Fantasy The Dragon Wardens

[CloudyBlueDay]

Feria felt almost sorry for the man that trembled before her. Edmund. He was so pathetic, and when he announced he was a thief, Feria almost laughed. Ha! That stupid fragile man, a thief? And a wanted man, just for stealing a chicken? Those idiotic Thalls. First the Haven, now chasing sorry men like him. He stepped forward to prove he had no weapons, and Ifer let out a small roar to warn him to stay in place.


"Hmn." Feria said, still holding out the ice shard. Although she was in great pain she did her best to hold a firm composure. She was not a kind soul, she did not show mercy so easily as Edmund seemingly hoped. "Why shouldn't I just kill you now, put you out of your misery, do the Thalls job for them? Give me one good reason too - nhg.." A sudden sharp pain stopped her in her tracks. She lost her balance for a moment and fell on Ifer, the sharp ice spike in her hand melting away and falling back to the muddy earth in it's original form.


While Feria attempted to regain her stance, Ifer did not waver. He was only more alert now, making sure Feria was protected from this man, no weapon or not, and snarled once more, a snarl that said You either help or I remove you for existence. The snarl was followed by a soft whine for his companion, who had her eyes squeezed shut as she took quick breaths, trying to stand again.


@Effervescent

 

[Macaberz]

Olsten & Grybil

A burning strain shot through his arms. I can’t keep him pinned down forever. Olsten assumed the hunter hadn’t kicked or screamed yet because Grybil loomed over him with a maw full of ivory daggers.


Olsten narrowed his eyes to slits. “I []iknow[/i] that. I was speaking metaphora- metafore-….metaphorically you blithering idiot.” After yanking his wrist loose he released the stranglehold entirely. “Do you really think your little bird stands a chance against a dragon?” …but you can’t let Grybil go, he’ll overpower you. The fire dragon growled for emphasis. “I suppose it’s your lucky day. You’ll get to live.” Nimble fingers patted down the greybeard until all dangerous possessions had been tossed aside. “I am warning you though: one suspicious move, one twitch and poof! You’ll be nothing but a pile of ash.”


He was about to hop off when he thought better of it. By all means the wretched, sleazy beard underneath him was a snake. Some unsavory mercenary roaming the wilds, killing others for a living, staining his coin with blood.


Not the most trustworthy type…


A nod was all that was required. Grybil kicked off once more, that pathetic feathered worm wouldn’t escape him. No mere chirping bird could outpace a dragon.


Now alone with his prisoner, Olsten knew he had to act. Choking the hunter was probably more than the bastard deserved, but he couldn’t bring himself to it. Grybil savored in killing. The thrill, the scent of blood and fear, the triumph of snuffing out life…


Most everyone he’d known at Haven had killed someone or something before, but not him. Even the catching of rabbits or deer had been Grybil’s handiwork, and he still remembered the stomach-twisting disgust at skinning his first animal. Even if the hunter insisted, the thought made bile rise to his throat, he would never forgive himself.


It did little to lessen the foul look he scorched his prisoner with.


“You and your partner would have me and my dragon..what? Killed? Captured, then killed? And here I am letting you live…all I am asking for is answers. I could make you suffer horribly, you know…” If you hadn’t the stomach of a wet rag…


There wasn’t a doubt in his mind that the older, stronger, and wiser of them would spot his hesitation and feel the cold, spider-like fingers lose their hold. Perhaps he would remain still and be reasonable, but the man looked a fighter, and so Olsten braced himself, digging his kneecaps further into the muck.


Magic would be his only resort, and if that failed he could only hope reinforcements would arrive in time. If anything, he wouldn’t budge to the mercenary’s ultimatum. There was always another way.

 

[Red Thunder]

The Northwestern Border of the Twisted Woods

​

"I'm sorry but I have to know for sure!"


The arcane Dragon Warden pair had sprinted off. Hale fell to his knees, no longer supported by Malcom's grip. The arcane dragon's steps faded to nothing as the half-elf composed himself, Kraeg standing over him protectively.


Finally Hale stood, propping himself up on his staff. Panic was slowly draining from his face, and confusion took its place. Have to know for sure? What was he talking about? Still glaring in the same direction, his dragon huffed, scattering loose leaves and rustling branches before him. Hale sighed and began climbing up Kraeg's back.


"Me either. But we can run if we need to." He grunted as he finally at heavily into the dragon saddle. "Scared or no, those are the first Wardens we've seen in a long time.


"And we need all the friends we can get right now."


Grunting unhappily but clearly of the same mind, Kraeg slowly stepped off to follow the others.

 

[Effervescent]

Northern Woods of Eversyth

​

Milane was on edge as she darted about her small home fetching blankets, gathering food, and packing medicinal herbs into pouches. The sound of a dragon's high-pitched bark made her jump, her petite fingers clutching her chest momentarily as if to will her heart to steady. Idhrenan had sensed Eosphelon's concern, but did not take it to mind until she took note of how unfamiliar the dragon sound was. Her attention returned to the weakened woman as she attempted to ease herself to sit upright.


"Whoa, hey," Idhrenan said softly, "easy there. Is that your dragon I hear? You need to rest. I can check on them for you." She gently placed her hands upon Dinyla's shoulders to urge her back lightly, hoping the woman would take her silent advice.


But then a muffled voice called out to those within the small cottage. Idhrenan and Milane exchanged glances of uncertainty and curiosity. With that they both knew the voice was that of a stranger to them both, and the elf glided towards the nearest window to peek behind the curtains.


"It is another Dragon Warden," Milane explained as her body visibly relaxed with relief. She walked over to the door and opened it to address the exposed woman outside. "Welcome, Dragon Warden, to my home. I am Milane. Are you in need of food or lodging?" Even as she presented the invitation she wondered what her husband would think when he returns. So many guests in one day!


@LadyMatsudai @Keitsumah

The Twisted Woods

​

Edmund kept calm and hesitant even after watching the girl partially collapse in pain. The dragon shielded her with his threatening presence, snarling at him in an animalistic stance. He couldn't decide whether it was safe to approach in aid or continue to run for his life, and so he just stood still and relaxed as he stared at the Dragon Warden.


"The wyvern spikes are a terrible way to die," he said to her, his voice somewhat somber as he felt he had no way of helping with the dragon on the defense. "If you help me out of here, I have a friend who lives not but a few hour's walk from the treeline. She's skilled in herbalism, and especially so close to these woods she knows how to treat the wyvern poison."


He slowly raised his hands upward again in surrender, hoping the gesture would begin to bring the two to some semblance of ease. "She lives in Thallas, but you will surely die if you do not receive treatment. I can guarantee you safe passage. I know where to go without being seen by those that would care."


@CloudyBlueDay

The Northwestern Border of the Twisted Woods

​

The falcon continued its slow circle high above the Twisted Woods as it waited for its master to call or surface from its depths. The sudden appearance of the red dragon caused it to veer its course to safer air space while still remaining within possible ear shot of its master. Down below, however, its master was far from concerned for its safety.


"So the rumors are true," the hunter said as he watched the boy with interest. A faint smirk peaked the end of his mustache upward. "The Dragon Wardens are corrupt." Despite the revelation, the hunter was not even close to being afraid of Olsten, his aged eyes etched with crows feet as the smirk reached them in thought.


"The price for any Dragon Warden is given whether dead or alive," the hunter continued. "No one cares if we kill you, just so long as you eventually end up dead. I'll tell you who posted the bounty, if that's what you want to know."


Those only just arriving to the scene would begin to feel the ominous nature of the woods loom ever closer. The life within the trees was dulled, almost warped, yet they still continued to live. Traveling further into the treeline would allow a very faint sense of panic to rise irrationally. It was as though one could sense a threat, yet nothing was there but the Dragon Warden Olsten and his most recent capture.


@Macaberz @CaptainDorran @Red Thunder

 

[Keitsumah]

Ava and Feral: Northern Woods of Eversyth



​

"Welcome, Dragon Warden, to my home. I am Milane. Are you in need of food or lodging?"





"We are always in need of the first, but past events have driven us to not trust the offer of the latter." Ava responded. Feral chuffed and paced in tight circles, her rider keeping a tight reign on her dragon's mind as she tried to understand just what was bothering her. Some sort of scent. But what was wrong with an elf, or dragons?


Ava quickly scanned the large Earth dragon before them and noticed that his saddle was discolored and shiny in places... and not the polished kind.


Bile? Is there an ill rider within? Ava's upper lip curled back to expose her "fangs" briefly before she slipped her legs from the saddle again. Feral growled in protest, but the girl sprang off as the dragon made a hard turn and strode in the direction of the house.


"Stay, Feral." she ordered, and her dragon whined in protest before jumping in the girl's path. Ava halted and stared into a pair of blood red eyes.


"I know, Feral. He wasn't the same after it." she muttered with a wince. "You don't need to remind me."


Her dragon rumbled, but stepped away to allow her passage. Ava brushed a hand across her companion's muzzle then headed toward the small house. There was still the issue of the Earth dragon, however, and Feral snarled a warning at him as Ava approached.


"Would you let me pass, earth giant?" the girl said, raising a hand to let him sniff it.


@LadyMatsudai @Effervescent

 

[Llamadragon]

Hours passed. Early morning turned into an uneventful afternoon, and the Dragon Warden pair traveled through the dales undisturbed by moving life. Up and down hills, over mountain crests and down into mountain dales, the landscape remaining eerily peaceful. This fact was grimly noted by Rion and Lupin alike - the earth scarcely spoke of as much as animals tracks. Far away, flocks of geese honked their migration songs to the beat of south-steered feather wings, but even they seemed to take the longer route around to avoid the Twisted, and Rion quietly wondered if, perhaps, it would be wiser to follow that example. A mere falcon was bold enough to circle them briefly, before returning to whatever falcons did with their lives.


The old, white-haired Warden took a huff from a wooden pipe she had pulled out from within her tattered robes. Helped her relax her mind, and let it linger more easily among the soft sighs and gentle whispers.


Rions attention jolted as, at last, there was... something. Movement. Whispers of recent strife. At first, it was soft. Barely audible, weak ripples as if thrown by a stone in still water. Yet it grew in intensity as they continued. Lupins wide back vibrated as he let out a quiet howl, having detected his Wardens change of attention, and Rion replied by a calm look into the direction of the disturbances epicenter for a moment.


".... yes." she finally replied and tapped the remaining tobacco out of the pipe. The small item was put back into its belt pouch, and she picked up her sling and a marble stone in its stead. "But I don't know what yet. Investigate or avoid? We're going to pass fairly close to the disturbance if we continue in this direction."


Another low howl, then a whistle, a click.


"Hmm. Well then." Better us take a quick look at it than have an unknown stalker on our trail later on.. It's decided, then.


Lupin snorted, speeding up his steps. He was intent to not let time be wasted if there were indeed something they should be wary of. He let his great grey eyes scan the horizon, and paced off to where Rions mind guided him. It did not take long before the threads of magic seemed torn and frayed, a distress of the soil that had not yet woven itself back into its peaceful place. Several things had moved in the area, but it was one particular spot that had Rion interested - one with a faint residue of lingering magic. The duo approached with caution, a frown on Rions tenses face and Lupins head lowered, his steps slowed down into a silent sneak. There didn't' seem to be much moving any longer, but the traces were recent and one could never be too careful.


Lupin, suddenly, froze in his step and Rion recognized in his mind the urge of discovery, and of unease, attracting his Wardens attention to the small item on the wooden floor. Without a word, she let a root slip down from the greens of Lupins scaley back, and wire itself carefully around the broken arrow before lifting it up to her old, bony fingers.


"... yes, you're right." the woman said and a faint, knowing smile escaped her wrinkled face as she guessed her way to what had happened here, not long ago. It was a flash arrow, and with no scars on the ground to signify impact it could only have been broken mid-air. Weren't many flying things hunted in these parts.. and no signs of wyvern activity.


Lupin flared his rock-like scales and let out a loud, excited whistle. Rion laughed."Well, I'll be damned. That didn't take long. We could basically run into a Dragon... or a reptile corpse and a bunch of hunters to boot. Whatcha say?"


Lupin roared. Loudly. A vibrating howl that split the air and made the nearby leaves shudder. With a prance and a leap, the big ol' giant was airborne and from the air it did not take them long to spot the unmistakable tracks of huge animals that had split through the vegetation. The duo shared a tense, alert relief, not knowing quite what they were about to find but following the tracks as praying that what would await them at the end would be friendly faces.

 

[Macaberz]

"So the rumours are true,"


“The rumors are not true,” Olsten shook his head. “What do you take me for? A murderer? I think that’d be you, not me.” He glanced skyward before seizing hold of the man’s tunic and giving him a good shake. For emphasis. “I am sorry about your bir- Well, I mean I would be sorry for your bird if you hadn't tried to kill me first.” Olsten returned a grin twice as smug as the hunter’s before giving another shake. “Well? Who was it then? We’re not exactly having a picnic now are we? Can’t you hurry up the explanations a little or do you need encouragement?” He was about to say more when a cold gust of wind made him sit upright.


Nothing to his left.


Nothing to his right.


He shivered. Like a ripple in a pond the silent air had turned into a brooding hum, inaudible, but clearly there. Crooked, bent like petrified snakes, bare trees surrounded them. Wicked black fingers clawing at the sky. Olsten gritted his teeth, trying very hard to keep his stomach from jumping up his throat. What if the other warden can’t find me here? Brows knitted together in concern and he battled any fear from showing through, only partially succeeding. For the love of the light, hurry up… he prayed to the skies. His arrogance had molten, frigid desperation had taken its place.


"Well?" he demanded gruffly. The sooner I get away from here, the better...maybe I should just kill him...

*

​

No matter how hard Grybil beat his wings, the falcon was devilishly hard to catch up with. Every time he got close, that tiny mouthful of feathers darted the other way, or soared higher up into the sky. How much time passed, he didn’t know, nor did he care. Olsten would have to fend for himself. He would not return before having downed the little bird.


But for all his determination, Grybil couldn’t snap his maw around the falcon’s tail or shred the ugly worm with his talons. Enraged by being led in circles, Grybil broke from the chase, leapt a few feet higher and inhaled-


-A fiery ball tore through the sky. Perhaps the red-and-white glow would be seen, perhaps the rumble would be heard, perhaps the falcon would only be scorched, not incinerated. Grybil didn’t care. All he cared for was victory, no matter how it was obtained.


@Effervescent @Red Thunder @CaptainDorran

 

[Red Thunder]

The Twisted Woods


Hale and Kraeg
​

The Woods were...wrong. Hale had heard stories growing up, but a tale only becomes real with the personal experience. Something unnatural was said to inhabit the Twisted Woods, and Hale believed it whole heartedly. As he pursued Malcolm toward Olsten, he couldn't keep but glance about himself in a worried manner. Kraeg seemed to be feeling much the same way. His pace, though hesitant to follow before, was now cautious indeed, and each step was slowly made.


Suddenly the dragon's head turned to face deeper into the forest, and his nostrils flared. His rider's eyes grew wide and his hands gripped the saddle tighter.


"What? What is it?"


But Kraeg didn't pay him much heed. Instead his head swiveled, turning from the woods to Malcolm's direction and back again. Finally it stopped. The dragon narrowed his eyes toward the woods and without any warning took off.


Deeper into the trees.


"What in the Southern Star's Seven Names are you doing?! With them we had strength! Now you take me away?"


Hale felt Kraeg rumble under him, and his brow furrowed in concern.


"I don't like to insult you with questions, but are you sure? Perhaps they were attacking some elvish ice mage."


But even as he said it, he knew Kraeg was right. If there was another Dragon moving about on the ground near them, he'd certainly felt it.


Sure enough, nestled in a break was quite a sight: wyvern spikes in the ground, mud frosted with ice unnaturally, and most importantly, the Dragon Warden. Hale couldn't tell about the dragon for certain, but the Warden was looking pale. Wyvern poisoning? A man, what seemed to be a traveler, was speaking with her.


"She lives in Thallas, but you will surely die if you do not receive treatment. I can guarantee you safe passage. I know where to go without being seen by those that would care."


Hale clicked his teeth. Something wasn't right about this guy. He nudged Kraeg forward with his feet, but the dragon had seemed to have the same thought, for he was already moving slowly forward. Clearing his throat, the half-elf spoke up.


"Aye, but Thallas is a good step away, and with potentially many hunters between it and you." He climbed off Kraeg's back. "Would you risk the journey when an easier solution could be found? I can cleanse your poison.


"Besides," he smiled amiably. "'Strength in numbers', right? Greetings. I'm Hale, and this is Kraeg'zech."


@CloudyBlueDay

 

[CloudyBlueDay]

Feria & Ifer

The Twisted Woods

Feria did not like this Edmund. One second he was trembling and then the next he was calm and collected. Or was it just in her head? Her head didn't feel very good. Her train of thought was constantly shattered by sharp spikes of pain every time she tried to say something, heck, even think something. But she knew that she didn't trust this man, not one bit. He was leading her into Thallas! That would just ensure her death. But she did not want to die. Would Feria be forced to accept his offer? Perhaps with Ifer they would make it, keeping Edmund in tow and being able to fend off some dangers.. no, no. They couldn't. Impossible-


Someone else appeared. Ifer snarled, turning his head and trying to pick which of the two strangers to keep his eye on. But the new person had a dragon. That was a sort of good sign. What if he was just with Edmund, too? How elaborate was this scheme? But when Feria finally managed to lift her head, she saw that this new Warden was a cripple. Did that change anything? Not really. But if Edmund was Feria - she sure as hell wouldn't have a cripple as a business partner.


"Strength in numbers." She muttered, standing up shakily. "I am Feria. This is Ifer." Ifer snarled again, but quieter this time. It seemed Feria was trusting this Dragon Warden, so his attention was returned to Edmund. Ifer still didn't like the looks of Hale and Kraeg'zech, but he disliked Edmund much more. Something wasn't right about him.


@Effervescent @Red Thunder

 

[LadyMatsudai]

Dinyla felt relief to meeting her goal of sitting upright, only to whimper to the sudden wall of two hands easily overpowering her, pushing her carefully back to the bed, sighing with some relief to the cushioning of the mattress and pillows under her body. She could hear Erramun's deep voice booming with warning towards strangers to stay away. She could just imagine how big he must have looked with his chest puffed and his wings spread wide, his large teeth in a snarl. Hearing one woman say she could check on Erramun, Dinyla took in a shaky breath and nodded her head gently, a weak hand grabbing Idhrenan's arm. "Thank...you..." she breathed.


Erramun remained on guard in front of the house, snarling protectively as his head turned to face the house when Milane had announced their presence to the stranger. Golden eyes narrowed in some confusion to how open Milane seemed to have another stranger approach his sickly rider before turning his attention again to the two arrivals. He whimpered a little to the sound of his Warden being in pain before he quickly snarled to see the Dragon Warden approach, his large backing up a little closer towards the house out of protection...but also out of slight fear for the Warden before him. Could she be like the first...or had the sudden attacks on the Wardens changed her? Returning the snarl towards Feral, Erramun's large golden eyes stared back down to the small hand stretched out to him.


Snorting a little through his nostrils, Erramun slowly lowered his head to meet with Ava's level, sniffing her hand diligently, golden eyes shifted towards her before his face inched even closer, sniffing as air blew strongly against her clothes from his deep breaths. She seemed...fine. Just like the first. A deep rumble purred in Erramun's chest as his snout gently touched Ava's hand in acceptance, moving his large body away from the house as he whimpered, pointing his head at the direction of the house, indicating his sick Warden was inside.


(( OOC: Sorry this took me so long you guys Been very busy ))

 

[Keitsumah]

Ava and Feral: Northern Woods of Eversyth

​

Ava held her breath for a moment when the giant earth dragon sniffed at her. He was just so big that, even familiar with dragons as she was, she always felt a cold prickle run up her spine when she got close to an earth giant.


Somewhere behind her Feral rumbled a sound similar to pebbles rolling down a mountainside -not a growl per se, but a sound of distress. But Ava tramped her fear down and slowly stepped past the dragon when he allowed her to, and the steps to the porch creaked under her boots as she stepped up to meet the elven woman.


Ava quickly looked her up and down, sizing her up. She was taller than her of course: something Ava always felt a slight irritation about. But then size didn't matter when it came to speed and strength in a fight. And though she blatantly sucked at her magics, Ava had mopped the floor with many an experienced Warden in the training ring.


Confident that the woman wasn't a threat -and blinking when she noticed the slight bulge on her midsection- Ava offered a calloused hand. "Thank you for offering my kin shelter, but I think it would be in our best interests to move on as soon as possible. Which of them is ill?"


@Effervescent @LadyMatsudai

 

[Effervescent]

The Northern Woods of Eversyth

It was difficult to discern whether the elf was on edge or calm. Milane kept her outward demeanor collected and smooth, but her footsteps and movements were rushed. Idhrenan watched the woman for a moment before the newcomer walked into the door. The same star symbol could be seen by Ava just before entering the house.


“Which of them is ill?” the Dragon Warden asked as she entered the modest cottage. Idhrenan motioned to Dinyla in response as Milane retreated into her home after quietly shutting the door. Slowly, Idhrenan rose from the bedside, her fingers curling her hair around her ear as she made her way to the door and nodded to Ava in greeting before taking her leave to check on the dragons just outside.


Eosphelon was already bored after the earth dragon settled down, his head perking at the sight of his friend. She felt him wonder if it was already time to go, and she shook her head no. The dragon grumbled audibly. Everything looked to be in order until another elf emerged from the forest in a rush.


The elf was clad in the armor of a Sythian guardsman, its gold sheen gleaming as it caught the sunlight. He didn’t seem at all phased by the rather large and imposing Erramun as he hurried past Idhrenan, barely glancing to her as he entered the home.


“The Dragon Wardens need to go,” the elf announced.


“Ralon?” Milane looked over at the guardsman curiously. “I thought you weren’t due back for another day.”


“We haven’t the time, love,” Ralon continued, his voice laden with concern as he looked over to Ava and then Dinyla. Her state of being caused his brow to crease in thought, but he would remain diligent in his initial goal. “We’ve tracked the Dragon Wardens’ to this area. I came as fast as I could under the guise that I feared for your safety. It is likely at least two have been assigned to follow me just to be sure everything is alright. We can’t take any risks.”


Ralon rushed over to a corner and retrieved a small satchel and began stuffing it with as much dried meat and herbs he could manage. “Head North. Avoid the Haven. From what I understand of reports, the air should be clear in the neutral zones for now. The hunters have been driven away by something. We don’t know what. I have a friend just on the border of Baladur and Thallas. He says your council member by the name of Wuld is calling a meeting in the mountains. I know not where, but I do know it is within a week’s time.”


Idhrenan frowned somewhat, her body moving towards Dinyla almost without thought. She wasn’t entirely certain the woman could make a flight on her own in her condition. Milane filled several canteens with fresh water, though filled one with the herbal substance she had made for the sick Dragon Warden earlier.


“Keep her hydrated,” Milane advised, “and have her eat something, but slowly. I will pack a particular root that will help ease her back into normalcy.”


Idhrenan looked over to Ava as she felt the urgency grow within the household. This was all so sudden, and far too quick. She wanted time to rest. Dinyla needed that time as well, and yet it was stripped from them yet again. This lifestyle was getting old and increasingly frustrating. She wondered how Ava was taking the news.


@LadyMatsudai @Keitsumah

The Twisted Woods

Edmund’s eyes flecked over to the sudden newcomer, and he took a step back from the scene. One Dragon Warden was enough to handle as it was. While the rider did not seem too threatening, his dragon made up for it. Arguing his position didn’t seem like much of an option now, especially when this Hale provided such a quick proposal for aid.


“I…suppose I will find my own way out,” Edmund responded hesitantly as a hint of fear began to creep into his tone. “I’ve got enough trouble as it is. I-“


Before he could finish his words, Edmund bolted in the direction Hale came. His feet carried him swiftly, the soles of his boots leaving deep tracks with his heavy footfalls. He wasn’t about to stick around for his funeral.


@Red Thunder @CloudyBlueDay

The Northwestern Border of the Twisted Woods

Rion and Lupin would find themselves in the skies of a hunt’s aftermath. The clouds above were beginning to part ways allowing the afternoon sun to cast its golden rays upon the rocky terrain below them. Two mangled horse corpses lay in ruin just at the border to the gnarled woods, the remnants now being feasted upon by a pack of wolves.


A streak of red flew upward and out of the Twisted Woods in a fury just in the distance. The dragon Grybil began his pursuit of the falcon, creating an aerial display of skill akin to the shows of flight mastery the Haven once hosted annually. Each time it would look as though the fire dragon would catch the bird of prey, the falcon would swoop away suddenly. But that did not deter Grybil’s skillful pursuit until suddenly the dragon sprayed its burning breath upon the wings of its target. With a screeching cry, the wounded falcon flew down towards the woods below and out of sight from the elder Dragon Warden.


Within the woods, the bounty hunter was still at the mercy of young Olsten, his haughty air ever present even after the boy shook him. The hunter was an aging man who thought he had seen it all, and yet here he was in the Twisted Woods experiencing something new. A Dragon Warden with a drive as fiery as the hair upon his head held his life in his hands, and the uncertainty of survival was quite amusing.


The bounty hunter would try to push Olsten off of him to at least bring himself to a sit on the slightly dampened earth. “There is an inn just within Thallas on the border to Baladur,” the hunter began, his head nodding eastward. “Go to the inn keeper, Jern Farthen, and tell him Kurfast sent you. But be warned, if he hasn’t heard from me by the time you reach him, you’ll be walking into your death sentence. The inn is called the Silver Lance. It is the only establishment you’ll find for miles. It being so out of reach, you might have a chance at traveling unnoticed.”


From further within the woods, the rushing sound of running grew closer and closer until finally Edmund reached the clearing where Olsten was interrogating the bounty hunter Kurfast. The hurried man quickly stopped himself, his feet tumbling to plant themselves firmly on the dampened ground as he assessed the situation. Just his luck! Edmund’s dismay was visible upon his features as he slumped and exhaled a loud huff of frustration.


“Not more of you,” he said, catching his breath before raising his hands up. “I want nothing to do with it! I want nothing!”


With the border faintly within view, Edmund continued his run to what he hoped would be his safety.


@Llamadragon @Macaberz @CaptainDorran

 

[LadyMatsudai]

Dinyla squirmed on the bed to the sound of yet another woman's voice, the voice a little more clear to realizing the stranger was asking whom out of those in the tiny home was ill. While Dinyla still laid resting inside the house, Erramun kept whimpering, his large body crouching beside the door while his golden eye peered through the small glass window, huffing to the cloudy nature of the glass. His head lifted to the site of Idhrenan leaving the house to venture outside with the dragons, following after her with a deep snort of questioning, wondering how his Warden was faring.


The mighty earth dragon blinked to the sudden smell of an elf. A male...but his stench was one he had partially smelled from the house before. He belonged here somehow...his golden eyes narrowed in focus to see the elf glancing up to the massive dragon before watching him enter the house.


Back inside, the commotion from a man's voice this time cause Dinyla to stir more in her bed, a shaking hand pawing at her face to have the pounding stop, but her efforts were fruitless. His warning of the other guards approaching and the mention of another friend of the Wardens being North was in a blur for Dinyla, struggling for a second time to sit up before falling back onto the bed herself from the sudden light-headedness and her stomach turning in the effort. Her arms were weak and nimbly, her joints caving from her weight not being pulled high enough from the bed to keep her upright.


The first woman that had helped her to lay back down on the bed before had returned to her side, Dinyla's feeble hand grazing against her armored forearm in the whirling confusion inside the small house. "Where...where are...we going?" she breathed, hands fumbling across the cotton sheets in the efforts to grab a hold of something, hoping it would help her to stay in her place. But from the ruckus of noise and the whimpers from her Erramun in the yard just in the front of the house...Dinyla knew something was wrong and if it wasn't wrong, something was going to happen and they most likely will not like it.

 

[Keitsumah]

Ava and Feral : The Northern Woods of Eversyth

​

Not seconds after she had entered the house another elf barged in, telling them to leave. All too used to fleeing bad situations by now, Ava quickly switched to escape mode and eyed both the elder -she smiled a bit to see Idhrenan alive, but didn't dare speak of it yet- but upon spying Dinlya's condition the frown returned.


"I just came from the coast. The Sur are not keen on sharing their seagulls. Not that I liked the taste of bird-flesh and feathers anyways." she commented dryly as she crouched next to the bed, examining the older woman. "I have a blanket. We need to go quickly: I can strap her down to her dragon's saddle and pad her with the blanket I have, as well as my cloak." She turned her head to glance at Idhrenan then turned back and brushed a hand across the ill woman's arm to get her attention.


"I'm going to take you outside and put you on your dragon. I know in your condition you shouldn't be moving at all, but once we get a safer distance away I promise we'll find a place where you can recover." she said, trying to slip her arms under the other woman to pick her up. Feral. Get ready. I'll need your help to get her onto her dragon's saddle.





Outside, she could hear her dragon chuff in assent, and the red fire-dragon prowled close to Erramun's side, lowering her head to the ground and casting one wing to one side awkwardly, spikes turned out and down like makeshift ladder rungs.

 

[Red Thunder]

The Twisted Woods

​

Hale and Kraeg

​

Edmond sprinted off like a bat out of hell. Kraeg's head followed, almost as if in pursuit, and from his gaping maw came a deafening roar. It spoke of anger and desperation. But mostly it said to stay to hell away. Hale looked at his dragon in bemusement before turning back to Feria. Eyeing Ifer closely, his posture almost indicating that he was asking the ice dragon's permission, the half-elf bent down to examine the other Warden's wounds. He reached a finger forward and wet it in her oozing blood. Tasting it, he spat it back out and grimaced.


"Ah. That figures."


Hale stood back up and shuffled to his saddle bags. Kraeg had already helpfully moved closer and squatted down. The young Warden dug through the bags muttering to himself as he searched.


"Tap fungus...wither bark...fae - no, not faelus. Harrow juice? Wrong time of year. Light thistle! Hah!"


Having found what he sought, he extracted both his water skin, a few dried leaves, and a bowl. He quickly mixed up a poultice, mashing the leaves in the water with a small stone. Finally done, Hale approached Feria and knelt beside her.


"Now, this will sting in your wound and taste foul in your mouth, but I promise it'll make you well.


"May I?"


The question was asked of Ifer as much as it was of Feria.


@CloudyBlueDay

 

[Effervescent]

Idhrenan and Eosphelon: The Northern Woods of Eversyth

​

"I would rather not risk her falling or being strapped down uncomfortably," Idhrenan stated with concern. She needed more time to think and consider, and the pressure of the situation was causing her slight frustration. Judging by Ralon's attitude and presence, the situation was dire. Remaining at their home to risk being caught not only puts the Dragon Wardens in danger, but the lives of this generous family. "Ava. Perhaps we can see if she can ride with one of us instead. At least until she can carry herself."


Negotiating with another dragon was not unheard of, but extremely difficult. The communication barrier required the rider to be present and speak on the dragon's behalf. Dinyla's consciousness was questionable. She seemed aware, but not all together present. As Idhrenan debated within her mind, Milane and Ralon brought satchels of supplies out onto the grass. Eosphelon sniffed the air curiously as he sensed his companion's tension and stress. Something was wrong, but he couldn't detect any near threat.


"I am sorry for how sudden this is," Milane apologized as she reentered the house and smoothed out the fabric of her pastel skirt. "Which direction will the guard be coming from, Ralon?"


"From the South and Southeast," Ralon stated. The cape draped upon his shoulder billowed heavily with each step. It reminded Idhrenan of the sound Eosphelon's wings would make in flight. "We don't live far from the border to the Neutral lands. Once you're there, you're out of harm's way. At least out of the jurisdiction of Eversyth."

 

[CloudyBlueDay]

Feria & Ifer

The Twisted Woods

Feria snorted softly as Edmund went and bolted. He seemed like the sort that would steal no more than a stupid chicken. It was smart, though, to try and run in the face of two dragon wardens. Ifer would've given a mighty roar as well but Kraeg beat him too it, so he making sure no one else would creep up on them. Feria slowly slid down to sit and Ifer whined, nudging her lovingly with the only part of his snout that wasn't covered in sharp ice spikes. She smiled weakly.


Suddenly Hale was upon her, poking a finger in her back. "Ow!" She said, flinching, and then grimaced as he stuck the bloodied finger in his mouth! "I thought I was poisoned. Isn't it not the best idea to taste the blood of a poisoned person?" She growled. Feria did not appreciate this invasion of space with a total stranger even if he was going to be helping her. She had to get angry at someone. Then he threw apart his bag, muttering names of [what she hoped] were herbs. Herbs always bored Feria to death.


"Now, this will sting in your wound and taste foul in your mouth, but I promise it'll make you well. May I?" Feria waited a moment before responding. She took a deep breath. Ifer stood right beside her, glaring warily from Hale to Kraeg. "Alright. Get it over with." She finally muttered, and Ifer grunted, allowing Hale to do.. whatever he was gonna do. Feria could handle a little stinging. It was just she didn't like all this touching.


@Red Thunder

 

[Red Thunder]

Kraeg looked on. It always interested him, the way the Two-Legs could turn plants into a healed injury. If he'd heard about it apart from the Wardens, he'd never have believed it. But the Earth Dragon had seen Hale work the strange ability more than once. He knew the half-elf was capable. So Kraeg looked at Ifer and chuffed reassuringly, trying to calm the obvious nerves the Ice Dragon had. Having done all he could, Kraeg looked back down at their Wardens.


Hale was applying a bit of the watery poultice to Feria's wounds directly, covering each in a thin layer. The half-elf then offered what was left to her.


"You'll have to force it down, I'm afraid. But it will work far faster and better if it can attack the poison from two directions."


Kraeg grimaced in his dragonish way, his nostrils flaring and his head branches twisting in an unseen breeze. He'd had to ingest that concoction before, and it was a memory he didn't relish.


@CloudyBlueDay

 

[Keitsumah]

Ava and Feral : The Northern Woods of Eversyth

​

Ava frowned, then paused for a moment as she and her dragon relayed information between them. If one of us has to fly with her we better see what condition her dragon is in as well.





When her eyes opened, her frown only deepened, and she muttered a confused "Wha...?" before glancing at Dinlya again. "Her dragon's wing muscles are small. Weak. He can't handle a long flight. If we have to travel fast we might need to let him run while we fly to keep her safe. But why a dragon would not fly as often as they could..." she crouched close to the woman's face, staring at her intently until she opened her eyes again. Wen she saw that she was blind, she understood why in an instant.


"Kind beast to stick with his rider.... But that is going to be a fatal mistake someday I feel." Ava muttered. Then she shook her head and turned to face Idhrenan again. "Well, whatever method you prefer, you'd best do it now. Feral is red like the fallen leaves and will camouflage easily. You go ahead, and we will tag behind to make sure we aren't tailed."

 

[CloudyBlueDay]

Kraeg's attempts to offer reassurance didn't do much for Ifer. He growled low in response, which meant something like 'You can stay, but keep your claws to yourself. I'm watching you.' Ifer was not interested in friendships. Acquaintances he could handle. Barely.


Feria winced as Hale began to apply the poultice. It stung, but Feria had endured worse. The thing that she really wasn't happy about is when Hale offered her the remainder of the concoction to ingest. She took it from his hands, her face plastered with the expression of disgust but she took it anyway and gulped it down. It tasted horrible, but she wasn't going to make a fool of herself and spit it up. Feria didn't magically feel better or anything of the sort but there was some minimal relief. Hopefully this would work.


"I.. er.. guess I should thank you. I did not trust that man, but he seemed to be my only option. At the time." She did not smile, no reassuring sign that this thanks was heartfelt at all. "What were you doing nearby, anyway?" Feria said.


@Red Thunder

 

[Llamadragon]

If the dancing speck of brilliant, reflective red had not caught the Dragon Wardens collective attention first, the streaks of flames certainly would've managed. Although the fire dragon was little more than a tiny speck on the horizon, a blaze of light to color the fading clouds with red, the joyful earth dragon could still make out a darker spot on its back. It was a saddle.


Lupin sounded a little song of soft notes, a little victory song, as he steered his great green wings towards this dragon... no, towards this comrade. For months, he had craved the companionship of dragons that had been lost with Haven. That had been lost with their squad. It was the first living drake he had seen for months... and he felt a warmth in his heart drive his wings to beat faster.


Rions eyes trailed from the dead horses to the shadows of the forest to the distant fire dragon. It was not a place she preferred to be, but if they managed to make peace with that dragon - and hopefully its rider, as of yet nowhere to be seen - then so much would be won.


As they drew closer to Grybil, Lupin let out a rumble to herald their arrival. They'd end up circling below the fire dragon, if Grybil proved still enough, o keeping their distance on his trail if he proved to be moving.

 

[Red Thunder]

Good. She'd taken the medicine. It might take a few hours, but Feria should start feeling noticeably better soon. Standing with a grunt, he took a step back. The interaction with Malcolm had left him more than a little paranoid of others, even other Wardens. All the same, he could be polite to her.


"Kraeg actually brought me. I wasn't aware you were here at all!" The half-elf chuckled. "I was with another Warden, travelling to meet yet another, to ensure some bounty hunters didn't give us more trouble."


He leaned on his staff heavily. Behind Hale, the earth dragon stretched out to come to a rest beside him. Kraeg rumbled in agreement. Hale nodded.


"Aye. The Dragon Warden we were with seemed to me to have years of experience, and fully capable in a fight against hunters. And while this guy might be able to hold his own and more," the half-elf patted Kraeg's head fondly then indicated his crippled foot, "I certainly cannot. But Kraeg knows were we're needed, so we came."


He smiled again amicably then gestured about them at the wyvern spikes embedded in the ground and the melting ice in the mud.


"But what about you? How did you come to stir up a nest of those flying beasts?"


@CloudyBlueDay

 

[Effervescent]

1st day of Winter - The Border Between Baladur and Thallas - The Silver Lance Tavern

The earth bid Autumn farewell as the Season of Winter began in bitter cold. Those already near the foothills of the Northern Mountains would find themselves in chilling days and colder nights. The second night of Winter brought about a soft, thin sheet of snow that was gone by the following afternoon. The air was far more quiet in these days, and oddly enough the group would find themselves with a lack of threats against them in their travels.


Keeping within the forests along the foothills would likely prove valuable to the northern group. It would provide them with better cover within the evergreens. A few wayward pines would provide suitable cover in the night for the Dragon Wardens, though creativity would have been needed for the larger dragons. Never the less, their travels went smoothly, and they would soon find themselves just on the border between Baladur and Thallas.


As it stood in this time, Baladur's focus wasn't so much on ridding the world of Dragon Wardens as it was to gain the land to which the king sought in the West. Due to these tentative and cautious efforts, the borders were not so heavily patrolled in the frigid mountainous lands. It gave the Dragon Wardens the ability to journey unhindered.


A week prior to this day, the Northern group had released a bounty hunter by the name of Kurfast. This decision is what partially led to their safe travels along the snowy foothills. The bounty hunter had sent word to his comrades after finding the body of his friend just within the border of the Twisted Woods. It was clear his friend was killed mercilessly by one of the Dragon Wardens. There would be no guarantee after a time this unspoken cease fire would continue.


The Southernmost group would find their travels just as uneventful. Flying through the Neutral lands made travel more easy and quick, and they were sure to give the Haven a wide birth, and never even caught a glimpse of the ruins through the small mountain range. The skies seemed more darkened than what the trio would remember. It was as if the ominous aura of the Twisted Woods had begun to infect the lands, the trees closer to the border beginning to gnarl and twist into form. As they traveled further North they would see the white webs of giant spiders spindling out far from the Twisted Woods. The nightmarish creatures were beginning to inhabit and claim the lands the Dragon Wardens protected.


Due to the nature of Erramun's dystrophy, however, flying was not always an option. When the dragon could no longer carry himself, the trio would land and either continue on foot or rest in safer clearings. It proved more challenging for the group headed North, but they would eventually find themselves coming to the border between Baladur and Thallas. Their goal would be to seek out Wuld in the mountains, but the exact location of such a meeting is still to be revealed.

Both parties would find themselves near a road that leads to one single tavern just across the border into Thallas. The area is thick with woodland and spotted lightly with snow that held dearly to the few shadowed areas where sunlight was scarcely seen. About an hour's walk Northward would lead upward into the hills. A deep, natural cavern could be found near a creek, which could possibly provide cover for even the largest of dragons if they stayed mostly near the lip. Unfortunately, the distance would require a strong bond should the Dragon Warden wish to hold on to communication with their dragon companion. Leaving a dragon so far behind would cause a sense of unease, but there would not be much of a choice unless the group would decide to hide their dragons individually within the boughs of the large wayward pines.


Such would be the only option for the trio that journeyed from the South. The decision to venture towards the tavern in search for food or information was still up for debate as they came across it. It had been quite some time since they had run into anyone, and they still had yet to determine the location of Council Member Wuld to attend his meeting, assuming they were not late. Idhrenan looked to the weary Dinyla and the strong willed Ava for their input. They stopped their travels momentarily just far enough away to keep an eye on the comings and goings of the tavern and its patrons. It was a large building that looked to have a fair amount of activity for those crossing the border. There was a significant lack of Thall guards due to the good standing the two kingdoms had with each other. It was sloppy, but fortunate for the wanted. It was likely the Silver Lance tavern was teeming with criminal activity.


"At the very least I will go for supplies," Idhrenan stated. "I'm not entirely certain we would find any allies within such an establishment. I did not see the mark of the star, did you?" Her main concern was for Dinyla. The cold would be unforgiving if her condition had not gotten better. Removing her entirely from her dragon's presence in her state was possibly not an option. It was difficult to tell how to handle this, and she brought a hand to her lips thoughtfully.


"What do you think, Ava?" Idhrenan asked. "I do not see anywhere nearby for our dragons to hide."


Eosphelon huffed through his nose, the released air billowing from his nostrils like puffs of smoke. It amused him greatly, and he looked over at Feral as he continued the action. He was pretending to be a fire dragon, and wanted the actual fire dragon to notice.

 

[LadyMatsudai]

The travels of the group had been long and tiring for the three Wardens and their dragons, Erramun's inability to fly for long periods of time dragging their traveling period out by days. It irritated him that he could not sustain flight for so long after his choice to remain on the ground with his beloved Warden. During the nights, he would march through the shadows with the Wardens hidden in the saddle upon his back, his body circling around Feral and Eosphelon to ensure they would be safe from harm under his stoney scales. But for now, among the trees peering down to the shady Silver Lance tavern, Erramun had hugged Dinyla close to his snout, purring deeply in the attempts to comfort her. Her condition had improved over the course of the past few days with the aid of Milane's potion, but she was still so weak, still in need of rest and fresh food. Dinyla embraced Erramun's snout and stroked his head gingerly, eyes closed to take in the rumbling from his large body.


She could remember when Erramun first tried to comfort her. It was the day she discovered him in the woods not too far from the Dragon Warden Academy. Fifteen and without a dragon, the thought crushed her, mind, body, and spirit. The very thought of going on with her life without a dragon to call her own and her friend destroyed her from the inside. One day, she just ran. She could feel the burning of her tears in her eyes hurt even more than the cuts and scrapes of the branches and rocks that cut her while she tumbled down the hill escaping the guards and mentors of the Academy. She had leaned against what she thought was a rock to cry before realizing it was the snout of her beloved Erramun, who had stayed with her since, never daring to leave her sight. Her hand stroked along the ridge of his eye as the dragon purred deeply to his soft spot being petted, closing his golden eyes to relax into his rider's touch while she kissed between his eyes. "I am sorry, Erramun...I did not mean to make you work like this...because of me..." she breathed before hearing a deep chirp from the large earth dragon.

 

[Keitsumah]

Ava and Feral : The Border Between Baladur and Thallas : The Silver Lance Tavern

​

Ava paused in her skinning: the emaciated rabbit she held in her bloodied fists had been the first in the last two day they'd been traveling. Though she hated to admit it, Idhrenan was right. They needed supplies.


She eyed the landscape around them, then considered Dinlya and their dragons. "I say we both go down to the inn and get supplies, and leave the dragons to guard Dilya. Feral can keep her warm. That was how I survived on the coast: always wet and too cautious to risk an open flame. Feral cooked for me too, as you have seen on our travels."


She scraped her knife across the rabbit's flesh again, peeling off it's fur to add onto their meager collection she'd strapped to Feral's saddle. Ava had already made a fur cloak out of deer skins for Dinlya to keep her warm, and was working on making a white fur cloak for camaflouge in the snow. But so far she only had two rabbit skins, and needed many more to complete it. "I say we have Erramun lay with his side toward the inn, so that he keeps the other dragons out of sight. He is the least visible out of the three against the mountainside. Feral and Dinlya can huddle close to his other side to keep warm, and your dragon can hide further off and higher up somewhere to keep a lookout."


Ava lay the rabbit down after cleaning off an exposed rock and glanced at Feral. Her dragon's appearance had improved over the last few days -sometimes she had even caught Feral grooming for a few moments. Right now, however, her dragon seemed to be ignoring Eosphelon, when Ava knew she was doing the exact opposite. And when the smaller Arcane dragon let out a particularly big plume of steam, she turned her head and puffed a thick cloud of smoke in his face with a snort. The smoke was quickly dispersed by the swirling winds, but Ava warned Feral not to do it again all the same.


The fire dragon opened her jaws and stuck out her tongue, giving Eosphelon a tap on the side of his head with her muzzle before rising to curl next to Dinlya and Erramun. Ava chuckled. It was good to be with others again. Even the blood-dreams had become less frequent.


Still, she could not afford to lose focus. Ava quickly stood and pulled her cloak more tightly about her shoulders, tucking her flame-colored hair into her hood and securing the bottom with a tie that ended up covering the bottom half of her face as well, leaving only her eyes visible. She left one of her two swords sheaths slightly exposed, but kept the other one well hidden. If they got in a fight, she must make her opponents think she only had one blade, but would strike with the other first instead.