[center][h2]Castle of the Dark Queen[/h2]

[h3]The Fey Market[/h3][/center]

The castle of Moriganne was a sight to behold. It’s gothic yet open structure showed how in tune to the earth itself they were. It seemed to be built around and in the earth itself as hills within the walls would rise up to meet second or third story floors, little creeks and ponds that would have waterfalls run through near the entrances. It was almost as if no one had lived there for centuries and yet here Sulleykaar was in one of the more busiest spots of the kingdom, the market place. Many a business were conducting transactions of all kinds; gems, jewels, furs, fruit, food and beverage and with it the normal sounds of a bazaar so to speak. Vendors would hold up product or yell out their services or sales as the fey would pass by or stop to see what they could get with what they had. However. It didn’t take long for Sulleykaar to gain attention. He was an outsider and they could spot him easily. A few would mutter something about him and who was he or why did he smell of fire and sulfur. Sure enough, two guards, who seemed to look at him with slight suspicion approached. “Sulleykaar?” He turned to face him holding what seemed to be a new ruby ring that extended most of his finger. (color insert)” I particularly find this ring to be amazing annnnd… It extends slightly onto my clawed hand. Very high class don’t you think.”[/color] He gave them a foxy grin. They stared at him for a moment before speaking. “Sulleykaar, you’re to meet in the Queens Privvy at once. We will escort you.” He held up a hand to stop them from continuing their more-than-likely rehearsed words. [color=9e0b0f]"
Shh, Shh, Shh. Just bring me. No need to drabble on.”[/color] He was lead through the streets and eventually to just outside the room where their meeting would take place.


The taller of the two guards nodded. “As you wish.” At the royal guard’s signal, the shop keep let Sulleykaar walk off with the ruby ring. Yet another token of good will, plus, the ruby ring was but a drop in the bucket at this point. Fey stared as the guards and dragon passed them by on their way back to the castle. Sulleykaar might be an outsider, but he was a handsome outsider, and the fey liked pretty things. If he so wished, he could probably have his pick of any of the local men, women, and those between genders - as most fey sexuality was pretty fluid.


They arrived at the huge gates and passed through to the Courtyard. The Castle of the Queen itself was massive and intimidating and stunning all at the same time. The guards escorted Sulley to the chambers where the Queens Privvy meetings were held. Moriganne sat at the head of the table. She wore a gown of deep purple with silver trimming. Her inky-black hair was elegantly piled on top of her head and fastened with floral clips, a few ringlets tumbled down to her shoulders. She was gorgeous. A woman sat beside her that looked a bit like a darker version of Cynbel. This was the Queen’s Daughter, Nyx, Cynbel’s mother, Kiara’s grandmother, and the next in line for the throne. Beside Nyx was Cynbel. The seat beside Cynbel was empty, this was typically Kiara’s seat, but she was nowhere to be found yet. All of the other seats were filled by vastly different looking fey, some didn’t even remotely resemble a humanoid form. These fey were Moriganne’s trusted Advisors.


When Sulleykaar fully entered the room, Moriganne stood up and curtsied respectfully. “Welcome Sulleykaar, Flame Dragon of the Children of Tiamat, and leader of the Order of the Crimson Wing. Please take your seat at my council, our Changelings are here to offer you any refreshment you may require.” The queen gestured to the neatly dressed humans at either side of the table before reclaiming her own seat, which was significantly larger than the others at the table. Once Kiara entered, the meeting would proceed. He wore an “[i]interesting[/i]” [url=https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/10/6a/a4/106aa4f3bd6ee4bee88038c2dc0379a3.jpg] outfit[/url] suitable for him. Long, elegant and yet it seemed to give off this mystical vibe about him. Sulleykaar gave a slight bow before returning upright, a thin smile across his lips. [color=9e0b0f]”Queen Moriganne, Dark Queen of the Unseelie Court. It is a pleasure and honor to be in your presence.[/color] He took his seat on the opposing side of Cynbel. He raised an eyebrow as he looked at the vacant seat next to the Faerie general. [color=9e0b0f]”Is this reserved for someone in particular?”[/color] He gestured to the chair his eyebrows raised slightly and awaited an answer patiently. However the answer shortly came. 


A few awkwardly silent moments later, the large door was pushed open once again. Kiara stepped through the entrance and kept her eyes level, careful to not lock eyes with anyone, especially her father. She was dressed beautifully in [url=https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/12240005_923516254406073_7051281390807878495_n.jpg?oh=6ee351e1829fc9d6b6af17a023602d59&oe=57A67E9D]faerie fashion[/url]… feeling very much like a pig being presented to a butcher. She even wore a pretty smile, as per Cynbel’s command to willingly go with this. Inside she was absolutely seething, yet she took her seat beside the man she once called father.


 Sulleykaar looked over as the doors opened to reveal a stunning woman dressed in an outfit fit for the fey. It was as if the earth itself spun vines and roots into the form of dress. His thin smile grew into a grin as his eyes dimly glowed with a crimson-goldish hue. He watched as she walked over and sat beside Cynbel. His grin leveled out to a lopsided grin as he moved around to the end of the table opposing the queen as he leaned slightly to the side. He quickly analyzed the Queen and the four next to her. Before falling down towards the ground, only to be caught by the air in a somewhat visible chair. He gestured to the four of them, the Queen included. [color=9e0b0f]”It seems that beauty runs through this family like an endless river, quite impressive. This reminds me of a time I was in Tristrim. It was a beautiful little elvish town and-”[/color]


An unfamiliar voice spoke up. Kiara made the mistake of looking towards the source. That was him, her unwanted warden. She studied him quickly, not wanting to let her gaze linger and give him any ideas. He didn’t look like she had expected… truth be told she’d colored quite the picture of a monster in her mind last night. Surely he would be hideous and awful, but… he wasn’t. She wasn’t sure if that made things better or worse.


He paused a moment before chuckling. [color=9e0b0f]”I do apologize I don’t mean to hoard the attention.”[/color] He cleared his throat.  [color=9e0b0f]”Queen Moriganne, I do believe we were all gathered to discuss the situation as to the reason of my being here.”[/color] Sulleykaar gestured towards her as he leaned to the side, his head resting against his fist with his leg crossed over the other, a genuine smile across his face. His seemly laxed attitude was a bit disheartening to a few of the faerie council. Have they wasted their time with a petty dragon con-artist or was he the real deal? If he was he would have already been snuffed or at least almost so he must be a viable asset right. “Your highness-” One fey stood and gestured to the humanoid dragon next to him. “His attitude to this serious situation is beyond disrespectful. How are we to believe that this….[i]wyrm[/i]-” Emphasizing on “wyrm” with as much venom as possible. “Is even capable of helping us in our cause!?” Sulleykaar grin was wide and full of pride. Almost like he was silently laughing at the poor fey creature.  


Queen Moriganne raised an ebony eyebrow up at the advisor’s outburst. How very impolite of him, impolite behavior towards the queen was often met with death. She was feeling optimistic today, though. Instead of a swift execution, she stood up from her chair and skittered across the table like a spider. It was a creepy and quick strike before she took the faery’s face in one hand and pried open his mouth with the other to claim his disrespectful voice. Her fingers had shifted into raptor-esque claws as sharp as blades. The faerie’s tongue felt to the table with a sickening squelch. Sulleykaar watched as the Queen glided across the table with unnatural speed just to yank the tongue out of the one who questioned his competence. He raised an eyebrow at her and the fey before smiling at the result of his stupidity. 


[color=black]”I will have no such outbursts in my Court. Sulleykaar is a welcomed ally in this war, and a fellow advisor. Is that understood?”[/color] The Queen asked before smoothing out her dress and hopping down from the table. No one said anything, the response was dead silence. [color=black]”Good. Now that everyone is here, let us move on with the topic of this meeting.”[/color] Sulleykaar nodded and leaned forward.


Moriganne meandered to Sulleykaar’s seat and settled her hands on his shoulders. Her bloodied fingers felt cold and wraith-like, even through his clothing. It would feel like being touched by a ghost. [color=black]”I understand you made a deal to fight in exchange for my great-granddaughter.”[/color] her fingers dug into his shoulders [color=black]”I trust you will make it worth my while.”[/color] she said icily into his right ear. If it hadn’t been for his somewhat scaly skin her fingers would have pierced his skin but instead just felt like an annoyance. [color=9e0b0f]” That was the deal that was made and I can guarantee that it was well worth the purchase, hmhmhmhm.”[/color] A visible “oh” look appeared on his face before turning to a light smirk. He stood up and gestured to those gathered. [color=9e0b0f]” Which reminds me. While I was down in the market purchasing this wonderful ring I had the opportunity to send for my Order and my fellow allies. They will be at the castle shortly.”[/color] 


The queen seemed to then address the woman who sat down beside her merchant. He gave a quizzical look. [color=black]”Kiara, introduce yourself.”[/color] Kiara looked up to her Queen in response. She quickly stood up from her chair and curtsied with otherworldly grace. 


[color=gray]”A'plyae mae, Sulleykaar. A'llemenia mae Kiara.”[/color] Kiara greeted formally in Fae’len, the equivalent of ‘pleasure to meet you, I have a name which is Kiara’. This pleased the Queen and she signalled Kiara to sit down once again. The quizzical look was replaced with a more stoic posture that held a light smile. [color=9e0b0f]”A'plyae mae, Kiara. A'llemenia mae Sulleykaar.”[/color] 


[color=black]”Tomorrow, Commander Cynbel and yourself will march towards Shireen. Our spies in the Seelie Court have sent word by raven that the Seelie have planned a surprise attack from that direction. Let us teach them that no one works in the shadows better than we.”[/color] Moriganne released Sullekaar’s shoulders and smiled darkly. Cynbel nodded in agreement shortly followed by Sulleykaar’s silence.


[color=black]”Sulleykaar, when your company arrives, please have them meet up with our soldiers. Cynbel and yourself can discuss the details of your plans for the morrow with them. Until then, you are free to explore the Court as you please, Kiara can be your guide.”[/color] The queen said with finality and the brief meeting was adjourned. His attention turned towards Kiara the moment the meeting had ended. He  had patiently waited for everyone to leave before he addressed her. [color=9e0b0f]” So you must be the wonderful daughter of Cynbel.”[/color] There was that shit eating grin again.


Kiara actually let herself laugh at that, it was a genuine laugh, too. [color=gray]“I guess that depends on your definition of wonderful.”[/color], was all she said before offering him her arm to exit the room. It was a propriety, a politeness, [i]not[/i]  a sign of affection. [color=9e0b0f]” Dii mal pruuvaltuu, you should be able to help me with my stay here.[/color] He gave a polite smile before his mouth thinned out.  


[color=9e0b0f]”But for now I must go meet my soldiers. Come dii mal pruuvaltu Kiara, you should meet your new allies.”[/color] He shifted on his heels and walked towards the door before turning towards her, a plume of smoke exiting his nostrils, awaiting her to follow. Now it was his turn to take on the more business appropriate personality.


The dragon did not accept the offer of her hand. So, he might not look like a monster, but he was impolite like one. Great… Kiara followed after him with her hands at her sides, wondering just exactly what she was going to be to him. She wasn’t made to be some pretty little ornament, she was a warrior like her father before her. Well, there was no use being coy about it, the deal had already been made so she might as well know what she is in for.


[color=gray]”Why did you want me?”[/color] Kiara finally asked rather bluntly as they walked together, making their way to the front of the castle. He looked over at her with a slightly raised brow before looking away with a thin smile. [color=9e0b0f]”Tell me something Kiara...hmmm...Kiara….Kiiiiiaaarrrrrraaaaa...It rolls off the tongue beautifully.[/color] He mused. He glaced over at her before stopping in his tracks and spun to face her, the flaps of his clothing meeting after the turn. [color=9e0b0f]”Tell me Kiara what do you know of dragons?”[/color] He looked at her like a teacher would a student. 


He had dodged her question. Rude, yet another strike against him in her book. Two could play this game of silver tongues. The dragon spun to face her and she crossed her arms over her chest. [color=gray]”What do I know of dragons, hmm? I know they are arrogant and prideful. They care for little more than wealth and personal gain. They are selfish, insatiable creatures, forever adding to their hoards.”[/color] she didn’t even stop for a breath in her slew of truthful insults, finally enjoying that her father’s control wasn’t influencing her. She’d played the part she was meant to already. [color=gray]”So, is that what you think I will be? A little treasure for your collection? Do you think I will sit quiet and pretty, because you bargained for the wrong girl if that’s what you wanted.”[/color] her tone was stinging and assertive, fearless in the face of a creature who could easily eat her alive.


He listened to her carefully as she spewed her “truth”. He nodded to most of what she said and others went right over him. However, his smile slowly grew to a grin. [color=9e0b0f]”You described Kolghan down to the littlest detail. How entertaining.”[/color] He turned back to the way they were walking, glancing at her to follow. He stayed silent for a moment before glancing over at her. [color=9e0b0f]”You must not have met many dragons have you?”[/color] He said dryly. He sighed before glancing at her one more time.. [color=9e0b0f]”I like you Kiara. You have a strong will and a bit of fire. That’s good.”[/color] 


Kiara sighed and followed after him. No, she hadn’t met many dragons. Truth be told, he was the first, but she wasn’t about to admit that.  [color=gray]”Are you saying that you are not like that? If you are, then you still haven’t answered my question. What am I to be for you? A mistress?”[/color] her eyebrow raised. She wasn’t going to stop until she got an answer. An honest answer. However that answer would not come. His lips turned to a thin line before answering once again in riddles. [color=9e0b0f]”If you wish to be a mistress then you may do so but that is not my reason for wanting you...I have my reasons…[/color]


[color=gray]”And you think I don’t deserve to know them? This is my life, you know.”[/color] He stayed silent, which pissed her off. Kiara narrowed her eyes into small slits and stomped heavily behind him as they walked. She was in no mood to meet his soldiers or anyone that had anything to do with him. The red dragon turned his head to look at her. She was acting like such a child. He simply made an audible “tsk tsk tsk” before shaking his head and tunring back to see the gates of the castle in sight. A bit of a gathering ha taken place there and he smiled with glee. He instinctively grabbed her by the arm and motioned for her to follow as he was light on his feet to make to the entrance. 


As they approached the bystanders at the back made way for them both as he moved to the front. His smile turned to a geniune grin of excitement as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders and gestured to those standing before them all. Before them was an army 200,000 strong. A mix of elves of both dark and light, orcs, halflings, goliaths, goblins and a random assortment of other creatures all flying [url=http://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110802193141/finalfantasy/images/9/94/Suzaku_coat_of_arms.jpg] his banner.[/url] as well as the [url=http://orig12.deviantart.net/66df/f/2010/079/4/7/orc_banner_by_lordofdragonss.jpg] banner of the Bloodrun Orcs[/url]. In the front of stood a rather [url=http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/17/5c/ec/175cec44ed977ee3744eaab836f20eba.jpg] young man [/url] who stood with a rather relaxed posture yet the aura around him screamed respect and fearlessness. An iron will rested in his soft eyes as he looked at Sulleykaar. I warm smile slowly appeared as he made his way over to Sulleykaar. [color=orange] “Sulls. Good to see you again old friend. It’s been a long time.”[/color] Sulleykaar chuckled.  [color=9e0b0f]”It has been some time yes. How ha-”[/color] [color=green]”WHERE THE HELL IS THAT FUCKING WYRM!”[/color] A large deep booming voice hollered over the crowd. A [url=http://orig08.deviantart.net/96b3/f/2013/033/2/c/orc_by_saadirfan-d5tk5hm.jpg]large orc[/url], bursting at the seams with raw muscle swam through the columns of men and women to approach the dragon. He stopped in front of Sulleykaar and look down at him, sizing him up. A moment of silence. 


[color=green]”Damned serpent of hell…[/color] No motive showed.

[color=9e0b0f]”stupid brutish orc..”[/color] Neither through the dragon.


Another moment of silence before the orc smirked and let out a hefty “HA” before patting the young man on the back, unconsciously sending him to the ground which was shortly followed by a mumbled “Damn orcs”. [color=green] “Sulleykaar! It’s great to see you again! So...I hear you have a job for us.”[/color] He nodded. 


→ Kiara’s childish pouting, if you could call being upset about not knowing what someone planned to do with your life and freedom [i]childish[/i], ceased as soon as she saw Sullekaar’s army. The vast hordes of elves, orcs, halflings, goliaths, goblins and other creatures all waved one similar banner, the one that matched the symbol on Sulleykaar’s clothing. So, this was the Order of the Crimson Wing. This entire massive army before them… Sulleykaar had equated it to her worth before having even met her. These forces were bought and paid for with her life and, suddenly, it didn’t seem to matter what he planned to do with her. If they were fighting for her Queen, her people, in her war, it would all be worth it.


Kiki hadn’t realized that she was leaning into Sulleykaar as she stared out at his army. Her heart was hammering excitedly in her chest. [color=gray]”It’s going to be a slaughter.”[/color] she mused in a husky tone that most folks reserved for pillow talk. Tomorrow morning couldn’t come fast enough, that is, if she was allowed to fight.


[center][h2]Cynbel and Moriganne[/h2][/center]


The Dark Queen and her Commander stood atop the Castle of the Queen at one of the multiple look-out stations. Cynbel watched as the horde that was the Order of the Crimson Wing marched to the gates. Moriganne smiled wide and patted Cynbel’s back. [color=black]”You have made an excellent deal, my grandson. You will make a fine King one day.”[/color] 


[color=lightgray][i]’But an awful father…’[/i][/color] he thought to himself. He said nothing in response to the Queen’s praise and kept his lips pursed in a thin line.


[color=black]”She will forgive you, Cynbel, in time. And if there is something we fey have in excess, it is time.”[/color] Moriganne’s bird-like gaze scanned the crowd until it settled on the crimson dragon and Kiara. She was leaning against him as they stared out at the army. [color=black]”Look now, they might even be getting along better than you’d hoped.”[/color] the Faery Queen said with a wink and jabbed an elbow into the stiff Commander’s side before heading downstairs. Cynbel followed after her and went to meet up with Sulleykaar to greet the Order formally.