[center] [h1] _______________ ◊ ᗩEᖇᗯYᑎ ᑕᗩᒪᒪIOᑭE ◊ _______________[/h1][/center] [right][sub] __________________ • ȶɦɛ ʍօʊռȶǟɨռɛֆ - Kυɳʅυɳ • ʀօʏǟʟ ʍǟɢɛ’ֆ զʊǟʀȶɛʀֆ • ϝҽαƚ. lน¢คຖ งērຖiēr [@SilverPaw] • 2:00pm __________________ [/sub][/right] The afternoon sun, high in the Kunlun skies, speared javelins of orange light through the multicoloured mosaics of the Royal Mage Quarter’s windows. It cast cloaks of gold over the Library walls, setting the leather-bound book spines ablaze. The Library smelt of old parchment and the medicinal aroma of quill ink that sat in open pots atop the bureau desks. Aerwyn had shown Lucan the Summons, watching her Mentor with that signature curious, piercing gaze. He’d been underwhelmed in his response, sparing a mere raised brow and hum of acknowledgement. [quote] “[i]I see Aethelgard enjoys its demands as much as ever,[/i]” Lucan’s usually neutral tone was ringing a touch caustic from where Aerwyn was sat in her chair, as she looked up at him searchingly.[/quote] She raked her eyes over the Elder Mage, his silver hair framing an angular but weathered visage. His was a face she’d looked to so often for guidance, forever trying to read the detailed microexpressions. But Lucan was a notoriously elusive soul, ever professional, ever guarded. Though there was a gentleness and fondness reserved entirely for her, Aerwyn had never been able to read him as she could with so many others. No matter which lens she viewed him through, no matter the angle, Aerwyn could never be certain exactly what was going through Lucan’s wonderful mind. He was a Mage of many secrets, the only indication of their existence harboured within the late nights spent in his Sanctum. But that mattered little to the Royal Mage. To her? He was a teacher, a father figure, a protector… Lucan’s remaining presence in the Mage Quarters anchored Aerwyn. Despite being fiercely committed to her role, and entirely capable, she still sought council with the Elder Mage. As did the Royal Family. There was no element of competition nor was his involvement undermining to her. She valued him too much to complicate his presence. [quote] “[i]Nonetheless, I have no doubt that the matter is of some urgency. You will have to get prepared.”[/i] After a beat, Lucan added, “[i]I suppose so might I.[/i]”[/quote] Instructional, the Elder Mage’s words hung in the air as he retired, presumably, to his own rooms. Aerwyn’s eyes had returned to the parchment gripped between her fingertips, rereading the Summons with the fire of curiosity ablaze within her. What could possibly be of such urgency that every Royal Mage, from every Continent, was being summoned to Aethelguard that same night? Suspicious, the Kunlun Mage contemplated a ruse. Was this some kind of ploy? A strategy of some kind? To what end, she couldn’t be sure. But the letter held in her hands, staring back at her with devilish intrigue, was the first of its kind since she’d assumed her position as Royal Mage. Never had she stepped foot in Aethelguard under these circumstances. Sure, she’d travelled to the port town for trades and sea air. But never had she entered the Royal Grounds. The Planes had somewhat of an elitist reputation; Riches, glamour, abundance… All qualities the Mountaines denied, instead assuming strength and hardiness as its preferred state. But tonight? The Mountaines, The Dezert, The Planes and The Antartik would all be under one roof. United by the ominous Summons they’d each received. Rising from her seat and smoothing down the material of her layered dress, Aerwyn began to pace the Library, eyes scanning the vast collection of Tomes that sat upon the shelves around her. If she were to be ordered to attend a gathering of rival albeit peaceful Continents, she’d ensure she was appropriately protected. Light Magic, woven intricately, could be infinitely protective. No enchantment gains invincibility. No shield is utterly impenetrable. But over the years, Aerwyn had learned to craft wards that had masterful ability to withstand. With that, the Royal Mage plucked a Tome from the shelves and cradled it open in her palm, with the other hand she flicked through the pages. Eyes sliding across the symbols and scrawlings that filled the Tome, Aerwyn quickly found the spell she’d been searching for. Standing at the helm of the Library Lectern, she placed the opened Tome on display and began to whisper an incantation in a hushed, hurried tone. The key to a powerful Ward was repetition. Aerwyn built layer after layer, weaving them together with that internal thread she’d come to know as her Magic. Soon those layers came together to form a thick, protective blanket. She felt its presence begin to form, draped over her shoulders like a cape. Her fingertips aglow, Aerwyn began to intricately wave them through the air around her, strings of cool white light appearing in their wake. Again and again Aerwyn uttered the whispered spell, volume increasing slowly as she felt her power build within. The Ward crescendoed, a brief blast of light radiating from her form accompanied by a loud audible hum that shook the Library bookshelves. Aerwyn mentally cut the thread, tying one final knot to seal the spell, and she breathed a sigh of relief as the Ward’s warmth enveloped her in a comforting embrace. [quote] [color=00aeef][i]”That’ll do…”[/i][/color]she murmured to herself, nodding in approval at her handiwork. [color=00aeef][i]”Can’t be walking into the Wyvern Den without armour, can we?”[/i][/color][/quote] Still, the Kunlun sun bathed Aerwyn in amber hues. Her eyes slid closed for a brief moment, the reassurance of the Ward and the afternoon rays warming her soul. [center]_______________________[/center] [right][sub] __________________ • ȶɦɛ ʍօʊռȶǟɨռɛֆ - Kυɳʅυɳ • ɬɧɛ ɛıʂɛŋʄɛƖƖ ƈąʂɬƖɛ • ϝҽαƚ. ʏֆօʟɖɛ ɛʋǟռɢɛʟɨռɛ ʋօռ ɛɨֆɛռʄǟʟʟ, ʟɨɛֆɛʟօȶȶɛ ʄɛʟɨƈɨǟ ʋօռ ɛɨֆɛռʄǟʟʟ & CσɳʂƚαႦʅҽ Láιԃιɾ Cαԋιʅʅ • 3:00pm __________________ [/sub][/right] Aerwyn stood before her Queen with shoulders broad, spine rigid but gaze lowered. Then, she bowed. Long and deep, back curved and arms extended like a ballet dancer. [quote] “[i]Rest, Aerwyn”[/i] Ysolde crooned, her voice tight with command yet warm with affection.[/quote] The Royal Mage straightened, running her palms along the length of the gown she’d chosen for the summons. It was midnight blue. Silk. Layered with a black netting littered with tiny turquoise gemstones glittering like raindrops. The Princess looked down at Aerwyn with approval, a small smile on her dainty face. The Throne Room, cavernous and regal, harboured grand statues chiselled expertly from Mountaine rock. Rich dark blue and purple gonfalons brandishing the golden royal crest hung from the rafters overhead, rippling gently from the Mountaine air that barrelled its way through the window panelling. A blood red carpet spanned the entire length of the throne’s approach like the aisle of a church, framing the pathway to where the Queen and the jewel of Kunlun were sat atop their thrones. Aerwyn bowed her head in acknowledgement of her Queen’s command, resuming a more relaxed stance. She tossed her bouncing, glossy dark hair over her shoulders, clasping her hands at the small of her back. [quote] [color=00aeef][i]”Your Majesty[/i],”[/color] Aerwyn purred, [color=00aeef]“[i]I assume you wish to discuss the Summons?[/i]”[/color][/quote] Queen Ysolde gave her Royal Mage a bemused smile, one that indicated she was about to disclose something amusing to her. A shuffling of footsteps came from behind the throne and Aerwyn angled her head in an attempt to see who would dare approach the throne from behind. The familiar thick torso and muscular form of Commander Cahill emerged from behind the Crown, his giant form occupying twice the space of an average man. Cahill’s ruggedly handsome face was twisted with the echo of hatred for the Royal Mage. His fists, pinned to his side, were clenched but hovering around the hilt of his sheathed weapons. For a moment, the two of them simply stared one another down like two predators crossing paths in the jungle, Aerwyn feeling the crackle of her power humming beneath her skin. [quote] “[i]I understand the two of you have already encountered one another today?[/i]” the Queen smirked, enjoying the tension between her Wyvern Commander and her Royal Mage. Láidir’s eye twitched. The amusement was not shared with the class. “[i]But if my Lieselotte is to cross borders into Aethelguard for some ambiguous Summons, the Crown requires protection.[/i]”[/quote] Ysolde’s generously jewelled hand rested atop her daughter’s as if to embolden her point, the two of them shared an adoring look, and the Princess nodded in agreement. Aerwyn swallowed down the ball of resentment that formed in her jugular. She pointedly refused to acknowledge Láidir with another look, directing her icy gaze at her Rulers. [quote] [color=00aeef][i]”Your Majesty[/i],”[/color] she began, a hint of plea in her tone. [color=00aeef]”[i]The Princess will absolutely be safe under my watchful eye. Lucan and I will handle this Summons with unwavering care…”[/i][/color] Aerwyn’s hand raised to her chest, placed over her heart in an honest promise. “[color=00aeef][i]The Princesses safety is of the upmost importance to us, of course. I’ve already installed a Ward that would include her in its protection… Besides, I’m sure Láidir has important Rider business to tend to. There’s a mess at the Rider Camp I’m sure he’s desperate to deal with.”[/i][/color] [/quote] The Commander’s eyes burnt into the side of Aerwyn’s face, her cheek turned in blatant disregard for Cahill’s presence. The Queen smiled, shaking her head affectionately. They encouraged Aerwyn’s wild side, the very passion that set her apart from the average Mage. Whereas some Royal Families stifled any sign of such fire, the Mountaines valued strength and resilience above all else. Aerwyn’s sharp tongue was something The Queen especially enjoyed. Lieselotte’s eyes flicked between the Commander and Aerwyn as if she were watching a lancing match, an eagerness dancing in her eyes. The Crown was enjoying this dynamic a little [i]too[/i] much. Aerwyn gritted her teeth. At her expense, too. She’d no doubt be forced to share the saddle of a Wyvern with that brute. The idea sent a shiver down her spine. [quote] “[i]Aerwyn, Commander Cahill is the best Rider the Mountaines has ever seen![/i]” Lieselotte exclaimed, shooting a dazzling smile at the man who positively shook with repressed anger beside the thrones. His eyes shot daggers across the room. If looks could kill, Aerwyn would surely be a crumpled heap at the feet of her Rulers. “[i]There isn’t a warrior more worthy of this assignment. Of course, Mother and I know you and Lucan are more than capable. But this is an opportunity to assert ourselves in front of our fellow Continents. We must stand strong. So I thought you and the Commander could go ahead by Wyvern to Aethelguard, ensure it is safe for my arrival, then Lucan and I will teleport to join you. On your signal.[/i]”[/quote] Lieselotte shot Aerwyn a wink, revelling in the drama. The Royal Mage inclined her head in a nod of acknowledgement. There was no use protesting further. It had been decided. Aerwyn would be paired off with the hairy, stinking, mound of muscle that was Cahill. She’d have to endure the burning scent of his unwashed jockstrap and ale-crusted beard from far closer than she’d ever volunteer for. The idea filled her with a disdain that was hard to mask from her face. Both the Queen and the Princess waved their hands in dismissal, a mischievous and bemused smile shared between them. Aerwyn didn’t wait for Cahill to join her. Bowing in leave, she spun on her heel and strode down the burgundy carpet, her silken dress billowing out behind her. Internally, she muttered her vehement protests, jaw set with the effort of withholding her rebuttals. With a flick of her wrist, a gust of wind bust the Throne Room doors open. They swung on their hinges, making way for the enraged Royal Mage. A saddled Wyvern was already in the courtyard, chained to a post. Its yellowed eyes watched her approach, hot air steaming from its flaring nostrils. Aerwyn crossed the Courtyard to the giant reptile, its two legs built like tree trunks fastened to the ground, barbed tail flicking from side to side. Golden green scales covered its body, shimmering as it shifted from one giant taloned claw to the other. Its forked tongue pierced the air once, twice, as it tasted her approach. Giant, reptilian wings snapped open to full extension. Cahill’s Wyvern was sizing her up as he had done himself cliffside this morning. It growled, low and rumbling. [quote] “[i]Wyverns are a great judge of character,[/i]” came the snark remark of a disapproving Commander from behind her. She didn’t turn to face him, instead Aerwyn eyed the two-seater saddle with a new level of dread. They were situated far too closely. Not to mention there was no handles for Aerwyn to hang on to. Cahill stepped in front, rolling his shoulders anticipatively. He clicked his neck one side, then the other. “[i]I’ll mount first.”[/i][/quote] For a man with such exaggerated muscular features, Láidir mounted the Wyvern with a practiced ease. His large hands took hold of the lead saddle, gripping the leather hook, and swung his leg over the breadth of the beast. He nestled into the saddle, the Wyvern tossing its head excitably, low grunts huffed from its jaws. Aerwyn watched with disguised hesitancy. She still couldn’t quite believe she was being forced to ride Wyvern with Cahill. Lucan would find this hilarious, undoubtedly. [quote] “[i]Come, Your Grace[/i]!” the Commander said gruffly, his Wyvern’s serpentine eyes fixed on her warily. He reached forward and unchained the dragon-like creature.[/quote] Aerwyn looked down at her billowing, layered skirts, wondering if they’d have enough give for the stance of a rider. She’d expected to be teleporting, as was standard for Mages. Not sat on the back of a Wyvern with her arms wrapped around the waist of her new biggest fan. A sense of finality about her, the Mage approached the secondary saddle and mounted. It lacked the finesse of Cahill but wasn’t entirely uncoordinated. The cool leather crumpled her dress material and it rustled in protest, legs feeling awkwardly spread wide around the girth of the Wyvern’s lower back. She clenched her thighs, remembering the riders stance from her earlier years as a Kunlun child desperate to be included in her brothers escapades. Those giant Wyvern wings sprung forth again, flapping in preparation. Aerwyn could feel the beasts power beneath her, thrumming with an eagerness to take flight. [quote] [i][color=00aeef]“We’ll be teleporting the majority of the way. So hold your horses until I’ve opened the gateway,” she said [/color][/i][/quote] Aerwyn felt Cahill tense at her commanding tone, his back holding firm in resistance. She summoned her power, pulling it up from within, feeling it pulsate through her veins as she twirled a pointed index finger. Tracing a circle in the air ahead of her, Aerwyn visualised the Planes in her mind, manifesting a clear image of her desired destination in her minds eye. The plentiful fields of corn, the luscious meadows, the clear blue skies… The portal cracked open, a slit in the air before them. Like a rip in a tapestry, the portal slowly pried open, the seams parting to reveal a watery landscape ahead. The Wyvern snarled and backed up a couple of steps, the saddle dipping and rocking as the creature shied away, Láidir clicked his tongue encouragingly. Awerwyn’s arms instinctively wrapped around the Commander’s waist, struggling to keep her balance. [quote] [i][color=00aeef]“We’ll fly from the Planes border. It’ll take a couple of hours at most,”[/color][/i] Aerwyn said, her arms screaming in protest at the physical contact with Láidir.[/quote] He snorted dismissively, patting the neck of his Wyvern. [quote] “[i]Onyx can do that journey in an hour. Max.”[/i] The Commander spoke confidently, Wyvern huffing as its barbed tail swung side to side, pincer coming dangerously close to Aerwyn’s head.[/quote] Before she had a chance to reply, Láidir kicked his ankles, jabbing the dragon-like beast in its sides. Onyx leapt forward, throwing the two of them back with velocity, diving head first into the portal. [right][sub] __________________ • ȶɦɛ քʟǟռɛֆ - ǟɛȶɦɛʟɢʊǟʀɖ • ǟɛȶɦɛʟɢʊǟʀɖ ʀօʏǟʟ ɢʀօʊռɖֆ • 5:45pm __________________ [/sub][/right] Aethelguard’s ports were alive with boating families and sailors stationing their vessels for the night. Crates being carried from sea to land, shouts from across the water, gulls cawing overhead. Racing against the fast-fading daylight, the Aethelguard common folk were too busy to notice the Wyvern that soared overhead. Heads only began to angle upward as Aerwyn and Láidir flew more inland, looking down at the bustling town below, cobbled streets dotted with curious townspeople. Pointed fingers, infectious exclamations of surprise and some cheers at the unusual sight of a Wyvern rider followed them as they traversed the sky towards the castle. It was an undeniably grand kingdom, nestled in a grassy meadow. The air tasted salty here… But crisp. Clean. Aerwyn narrowed her eyes as Onyx crossed over the moat surrounding the Aethelguard Royal Grounds. As soon as they passed into Royal Territory, Aerwyn suddenly felt an energy wash over her. It was as if she’d walked through a powerful waterfall, the water drenching her in a suffocating, repressing chokehold. She gasped. Her Ward. It had slipped from her like sand through her fingers, the protective cloak slipping from her shoulders as they flew closer and closer to the castle. Aerwyn inwardly cursed the Aethelguard Mage. Crafty bastard must’ve put together a suppressant spell to prevent Warding. Or perhaps all magic in general? Her lip quivered. She should’ve known. Onyx’s lengthy wings beat down with loud, rhythmic cracks as they circled the castle like a bird of prey, Aerwyn wondering whether she had time to attempt another Ward. One that could slip past the suppressant spell… Láidir and Aerwyn had travelled in complete silence, wordlessly sat in their saddles, squinting their eyes against the harsh winds that whipped around them. Now, Láidir turned his head to shout, [quote] “[i]Happy for me to land her wherever, Your Grace?”[/i][/quote] The Mage sighed and pointed at a clearing bookended by some obnoxiously vibrant Royal Gardens. [quote] [i][color=00aeef]“Just there will suffice, Láidir. I sense the Aethelguard Mage is already aware of our arrival. They’ll be here to greet us shortly, no doubt.”[/color][/i][/quote]