out alive to send word to the true Dragon Wardens that they had a traitor amongst them.


With a low bow, Julaeus bid the girl adieu and hastily clamored for his rope to hoist himself back up the cliff and journey home. It was not a far walk from the sea, and as he gathered his rope he looked back at the cliff line. It was a shame to see the stories were true and that there were, indeed, rogues among the peace keepers he held in such high esteem.


If the Dragon Warden were to head Northeastward towards the river, they would find a pleasantly uneventful travel. They had managed to bypass the coming company of elvin warriors and found themsleves crossing fields and dense woods. At one point they passed near a larger settlement, their homes aglow in the night. Eventually the two would come upon a trail within the woods. Trees were pushed back, even uprooted, with an incredible force from something large and in need of space. There would be no tracks or boot prints otherwise, but this faint trail would lead Northward still, eventually leading to a small cottage with two dragons just outside.


@Keitsumah

Southern Woodlands of Valnahar

The Vuaturi elf continued to follow the dragon as best as his construct could, but it was no match for the creature’s speed. Soon the dragon flew off into the distance as nothing but a speck and then disappeared entirely. As he neared the point to which he lost sight of the dragon, he began to comb the woods using his focusing crystal as a guide.


Thannel walked down to the lower tier to study what the crystal was showing of the terrain in real time. It projected the forest upon the wood flooring in a blue glow, the scene changing as the construct continued its course. This particular device was only capable of channeling collected earth magic and thus could only display the flora along the scape. A trained eye such as his would be able to note patterns and disturbances left by the fauna of the land, and occasionally he would divide his attention between the holographic map and the windows.


As the afternoon sun held itself high in the brisk air, Thannel spotted the clearing among the trees. The flying construct was brought to a stop, and it hovered in a low hum just east of where the dragon rested. The hard soles of his boots rapped against the metal of the balcony as he scrambled to collect the rope ladder tied to the railing. Leaning over as he carefully worked loose the knot, the young elf noticed a figure resting against the leg of the dragon.


"Hello!" he called out, hoping his voice was within ear's reach.


@explosiveKitten

 

[explosiveKitten]

Tamrana and Sassy


Southern woodlands of the Forests of Valnahar
​

"... Oh come on, Sassy... Now is not the time to start making noises.... Can't you tell I'm coming to terms with my imminent death?" Tamrana mumbled, staring up at the sky. Saskan narrowed her eyes and stood up suddenly, a rumble growing deep in her throat. "Huh- Sassy whats wrong?" She said as she was unceremoniously dumped onto the ground. As Tamrana stood up, Saskan growled louder, her long tail swishing and lashing about, her hackles raised defensively. Tamrana knew what this meant- There was danger nearby.

"Damnit, I thought I lost that hunter and his dogs- Who are you!? If you try to harm me or my dragon I have a very nasty branch with your name on it!!" She shouted, grabbing the stick she had clung to from the ground and holding up like she would a sword. It would have to do.

"I am highly trained in the art of the sword, and while I don't have a sword right now, b-but I'll flay you! With my nasty stick!" She shouted in the direction Sassy was staring, her sword arm holding her defensive branch tightly the other hand clamped firmly over her bleeding shoulder.

How can I possibly fight like this?
​

 

[CaptainDorran]

@CaptainDorran[/URL]

Malcolm heaved up into a sitting position, feeling groggy, but none the worse of his head thanks to this Warden. This Warden... "By the powers!" He exclaimed, he wiped soot and blood from his hands on the grass rubbed his face on his sleeve, revealing his features some. He made it to one knee in his excitement and pushed up to standing just as he spoke again. "You're a warden! So was that companion of yours!" He grinned for a fleeting moment, before glancing to Elain and crossing to his Dragon. He stroked his hand up her snout and held his palm against her forehead. She was all right, he could tell from her gentle nudge back against his hand. He looked at Hale "Where is your friend...?" he asked curiously, his mind probing the surroundings, consciousness snaking round gnarled trees like mist as he fanned out his senses. They all converged as he felt a terrible rage not too far from them. He felt he should thank Hale, but now was not time for conversation "My gratitude for your assistance." He said levelly, mastering his countenance once more. "This way lies the other Warden." He said pointing out through the forest.

 

[LadyMatsudai]

Erramun watched Idhrenan slowly draw closer to him, hints of growls escaping his throat from his nervousness while he watched her struggle a little to try and get up the side of the leather saddle to reach his Warden. He watched the woman finally get a hold of Dinyla while she struggled a little to try and figure out a way to get back down from the height. Dinyla whimpered at feeling something grabbing a hold of her, her head falling against the chest of the other Dragon Warden while her body went heavy from her sickened state.


Erramun quickly looked down to Eosphelon by his side, shifting a little before realizing his Warden and the other woman were on his back, stopping immediately to let Eosphelon let both of them down carefully. His golden eyes watched the smaller dragon hurry back to the shadows while giving him space, his eyes quickly following after the two women and whimpered. The snap from the other dragon's teeth caught his attention, slowly moving towards the shadows before his large body circled around Eosphelon's, his body sinking slowly into the ground from his weight while his wing slowly covered Eosphelon, hiding him from sight, his scales sinking into place with one another to camouflage the two.


The whole world was fading and spinning at the same time for Dinyla, her head feeling light as her body felt like a sack of rocks. She could hear two distant voices, both women but...not anyone she knew. She suddenly felt the relief of soft cushions under her, a pillow cradling her head before one voice grew louder. Slowly opening her eyes to where the misty blind eyes were barely visible, Dinyla waved a pale hand in the air, her sense of orientation completely lost with her health declining. "I...I...I..." she breathed before she suddenly turned on her side and threw up onto the floor, coughing heavily with her red hair matted to her forehead, beads of sweat budding on her forehead.

 

[Keitsumah]

Day 85: Cliffs of Anova: Ava and Feral



​

"Think I scared him a bit, Feral?" Ava glanced at her dragon with an almost bored expression. Feral didn't respond, and instead watched the elf's feet as they scrabbled over the cliff face before he vanished entirely.


She sighed, standing up to put her sword away and gather up the food and clothing that had scattered over the floor. "Well, it's good that he is. He'll live longer that way."


Feral rumbled, a reluctant agreement, then padded over to her rider to let Ava sling the heavy bag over the saddle to tie it down. Ava played back the man's reactions and felt a twinge of sadness, but quickly shook it off. Though the elves had not been present at the slaughter, they were just as responsible for not coming to the Dragon warden's aid, and instead casting them out in their hour of need. They deserved to die, just as the citizens of Thallas did. Just as they all did.


When they were all packed up and Ava had pulled the new clothes over her old, the young Dragon Warden slung onto the back of her companion with a hint of trepidation. "We'll have to avoid the air for now, Feral. Get on top of the cliffs, then lets run. North seems more inviting than the endless seas before us."


Her dragon clicked in agreement, then sprang from the lip of the cave.

Day 90: The Northern Woods of Eversyth: Ava and Feral
​

They'd been following the trail for a good day now. At first they had been wary of it -fearful some gargantuan monster from the Twisted Woods had decided to roam. But Feral had scented something familiar in the ashes. Something she wanted to investigate. After several hour's argument Ava was forced to relent -she couldn't exactly force a full grown fire dragon to do what she wanted anyway.


When they came to a clearing, both rider and dragon alike froze in place as they spotted the house. Feral's nostrils flared wide, taking in the scents of other dragons, but when they glanced about they saw none. A deep, threatening growl vibrated through her chest -only audible to other dragons- as the spined dragon arched her back, the quills along the crest of her neck rising. Feral's wings rose halfway to shield her rider on either side, and the girl scanned the surrounding area with a keen gaze, one hand on either hilt of her half swords.


"Hush, Feral." she whispered. Her dragon refused to quiet however -ever protective of her rider. The girl freed her legs from the saddle straps and pulled herself up into a crouching position. She could hear the muffled voices of people within the small house not ten meters away. If Feral could scent other dragons... That could only mean other Dragon Wardens. Yet both hesitated, unused to trusting anyone, or anything any longer. They had barely survived as it was. Had witnessed such deeds that could drive a lesser creature mad with grief.


Maybe they were already mad.


Ava stayed where she was, swords almost drawn. Gaze flicking from side to side. Feral backed up further away from the house until the trees hid them from view. Ava never once felt the terrible growl deep within her belly cease as the she-dragon challenged those in hiding to come out.


@Effervescent @LadyMatsudai

 

[Red Thunder]

The Northwestern Border of the Twisted Woods



​

Hale grinned at the older half-elf's enthusiasm. Picking up his quarter staff from beside him, he stood, using it to help him do so.


"Aye, he, er, they flew off after the other hunter. He didn't much like getting shot at, I think."


He hobbled over to his dragon. Kraeg had been staring off into the distance as the half-elf had ministered to the older Warden, in the direction that the older Warden now pointed.


"This way lies the other Warden."


The Warden's voice sounded strong. Sure. Capable. You might do some good, but if that hunter is still fighting fit, I'd better stay clear. The earth dragon suddenly looked down at his friend and snorted. The rush of dragon breath hit Hale right in the face, and he sputtered.


"Oi! No need for that!"


Kraeg growled and shook. Cherry blossom leaves fell from his trees in great number, greatly enhancing the obviously indignant dragonish expression he had on his face. Hale frowned.


"That's ridiculous. This Warden is still recovering from a stun and a blow to the head, and his dragon doesn't seem like she's yet up to much." He took a step toward Kraeg and glowered. "And we don't know if there were more of them. What happens if we leave him alone to check on the others? No, a bird in the hand is better than two in the bush. We'll wait another fifteen minutes for them to recover. Then we can check on that hothead Olsten."


The dragon growled again, the rumble emanating from his chest vibrating the ground upon which he lay. But he stayed still all the same.


@CaptainDorran

 

[CloudyBlueDay]

Feria and Ifer

The Twisted Woods

Hmmn. How strange. Just a moment ago it seemed this man seemed much more confident, asking about the wyverns as if he owned them. Didn't want any trouble, did he? Then he shouldn't have snuck up on her like that, the blithering idiot. Maybe Ifer's ferocious roar had made the stranger realize that they weren't kidding around. Even though he kept his hands up in surrender, neither Feria or Ifer moved. "Maybe you know where the wyverns went. Maybe they are yours to command." Feria hissed.


Edmund. Hmn. So his name was Edmund. He looked rather tired and gruff, dirty for sure. Maybe he was a traveler. How long had he truly been in the Twisted Woods? Come to think of it now, she couldn't exactly remember which way they came from. Hmmn.. each tree was so similar to the next. "Do not play with me, Edmund." She spat out the name, as if it were fake.


"If you are lying, me and my friend here will happily behead you in a matter of seconds. Tell us the real reason why you are here, or maybe why you got 'lost', oh, you poor dear." Feria growled. She would show no mercy and would not let her guard down until she was absolutely certain this man wasn't a threat. The little chitchat had given time for Feria to make her ice shard larger and even sharper. She was ready at any moment to fling it at the stranger, as was Ifer, prepared to freeze him at any moment.


@Effervescent

 

[CaptainDorran]

@CaptainDorran[/URL]

Malcolm looked at the warden in shock, he had been about to refute the analysis of him and Elain when he had heard that name. The name that had haunted him since he fled like any others who may have survived. He stepped forward quickly, Elain rising and looming over him from behind as she sensed his urgency. He grasped the young man's shoulder, perhaps tighter than he meant, and spun him round, catching him with his other hand to stop the crippled man from potentially falling. "Who? Whose name did you speak then!?"


Elain leaned in, as much as confused by Malcolm as intrigued by his fascination with the young warden whose shoulders he held. Vague thoughts passed through her's from her Warden's scrambled mind. She felt the focused imprint of Olsten and Grybil, upon this her demeanor changed entirely. Why were they still here, when they could be finding the person whose loss her Malcolm had felt so keenly. She paced back and forth, making a gentle nervous hum as she tried to resist the urge to head out right away. As she waited Malcolm's grey-blue eyes bored into Hale's; searching for salvation from some of his burden of guilt. No greater medicine could the healer have brought than Olsten and Grybil.

 

[Red Thunder]

The Northwestern Border of the Twisted Woods

​

Hale felt a strong grip on his shoulder and the rush of wind as the older Warden flipped him around. Panic gripped his heart, for Hale had just met this man, and the looming figure of the arcane dragon just encouraged his fear. He had healed the injury of the second person he'd seen in weeks, not knowing who the man was; worse, not knowing what he might have done. More than fear, terror welled in Hale's heart. The details of the destruction of the Haven were still fuzzy to him, as were the reasons for it. What if this Warden had betrayed them? What if he merely wanted to kill again? The young half-elf's knees trembled, the powerful older Warden's grip the only thing keeping him up.


And Kraeg'zech, the massive earth dragon, unrestrained by too many years of training or experience, feeling through their link the absolute and abject fear within his crippled best friend, reacted as a mother bear might when in fear for her cubs. With a roar, like a volcano erupting in its fury, that deafened all around him and blocked any words of the older half-elf to the younger, Kraeg leapt forward. His massive claws impacted the earth protectively on either side of Hale, creating deep rends within the ground, and his gaping maw reached forward, apparently to crush the older Warden to an unthreatening dust. Fury burned on Kraeg's emerald eyes, and the green grass upon his back had turned a deathly brown and stood on end.


@CaptainDorran

 

[Macaberz]

"How much is it worth to you?"


Only Grybil's low rumbling, like an agitated cat, sounded as the Dragon edged closer and flared his nostrils at the bounty hunter. Had it been up to Grybil, the man would've perished right there and then. He lacked respect and his hands were washed with the blood of his kin. The grey worm could writhe and wheeze all he liked, but he would not escape justice.


Olsten eased his grip just enough to allow the hunter some air. Every fibre of his being tensed like a spring and he didn’t know how long it would be until he'd burst at the seams. Somewhere in the deepest, darkest corner of his mind he knew the old fella wouldn't budge, but he needed to know, his life would mean nothing if he didn't seize this chance to squeeze information from the downed assailant.


"You're going to tell me," he said through gritted teeth, "or I'll drag your guts out with a hook." The turn-up nose hovered just an inch above the old man's wrinkled skin. "Tell me now and you'll be free to go. No one will harm you." His voice was strained and he had to reach deep to muster even a shred of patience. Yet he continued, "I swear upon all that is holy that you'll be set free. The price is your life." He gave a firm squeeze for emphasis, before slackening his grip again. "How much is it worth to you?"


Grybil stood ready to lend a claw should the hunter have any thoughts of throwing Olsten off.

 

[Effervescent]

Southern Forests of the Woodlands of Valnahar

Thannel paused as he watched the Dragon Warden threaten his presence with words and a stick. She had not yet seen him, though the dragon's keen senses appeared to be quite alert to his closeness. It wasn't as though he were sneaking up on the pair, for he had called out to them on his way down from his construct, but something told him to wait for just a moment to be sure he was in no real danger.


The elf approached the clearing with his hands raised. The dragon looked more threatening than the rider whose shoulder was drenched in her own blood. He could see the nasty wound among the tears in her attire where her hand could not fully apply pressure.


"I do not wish to harm you," Thannel spoke calmly. "I only wish to help. I am Thannel of the Vuaturi." He motioned to his face lined with the traditional Vuaturi tattoos to further display his heritage and convey his meaning. "I am not your enemy, nor do I desire to be so. May I clean and dress your wound?"


@explosiveKitten

The Northern Woods of Eversyth

​

The grinding of herbs could be heard in the one room cottage as the elf quickly turned the pestle along the bowl of the mortar. Idhrenan pushed the hair away from the sick Dragon Warden's face as she heaved. The woman's blindness was evident in her striking eyes. This woman had survived nearly an entire season with such a handicap, but was it to blame for her impending death?


The elf crossed to the bedside with a wooden cup in hand, within it a mixture of the herbs she had crushed and warm water. "Have her drink this. She's dehydrated and malnourished," she said as she handed over the cup. Idhrenan inclined her head in thanks and brought the cup to Dinyla's lips.


"Thank you for your hospitality," Idhrenan said.


"Milane," the elf said as she mopped the mess upon her floors. "My husband is a guardsman of Eversyth that patrols the northern border. They do not know of his allegiance or beliefs in the Dragon Wardens, so I am afraid I can only host you until the other is fit for travel."


"I would not wish you and your family to be marked as traitors on our behalf," Idrenan said as she nodded to Milane's torso. The elf gently placed a hand upon it before she rose to a stand and put away the bucket of water.


"We've received a few reports," Milane continued. "Dragon Warden Svald and Unilla have been captured and killed along with their dragons Burur and Xessaves."


"I knew Svald and Burur," Idhrenan said with a saddened air. "We grew up together. I thought they of any other would survive."


"I am sorry for your loss," the elf said in return, the gesture genuine as she pauses for a moment of silence before continuing. "The Sur no longer wish for Dragon Wardens to seek sanctuary in their lands, and request that their wish be respected. There are rumors of a cult operating under the banner of Wallace Savere."


"Has he been located?"


"Not that I've heard. How fairs your friend?"


Idhrenan looked down at Dinyla to check on the woman's state. The herbal concoction was meant to hydrate and ease her ailment before they would attempt to administer any sort of solid foods. They weren't quite sure of her state and how long she had been suffering.


Just outside, Eosphelon sat in his bordom as the large earth dragon shielded them both from view with his wing. Every now and again the dragon would hear a particular noise and he would attempt to imitate it. He was medeocre at best with impressions, falling just short of believable. But it passed the time. He even tried to get Erramun to join in on the fun, occasionally nudging the dragon with the side of his snout to urge him to try a sound.


The low growl across the clearing did not register at first within the playful dragon's mind. It wasn't until Eosphelon attempted to immitate the noise that he realized there was another dragon looming about. His head perked upward as his senses became alert. He nudged the large dragon beside him once again as he wondered if he heard it too.


@LadyMatsudai @Keitsumah

The Northwestern Border of the Twisted Woods

​

He couldn't help but laugh at the Dragon Warden boy as he eased up on his throat. The bounty hunter found his methods amusing and counter productive. With this he felt he had nothing to lose, or perhaps he had the upper hand.


"I'm going to tell you or you'll drag my guts out?" the hunter repeated in a mocking tone. "You must have not learned much about negotiations back at your little Haven. You drag my guts out and you'll still know nothing. Then what have you gained, boy?"


His calloused hand reached up to grab Olsten's wrist, though not to remove it. His hand would have a tight hold, and twisted slightly before he spoke again. "No, here's how we're going to do this. You're either going to kill me right here, right now, or you're going to escort me out of these woods and then I'll tell you all you want to know. Do you know what happens when a falcon returns home without its master, boy? You don't have long before you find out."


@Macaberz Possibly: @Red Thunder @CaptainDorran

The Twisted Woods

​

Edmund held his breath as the Dragon Warden spat her words like venom. His stance did not waver, and he would not let his fear grip and control him. After his reveal, he returned his hands to the sides of his face to signal his surrender in hopes of there being peace between them.


"I'm..." Edmund struggled with his words, and his shoulders slumped slightly as he built up the gumption. "I'm a wanted man. I ran into the woods to run away from the Thall guards and I've been lost for days...or... I'm losing track of time. I just want out. Please..."


He took a step forward without thinking, but stopped himself quickly as soon as he realized. "I'm just a petty thief. I have no weapons on me." He pushed back his cloak over his shoulders to better reveal his simplicity. There was, indeed, no signs of a weapon of any fashion. "I stole a chicken from Billibus Carter. Please help me out of here. I'll do my time. Anything is better than this wretched place."


@CloudyBlueDay

 

[LadyMatsudai]

The voices were soft, Dinyla knew that much, but everything was muffled, distant...quiet. The faintness of the voices scared her to no end before she felt the soft touch of a hand on her face. Dinyla whimpered to the feeling of her head being raised to prepare her to take the drink. The shift in her position made her gut spin wildly, the overwhelming waves of nausea consuming her mind and body. She could feel the warm liquid pour past her lips into her throat, a grimace crossing her face to the taste as she coughed from her parched throat being rehydrated again, her hands clinging weakly to Idhrenan's arm as she slowly finished the drink. She was breathing heavily as her head leaned back into the pillow, her eyes struggling to open as the milky blue irises gazed up to the ceiling.


But then...out of nowhere...she heard it. Dragon Warden... She definitely heard it, making her struggle and squirm to move her body, a weak hand pawing in the air.


"Dra...Dragon...Warden..." she breathed, her pale skinned face contorting to an invisible pain before panic started to crease her brow. "Er...Erramun...Erramun..." she called faintly for her dragon, struggling to sit upright.


Erramun kept his body enveloped around Eosphelon, breathing in deeply and slowly while he tried to rest, his attempt fruitless as his golden eyes simply kept staring at the little house on the hill, a whimper escaping his chest to voice his concern for his Warden. His mind was too distracted to hear Eosphelon some of the time attempting to make impressions of the various noises that echoed through the woods. He did not stir when the smaller dragon tried to encourage him to do the same, his body not moving before another whimper escaped his lips.


But his golden eyes widened to the deep familiar growl, his head raising a little bit to try and get a better listen to the growl. A deep protective growl rumbled in Erramun's large chest, slowly rising from his sunken imprint into the ground as his scales groaned to spread again, dirt falling from between the cracks. His large head nudged Eosphelon's to tell him to stay put, his massive body slowly walking out into the light, his chest puffed open wide as he stood in front of the house, wings spread wide and growled deeply. He knew the other was a dragon...but with the world in the chaos it was in...what were the chances he would meet another friendly dragon like Eosphelon in the same day?


@Effervescent @Keitsumah

 

[Keitsumah]

Day 90: The Northern Woods of Eversyth: Ava and Feral

​

Ava clung to her companion's back and slipped her legs back in the stirrups as Feral's pace began to increase. Her dragon was agitated and Ava made little attempt to quell her, knowing that anything could set her off.


The growl rose in her chest and turned to a higher pitch more audible to human and elven ears as Feral trotted in a wide circle around the house, weaving between the trees. Her scales, dull from lack of preening, blended so well with the autumn foliage that they could almost be invisible to sight. Feral tossed her head, pausing for a moment as she spied the large earth dragon and sent out a series of high-pitched barking sounds. Who were they? Friend or foe? She refused to let her rider go anywhere near strangers until she had judged the threat herself.


Rather than wait for the earth dragon to respond, the fire dragon doubled back, head always turned in his direction as she trotted back and forth, twigs and branches snapping beneath her talons. Earth churning. Scored and gouged. In a more threatening display she even scraped her body along a large oak tree, her spines carving deep lines across its bark. At this point Ava ducked low to her dragons' neck and started to whisper in her ear, trying to get her to still, to calm. There had been no threats directed at them as of yet.


Feral only tossed her head again and trotted around the house once more, nostrils flared wide and head tilted like a horse's when they arch their neck just so. Her wings fluttered at her sides, unable to spread wide and make herself appear larger as she moved between the trees.


"Feral, easy!" Ava hissed, then when her dragon halted momentarily the girl decided to brave a shout: "Hello? Who dwells within a house guarded by an earth dragon?"


Feral snarled and began pacing again. Ava's nerves began to go on edge as well. Something was making her dragon very, very agitated, and she couldn't tell what.


@LadyMatsudai @Effervescent

 

[CaptainDorran]

@CaptainDorran[/URL]

Hot dragon breath quickly sobered Malcolm, and the thump of its paws made him leap backwards. Some small rationalism stirred in him, he thought of just how that must have looked. He stumbled a few steps back, a panicked grin on his face as he backed away, speaking as calmly as he could "S-Sorry... I l-lost my head..." He gave an exasperated expression as he turned to follow Elain who had now begun to run in the direction Malcolm had indicated "I'm sorry but I have to know for sure!" He yelled.


They sprinted into the forest, Elain weaving through the trees as she kept pace with her Warden. He could feel the minds ahead of them drawing closer, but in some ways it reminded him of how chasing leads of other Dragon Wardens had felt before. Like sprinting hell-for-leather after a rainbow. He wasn't sure what he would do next, what if it wasn't them? What if they really were gone? He shoved such thoughts away and pushed on. Up ahead he could see a clearing, with vague shapes to be seen through the trees.


(I'll wait on Maca and Red now)