FallenTrinity

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@Fetzen

Go ahead and make a post

Of Scales and Stone (Mid-Causal/Low Advanced)

So, tell me… how does a human climb to your rank?”. Felix looked over to his new fellow commander as he looked down with a smirk.

“Huehue. Well, I was young when I had decided to follow in my father’s footsteps as a knight. Squire work was hell. Grab this, grab that, shine this, smooth out that sharpen this....I feel you understand what I mean.” the human commander explained. Cynbel chuckled lightly.

“Such work is necessary to build strong character. It seems to have served you well.” The faerie remarked with a respectful nod in Felix’ direction before letting him continue with his story.

“Anyway I had eventually made it to knighthood and joined the ranks of Kalmar’s forces. Kalmar being a human world kingdom. We would go to war and what not but there was a day that I had to make a trip to Greymoor for my king at the time and had stumbled upon what I now know as a feyline.” He looked over at the general. “I was scared. New world, new everything. But I had come across a cave one day and in there sat Suls. He came out to see who the intruder was and took one look at me and said something about becoming better than what I was. Long story short I joined his order and made many allies but it seemed me and Suls kicked it off better than most. He’s powerful, very powerful and a very good teacher. And as far as how I, a simple human made it through the ranks to where I am now-” He glanced over at the Cynbel with a stern look. “I am one of the few in this order who can bring down a dragon alone. With the help of Old Scale magic of course.” He looked forward to where they were walking. The Orc spoke up. ” Felix is a tough fighter too. Been awhile since I fought a human as determined and fierce as him. Boy has a dragon’s will I swear it. He snorted a chuckle, seemly to have calmed down.

Cynbel soaked in Felix’s words like a sponge. Interesting, very interesting. It would be a good idea to keep this one close. “You are a lucky man, then. He could have just as easily eaten you. Sulleykaar is very perceptive, more so than most dragons I’ve met. Most are greedy, they go for the first shiny thing in sight, but it seems as though Sulleykaar sees potential.” Felix nodded in agreement before giving him a quizzical look.

“That reminds me.” He stopped and gestured for the General to step aside with him. In a low tone so the passing soldiers wouldn’t hear he asked in a serious tone. “What made Sulleykaar come to your aid instead of one of his other siblings?”

The faerie’s jaw tightened almost imperceptibly before he spoke. ”It was I who sought him out. A group of our finest diplomats, myself included, made way to Dragon’s Reach. I do not know how much you know of the Fey, but we are known for making deals. A deal was made that day to secure this alliance.” He looked forward to the massive troupe in front of them. Perhaps looking at what he’d gained for his Queen and country would bring him solace, but it did not. ”He asked for my daughter. She was the cornerstone of the deal, without that piece, it was null. Like I said... he sees potential. She will be great one day, far greater than myself.”

Felix grimaced. “That is unlike him but like he always says. ”There is a reason I make bold and unorthodox decisions. My reasons are my own but never have I made a deal that wasn’t worth either parties time.”. Whatever he has planned for your daughter-”

“I do not want to know what he has planned for her… it is better for morale that I do not.” The words were harsh with finality and in response Felix nodded respectfully.

“Then let’s not talk more about it but instead on spar wages. I do like to make bets now and then on my men.” He smirked. Maybe the general was a gambling man too. The worn out father managed to crack a smile at that.

“You… you are not so bad for a human. I like you enough to give you a warning: don’t eat or drink anything my people offer you. We aren’t very… trustworthy when it comes to your race.” A muffled laugh rumbled in his throat. “I will see if I can find you some imported dwarven ale, and we will make blood bets. We have a pit in the training ground where creatures oft fight for coin. Some even fight to the death, it is quite the crowd gathering affair.”

Felix grimaced at the warning but nodded in acceptance of it. Best to know now before it’s too late. “I would believe not. I don’t even trust my own race.” A smirk emerging and fading in a second. “Hmm...Sounds interesting. Do those in the crowd test their might as well?” He raised a eyebrow.

”Oh yes, almost always. Blood draws out a certain frenzy in my soldiers. To some it is a basic need, the chaos and rage, it makes them fantastic in combat…. But not very long-lived. That is just a sect of the platoon, we have plenty to balance out the berserkers. I imagine the Orcs will get in on this, yes?” Cynbel asked Garax, not wanting his other ally to feel left out of the conversation. Garax grinned widely and let out a bellowing laugh. ”You damn well know it. In fact, I challenge you General to a first blood match if you want. First to bleed buys the first round Afterwards we will just bet on matches, drinking and fucking along the way. Felix just rolled his eyes and shook his head before looking at Cynbel and then Garax. “Garax I can guarantee you just by looking at our good friend Cynbel here that he would destroy you in less than a minute.” ”You think I’m going to lose to this man? Look at him. He’s thin. There is no way he can out match me!” He stated, his pride on the line.

“Only one way to find out.” Cynbel said in a sly taunt. He wore the same grin that his daughter often sported, though the latter came from the former, no doubt. At that, the three finally made their way to the grounds where they could pair up groups of troops for training and acclimation to the terrain. The fight would come later.

Front Gates

With a furrowed brow and squinted eyes, Sulleykaar listened to Kiara ramble on about being “hers and hers alone” before he spoke up. ”I also suppose you are not familiar with orcs either. Particularly that one.” Gesturing to the one walking away. ”He is the warlord of the Bloodrun and Thanes and takes what he wants...Despite the fact I am more concerned with his health around you then your own. Also I don’t need any backlash from his stupidity. He’s smart on the battlefield but that’s where his intelligence ends so saying what I said was more or less to keep his mouth shut however-” His eyes glowed dimly. ”According to the deal made between the Unseelie and I, I would offer my assistance personally if I got you so by contract signed in blood between both parties… You...are….mine”

Kiara opened her mouth to object, her face turning the same shade as her hair, but Sulleykaar cut her off. “But...that doesn’t mean I will treat you like some gold coin. I told you that I like you and there was a reason for that but it is not time yet. When it is I will let you know. For now however-”

Her arms crossed over her chest, narrowly avoiding being pricked by the vines and thorns of her dress. ”I may have to fuck the warlord just to spite you…” she mumbled. “If I’m to be yours, you better start making this worth my while.” she was, of course, in no place to be making demands, but that would hardly stop her.

His attitude changed as quickly as it came. Now sporting a rather genuine smile he asked with a bit of excitement in his voice. ”Where do you like to spend most of your time outside of the castle?”

”The castle is where I spend the least of my time. I spend most of it training with my Fa-- With Cynbel’s troops.”

Sulleykaar stopped her there briefly. ”Cynbel as you hesitantly named him, made a very painful decision in order to have me assist the Unseelie in a time of war. If you have anyone to be mad at it would be me. Do not blame your father for what he did. As a member of the royal court and- he was interrupted by a now pissed off Kiara.

Kiara lost her head at that. Her mother’s fire burned in her blood even if she had never met the woman. “You are unBELIEVABLE!” she let out a frustrated grunt and shoved him away. The force she used reflected a density much larger than she appeared to have. “You do not get to patronize me. You are nothing but an overgrown lizard who is reaching far too high. You will pay a large price for what you have done, and I will be the one to dance in your ashes.” she was seeking to stir a reaction from him. To hit her, even, giving her any excuse to tear into him.

The dragon felt the force of the impact as his feet dug into the ground, anchoring him in his place. He remained emotionless to her outburst. He then smiled lightly but....As Cynbel had seen, it was the same smile he gave when he popped the painful question. He slowly brought his hand up as an ethereal reddish black flame made itself known. He simply touched her shoulder, looking her dead in the eyes as the sclera turned an abyssal like black with a red centre his true voice escaping his throat. ”Joor zah frul!” With the sound equal to a roar from a tunnel, the flames from his hand burst forward in the blink of an eye. She was quickly enveloped with ethereal flames that seemed to equal that of the earth resting on her body however it showed no evidence of denting or cracking the ground around or beneath them. Instead it left her immobile. Every muscle movement intensifying the effects. He stepped back and observed. ’Are you going to be the one?’ He thought quietly to himself.

Her provocation worked, as he shouted out his magickal words and attempted to immobilize her. The ghostly flames blanketed her without causing direct harm. The didn’t even feel warm, but they were strong enough to snuff out the magick maintaining her glamour. Without the false pallor, her skin looked like it belonged pressed beside a waterfall - stone-like and moss covered. Her wings were the color of murky pond water and black mold. The cracks in her stoney skin glowed a faint orange color for reasons unknown to onlookers.

Kiara felt the weight then, as if the whole world was pressing down on her shoulders. Her eyes were closed as she focused on the magick, and on her emotions, as Professor Bertram had taught her years ago. ”I am the mountain, I am the tree, I have the earth inside of me.” she said the mantra in her mind. With a bit of effort, she was able to turn up the right corner of her mouth… and then her eyes opened in a deadlocked stare at Sulley. It felt like hell itself, but she would do this, she had to. At the first attempt to lift her foot, nothing happened. It was as if she was in quicksand, or thick molasses. Her chest rose and fell with the force of might and will it took, but she managed to push one foot forward in a short step. ”Harder..” the word came without sound in her breathlessness, but her lips still moved.

His eyes returned to it’s normal color as the ethereal flames remained. His eyes showed excitement and a hint of shock. Soon enough his tight lips turned into a massive grin for a moment. ”She’s the one…” he said in a hushed tone. He immediately released the spell and as his flaming hand flickered back to normal. A determined look observed her before he turned heel away from her.

Kiara had built up a considerable amount of momentum in her resistance of the spell. When Sulleykaar released her, she plowed forward with clomping foot falls that left craters in the earth, though none quite so deep as where she stood through the duration of it. Her heart was once again excitedly hammering in her chest and a whispy laugh played at her lips. ”Now that was making it worth my while…” she mused. Whatever it was that had made her so angry just seconds ago was but dust in the wind.

His facial expression gave off sage like feel.”That was Old Scale magic. Dragonslayer magic. Only certain people with certain qualities can master it...yet alone withstand it. Leaning his head back towards her, he spoke. His voice different from earlier. ”Come with me...I’ll treat you to whatever you want.” The tone he used was...different. Short, sweet and to the point. A statement and nothing more. It wasn’t the cocky and pompous attitude he had before but rather something similar to a master talking to his pupil.

“Whatever I want?” she murmured and followed it by a ‘hmmm’ sound. Princess Kiara did not want for much, she was quite used to getting whatever she wanted. She didn’t bother to throw her glamour back up, he’d already seen her true form. And that gave her an idea of what she might request of him. She locked her eyes, which were now a mix of somewhere between orange and yellow, with his and offered a signature crooked grin. ”Are you sure about that?” He simply looked at her to give her his answer as he previously stated.

Her grin turned into a full on smile that revealed a mouthful of razor sharp fangs. She was considerably more creepy in her true form, and most fey were. ”I want you to take me flying. The real you.” It might seem like a strange request for a faerie, but that was what she wanted. Her earthly tethers and unnatural weight made it hard for her to fly at extreme heights, or any height for extended periods of time. In the world of aerial fae, she was a turkey. Kiara was also curious as to the dragon’s true size, this request would cover both desires… but perhaps not all desires.

Sulleykaar looked into her eyes and studied her only briefly before opening his mouth with one response. ”Very well. If this is what you want then I will make it be. However-” His expression and tone never changed. ”When this is done, you will accompany me to an emergency meeting with the council and your father. I plan to make a revision to the contract.” It was hard to tell what he meant by that unless you were him. It was a mystery and whether it would benefit or hinder the entire situation was nothing more then the theory of Schrodinger’s cat. His eyes glowed white and his mouth seemed to have that ethereal flame slowly rising from the sides. Queen Moriganne, Council and Cynbel. Shortly I wish to hold an emergency meeting regarding the contract between myself, the Order and the Unseelie court. Please all attend.” Needless to say that he had thrown his voice to them. Channeling that special ability throughout the kingdom to those who knew of the contract, specifically the court itself. With the flames subsiding he looked to her and nodded, gesturing her to lead the way.

Kiara raised an eyebrow at Sulleykaar. A revision to the contract? Was he going to release her? Maybe he wasn’t so bad after all. ”We should find a clearing, there isn’t enough space here.” he said as he looked around. Kiara nodded.

”I know just the place…” she said and then began grinning mischievously gaining a raised eyebrow in response. The faerie gathered the hem of her skirt up in her hands and hiked it up close to her knees. There was a brief, foxy taunt in her glittering yellow eyes as she gazed up at him and then promptly sprinted off. Wind caught up in the fabrics of her skirt and billowed them out like a bubble behind her as she ran into the thick of the forest. This was a bit of a test of her own, to see if he would chase her. Surely there was something interesting and playful behind that business-first attitude. She had already managed to draw out irritation, this was just another form of entertainment for her. Sulley had watched her prepare herself to head out but it was the way she did it that made him frown. Did she want him to chase her? The answer shortly came as she bolted towards their destination. He stood there for a moment with a furrowed brow and clicked his teeth. After she was a bit away from him he sighed one last time before taking a step forward and in an instant moved in a phantom like form after her. She was a good distance away as he came up to her side and released that figure, now beside her at a brisk walk. He glanced over at her and with a simple whistle to get her attention, tore off ahead of her after mumbling something under his breath. The sound of a sonic boom and a gust of wind propelling him forward. Kiara laughed gleefully before picking up the pace to catch up to him. She cheated, of course, and every step she took raised a stoney ledged that she vaulted forward off of to help gain speed and momentum. Once she was a sufficient distance from the dragon, she jumped forward and collided into him, wrapping her arms and legs around him as they inevitably tumbled forward into the field of wildflowers.

The speed at which they move no human could achieve but overall it was breathtaking. His hair moved violently behind him as they made their approach to the open field of the Deep Woods. The smell of fresh untouched flowers filled his nostrils as the mouth of the fields came into few before another set of red hair came into his peripheral followed by an overlapping sky-ground-sky-ground-sky. With an “oof” he felt the weight of the faerie hit him like a truck and sent him sprawling down the hill that led to there. He silently cursed her for it. He actually was starting to have fun and was planning on showing off his new form in an extravagant way by jumping off and letting himself take on his true form. This would have also allowed him to fly alone for a bit before giving her a ride but instead was given a ride down the hill and with a giggling faerie princess attached to him as a heavy necklace. ”There goes my plan for that.” He sighed. He looked at her with that “get off” expression. Once she did, he looked around the meadow of purple and blue wildflowers in the center of the Deep Woods and nodded. As expected of the faerie, they knew of great locations with a wide range of room. It would be even nicer if they had a lake here as well. It had been awhile since he took a dip. After taking it all in, he looked at her. ”This place is quite nice. We don’t have many like it in Dragon’s Reach.”

”Please step back behind me.” He stated cautiously. Kiara obliged with an excited, fang-toothed smile. Sulley quickly took a running start, his body seemingly to stretch out and grow as his scales and color became much more vibrant and visible. A head that seemed to be as long as a barracks entered her field of view first, followed by a long serpent-like neck, claws, body with wings and finally a seemingly endless tail. When all said and done, what stood before Kiara was a dragon no more than one hundred and eighty feet in length. He was massive and his earth rumbling voice only matched his size.

”Behold, my true form.” He paused a moment, letting her take in his true form. He didn’t need to say something quite so dramatic, she was already staring with her mouth slightly agape in wonderment. He was as huge as he was beautiful - armoured with thick scales, like a natural war machine. What was it that humans had… tanks? Well, the fae were one step better, they now had dragons.

”And as promised I owe you a ride.” He brought his gargantuan head close to her and dipped down, carving his head through the earth in order to make climbing up easier. “Hehehe” Kiara couldn’t help but giggle like a giddy child. She approached his massive head, lowered for her like a staircase.

”I- I’m sorry if I’m a little heavy” she warned before hiking up onto him. It was an odd thing for such an apparently waif-like girl to say, but as soon as she stepped up, he would understand and he did. Her initial climb up moved him slightly to her side due to the sudden added weight. He was quick to adjust to it. The skeleton of a faerie weighed about as much as 3 great boulders, and that was just when her elemental magicks were passive, she could pack quite an impressive downward force if she really focused on it.

Once she had settled in, he raised his massive wings and jumped up, hoping that she was holding on as his wings came crashing back down, hurricane like winds moved around the area of his liftoff. A few more times and they were high into the air, seemingly floating for a second before a few more flaps moved them forward. The leathery wing beats made booming sounds as they generated enough lift and thrust to get the pair into the sky. Kiara struggled to find a good grip on the dragon’s thick hide, with her hands being miniscule in comparison to even a single scale on his back.

When Sulleykaar reached a sufficient height, 35,000 feet to be precise, his flight stabilized and Kiara was able to climb around for a better view. The faerie peered over the crook between his neck and shoulder. Her eyes widened ”Wow!” they were high enough that she could see the majority of the sprawling Queendom. She took to pointing out monuments and landmarks, shouting their names so Sulleykaar could hear, but her voice sounded small in the wind. At least she was attempting to play the part of tour guide, like Queen Moriganne had wanted. Sulley enjoyed flying and did as often as he could. This was a chance for him to spread his wings once again and enjoy the open skies. The added bonus was that he could look down to where she was talking about and gain ideas about different things.

Amidst her little game of aerial “I spy”, an irresistibly seductive idea struck her. Kiara crawled up Sulley’s neck and attempted to stand up on his head. Her legs were shaky as the strong gusts threatened to throw her body down. He glanced upward towards the stoney faerie and his pupils dilated. ”What are you doing? Sit ba-”

”Catch!” she said gleefully before allowing her body to succumb to nature’s will, and nosediving off of the dragon. Her form plummeted down at the mercy of the winds and gravity. It was absolutely thrilling! It was better than fighting, or sex, it felt like kissing death itself! Of course, Kiara wasn’t truly worried about dying, she was more likely to burrow a Kiki-sized tunnel to the core of the planet than to be physically harmed by the impact of her landing. Or, perhaps her draconic keeper would actually follow her direction and catch her. With an audible “stupid faerie!”, He corkscrewed his body downward, his wings tight to his side as she plummeted downward. For a split second, he thought about letting her just drop. It wouldn't have been his fault she became suicidal at that moment. Maybe the stress of now being owned by a dragon was too much for her but at the same time, she was the one that he needed. Losing her would mean losing everything he had planned on doing. ”SU GRAH DUN” He roared as the wind seemed to change directions from all angles. The air behind him pushed down harder on his frame as the air around her pushed upwards. He could see the ground quickly raising to meet them and wit one final push he managed to get his front claws around her as he changed his form back to that of his humanoid form before pressing all the air around them upward, slowing their descent quite swiftly. That still wouldn't stop the inevitable rough landing. They churned up the ground around them and created a rather large crater. As the dust settled he laid there, his eyes closed.

Kiara had done her best to buffer her fall with her own wings and magic, but it wasn't much use. They collided in a tangled heap in the earth, creating a bit of a crater. For the most part, Sulleykaar bared the brunt of the impact. The silly dragon should have let her take it, though she would never argue about getting to be on top. Her breathing came in excited pants and she peeked up at him with the face of a kid who got caught with their hands in the cookie jar. Her cherry red curls, significantly blown out from the fall, tumbled down around his face as she propped herself up with her hands and grinned down at him. Her stomach swam with faerieflies, and she honestly couldn't tell if it was from adrenaline, or the way their bodies were pressed against one another. Regardless, she leaned down and pressed her lips to his. It was a quick peck, come and gone a like a summer rain, before she pulled herself back up and bit her lower lip, stifling a giggle.

Sulleykaar opened his eyes when he felt the warmth of her lips against his. Despite her weight, he sat up and said nothing, but gestured for her to get off. When she did, he stood up, dusted himself off and began to walk back towards the castle. Not a word leaving his mouth. If she saw his face, she would have seen the anger in his eyes.

The walk was silent for the most part until about halfway when he decided to speak. ” What were you thinking Vo hahdrim?”

”That my dragon warden said I could do whatever I wanted.” she smirked despite the iciness to his tone. She really hadn't meant to anger him.”You wanted a ride! I said nothing about that idiotic attempt at an adrenaline rush vo hahdrim!” He barked at her before looking forward and remaining silent.

Kiara frowned and her pointed ears tucked close to her head much like a cat who just got scolded. He sighed and glanced over at her, a slight twitch of the mouth. ”I wasn't in any danger… I didn't mean to upset you. Well, not this time, at least. That was the most fun I've ever had.” She tried to explain herself.

”At least let me know if you plan on doing that again.

Her ears perked back up, “You'll let me do it again?” she asked a little too enthusiastically. A very visible deadpanned expression crossed his face as he looked dead into her eyes.

”No…” He turned to looked over at the tree line away from her view and let a faint smile cross his mouth. ’Just like me..’[ He thought nostalgically. As they neared the gates he sent a message via telepathy to a certain Captain of his. ”Meet Kiara and I at the entrance to the meeting hall. It’s time…” He passed on through his head. For some reason, the dragon became real silent and his aura changed ever so slightly. It felt like determination and a bit of nervousness but overall there seemed to be no change.

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@Silent Observer

Samantha

"Three hours? Damn. Looks beastly!" Samantha whistled. She listened to the faerie as she said one of her lovers. "One of your lovers? Damn girl how many do you have?" It was at his moment the roar echoed through the woods. It was loud, intense and it scared the shit out of her. The wolf inside her had its tail between its legs as Ghost physically had his between his own, whining and howling in fear. "What in the hell was that!?" She exclaimed. Fight or flight decisions ran through her head and the latter seemed like the best option for the both of them. She looked over at Kiara with a perplexed look. "What the hell is that look for! We gotta get outta here! I'm not about to be fucking that thing's lunch!"

Ghost made his way over to her and pawed at her leg before pressing himself against her in the hopes of feeling safe.

Sulleykaar

@EurmalEye@Fetzen

The comment made from Dominic caused the dragon to frown, or whatever a dragons features would equal to. "I'll have you know that I brush and floss daily thank you." He stated in a mocked dejection. The comment "Red Dragon Man" earned Alex a glare before he rose his head high. "I am Sulleykaar, Dragon of Fire but you may call Sulleykaar." He turned his attention to the "splice" as it spoke up. How intriguing. The Splice's sarcastic remark about himself earned a toothy grin from the dragon. "Harald is it? Welcome to the Academy, the both of you. I am not sure whether or not there will be another first year assembly but I will be addressing you and the rest of the new students as acting student president. I am however looking forward to the next ball that we have. It will be extravagant but for now you may both join me by the lake since that was my original destination." He nodded to the both of them before jumping up, his wings flapping quickly causing hurricane force winds before he flew towards the lake. 'I hope Kiara is still not mad at me.' He thought dejectedly.

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Will post tonight for you guys

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Ignore

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ill try to post tomorrow :)

Of Scales and Stone (Mid-Causal/Low Advanced)

Castle of the Dark Queen

The Fey Market

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. "
Shh, Shh, Shh. Just bring me. No need to drabble on.” 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 “interesting” outfit 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. ”Queen Moriganne, Dark Queen of the Unseelie Court. It is a pleasure and honor to be in your presence. 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. ”Is this reserved for someone in particular?” 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 faerie fashion… 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. ”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-”

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. ”I do apologize I don’t mean to hoard the attention.” He cleared his throat. ”Queen Moriganne, I do believe we were all gathered to discuss the situation as to the reason of my being here.” 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….wyrm-” 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.

”I will have no such outbursts in my Court. Sulleykaar is a welcomed ally in this war, and a fellow advisor. Is that understood?” The Queen asked before smoothing out her dress and hopping down from the table. No one said anything, the response was dead silence. ”Good. Now that everyone is here, let us move on with the topic of this meeting.” 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. ”I understand you made a deal to fight in exchange for my great-granddaughter.” her fingers dug into his shoulders ”I trust you will make it worth my while.” 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. ” That was the deal that was made and I can guarantee that it was well worth the purchase, hmhmhmhm.” A visible “oh” look appeared on his face before turning to a light smirk. He stood up and gestured to those gathered. ” 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.”

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

”A'plyae mae, Sulleykaar. A'llemenia mae Kiara.” 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. ”A'plyae mae, Kiara. A'llemenia mae Sulleykaar.”

”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.” Moriganne released Sullekaar’s shoulders and smiled darkly. Cynbel nodded in agreement shortly followed by Sulleykaar’s silence.

”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.” 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. ” So you must be the wonderful daughter of Cynbel.” There was that shit eating grin again.

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

”But for now I must go meet my soldiers. Come dii mal pruuvaltu Kiara, you should meet your new allies.” 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.

”Why did you want me?” 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. ”Tell me something Kiara...hmmm...Kiara….Kiiiiiaaarrrrrraaaaa...It rolls off the tongue beautifully. 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. ”Tell me Kiara what do you know of dragons?” 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. ”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.” 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. ”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.” 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. ”You described Kolghan down to the littlest detail. How entertaining.” 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. ”You must not have met many dragons have you?” He said dryly. He sighed before glancing at her one more time.. ”I like you Kiara. You have a strong will and a bit of fire. That’s good.”

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. ”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?” 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. ”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…

”And you think I don’t deserve to know them? This is my life, you know.” 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 his banner. as well as the banner of the Bloodrun Orcs. In the front of stood a rather young man 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. “Sulls. Good to see you again old friend. It’s been a long time.” Sulleykaar chuckled. ”It has been some time yes. How ha-” ”WHERE THE HELL IS THAT FUCKING WYRM!” A large deep booming voice hollered over the crowd. A large orc, 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.

”Damned serpent of hell… No motive showed.

”stupid brutish orc..” 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”. “Sulleykaar! It’s great to see you again! So...I hear you have a job for us.” 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 childish, 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. ”It’s going to be a slaughter.” 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.

Cynbel and Moriganne

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. ”You have made an excellent deal, my grandson. You will make a fine King one day.”

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

”She will forgive you, Cynbel, in time. And if there is something we fey have in excess, it is time.” 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. ”Look now, they might even be getting along better than you’d hoped.” 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.

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Finally completely set up on the new laptop. I'll work on some posts soon.

Anyone seen @Blazion around? I was kinda counting on Claire to wake Lyla up somehow. I'll figure something out if I need to though.

@FateWeaver

Negative on blazion I think he dropped out. Also for everyone who are currently dealing with sulley I will try to have a post up today and Silent I'll stry to have a post for Samantha sometime tonight

Of Scales and Stone (Mid-Causal/Low Advanced)

@Silent Observer I am so thrilled to have actually start this. I for so long was debating whether I would be able to make this story or not but to see it now off the ground I'm just pleased x)

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Huzzah and rejoice my friends! 'Tis the dawn of a new era. Once more I have a working computer of my own, and one much better than I've ever had previously. I'm back in full, and hopefully for good this time.

@FateWeaver

HUZZAH