"hmm, interesting," he said as he thought of his next response. It was most likely that they were talking about Scolopendra. "I have just come from the Watchlight forest. There is a dragon there who matches the one you spoke of." looking the twins over for a moment before continuing,"I had spoken to him about forming an alliance just as I have come to you about."

Graguth settled himself as he remembered the words, "The Council would wish to offer you a hand in an alliance. You would receive protection and other benefits if you accept. All we would ask is that you support us." scratching his jaw as more of the details came back to him,"As you might know to the north is the frozen wastes, and your islands are in a strategic position to defend this part of the middle sea." he let his words sit for a moment, hoping he didn't forget anything. Then with a bow,"we would Honored if you joined us."



"They'd be fools to try to attack an ally of mine," he said in an angry tone at first, then relaxing, "I am glad you would side with me old friend, and worry not. I don't plan on speaking to the order about any of my plots." he paused, thinking his next words over. "If you are willing I could have some troops or guards place under you. Maybe give you some political weight." in a half laugh now,"it'd almost ironic, corruption in the order of corrupted beings.

Flicking his tail at the corpse of Bezya laying between Bigray and Gramonlon. "Smaug managed to kill the solar drake. I do plan on passing through your lands to Ro's. I have had positive dealings with him before, and I believe an ally could be made out of him." leaning towards the Black Dread,"between you and me, he could be the changing point between a war against the Order or the Council."

Balerion would chuckle silently in regards to Drumagth's comments about corruption being in the order of corrupted beings. It was quite humourous despite the current circumstances. The black wyrm would then comment on his offer, "There is no need for that, Drumagth. I am still able to take of myself, despite my age. The name Black Dread still holds firm water throughout Aiskore. It'll take an army to stand against I, Balerion the Black Dread!" He commented, boasting his deeds and name.

"Ah, and what is this? Beyza is no more?" Balerion said surprisingly, but not that it bothered him. Balerion knew Smaug as not to be underestimated for he knows the red drake well. As Drumagth spoke of Ro, Balerion began to piece the puzzle together. He knew Ro would not willingly be allied with the Order or the Council, but with a bit of bargaining Ro could be swayed into joining Drumagth's secretive army. "And I bid you luck, for Ro shall remain stubborn despite your gift..."

Balerion was about to make his way off before he remembered something Drumagth said earlier. "You mentioned the Council, Drumagth... that the Order were trying to reach them? Perhaps I could lend aid in this regard. I have fought alongside their founder long ago. My name alone should give me an audience with them."

The twins bothe had their mouths agape.

They stared at the dragon, nay, the god before them who had told them the very words they had been waiting to hear all their lives. On the one hand he knew of the very dragon they had sought out for all those years only to fail to find and then ask them for an alliance say he would be honoured. Finally the magician of the two broke the silence "you say you would be honoured if we joined you? If that's what honour is to you then expect out honour to be that of yours tens-fold!" The dragon said trying to hold in its excitement "what my brother is trying to say is we would be honoured to ally ourselves with you and your counsel. What's ours is yours." Said the other.

A little surprised by their awe, but overall pleased,"I thank you for your choice. I am sure the Council will be just as pleased. now starting to stand and move from the twins, "he lives to the northeast of you. In the Watchlight forest, but I would suggest waiting till that storm passes." he finished with a flick of his tail towards the the west. A wall of gray had started to move this way. "for now I must head for the Council, I ask you to stay safe." with a few powerful flaps he was in the air, heading towards the Sundered Peaks.

His mission had been a complete success. Overjoyed he flew home as quickly as he could. Graguth looked forward to relaxing, and spending some time with his fellows. Passing through the edge of the Hunted Sands, the whispers of its long dead scratched softly against his mind. He did not enjoy the fact that something this evil could be so close to his home, but there was nothing he could do. With orders to do nothing towards the actions of Ro, all he could do is to continue to hurry home.

As he reached the Peaks he began to see a small dark blur moving up a path to the highest peak, were the Elders held their meetings. Following it were three silver blurs. Upon reaching a closer point Graguth mad out the forms of the three jopes, Man and Dwarf kings and Elf Queen, fallowing what seemed to be an undead. Landing on the large path before the group, "May I ask why we're letting an undead to see the Elders?" his voice was unaggressive and calm, and his gaze was steady but suspicious.

The voice of Besimious answered through the small corpse before the three could,"I have business with your Council. I suggest you move from my path."





With a bow of his head, "I thank you, and if you are willing, when the time comes will I will make sure that you are repaid." standing with a yawn,"things are about to get interesting my friend, and I hope we come out on top. I will see you later my friend, and I hope you and Smaug can get along." he laughed then turned to his fallowers. Looking them over before flapping his wings and continuing east. The group fallowing on his tail.

Passing through the rest of Balerion's lands the group was quiet. As the Ghost Tower came upon the horizon, Drumagth looked back to see his followers reaction. Bigray uncaring and Gramonlon unmoved, only Dirath held a deep interested in his face as they approach the tower. This was the first time bringing moat of them here, but was unsurprised by their reactions. He knew his followers well enough.

Only Dirath looked at all troubles by the voices as they landed. Shooting a mental image to his father, Bigray dragged Bezya's corpse in front of him. Waiting for a moment, "Ro of the east, I have brought you a gift and ask for your time. I understand it's been some time since we've had a meeting." the group sat there, waiting for a reply.

The sounds of the dead within his thoughts was all he heard, but then they noticed the emerging party even as they slipped passed his borders. Their thoughts speaking of interlopers the stink of death coming from one of them. He was surpised to find the stink of death emerging from one of the dead dragon they brought with them they offered it as a gift and the dragon raised his head looking to the humans that had followed him. "Take it back to the tower." He said, the human nodded. "Yes Dead Father." It said, and left to go gather more humans. Ro paused letting the group wait even longer for his reply before finally speaking. "It has been awhile Drumagth, you know how i feel about the order. But the gift you have given me has my attention for the moment." He said, his voice seemingly echoing from everywhere and nowhere.

It only took a moment for the party to realize his voice is echoing from that of his undead minions, their eyes glowing green orbs reflecting the eyes of their master. The legions of the dead formed ranks in front of their master and his guests their ranks and organization was perfect with perfect spacing and organization. The humans on the other hand reflected their imperfect nature with their ranks being as close to perfect as possible for humans. "Isn't it beautiful?" Ro asked his guests, picking up one of his dead minions with his tail and cradling it like a father cradles a child. The form within his hands had a cloud of disease and pestilence hanging off it flies and maggots coming from it's exposed rib cage a steel helmet being bolted onto it. "Bacteria and plagues buried within the earth from even before we arrived. I am unsure if they effect our species, but they are beautiful organisms. So have you come to try to convert me to your worthless ideology, or do you have something else to ask of me?" Ro asked, looking over his guests his eyes narrowing as he looked over his guests in their entirety.

With a chuckle,"Yes there is an art to necromancy that seems to be missed by most," he glanced back at Bigray before finishing. "I would like to believe I didn't do to bad on my father, and if I wanted to waste your time I would have sent someone I wanted dead." Drumagth said jokingly. Now continuing in a more serous manner, "no I have come her to ask for an alliance between you and myself. I plan on destroying the Black Rose. Both the weed itself, and the pathetic thing that the Order is." the last part came out almost like volcano. These words had been bubbling inside him for a long time, and now he felt very close to his goals.

Calming himself before continuing, "I believe that between the two of us, we could easily crush the Order and the Council. Maybe even march on the godlands one day. All I ask is that you stand beside me in any war, and I shall do the same for you." he sat before the dead father. Hope and ambition burning like a flame in his eyes.

Ro

When he mentioned crushing both groups Ro turned a eye on him, his eyes taking on a fiercely predatory quality to them. "If what you say is true, I do believe I can help you solve this pest problem." Ro said, looking over at his army. "But on one condition, everything that falls in battle every little mortal and dragon that dies is mine." He continued, He sat and awaited Drumagath's answer to his little condition. He doubted the other dragon would care and in return Ro could gain even more power and perhaps Ro could turn it around on Drumagth or even see what the other dragon would do and aid him further. Either way Ro would walk out of this stronger and he could deal with the two orders that are a threat to him wiping all life off this planet and letting a new one grow in it's place.

After Graguth left the twins they began flying in the air and doing flips and such with as much dexterity as they could muster. "This is amazing!" the twins said in unison then landed. They looked at the fore mentioned storm that was coming in that their new ally had warned them about. In that direction was their hero of sorts but flying through the sky would likely end pretty badly for the two dragons and they both knew that. The two heads turned to look at each other and they both instantly knew what the other was thinking "just a little rain." Grace said as his brother let out a toothy smile and nodded as they took off into the air in the direction of the necromancy wielding dragon. As the dragon flew into the storm their speed began to diminish as they had to fight against the winds that the storm carried. The dragons began to regret their decision but just before Grak was going to suggest turning around the land came into view and the could see the vague outline of a settlement. Once they got closer though lighting began to get to close for comfort and made the two loose concentration. The two began to loose control and plummet towards the water below. The dragon glided a little way then they gasped and held their breaths as they went below the surface. The dragon didn't have much experience with swimming but was good enough to keep on moving but not to stay above the water. They had just gotten to the beach before having to breathe in again. AS the twins gasped in more air they just sat on the beach waiting until they gained enough strength to go and look for the dragon of their stories.

With Drumagth's departure from Balerion's realm of the Scorching Plains, the black drake would too leave this place. Balerion bent his mighty legs and leaped into the air. Despite his great bulk, Balerion managed to jump pretty high due to his stout yet powerful lower limbs, and with a mighty downward stroke of his vast wings he was off with grace. The Black Dread flew southwest, flying above many realms of many dragons, but made sure to stay high enough so that he did not disturb or intrude on another dragons' territory unless he knew of the dragon personally. Balerion was not one to disrespect his fellow wyrms. Drumagth's words of Smaug slaying the mighty Beyza was too curious to Balerion's ear. He must hear these words from the dragon slayer himself. Hence forth he continued his journey towards The Lonely Mountain, a grand mountain, known for its golden halls and oceans of incredible treasure. It wouldn't be long until Balerion's wings took him far and wide, and at last The Lonely Mountain came into view over the horizon. Balerion quickened his pace, beating down on his monstrous wings harder. As he got ever closer he decided to show his coming. He puffed out his nostrils allowing black smoke to escape his nose. Soon after he took in a deep breath and puffed out a deep black smoke from his maw. Not many dragons have the ability to spew smoke from within, and even fewer have a black flame so akin to Balerion's. This sign should certainly tell any old dragon who was approaching, for the signs that Balerion gave were as clear as day.

Smaug lands with a thump as he finally returns to Lonely Mountain. Sweet, sweet Mountain. He stretches out his wings as he begins to head inside his home. The healing powers from Biyza helped him quite a bit, not only healing his wound, but also re-energizing him as well. Without it, he might've just barely make it back awake. He honored Drumgath for his kindness, a feeling he had not felt in a long time. He usually didn't think of other dragons that much, usually he would just ignore them, but the Black Rose leader reintroduced him to kindness He makes a faint smile as he begins to head back inside his treasure filled den.

Suddenly, Smaug hears the faint sound of wings flapping. Another dragon was coming his away. He growls as he looks back, expecting some other dragon with a thirst for revenge over the death of Beyza. However, the approaching dragon puffs out black smoke, an ability that many dragons did not have. Instantly Smaug recognized the dragon, he being his next door neighbor to the northwest. It was Balerion, The Black Dread. Rarely has Smaug seen the old dragon and even rarer around Lonely Mountain. Yet Smaug had a great respect for Balerion. Smaug then rears up on his hind legs and breathes fire to the sky, signaling Balerion a welcome.

The black smoke trail escaping from the maw and snout of Balerion became thicker and it soon was dancing on the wind as it reached high in the sky. Balerion was searching for any clear sign of Smaug, the ruler of this small kingdom. He did not wish to approach unannounced, especially considering that he had just battled Beyza just mere hours ago. However, Balerion's black smoke had shortly received an answer. For faintly an orange-yellow glow could be seen from the mountain. This was Smaug's doing for certain, Balerion thought as he got closer. At last Balerion could faintly see the silhouette of a red wyrm and with each flap of his wings he could see more and more detail of the dragon he came all this way to see. It was no mistaking it now, this was Smaug.

Balerion was now very close as the beating of his wings were the sound of an approaching hurricane. The trees down below began to stir and the rocks that made up the mountain began to rattle and shake until at last - THUD - Balerion had landed at the edge of the main entrance ledge of The Lonely Mountain. His figure stood proud as he stretched out his wings for some much needed relaxation from such a journey. He eyed the fire drake before he spoke, bowing his head, "You have many names, old friend, but today you shall forever be known as SMAUG the DRAGON SLAYER. The destroyer of Beyza, the Solar Drake." Balerion lifted his head back up and continued, "News of your deed are fast moving across the land, Smaug the Tremendous. I had just been informed by Drumagth, who was carrying the corpse of your spoils. Tell me the tale in full, for the curiousity of a dragon can be a powerful thing to control."

Smaug takes several steps back after announcing his welcome, making way for Balerion to land. His huge wings block out the sun as he lands with a thunderous thud. Indeed, he looks utterly terrifying, but in a strange way majestic as well. It was indeed a weird feeling, but this was one of the only dragons that Smaug ever took proper respect to.

"Ah..." sighs Smaug as he also bows down, "The Black Dread... fancy meeting you around these parts old friend. What brings you to my mountain?"

Balerion explains to Smaug that he had heard about the death of the Solar Drake, Beyza, under his claw by Drumgath. He seemed to be amazed by Smaug's skills, something which he himself takes it all in full pride with a chuckle. He then asks the Crimson Wyvern to tell him the tale on what happened. Smaug chuckles again with a grin.

"Oh Balerion," he answers back, "Your words bring me great honor. I had not expected the battle to be such powerful news. Twas nothing really. Alas, I indeed fought the great Beyza single-handedly."

He pauses for a bit as he clears his throat.

"I was only minding my own business you see, just resting under the mountain, while guarding my precious fortune. Yet it was then that I heard the roar of a dragon... a roar of aggression. My eyes jolt open, taking upon the threat into my own claws as I proudly head out to find the one who dared disrupt the peace. After flying for several miles, I had finally discovered he, Beyza, the Solar Drake. He was literally asking any dragon in the area to come and fight he and boasted for being strongest dragon there was. Even boasting on being stronger than Rylath himself. Clearly his own pride was blinding his own sense of logic.

"Beyza made the first strike, piercing my wings with lightning speed. Under retaliation I manage to bite his tail, setting myself free from his grasp and tried to study his move set. Yet he was quick and suddenly began another attack, only to be met by my breath of DEATH. I managed to hold onto his might horns, where he screeched to the point where I sworn that I would go deaf, were to be for just a little longer. Beyza then began to retreat under his own cowardliness, proving that I was the superior one. Yet I wouldn't let this mockery of a dragon escape my grasp. I pounced on him, ready to deal the final blow, only to be stabbed on my right side by his massive horn. It was so deep, that it could've came out the other side if it weren't for my hard scales. Yet in revenge I manage to rip his wings to bloody shreds, to the point where it came out like ribbons, thus making our quick descent down, and crashing back down to the ground.

"Beyza's neck had snapped once he hit the ground. I could remember hearing the sickening crack as it broke... and it was strangely satisfying. I managed to survive by landing on top of Beyza, softening my fall. I lied on the ground, exhausted, for a short minute, until I proudly stood back up and marched out of the dust cloud. Licking my wounds, I was about to head back here to the mountain until Drumgath and his servant showed up, whom overheard my victory against the Solar Drake. As a gift, Drumgath's servant healed the wound at my side and offered an alliance between the two of us, which I accepted. He also said... that Beyza’s den has a small fortune deep inside. I will inspect his den first thing tomorrow...”

@Orcus




"...Everything that falls in battle is mine."

Ro's words could go both ways for Drumagth. On one hand, his strongest ally grows stronger. On the other, if Ro turns on him it could be critical. Drumagth doubted it through. The two of them for the most part had the same motives. Dirath had begun to twitch slightly. The corruption of these lands apparently were to great for him. Turning towards his servants, "Gramonlon, head west and informe Balerion and Smaug of our alliance with Ro. Dirath you go with him. If you become too corrupt you'll lose your use to me. the two nodded and fly off towards the west.

Turning back to Ro, "I will agree to these terms if you can make one exception. When my brother falls, I wish to claim him. I plan to parade in front of all who place their hope in him. So that they know that the last uncorrupted blood of Rylarth has fallen so low." He laughed a little at the end. The sight in his mind amusing him.

Jasik Dragonbane

Jasik stared at his hand with an air of mystery, or at least, where the hand used to be. The elven bandit that just ambushed him was gawking as Jasik payed no heed to his recent amputation.
"Verywell, I was getting antsy anyway" Jasik said as he walked to the elf. The bandit only had a moment to realize that the hand that he had just severed was soundly back in place before death overcame him. Jasik smiled if only for himself to see, as he snapped the mans neck instantly with just a few meager thoughts, however easier it might've been to just swing his blade at him.
"What a wondrous legacy that would've been, a black magician such as myself to have been stabbed in the back by an elven bandit". Anyone watching would've thought him insane and perhaps to a degree he was. Alas, he was speaking to a spirit that resided in him.
"Indeed, and to think that all the work we did in the corrupted lands was to no avail" the spirit that resided in Jasik replied. It was only momentarily for as Jasik let go of his bond to the spirit and it spiraled into the abyss of Jasik's essence.

Jasik spread his hulking wings, nearly tripling his width from wingtip to wingtip, and shot into the sky. Jasik was in the mood to 'play' with a dragon. He wondered perhaps how he would go about that, but he knew that he always found one in time. His favorite method was to vandalize a proud dragons dwelling, for a proud dragons pride was deeper than the sea's and taller than the sky's. He considered this, but didn't wish to alert the Council or Black Rose of his location. He did not think that he was a wanted criminal but he wasn't sure that either of them, in the name of Crime or Justice, would simply relax and watch as he slaughtered their race.
Our Race a voice from one of the ghosts residing in him reminded.
"Our race" Jasik replied. As he went about pondering this, he realized that he had a single idea on how to 'entertain himself'. Of course they wouldn't stand by while he terrorized all who stood in his way. Maybe he wouldn't get any fresh blood, but the ferocity of a fight would satisfy him enough to get serious work done. Besides, he could even find one of the precious dark diamonds that he treasured so. Jasik believed it wasn't unknown that a dragon would keep a horde of treasure. He plummeted from his dive, devising ways to catch the Council's eyes.

Balerion listened carefully to Smaug's tale in full. He did not dare interrupt the red drake and allowed him to tell his story without interruption. The only movement from Balerion came him tilting his head or neck at certain aspects of the story. While the only sound that escape his maw were 'hmms' and 'ahhs.' At last Smaug finished speaking, finally giving Balerion a moment to reply. The black dragon said, "I honour you, oh Smaug. You spared no small detail of the affair and thus my curiousity has been quenched fully. What a tale it was!" Bellowed Balerion loudly. "The battle shall be sung by men and dragon alike for countless generations to come! Beyza was considered a respectable dragon by many and too see him fall... No matter. The deed is done. I am pleased that you won, Smaug the Dragon Slayer. I knew you were not to be underestimated for I had seen you in action many times. I still recall the days of when you were a Fire Drake, but alas... I had not only came to know of the battle. There is another matter that we should discuss. Not out here. It is a sensitive topic, perhaps we could enter the mountain? I do not wish for prying ears to hear of what I must say."



"And what business is that, Besimious?" Roared a mighty, powerful voice from in front of the Three Hopes and Graguth. It stayed within the shadow of the mountain, but the voice of the dragon echoed throughout the Sundered Peak and the lands below as if some form of magic was making the call more pronounced. Stepping out of the shadow of the peak came forth a massive figure. The dragon's blue scales glistened under the sun and his golden underbelly shined more brightly in the light of the sun. His wings were outstretched, showing his vast wingspan and his head was held up high, deeming of such an authority figure such as he. His silver armour glistened and his tail swung behind himself. For this dragon could only be one of the Elder Council and specifically he was Libra, leader of the the Sky Dragon.

Smaug was pleased to be bathed in recognition and glory by Balerion's words. Despite his story being more of a boast to himself, he is once again recognized as one of the most dangerous dragons there ever was! He chuckles once the Black Dread made his first response.

"Thank you..." he replies with a small grin. Yet it seems as if Balerion had other news to tell. One that seemed more... personal. Personal enough for it to be spoken privately.

"Certainly," Smaug replies to when the Black Dread asked to enter Lonely Mountain, "Come on in."

He then leads Balerion into his cave, filled with riches beyond anyone's imagination. Gold can be seen stacked into piles upon piles upon piles, overflowing the old halls, along with brightly colored jewels and shining stones. It was clearly a sight to behold by any mere human, elf, dwarf and dragon alike. The crimson dragon follows a small path of empty black floor leading deeper into the mountain.

Balerion passed under the large rock archway into the Lonely Mountain. The entrance way was grand, able to let pass even the tallest and largest of dragons with utter ease. The mighty hallways were also wide, enough so that Balerion could walk without hinder for he was quite the wide dragon due to the vast size of his wings. As he pressed on, following Smaug into his home he couldn't help, but gaze at all the gold and fine jewels that seemed to be literally everywhere. Countless hills of gold coins, sparkling gemstones that were as if Balerion was staring at billions of stars, valuable trinkets scattered in between famous weapons and armour of old. Smaug's treasure horde was truly monstrous and it seemed to never end. Balerion however was not here to view at Smaug's gold. He was here for conversation...

Balerion would walk to Smaug's side as the two peered out at the endless ocean of gold. He turned his neck towards him and asked, "Is it true then? Did you truly join Drumagth's rebellion against The Order of the Black Rose?" Balerion waited for his reply, not knowing if what Drumagth told him earlier today said was true or not.

Graguth turned in surprised. He had not noticed Libra. He gave a low bow, and stepped back. Keeping a close eye over the undead form that was controlled by Besimious. Long ago he would have considered her a close friend, maybe even a little more. At one point she was a member of the honor guard, though she fell in battle against the Black Rose. A bit of loss settled on his face for a moment before he focused on the matter at hand.

Besimious watched Graguth step aside. An unfamiliar emotion rose for a moment. A matter for later. She forced the minion to give a low bow. "Now then," the minion had produced a dark purple dagger. A few old words escaped from its corroded mouth has it brought the dagger into its chest. Smoke began to pour out of it forming it into a ball of darkness. The she dragon began to make an image of herself inside of it. The smoke cleared at in its place sat a see through Besimious. The only thing missing was the large emerald that had killed her so long ago. With another low bow, "let us get to business."

She did not even look towards Graguth as she begun, though he was awestruck. "Lord Drumagth of the Order of the Black Rose would wish to had a meeting with the Elder Council on the matter of destroying the original Rose. We believe that if it continues to exist it will work its way into our minds. Taking from us our freewill."

"Yes... and no," Smaug would reply to Balerion's question, "It is true that Drumgath offered me to come and join his little rebellion. Though instead of joining him directly, I considered making an alliance with he. As a proud Fire Drake, I do not wish to be the one to obey orders so... directly. I am honored with the title of Leader of the Drakes during the war, so I'd rather be more independent then be a little pawn or lieutenant that Drumgath can use and then throw away. As part of the alliance, I can use his troops to accomplish both his deeds... and mine. Through time and effort, I can resurrect my fallen army that can defeat the Black Rose..."

And perhaps one day, the Fire Drakes will rise up from hiding... and take back what is rightfully ours! he thinks to himself silently.

"Ah, a mutual agreement. I see..." Balerion paused for a brief moment, looking out at the sea of gold in front of him. He collected his thoughts before turning back to Smaug. "How much do you trust, Drumagth and his claims? He proclaims he wishes to destroy the Rose, in which I do believe him, but I fear there is more to the story that he is not sharing." He sighs for a moment before continuing. "I agreed to help him in his quest... For I know what the Rose is capable of. I seen it first hand many years ago. If it returned to power I fear the entirety of Aiskore would be lost. While I kill for the sake of killing, I do see the larger image here. I am no idiot, that is for certain. Watch your guard, Smaug the Golden... while Drumagth's words are like that of honey, I fear there is some injection of poison in it's sweetness." Balerion stopped and looked away, turning back towards the entrance of the Lonely Mountain for a brief moment. He thought he heard something, the distant flapping of wings maybe, but he wasn't certain.



"Drumagth wishes to have council with us?" Libra said with a bit of a surprise, turning to look at Graguth to see his reaction at the mention of his sibling. He then waited for Besimious to finish her speech and once she did Libra fell silent. Something told him that there was some bigger image at play here. For this was certainly random, an out of blue moment if you will. Libra was hesitant to reply, but alas he spoke, "The Rose has been silent for countless millennia, Besimious. Unless you know something we do not... What makes your lord so certain it would awaken once more?"