[b]New Condia, Orbital Station[/b]
No one seemed to act surprised at Nox teleporting in from the relay, as it was pretty mundane magic to them. However, Master Augustus and Rylath paused for a minute. They had stood before the Immortal Aaliyah once before, as she was a dragon-rider, and had felt her power. The Generals had felt weaker, but still powerful enough that they at least be able to hold against a Immortal. Now however that they felt Nox...he felt as powerful as the Immortals. Augustus was curious as to how he had acquired his power, but he must save it for later.

“I was here on a mission to gather more riders for the order. As it is finished I must prepare the new apprentices for departure to Iscandar. Gather upon your ship and when I am ready to leave, I shall send you the coordinates. It is nice to meet you, Nox.” said Augustus, doing the same arm over chest bow. He left the hangar, as Klaus said a few parting words saying he needed to get back to governing New Condia.

It was not long before the Roa’marii saw a ship pull out of orbit of New Condia, the vessel was about the size of a frigate, and had a escort on either side. The ship itself carried the same standard Iscandarian design, but the print of a Dragon was painted upon its side. 

“I am departing now, included are the coordinates of Iscandar. I shall see you there.” broadcasted the ship, it and it’s escorts quickly jumping out of the system shortly after.


[b]The Dragos Mountains, Iscandar[/b]
Aiden stepped out of the cave, and into the mid-day sunlight of Iscandar. He stashed the crystal safely in a small pouch, but carried the Archnite with him. Awaiting him was Master Oromis, who began speaking.

“The first trial is nearly done for you Apprentice, but not over yet. What did you face in the cave?” asked Oromis, looking at Aiden.

“Someone who said she was my adoptive Mother, strange to me it was, not what I was expecting.” responded Aiden. As he said this Oromis perked up a bit, and asked another question.

“What did she look like?”

“Perfect almost, she had a long white dress.” responded Aiden once again.

“Did she anything?”

“Only that I was to request to go along on a diplomatic mission to the Empire of Aramun, as there was someone there that she needed.” said Aiden, starting to look at Oromis with a questioning look.

“I need to speak to the Council of Grandmasters about this, but for now we must complete your trial, follow me.” spoke Oromis, handing Aiden a long wooden stick, as they began walking down the Mountain.

The two proceeded down the Mountain, time passing by. Birds and other creatures were rare sights that greeted them on their way down. After a while sunset began occurring, as they reached a wide open valley. In the distance Aiden and Oromis could see a large black stone structure, lit with a almost entrancing fire, upon which both Hasai and Glaedr sat. Aiden felt as the connection between him and Hasai once again strengthened, and they could hear each other again.

“[i]My little one returns. Our trial is almost complete, are you ready my rider?[/i]” thought Hasai.

“[i]I am, my dragon.[/i]” thought Aiden in return, as Oromis and Aiden came upon the structure. It was Glaedr who spoke.

“[i]We have told of you the blood pact, created to bring peace. We, the Dragon-Riders, are peacekeepers when the time is to defend, and warriors when the time is to attack. Any peacekeeper or warrior needs a weapon, and to end your first trial, you shall forge that weapon. The dragon lights the forge, the rider gathers the material, and now you shall both work together to forge it. I give upon you a spell, you shall need to both fully concentrate, and it shall forge a blade only fit for you, Aiden.[/i]” thought Glaedr, as he withdrew from the forge, landing next to Oromis.

Aiden steeled himself for a moment, mediating before the altar. He and Hasai began concentrating, focusing, to unravel the mysteries of the spell before him. It did not take long before the ball of Archnite floated into the forge, melting into a bright glowing white liquid. A few more moments and the liquid turned red, as it began to take the shape of a blade. It soon floated out of the fortress, as cool as a lightly chilled drink.

“Perfect Aiden, I never saw someone complete the first trial so smoothly. Rest for a moment, then we shall head back to the temple. From there you shall pick out a gem for the hilt, and then you may sleep. You still have two trials ahead of you, apprentice.” said Oromis, mounting Glaedr.

Aiden mounted on Hasai and turned towards Oromis.

“I am always prepared Master. There is no challenge that I shall let defeat me.” spoke Aiden, feeling as Hasai took off into the cool night air; Oromis and Glaedr followed shortly after, as they became small dots in the vast Iscandar sky.