[h2]David O'Kendle[/h2]

One could not fathom just how large this Keep truly was, sure people have heard and told stories about this keep. But to see it in the flesh was a whole other story, the way the towers reached into the sky, the wideness of the corridors, the vastness of the court yards, there was so much to take in and all at once too. This place was bigger and more grand than David could even dream, and he spent time in the capital city of Bristar. That was the jewel of the kingdom of Tur, and one that he had been hoping to stay in for the rest of his days. He was after all in training to become a knight, but here he was in the Winged Defenders Keep.

When he had gotten there that morning, he was told that he wouldn't get a room until after the Right. Appearently those that get dragons go to a special part of the Keep and those that don't get choosen go to what those here called the Village. It was a part of the Keep that housed those in training that didn't have dragons, and thats where he was headed, at least thats what he thought he was heading to. But in truth he had no idea where the Village was or even if he was close to it. It had to be close to the south gate right? 

"[color=6ecff6]If you are looking for the Village lad, it's that way[/color]." 

David turned around to see a woman on the back of a stoker class dragon pointing to the south-east. He nodded his thanks before heading in the direction that the woman pointed, he didn't so much as say a word to the woman though. His was mind was racing with the fact that he didn't hear the woman or the dragon come up behind him, how could that be? It was a medium stoker dragon, bigger than air class dragons, he should of felt the earth shift or the wind move but he felt nothing. He was in training to become a knight and one of the first rules was to always be aware of your surroundings, so this shouldn't have happened. 

[i][color=0054a6]This is a great start[/color].[/i] David thought sarcastically as he began to notice that the stone path wasn't nearly as wide nor were the arch ways. He was obviously close to the Village now, this seemed to put his mind at ease a bit as things began to look a bit more normal. There were houses, shops, a bar (which had quite a bit of seating), and many more other things that David was use to seeing. A small smirk came to his lips as he walked over to the bar and sat at one of the empty out door tables. He was quickly met with a bar maid and once he ordered and got his drink, he sat there and pretended that he was back at home.

He never wanted to be a rider let alone meet dragons, sure he thought they were great for protecting the kingdom. But he always wondered when these beasts would turn on them, after all he knew the damage and carnage they could inflict. So when he was told by his superiors that he was going to Winged Defenders Keep, he argued with them. But at the end of the day he obeys orders, no matter how much he didn't like it.

Still he hoped that the Right wouldn't work on him, he had that at least. A small chance of getting out of here [u][i]without[/i][/u] a dragon.


[hr]


[h2]Brea Hadlin[/h2]

There were many courtyard and hidden places to hide and to practice alone, though Brea's favorite place wasn't the most private. It was a large semi-circle that was rimmed with large pillars and trees, some of which seemed to be growing around some of the pillars. There was another small semi-circle in the wall of pillars and trees, which held a large statue of a water dragon holding a water pot which was bubbling water into the onyx water basin. Vinous flowery plants grew around the statue, giving the the whole courtyard and magical garden feel. It was beautiful and a perfect for Brea to practice, though it wasn't far from the Village which meant others could hear her. And to top it off since it was on the edge of the Village it meant those with dragons could visit is as well. Not that she minded she didn't mind "performing" for others.

She took her place in the middle of the courtyard, there she stood silent for a minute. She closed her eyes slowly before slowly pulling out her short blade. It was a light blade with near perfect balance, the hilt of it fit near to perfect to her hand. As she opened her eyes she began to swing the blade in slow and slightly exaggerated movements. Slowly she began to move her body, pretending that she was fighting an opponent in slow motion. But a part of her hated practicing in silence, with a small smile she began to hum.

"[color=aba000]On the wind I hear you calling
From the ocean far away
Whispered as the light is falling
You gently call my name......"[/color] ([url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFzyU5bMPJI]Rest of song[/url])

The words of her song rang gently through the air, in an almost haunting magical way. She was often asked to sing at the Village pub at night as some entertainment. She didn't mind though, as after all some of her instructors pegged her as a bard, and thus trained her in some of the fine art of stealth. Plus who doesn't like some good music.

Still as her slightly haunting voice echoed through the air, her movements began to become more fluid and graceful. She moved as if she was dancing on air, light yet slow. She spun slowly, yet quick enough that her sleeve made a rippling sound in the air. She plunged her dagger into an invisible foe before falling backwards and rolling so that she was in a crouching position with her dagger outstretched and above her. She hummed the last of her song before standing and putting her blade away.

As she placed the blade back onto her hip, she felt her nerves begin to shake. This was her second chance at a dragon and she trained hard the past year, and she felt ready! Or at least she thought she did up until that moment. The Right was only a few hours away and she felt more nervous now than before.