[center][h1]The Rhythm of the War Drums[/h1][/center]


[center][img]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab20/XxKayla36xX/Felix.png[/img]

[img]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab20/XxKayla36xX/garax.png[/img]

[img]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab20/XxKayla36xX/Kyla.png[/img]

[img]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab20/XxKayla36xX/cynbel.png[/img]


[h2]One week later, Siege Day, at the Queen’s Castle[/h2][/center]


The order was given and the war drums played. For those in the order, they treated the night prior, and the time it would take to get there, with as much merriment as possible. Within the Order of the Crimson Wing, every day prior to a battle was treated as their last, so as more of an unspoken code, [i]carpe diem[/i] was their motto, at least during wartime. After which, most would return to their normal routine. Felix walked among the men and women of both the Order and the Unseelie, mostly the Unseelie, briefly talking about life and what their occupations were outside of battle. He wore a large grin, enjoying the conversations, unless one of the Unseelie got to…[i]friendly[/i], then Kyla would shoot him a look, most of the time resulting in him giving her a nod of understanding, though, he had to be dragged away from one in particular, by his ear, which caused most of the company to laugh at him. All in fun, of course. It was a big day, a big day, indeed! 


Garax walked silently in the back while most of his men joked and bragged about their time so far in the Queendom. Who fucked who... how many times they fucked... how [i]many[/i] they fucked. Garax smirked as he strolled up to Neala, his eyes forward but his attention directed towards her. [color=green]”Neala.”[/color] simply saying her name to grab her attention. [color=green]”How about you and me enjoy a good [i]spar[/i] after this place is taken, hm?”[/color] she retorted with an eyeroll and mumbled something along the lines of [i]‘in your dreams’[/i]. Garax grinned. [color=green]”How bout this, toots? If I get the most kills between you and me, we do what I want and for however long I want. And if you win-”[/color] He waited for her response.


[color=sienna]”I guess you’ll find out when I win.”[/color] she said with a smirk and slung one of her newly won axes of her shoulder proudly, earning a glare from Garax.


Up the line, Felix and Kyla walked beside Cynbel. The human Commander, the former Unseelie Commander, and the current faerie Commander, leading about 2,000 men and women to an unknown outcome. Those behind them were ready to lay down their lives for the cause. Those behind them trusted their judgement call on the attack. Those behind them, following them into the unknown, couldn’t see the slight nervous expression on the human Commander’s face. At the beginning of the march, he was content with his decision. Having to fight with the faerie Commander, who has lived and spent his time for one thousand years, if not more, on the battlefield. Kyla sensed this immediately and, not because of who she was, but because of how well she knew him, said: [color=teal]”You made the right decision. If Cynbel trusts your judgement, then-”[color]


[color=gold]”Trusts it? No, I don’t think he trusts it. He’s going with it, sure-”[/color] He whispered to Kyla.


[color=teal]”If he’s going with it, that means he trusts it.”[/color] She retorted with a smirk.


[color=gold]”Ok...I see what you’re saying, but, listen... This is new to him. These tactics, this strategy, I feel he’s used to just running into the fray like Garax would. Back in my realm, the human realm, we used tactics, ways to out-maneuver our enemy with few men, but maximum efficiency. This is a fairly new concept. If the Unseelie have such a powerful offense, and the Seelie have a formidable defense, the Order is the balance between...Besides, for some reason, I really don’t want to let him down.”[/color] softly the words were spoken, like that of a child. She looked at him questioningly. Felix looked at her and sighed.


[color=gold]”I never really had a father. When I was nothing more than a squire, I was taught by a knight everything that they knew about combat and morals, but I never really felt like I would disappoint him. But with Cynbel, I don’t want to let him down. He’s counting on me to get his men through this. For some reason, the idea of failing him seems worse than if I was to die today.”[/color] Kyla leaned against him and chuckled.


[color=teal]”That’s sweet. I didn’t think you would gain such a soft spot for him.”[/color] She teased as he gave her a mock glare.


[color=gold]”He’s an experienced Commander whose troops honor him. Sure, I’m respected by my own, but the way he works with them... I guess that comes with a [i]millenia[/i] of experience.”[/color] His voice sounding somewhat jealous. Kyla shook her head.


[color=teal]”What was that about?”[/color] She asked. Felix looked at into her eyes before he shook his head, mumbling [i]“nothing”[/i].


There was a roar above them as an amber dragon flew overhead. It’s color was fairly similar to Sulleykaar’s as it flapped its wings, heading towards the northern section of the lands. Felix looked up, squinting his eyes. [color=gold]”I hope it is a friendly...”[/color] He mumbled as he continued to march. Cynbel was farther behind the others, walking close by Garax. The leathery wingbeats drew his attention upwards. He squinted past the sunlight for a better look, was that Sulleykaar? He had only seen Sulleykaar’s humanoid form, but he held out hope that it was him, because that would mean Kiara was back in time for the fight.


[center][h2]Allistyr’s Keep, Seelie Outpost[/h2][/center]


The mighty watchtowers of Allistyr’s Keep overlooked the lands. It’s long bowmen and mages patrolled its fortified walkway. Eagle eyes watching the quiet land below. The Commander of the Watch, Kale, sat in his office, scribbling away on transfer papers and other military documents relevant to the forces. His attention drew away from the painful documents as the sound of a dragon approached. Cursing quietly, he got up and moved out to greet the dragon, the only one of few who could come here unannounced.


“Kolor! Greetings! What brings you here?” The commander greeted with a smile. Kolor sighed and nodded.


[color=orange]”I need to speak to Tyr’rak. It is of great importance.”/[/color] His voice somewhat urgent. The Seelie commander nodded.


“Very well. I’ll fetch him for you.” The Watch Commander walked off towards the end of the outpost and told Tyr’rak of Kolor’s presence. Kale came back, a second figure was with him, [url=https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/12/8a/38/128a383f15f497be9c24da1f0aa2efba.jpg]Tyr’rak.[/url]


[color=orange]”Drem yul lok, Tyr’rak… Uth do sah dovah.”[/color] He spoke pleasantly in the dragon’s tongue. The Seelie Commander glanced over at Tyr’rak before giving a friendly smirk, figuring it wasn’t anything but simple pleasantries. “I’ll leave you two be. I have to finish this paperwork, after which we can sit down and talk about our next move.” Tyr nodded to the faerie Commander respectfully and then looked to Kolor. Once Kale departed, the dragon spoke plainly.


[color=darkgreen]“What is the word?”[/color] he asked with a friendly smile, keeping to using the old tongue in case anyone was listening in.


He waited for the faerie to disappear back into the Commander’s cabin before he revealed the information. He glanced back at Tyr’rak. [color=orange]”Sulleykaar has taken out our high-valued spies in the Queendom, and Ugin is furious. A reprisal for Sulley with the death of his friend, a human by the name of Felix. He said the one who kills him will gain a seat by his side.”[/color] His large eyes softened a he spoke of his son’s betrayal.


Tyr’rak studied the elder dragon’s face and frowned. [color=darkgreen]”That’s sounds like Ugin…”[/color] he sighed. [color=darkgreen]”And what do you plan on doing about this…[i]quest[/i]?”[/color]


He glared at him and hissed. [color=orange]”My claws are tied! I cannot do anything about this, even if I wanted to. Do me a favor. If you do kill him, promise me you will make it quick, I have already dealt with enough slow, painful deaths in my lifetime.[/color]


Tyr nodded respectfully. [color=darkgreen]”I will be the one to do it, then. There are some that deserve a gruesome end… and he is not one of them.”[/color] his eyes were thoughtful. [color=darkgreen]”And I have no reason, or desire, to make enemies with your son. It shall be quick, and it shall be done by my hand.”[/color] There was an iron-clad honest look in his emerald eyes.

Kolor studied him for a long moment before sighing. [color=orange]”Thank you. This order was intended for [i]all[/i] of the Sons of Bahamut, but I entrusted you with this, because I know that you will do right by me. But, now I must return to Ugin’s den.”[/color] He gave Tyr’rak a solemn nod and turned, taking to the skies in the same direction he had flown.


A few minutes had passed since he had made it to the keep. His senses picked up something earthy, and a lot of it. He looked down and his slitted pupils dilated. He roared as he flapped harder and picked up speed as he banked and flew diagonally away from them, cursing to himself silently.


[center][img]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab20/XxKayla36xX/Felix.png[/img] [img]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab20/XxKayla36xX/garax.png[/img]

[img]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab20/XxKayla36xX/Kyla.png[/img]

[img]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab20/XxKayla36xX/cynbel.png[/img][/center]


[center][h2]Allistyr’s Keep, Seelie Outpost, Present Day[/h2][/center]


Hours had past since the dragon had flown over the small horde of troops. Felix had steeled his worry away when he heard news that they were close. He moved towards the front of the pack to speak with [url=http://img10.deviantart.net/8628/i/2012/102/5/9/goblin_bomber_by_vegasmike-d4vx7dq.jpg]Grim[/url], the lead grenadier of the Goblin force. [color=gold]”Grim, I assume that you and your comrades are ready?”[/color] The goblin looked over at him with a disgusted look.


“Human knows we ready! Human asked for smoke poof. We give smoke poof. We make great diversion. We the best. Now go. We need to ready.” Felix was half tempted to chuckle at the broken Common, but decided against it. Cynbel stood beside Felix now and gave him a nod. 


[color=lightgray]”Let’s kill some Seelie.”[/color] the faerie wore a devilish grin, rather uncharacteristic of the calm, cool, and collected Cynbel that Felix had interacted with up until now.


Felix shot him a disturbed glance before hardening his own. [color=gold]”Through iron and blood, we will take this for our own.”[/color] He said in response. The human saw the outpost in sight and a twitch in his face showed he was, in a way, hyping himself up for the attack. He turned towards Grim and nodded. The Goblin gave him a Cynbel-like grin as he barked out a few orders to the goblins and they ran, lit bombs in hand, and charged forward. This was the cue for Garax to column left and into the wooded area. Once the last of the orcs were out of sight, they began their long route around to the side entrance and would await the Seelie’s attention to draw to the front. The goblins ran forward, screaming and hollering as they ran through, their smoke bombs high, and far towards the front of the towers, Grabbing attention of those in said towers. Kyla looked at the Unseelie mages and the Order’s longbow men and gave the signal as they ran ahead of the rest of the pack and moved right behind the goblins, letting their magic and arrows fly.


Within the encampment, The guards stood watch in the tower. Their eyes were narrowed as they saw 30 goblins approaching, holding up what were presumed to be explosives. One of the Seelie snorted in amusement as he drew his bow back, only to seize and grab for his throat, dropping to the ground and gasping for air. The guard next to him roared down to the others, warning of the incoming attack. The smoke went up, but not without some goblins getting caught in the line of fire. Felix shouted out a few actions and, in only moments, men with tower shields ran up to the front of the pack, one set of troops kneeling down, and the second stood, creating a fortified and mobile wall of defense. Felix told some of the Unseelie and men of The Order to move in between those who stood and, as they did, the wall opened slightly, allowing for the volley of arrows and magick to continue to pour into the stronghold.


Cynbel was among the men and women just behind the mages and longbowmen, protecting their backs from potential attack. Currently, he was not actively engaged in a fight, but he was certainly ready for one.


Neala went with the orcs and other bruisers through the woods. Her face was painted a muddy black, along with her thick, muscular arms. Traveling through the brush, she blended in surprisingly well for such a broad figure. Her feet were skilled and quick, moving with confidence and grace through the gnarled tree roots and thistles. Like a wild cat, she - and her twin axes - pounced on the first available target. Ridley, her right axe, split through skin, severing the muscle from bone. Neala ripped the axe out of the shrieking Seelie healer’s shoulder, blood spraying her painted face as she grunted and lunged for a second, hacking swing.


Garax had made his way to the front of the pack and, like a bull, charged his way through the ranks of the Seelie, hacking and slashing and laughing all the while, yelling out his death toll. [color=green]”FIVE! SEVEN! EIGHT-NINE! Hahahaha!”[/color] [i]’Why should the warlord have all the fun?’[/i] Thought most of the other orcs as they decided to play the number game as well. It became a math contest, to see how many kills an orc could get in a certain amount of time. After slashing through another, Garax twisted his wrist and turned while he swung, only to come an inch away from slicing open his fuck buddy. [color=green]”Get the fuck out of my way!”[/color] He barked with mix of annoyance and frustration, topped with a hint of worry.


[Color=sienna]”Nineteen!~”[/color] The brutish female replied with a wide, blood-speckled smile before getting back into the swing of it. Her axe parried a large sword. Not iron, like the Commanders’, as all other fey were severely impacted by it. She hooked the curve of the axe along the hilt of the sword and swiftly disarmed her attacker. Neala head-butted him into a daze before kicking him square in the stomach and sending him flying back a few feet.


Garax glanced over at her multiple times before a low growl from within his throat bellowed out in utter rage as he begun an onslaught on the enemy. Cursing her out while counting out each kill in between. [color=green]” RAAAAGHHHHHH!!! TWELVE!, FOURTEEN!, FIFTEEN!, SEVENTEEN! DAMN, FUCKING!, TWENTY!, BITCH!, TWENTY-ONE! HOW?!”[/color]


[Color=sienna]”BETTER--”[/color] she huffed and paused long enough to land another hit. The axe met flesh with an awful squelching sound. [Color=sienna]”STAMINA!”[/Color] Neala finished her jest with a bout of jovial laughter.


[color=gold]”Alright! Start pressing forward!”[/color] The tower-shield vanguards closed the opening in their wall as those grounded stood and raised their shields. Those already standing raised them high above themselves, creating a dome of concealment for those on the frontline. Felix turned to Cynbel with a smirk and a simple nod as he moved forward with the mobile wall of men and women towards the main entrance.


Garax and those of the Bloodrun managed to bash through the assigned entrance and continued their slaughter. The Seelie’s attention at this point was all over the battlefield. Fighting on two fronts and becoming exhausted, The stronghold’s commander turned to Tyr’rak with a fierce gaze and pointed to the skies above, he needed him in this fight now. There was no time for games. Tyr nodded and looked to the clouds. After taking a running start, his wings unfurled from his back first, before his entire form exploded into a dragon that was a green so dark, it almost looked black. Tyr’rak was fast, [i]extremely[/i] fast. Once in the sky, the only real way to keep track of him was through the sharp, high-pitched whistle of his flight, and the occasional burst of bright, lime-colored flames on the ground below.


Garax caught sight of the Watch’s Commander and grinned, yelling out “He’s mine” as he made his way over. The orc saw the Seelie look to the man near him and point up, causing Garax to squint his eyes and snarl. [i][color=green]’What the hell?’[/color][/i] Before it could register the man that the Watch’s Commander looked at took off running and then the next thing Garax new was the orc’s yelling out “Dragon!”. The warlord couldn’t bother with that for now as he charged Kale.


Felix and the others had made their move onto the front gates and begun their attempt to penetrate it. His concentration was primarily on the gate and trying to bring it down. But his eyes widened in fear as he heard “Dragon!” being shouted throughout the stronghold. He and Kyla directed their attention to the skies, attempting to get a clear picture of said dragon but, unfortunately, Felix was only able to follow the pillars of fire that rained down upon the troops. Kyla had her bow up, firing arrow after arrow at it, each one missing the mark thanks to it’s speed.


At first, Tyr’rak slaughtered without purpose, without mercy. Unseelie, Orcs, Goblins, and even some Seelie fell to his green dragon fire. All the while, Tyr was searching for the human Commander. There was a burst of flames, a high pitched whistle, more flames, repeat. And then, there he was. Tyr stopped long enough in flight to actually be seen clearly, charging up a strong ball of fire in his mighty jaws with his eyes deadlocked on Felix.


Once Felix finally caught sight of it, he readied himself, his arm up and tower shield out. [color=gold]”I guess this is how I go, then...I’m sorry Kyla.”[/color] He mumbled to himself as he prepared himself for the inevitable. Kyla, on the other hand, had a bad feeling deep in her gut that this was about to end badly. Once the dragon was in sight, it’s attention and intention was clearly shown, and her eyes went wide. [color=teal]”No…..NOOOOOOOO!”[/color] Her body let off a smokey aura before she leapt through the shadows of the soldiers, phantom smoke trails were the only things that showed her movements as she cared little about hiding them.


The fireball was let loose and Felix braced for impact, only to her the scream of Kyla to his right. His eyes widened and he never managed to tell her stop before he felt a major pain in his side, weightlessness, and then the hard ground below. The explosion rang through his ears and he quickly brought up his shield as chunks of earth and body parts were sent all over the battlefield. His eyes remained wide open as the only thing left of Kyla, a broken half of her bow, bounced off his shield and onto the ground in front of him. The human cCmmander remained motionless as a trembling whisper soon became a scream of agony. .


[color=gold]”Kyla……………..KYLA…..KYLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!”[/color] His pain became fury as he stood up, a red and white aura forming around him. The dragon only had a second to registered what happened. In all of his calculations, he hadn’t accounted for one of the Unseelie caring enough to sacrifice themselves for Felix, it simply wasn’t in their nature to do so. Regardless of his shock, Tyr’rak charged up another ball of fire in his throat. This time he wouldn’t miss...


The aura rested on Felix’s body as his eyes gave off nothing more than killer intent and pure rage. When he gripped the handle of his blade, The aura whipped around violently as his eyes slowly gave off an ethereal tail of smoke. It no longer looked as if he was searching for the dragon, but instead, as if he knew where he was. The aura must have enhanced his reflexes and sight, as they followed the dragon’s movements. The human commander bent down low as the dragon made for the second pass, but he was ready. He brought his smoking blade behind him as it extended outward to the length of a greatsword. He lept off the ground with such ferocity that he managed to level out with the dragon, face to face with his lover’s killer as he brought the blade around, attempting to slam it into the dragon's jaw, all the while roaring in anger and pain.

Tyr’raks cat-like eyes narrowed in focus before launching a ball of fire towards the now airborne human as he descended back to the ground. The sharp, ear-piercing whistle of his flight sounded as the dragon dove to finish off his prey. Quick and painless, as promised. Felix fell quickly as he screamed in agony by the flames. He was going to die. He was going to die without avenging Kyla’s death. [color=gold]”Not like THIS! NOT LIKE THIS! DAAL SULLEYKAAR!!”[/color]