As the sun rose over the horizon, Alexis yawned. She'd been travelling through the night, having misjudged the distance and time it would take her to get from the last town she'd visited to her current destination, Sunfire. Luckily, the sunlight would probably give her enough energy as she continued on to keep her awake, at least until she reached the town. Then she was going to rent a room at the inn and collapse for a few hours. She smiled to herself at the thought. Next time, she would listen when someone told her she wouldn't be able to make it to a place before dark.

Hours later, the town finally came into sight, along with something she'd never seen before. A dragon flew overhead, and she saw it land near the giant tree before she lost sight of it. Her pace slowed as she scanned the scene for where it had gone, dragons don't just disappear after all, but after a minute of this she shrugged and gave up. She heard no sounds of terror or alarm rising from the town, so it must not be attacking or mean any harm. Good. That meant she could continue on with her plan to go find a place to sleep.

As she entered the town, Alexis' eyes wandered, searching the crowd for anyone she might know. She'd been here before, quite a few times in her travels, yet as she progressed from the residential level to the second floor, where all the shops and the inn resided, she saw nobody. It seemed the town was in a festive mood, but tearing her eyes away from the colorful and dancing crowd Alexis saw people with considerably less joy or liveliness on their faces. She supposed it must be because of the group she'd been hearing rumors about lately, the terrifying and sinful army that recently sprung up, attacking each kingdom with such ferocity. The thought that the dread of such a group had made its way into a town such as Sunfire, a town protected by a guardian of king Vrondi himself, sent a pang of sadness through her. This place was safe, by all means, and yet the people fear what lies beyond the barrier that shelters them.

Alexis made her way to where she remembered the inn to be. It was a comfortable and welcoming place called, quite accurately in her opinion, Rest Easy. She entered silently, most if not all the patrons within too drunk and merry or busy with their own tasks to notice the Sol girl. She approached the bar, where a scantily-clad seraphim woman attended to the patrons. Alexis waited until she was done with the most recent request before voicing her own, careful to keep her eyes on the woman's face as, admittedly, her body was quite distracting.

"Good morning. Do you have any rooms available at the moment? I'm afraid I've been travelling all night and am quite tired." Her voice was light, but purposeful. She was too tired to care much for how she was perceived, yet she still seemed as energetic as ever with her words. She produced a handful of coins from a purse tied to her belt before continuing. "If there are none however, and even if there are, a drink would do me good as well. A pint of something not too strong, please." She placed the coins on the counter, but didn't sit. If there was a room open she would down the drink and go sleep. If there wasn't, she would go back outside the town and find a nice patch of sunlight to relax in. A bed was preferred of course, but napping in the sunlight was enjoyable as well.

Being engulfed by the sight and sounds of blood and the pain that came with it made Luna jump to action. She quickly came over to a wounded soldier. She knelt down next to him. His clothes were white but stained with red. A bandage wrapped around his head and over his left eye did little to hide the imagery of what laid behind the blood being seen through its many layers.

Lunas frail hands hovered over the chest of the soldier. His state seemed vegetative, hardly a movement beyond his heaves of life. Her palms began to glow with a orange and yellow hue. It beamed down on him like rays of sunlight breaking through dark clouds. Shining brighter than a candle but more translucent. Like the illumination of thousands of particles that passed under it instead of one solid beam.

His edges began to give a white glow before fading away. The visibility of it lasting only as briefly as a second. "His soul is strong. He will survive." Her voice quivered in tone. Though sad she spoke with a hint of assurance. Her hands finger tips touched the metal upon the chest of the soldier. She felt as his body conflated and then deflated. Her head turned to look away. "I thank you for your sacrifice.. dear soldier of light." She then removed her hand quickly. As if she did something wrong.

Her left hand gripped her chest. Her posture looked a bit shaken and not as poised as usual. Her heart pounding in her chest. Her life as a maid of the temple did little for experiencing the hardships of life.

"May our souls find our way back to our father.. when our bodies are no more sustainable.."

@WingsOfBronze

-----

Dragon! A flying red one!

A soundless message could be heard from the high branches of the great tree of Sunfire right down to the lower branches. Those that heard the sounds were mentally linked to the guarding forces of the town itself. These few resided within the tree and were connected to it.

A flying dragon of this size is unlike them.. besides its suicide to face the guardian during the day. We wouldnt have to lift a finger.. besides if it got through the barrier it must not be a threat..

The soldiers guarding the entrance of the town were taken back by the arrival of such a large dragon. Though dragons were not unusual their kind who are superior take the form of a descendant at all times. Observing this display of transforming from dragon to descendant was rare out in the open. But as he strolled forward in his more pleasant form thr guards felt at ease and merely eyed his presence when entering.

Not too long after the dragon made its terrifying entrance was a young Sol woman making her way down the wooden path to the entrance. Despite the variety of people that passed by she commanded a welcoming nod from the guards. As they were clearly Sol as well they were pleased to see their vulnerable enter the safe haven that is Sunfire.

The bar was still busy but it was stable now. Service was quickly given to those that entered. Waving her hair around like dancing flames with the turn of her head as she noticed the two that last entered. She came from behind a wall of thick mugs she just completed dividing out onto a table. They were systematically being taken away by her co-workers to the patrons inside the bar. She wiped her hands with a cloth as she approached the two men. Her smile pressing up her dimples.
"Welcome! ..

She looked into the eyes of Suleykarr. The eyes of a dragon was distinct, though not many could seperate the differences. Her ears have heard the fine tickles of pleasantries from many men over the years. But none had the presence of this man.. none besides Mirror. Her boss. Whom she was head over heels for. This kept her from losing her place in the wave of flattery and embarassing herself. Her cheeks flooded with blood. Her golden eyes turned almost amber as her lids lowered. Visions of physical comparisons of this stranger and Mirror came to the back of her mind.

"Well thank you stranger. My name is Velai.. does this one have a name?" She spoke while fixing her hair with her fingers removing the strands from in front of her face. She thought of a drink in her head he might like and placed a playful finger on her chin. "Gee the best we have. If you want it." She shrugged. Taking in his final words she looked up in thought. "Well there WAS a soldier here. Saying that theres trouble out there. Like thats new!" She laughed at the final part a bit. A small giggle escaping.

She bowed before leaving. "Thank you sirs. Yes Ill have your orders ready right away." She turned hastily and walked away. Her expression looking a bit flustered. Her lips were pressed together inside her mouth as she walked over to a few more patrons waiting for her. Passing the orders to her coworkers. She then came to the young Sol woman waiting patiently for her services to be met.

"Hello and Welcome! Sorry for the wait!"

She listened to her order. Tilting her head so her ear faced her as some patrons were getting louder. "Oh. A room? We have rooms available for single night visits. Longer is extra." She pointed to some stairs that led to a second floor of the inn. "Its only 10 pieces of Fotian coins for a night." She knelt in closer. "But if thats too much you can work for your nights. Thats how I got here."

She gave them distance and smiled at the woman. "As for drinks how about my favorite after a good night of work." She pulled from behind the counter a red bottle of liquid. Within it was a black thin twig with many branches going around like roots. She poured a small glass cup of it. "This is crimson tree sap. Its mostly sweet but hits you later. When youre asleep preferably. I always wake up feeling great!"

She handed her the drink instead of sliding it like to most patrons. Being that they both were seen as the vulnerable type within this land of dragons and exploiters she felt a kinship to this girl. "My name is Velai. Yours?"
@FallenTrinity
@Vesuvius00

@Rai

"Ahhh....Velai...a name like velvet and rolls off the tongue with such eloquence. Befitting really of a Seraphim." Soron simply rolled his eyes as he continued to draw.

"This one does have a name. Suleykaar and my pet here is Soron." Soron shot him a look before continuing.

"Soron Dragonbane and "Pet" is just the term he uses when he attempts to get under my skin. I work for him now as a life-debt but our beginnings were far from easy going..." Suleykaar looked at him with a quizzical look before nodding and back to Velai.

"I tried killing him..."
"I tried eating him..."
@Vesuvius00
They looked at each other for a moment before smirking, remembering that day quite well. Soron however looked back up with a bit of a serious expression.

"You said a solider was here talking about trouble. What kind of trouble?" He cocked a brow as he flipped to the next page, ready to take notes.

"So Velai, what brought you to Sunfire, hm?" Soron glanced over at him before he looked back to Velai.

"This is a little more important, Suls. This concerns those of Sunfire and Fotia." He sighed.

"Very well..."

Suley chuckled as he glanced down at the bar top for a moment before back to Velai. A small plume of smoke exiting his nostrils as he took a swig of the drink given to him. He glanced over to a newcomer into the bar, a Sol woman. She seemed to be in need of a place to stay and it would have also seemed that there were rooms available. Reaching into his gold bag, he pulled out the necessary gold for the rental and handed off to Velai.

"That's for her stay." He glanced over at her with a light smile and nod before focusing his attention on the beautiful seraphim bartender.

"My dear Velai I have something special for you..." He gestured for her to come closer as he rolled up his sleeve as he wiggled his fingers, frost beginning to form on his hand. The young dragon placed his one hand over the other and began moving them together, seemingly forming something in between his claw like hands. His throat seemed to glow as he made a small opening between his fingers, allowing a small burst of fire in between his hands, a little steam escaping through the cracks. After about five minutes he glanced up to her and opened his hand. A lotus flower, made from frost and fire sat in his hand. It was clear as a spring sky and as the light reflected off of the small crystal like flower, it reflected the color spectrum across a small portion of the bar top.

"I think this is befitting for you. Amongst the darkness that this world contains, there is still beauty to be found. This gift I give to you. It will not break or fall apart for as long as I live. May it remind you of me and our little encounter." He took her one hand, and held it out, gently resting the flower in her hand before taking her other and laying it on top but not before giving it a gentle peck.

"We won't be much longer...We're actually heading to see Magnix...Suleykaar hear was the one that want to acquaint himself the king of Fotia. I spoke out against the notion."

Within the beautiful moment Suley was having with the sweet Velai, Soron had to let his gravelly voice enter in, causing Suls to drop his head down and look over with a cocked head.

"I wish you didn't remind me but yes...This is true."

@Rai

Shanna looked around to see wounded people, some she presumed already dead because white sheets covered their whole body. The smell of blood lingers on the air and as well sweat, she sighed. Shanna followed and watched the doctor- she assumed Luna was- do her thing. The bright light was great. Shanna thought of it as healing magic, but maybe not. As Luna said she said the soul was strong, Shanna immediately shoot her gaze towards Luna.

" You can feel.. souls?" She asked first, then jumping a little to get a view at the wounded soldier, because the bed is as big as her. After a few jumps, she stopped and looked at Luna. " How? How'd you do it?" Another question. Shanna caught her interest on this and felt the necessity to learn it.

Alexis smiled brightly at the Seraphim woman as she took the drink given to her. "Thank you, Velai. My name is Alexis." She took a sip of the sweet drink, instantly reminded of how she used to drink a syrup-like sap quite similar to this when she was younger. The crimson liquid did have the tell-tale burning edge attributed to alcohol, but it was barely noticeable as she drained nearly half the glass before setting it down on the counter. She laughed lightly before speaking again, placing a childish look of innocence on her face as she did. "It's so sweet! Are you certain this isn't just pure sugar?"

"And as for a room, I think I have enough-" She pulled the rest of the coins from her purse, counting them silently as she did. Seven. She only had seven coins left? She sat in silence for a moment as she tried to think where the rest of her money had gone. Of course she still had some items of value she could use for trade, but the coins were so much easier to use than the random chunks of metal and gems she's collected over time. She was about to speak again, to ask if they would accept anything other than coins, when she overheard one of the other patrons seated at the bar say that he would pay for her stay.

She looked in surprise at the man, wondering for a moment just how drunk he was, because no one in their right mind would just throw money down for random strangers. She watched as he took Velai's hands, placing a beautiful flower that looked to be made of diamonds in the woman's palm before Alexis realized what he was most likely doing. She wouldn't interfere in him going after Velai, that was up to the Seraphim herself, but she wouldn't have herself be indebted to such an obvious romanticist. She frowned as she pulled another purse off of her belt, searching through it for a moment before producing two fine-looking yet small sapphires out of it along with a rough-cut chunk of a green-colored gem which she'd forgotten the name of. She wasn't exactly sure how much this was worth, but she was sure it would at least cover the ten gold pieces the man had dropped.

She picked up her cup before walking over to tap the man on the shoulder, taking a sip of the sweet drink as she held out her hand to him with the three gems held gently in her open palm. "This is to repay you. I appreciate the favor, but I'd prefer not to be in debt to a man I don't even know."

Pending whatever the man said or did in response, Alexis listened curiously to the conversation going on. "Wait, you're going to Fotia? Have you not heard about the attacks on the borders recently? I wasn't even sure I'd make it here to Sunfire safely and yet you want to go into an active warzone.."

@FallenTrinity@Rai

Her heart was still pounding in her chest. Her mind was racing and the high pitched voice of Shanna went into her mind as an echo. However Shanna's questions was enough to bring her back to focus. She sighed deeply to relax. Looking down to Shanna. "I have been taught how to do so since a very young age.. a firekeeper I was destined to be."

She lowered her hands from her chest. Her shoulders lowering into a more composed posture. "I simply reflected sunlight onto him just now. His soul and body responded to it.. but I.." Her voice lowered and eyes looked to the floor in shame.

"I read his mind just now. I yearned to know what it was.. but it is against the laws for a fire keeper to intrude on peoples minds and matters of the outside world." She turned to the half of the temple that were injured soldiers.

"I saw a darkness sweeping the lands. I dont understand it.. but it hurts my soul to have felt its presence. Even in memory.."
@WingsOfBronze

Velai certainly found it odd two men who were trying to kill each other are now friends. Not being a fighter herself she left it to her ignorance to the hardships outside of Sunfire, or even Vrondi.

"Nice to meet you Alexis!" She quickly replied with a friendly tone. Looking her in the eyes she seemed to be admiring their similarities. Not very odd as the other workers were mostly Sol men and women, not seraphim. She watched her drink the cup to its completion and smiled with a smirk at how trusting she was. Warming up to her she didnt hesitate to playfully flirt.

"Not as sweet as you sugar." She giggled with a wink and a playful pink toungue slip. She watched as Alexis reached for her coins but was soon grasped by the presence of Suleykaar. He had placed the ten coins for the night in her small hands. She blinked at this sudden act of kindness. Unsure of what to do she turned to Alexis with a grin and then back to him. "You are so ki-.."

She watched as the beauty of fire and ice molded into Suleykaars hands. Her eyes widened at the spectacle before her. She nearly dropped the coins as she placed it into a small bag around her waist quickly. Her limbs nearly shaking. As she knew this was all for her, and not many men felt this powerful that entertained her. But she managed to balance herself by stiffening her legs and her mouth that wanted to drop.

She watched helplessly as he placed the flower in her hands. She was in a trance as he spoke such elegant words with the presence of a man who has seen it all. Very similar to Mirror. Her sense was that they were similar in many ways and indeed her heart did skip a beat at the idea a alternate Mirror wanted her. But she didn't know him like she did Mirror.

She accepted the flower. Clasping it gently and as he kissed her hand her cheeks and lips swelled with blood. Her golden eyes pierced the amber shade with an orange hue. Almost reflecting as a dazzling array as the flower did when hit by light.

These eyes never left the mans before Soron spoke about their mission. After the heat began to die Velai looked to Alexis as she approached Suleykaar. Then a patron leaped onto a table directly beside Sorons table. "Aaaiig! The great king Magnix the dragonslayer!" This drunk man was thin and a bit elderly and spoke with a drunkin slurr.

This short man's white beard was scruffy and his clothes were too. His eyes were red, crazy, and appeared to be a Sol, but a farmer of some sorts. "Dont you worry about them folks in Fotia missy. Them suckers LOVE to fight! Look at me Im a dragonslayer!" He pointed to Alexis as he spoke before starting to wave his half empty cup around he mimiced a sword swing that spilled his drink on the ground in small doses with each swing.

The workers and other patrons were mixed in their reactions but most did not like the loud noise. Nor did they appreciate the attractive bartenders attention being taken away. Velai stepped in however in a low tone for Soron and Suleykaar to hear, Alexis by proximity. "I DID hear a soldier say earlier that they only fight at night. So maybe you can stay here for the night."

@FallenTrinity@Vesuvius00

Day was breaking. Vakim was still standing on the battlefield, Watching the sun rise over the mass bloodshed. So many descendants littered the ground. Vakim knew so many were Gaia troops. It ached his heart. He fought for their lives. Not his own. After watching the Sun crest over the horizon he looked down at his sword, the black blade seemed to ooze and drip. The color forming into a puddle at his feet was a deep red. He took a large meaty hand of his and ran it from hilt to tip and threw any liquid from the edge. Sheathing the sword at his hip he turned and headed back towards the bulk of the troops, most of which had dissipated because the attacks rarely ever came at day. He stopped to talk to one of his lieutenants and said that all the wounded were taken to the enormous tree in Sunfire. He placed a hand on his lieutenants shoulder and gave him a reassuring nod and saying farewell until next attack. He lifted his massive wings and with a jump as well as a thrust of the wings Vakim took off towards the tree.

Once there he took a look around at all the carnage, as well as all the recovery happening. He wanted to help but he didnt know how. He had been observing for a tad too long and was blocking the doorway, so he decided to head towards the nearest taxis member. "Excuse me, How may I be of service?" The healer pointed to a large stack of bloody rags, towels and garments, asking him to take them and wash them the best he could. He nodded and walked over towards them, having to watch his step and keep his wings from knocking over any taxis on the the edge doing what they can for a wounded soldier. Taking the large basket of Garments he heaved them high enough to clear any heads down low. He thought of the nearest place to wash them and figured he should just go to the bottom of the river coming down from the mountain. He stepped out the door and took off again. Taking his time he got to the river and washed the bandages and what not the best he could, laying each one on a rock to dry while he washed the rest. By the time they were all dry it was almost midday and he flew them back. Dropping them off he turned for the closest pub or tavern to waste the day away, Sleeping on the table most of the time.

He awoke to the scream of a wounded soldier who had just been scared awake from a nightmare and the pain he had to deal with. Vakim couldnt shake the feeling of being useless and helpless, He got up, checking his surroundings, He called to the bartender and asked how much he owed him. Turning back to the table he threw down that many Fotians and walked out. Taking in a deep breath he sighed and followed the sounds of agony and the heavy scent of blood, as well as all the thrashing he felt though the air and ground. He was in the middle of a pretty open area when he decided to stretch his arms and wings. While they were spread wide, a Civilian pointed out a large split in his hide under his left arm. Vakim took a look and was surprised to find exactly what the citizen had said. He fingered it to see if it hurt any. Which it didnt, but it was a deep cut, major weak point in his armor-like skin. He continued onto the Temple where the groans and screams came from. He stepped inside, looking for a healer that could spare a second. Finding one who didnt Immediately have their hands on a patient he cleared his throat. "Excuse me, I was just headed back out to the battlegrounds before dusk, however I seem to have an imperfection in my hide," he said jokingly, covered in scars and inperfections. "Do you think you could patch this quickly before I head back down?" He asked politely hoping it wasnt too much to ask. @Rai

The early morning sun that arose from the horizon eventually shone through the branches of a tree where Ava was sleeping, the sudden brightness made her wince until she was forced to open her eyes. She stared up at the shifting leave that the gentle breeze caused, making the small amounts of light that broke through look like shimmering stars. She eventually forced herself to get up, looking to her left and seeing the spot her sister had been laying next to her in was vacant.

Why does she always have to wake up so early, it would’ve been nice to wake up to her, she thought as she let out a sigh.

Soon the aroma of freshly cooked food drew her nose and her gaze made it over to some fish being cooked over a fire, the one doing the cooking was her sister, “Big sis!” Ava shouted as she leapt to her sister, wrapping her arms around her neck loosely.

Serena lurched forward slightly when Ava leapt on her, it slightly irritating her but she didn’t let it show on her face, “Must you do that Ava? I’m in the middle of preparing our breakfast.”

Ava gave a jesting pout of the lips, “I’m sorry, I just didn’t see you next to me when I woke up and I was worried something happened to you.”

“I was three feet away Ava, there was nothing to worry about,” She responded with a sigh.

“Yeah, but still...” she trailed off as her nose once more took notice of the fish cooking, “say...are some of those for me?” she licked her lips as she asked, her stomach equally enticed by the food as it mad a loud growl.

“Not if you don’t wash your hands and face first,” The older sibling answered back as she pointed to a nearby river, same one she caught the fish from.

“But I’m hungry now, can’t I just have them now and wash up later?” Ava asked as she already began reaching for the fish.

Serena was quick to slap her hand away though, “No, you can go without if you don’t wash up first, that’s final.”

“Ughh, fine MOM" The dragon girl huffed back as she made her way over to the river, the remark making Serena twinge for a moment, she always hated when her baby sister called her that.

After Ava washed her face and hands, she quickly took the fish that was handed to her, hungrily scarfing it down and then going onto seconds. “Shouldn’t be much longer now until we reach Sunfire, then we can properly relax for a day or two before we get back on the road again,” Serena spoke up as she calmy and eloquently ate her breakfast.

“That’s good, traveling days on end and mostly sleeping outside is not fun, will be nice to be in a proper bed again,” Ava responded as she wiped her mouth, her stomach full and satisfied finally.

“Well we would’ve been there sooner if someone hadn’t challenged me every few days to a fight and end up becoming incapacitated for the day.”

“Wait, are you saying it’s my fault!?” Ava asked with furrowed brows and slightly puffed cheeks.

“No baby sister, I was merely stating facts, was my statement incorrect?” She answered back calmly with a question of her own.

Ava lowered her head slightly, “Well no but...”

“Then there’s no reason be upset over a statement that’s true, now we need to get going, don’t want to waste anymore daylight,” Serena said as she began packing their things and put out the fire.

“Before we do that,” Ava interrupted, a grin on her face as she gripped her weapon, it’s sharpness able to be gathered by the sound it made as it cut through the air.

“Didn’t we literally just discuss this? It hasn’t even been five minutes,” Serena closed her eyes as she let out a sigh.

“Yeah, but I know I can beat you this time for sure, let’s go!” Ava answered eagerly, the cocked grin not leaving her face once.

“Very well baby sister, perhaps this time you’ll learn your lesson,” The angelic woman responded, extending out her hand and then her spear flew towards it, gently resting it’s handle in her palm.

“Would you stop calling me that! You’re only two years older than me!”

“But it’s true, you are my baby sister and you always will be,” Serena said with a small smile appearing on her face.

“I’ll show you!”

Ava then launched herself eagerly towards her older sibling, their weapons clashed with one another, small sparks coming off as the metal struggled against one another.

“Still so eager to leap into a fight I see, I thought our previous matches would’ve taught you something by now.” Serena spoke up, soon pulling away from the struggle and gliding backwards as Ava eagerly flew towards her, wildly swinging her scythe at Serena.

“Keep being cocky, let’s see how you do with this move I came up with,” the dragon girl grinned as she flew up into the sky, directly in front of the sun which made it difficult for Serena to see her.

Suddenly she felt two arms wrap around her from behind, glancing back she saw that it was Ava, “How did you…?”

Ava gave her a grin, “I may be slower than you big sis, but strategy can always beat speed, now look up, this is the fun part,” she chuckled, looking up to the sky.

Serena looked up to the sky as well, suddenly seeing her sister’s weapon hurddling towards her, she couldn’t help close her eyes and smile slightly, “Not a bad plan, but it won’t work on me.”

Serena looked back at the encroching danger, shifting her weapon in her hand as she estimated where the scythe would be and then flicked her hand upward, launching the spear towards the spiraling weapon, perfectly hitting the blade of the scythe and knocking it away from them. Once that was taken care of, she spread her wings whilst Ava was distracted by what she had done and then jumped into the air, following up by pushing her feet into Ava and launching off her like a springboard.

Ava winced as she got up after Serena’s kick knocked her to the ground, “Darn, I was sure I had you that time,” she grunted as she dusted herself off; Serena’s spear gently descending down and back into her palm.

“Afraid not baby sister,” The angel emphasized the latter of her sentence causing Ava to shake in frustration slightly, then added, “you’re welcome to surrender, we should be able to make up the time we lost if we stop now, besides, you’re disarmed.”

“Don’t count me out just yet, I still have another weapon,” she retorted with a smirk, extending out her hand as she activated her magic, suddenly a large sword appeared in her hand, it’s weight significant enough for it now to slow her down some.

“Ah, that again...very well, if you insist.”

Ava launched herself towards her sister and once more the two engaged in battle once more, Serena either effortlessly dodging her slow movements or blocking the attacks and sliding them off her weapon. Whilst she knew the weapon was strong and could surely break her spear if she took the full force of it head on, she knew how to shift the weapons weight across her spear's handle to deflect the attack without the risk of her weapon breaking.

She soon noticed that her sister was getting even slower, so much so that she only needed to dodge anymore to avoid the weapon, She’s almost at her limit, won’t be long now before she passes out from fatigue, Serena thought to herself as she continued to easily avoid the attacks.

She soon made some distance between the two of them, Ava took this opportunity to catch some of her breath, looking up with curiosity when she saw her sister spin her spear in her hands and then stuck the blade into the ground, folding her arm as she closed her eyes.

“What’s the matter sister? Giving up?” Ava taunted as she continued to pant heavily.

“1...”

Ava quirked a brow out of confusion, “I don’t know what you’re doing, but standing there doing nothing won’t win you the fight.”

“...2”

Ava began laughing, finding Serena’s counting to be silly, “Fine, continue counting, but don’t complain when you lose,” she grinned as she launched herself towards her sister, using her wings to glide across the air until she was mere feet from her face. Raising the weapon above her head and ready to strike, she shouted, “I’ve got you now!”

“...3!” Serena said as she opened her eyes, staring at Ava’s victorious grin, it seemed to be going in slow motion and then suddenly that grin faded into shock as the weapon in her hands disappeared.

No way...how did she do that? Ava questioned in her thoughts as she collapsed on the ground, unconscious.

Serena let out a sigh as she knelt down to her younger sibling, brushing away some of her hair that had fallen in front of her face, “Silly girl, you shouldn’t have pushed yourself so hard.”

Ava awoke groggily, looking around her surroundings for a moment before her eyes shot open as well as her body shoot up, “The fight!” she shouted before calming down, taking notice to the blanket that was on her.

“Well well, looks like someone is finally up,” A familiar voice said a few feet away.

“I lost?”

“You did, but you fought admirably.”

“Darn...how long was I out? And how did you do that? It was incredible!”

“Well to answer your first question, you were only out for about an hour and a half, not too bad considering how long you’re usually out. As for your second question, I didn’t do anything, I merely estimated how long you’d remain conscious, with you spending so much energy attacking me wildly and then trying to hit me with that large sword of your which drains your magic heavily, I was easily able to guess how long it would be until you dropped.”

Wow, big sis is amazing, she was able to do all that? Incredible, Ava thought to herself as she stared at her sister in amazement, a hint of pink going across her face as well.

“Well, come on, we should still be able to make it to Sunfire while it’s still morning,” Serena said as she got their small bags as well as their weapons.

Ava shook her head, clearing her thoughts of her sister and then began walking with her, during the entire time, Ava couldn’t help but gush over the fight the two of them had and Serena found her sister’s child like awe amusing. They soon made it to Sunfire, the sun was a little higher in the sky, so it took the probably close to an hour to reach their destination, “Hey sis, can we get some food? I’m starving,” Ava eagerly asked her sister as she placed her hand on her stomach.

“How can you be hungry again? We ate only a few hours ago,” Serena responded with closed eyes and a furrowed brow.

“I know, but that fight took a lot out of me, pleeeeeaaase?” she begged, interlocking her fingers with one another as she put on a sad facade.

Serena let out a sigh, “Alright, we’ll go...” she paused for a moment, looking for an eatery, “there,” she finally answered after a brief moment of silence, pointing to the Rest Easy.

“Great! Let’s go!” the dragon sibling responded eagerly and then grabbed her sister by the wrist, pulling her towards the location, “Hey, no need to rush, it isn’t going anywhere,” Serena interjected as she tried to get her sister to slow down a little.

They soon made it inside and already Ava was getting a little defensive of her sister, mostly standing in front of her, almost like she was guarding her as the two of them went to a vacant table and took a seat.

“Now you behave and don’t start any trouble, got it?”

“Yeah yeah, I know, I won’t do anything so long as no one tries anything funny with you.”

Serena let out a sigh once more, something she felt she had been doing the entire morning, as they waited for someone to take their order; she knew her sister was grateful for all the love and support Serena showed her when they were younger, but she didn’t understand why Ava was so protective of her, unbeknownst to the romantic feelings Ava felt for her being one of the many reasons she was how she was with her.

@Vesuvius00@Rai
Suley looked towards the smaller woman who held out her hand, offering gems as payment. He blinked a few times before looking at Soron and then to Velai before sighing.

"Why can't a dragon just be kind without needing someone to feel like they are in debt?" The rhetorical question was met with a quick response from Soron.

"Because your kind has a history with-"

"Oh shut it Soron I know..." He let his forehead hit the counter before turning it to face the young one.

"I am doing you simply a favor, asking nothing in return. Don't take this the wrong way m'lady, but those few gems are pebbles in a vast ocean compared to what I'm worth. Allow me to do you this one favor, nothing being asked in return accept you enjoying a restful sleep." he gave her a genuine smile but flinched slightly to the sudden outburst about Fotia. Soron glanced up with a quirked brow.

"Whose attacking the boarders? I thought we were in a time of pea-" He was cut short by a drunken farmer who managed to slosh some drink onto Soron and part of his book to which he glared daggers at the man, more so when he started to mock the dragon slayers. Suley on the other hand was slightly amused at this farmers antics, more so when Soron decided to intervene. He could fell the magic stir from within the old Dragon slayer. Something must have struck a nerve with Soron as he discreetly raised his hand from underneath his arm, channeling just enough wind magic to knock the man back in his seat, causing Suleykaar to chuckle before turning his attention back to Velai. Soron wiped the drink off of the book and continued to write but listened in. Soron stopped and looked up with slight confusion. He kept his voice hushed, low enough for only the small circle could hear.

"What's Nero's army doing this far past their territory? Better yet, has anyone assumed if it is even the Nero army? I'm from there, night jobs are primary occupations for them. If I was to place a bet on it, I would say that Sleeth is in on this." Suleykaar glanced over at Velai and then Soron before rubbing his chin. His tone changing a bit.

"True...I wouldn't put it past Sleeth to make daring moves like this, especially with his history but don't forget, battles and wars based off assumptions ends in the wrong ones killed. But going back to Sleeth and the Neron army, why would they only attack the border if they have people who can move through the shadows? Why not just go for infiltration and then unleash an assault from inside the kingdom itself? There's more to this...A lot more." He glanced around the bar to those who started or tried to listen in. He simply stood up with his drink and hand and added a slight stumble for embellishment.

"A toasht to Shunfire and the Resht Eashy! Nexsht round ish on meeee!" He threw down his original coin sack, letting the gold flow across the counter, enough to cover everyone's next round. The act went away as he sat back down and Suley gained a serious expression.

"We will stay the night. But I feel it necessary to at least let the new king know that he will have some assistance out here. Soron...

He reached into his sleeve for a large ring, one that was normally used for sealing documents. Soron was already pulling out a sheet of paper, ready to write.

"King Magnix, grandson of Hanoi Magnix, I, Suleykaar, former Dragonlord of the Fotia region would like to extend a hand of assistance in these growing dark times. I understand that areas near Sunfire have been attacked as of recently to some unknown force. my companion and I are here to offer our services in keeping the boarders and outlands of Fotia safe and secure for travel and commerce. Sincerely Suleykaar of the Red Wing.

P.S.. Do you want to hang out? I don't think I have formerly met you yet but I would love to chat over some good cuisine and drink. Maybe some women as well.

Forgive me your highness, my friend Suleykaar is none to bright."

Soron closed up the letter and handed it to Suley who had borrowed a candle on a table and dripped some wax onto it and then quickly sealing the letter with his old banner symbol. Soron then turned towards the door to the place and let off a whistle that started high, went low and ended in a medium tone. No more than a few seconds later, a white snow dragon entered, along its spine red spikes and under its wings as well. It skittered across the ground for a moment before flapping its wigs twice to rest on Soron's shoulders. On its back was a small compartment meant for sending messages. Soron placed the letter in the compartment.

"Spirit, frie truul Magnix und Ren tsae...Do you understand?" It let off a light chirp before Soron stood up and walked outside, Spirit moving to Soron's wrist, his takeoff point. The old dragonslayer lifted his hand high, letting Spirit take off for Magnix kingdom, sending the message to the King. Hopefully Magnix would understand or at least not care enough to challenge Suleykaar to a fight. Gods know that would be the last thing they needed.

When he returned inside, he sat down and closed his book, putting it away for the time being.

"Message was sent and yes we'll stay. Suls and I will help you with the clean up and anything else you need." Sulley looked at Soron and nodded.

Shanna smirked proudly."Ohoho! Darkness, is it not? It might be some creatures, whom hearts are left to rot. They lurk in the shadows, bandits and other culprits. Makes me laugh to see such dirty misfits." But then, thieves can't deal this much of damage, leaving soldiers dying and battered. She sighed at this thought then frowned slightly, her eyes scanned the room to see many soldiers bleeding and crying in pain. Certainly not some bandits."However, what I think might be far away. Because mere thugs cannot bring soldiers into harm's way. So this attack might be bigger than I thought... the closer this 'darkness' more damage it brought." She floated and peeked onto the bed, her chin resting at the bed frame.

Shanna faced Luna once more and gave her one simple smile." The thought it gave unsettles me, but there are still views and landmarks I wanted to see. Bye for now, Luna!" Shanna gave her a wave as she slowly left the temple. To the wooden stairs she arrived slowly made her way down the moss still make her think of if they help support the wooden stairs. She arrived at the second floor and into the main street, and as she expected, it was crowded. The place amazes her as always- there are trees inside a humongous tree! She started walking but can't afford to be accidentally kicked, so she floated and started air walking into the Inn of Four Winds. However, she can hear some gimmick happening under the floor. She ignored it anyways, might be some normal events happening.

@Rai

The particular healer Vakim pleaded aid from was a medium heighted Sol woman. Her clothing matched the rest of the healers. Dark green hoods that covered them like robes, a black nose and mouth covering, white gloves and sandals, and a silver dangling necklace with the Taxis symbol engraved into it and colored a bright green. Her eyes were a bright yellow and her pupils were a dark blue. She hesitated at first to respond, as her eyes took a moment to scan upward to meet his.

Dragonkin appearances were not that rare but amongst the Gaians it was a more average occurance with most born this way becoming warriors who bolster their ranks with even stronger soldiers. Their kinship to dragons meant more than their respect for them. Out of all the bloodlines Gaians had the most dragonic, making this woman assume he was before looking for any details of his attire. Though initially speechless by this ones formidable size she took the time to look at his wound.

His bodies thickness, blood and scales, was plainly seen as the blood refused to spill as would a simple cut on a Sol. Her eyes, though still wide from being startled, looked into his as she spoke. "A moment please then. Please endure the discomfort." As she said this it was noticed that many of the healers said this line as they treated their patients.

Please endure the discomfort.

She placed her hands over the wound. Indicating for him to lift his arm to reveal it. Once he did so her hands flashed a bright white that could injure a retina if looked directly into. Then a green plant like substance began to grow inside the wound. Like rapid growth the substance grew and broke out in curves much like tiny jungle vines spreading in and around the wound. A white flower bloomed from the wound and covered it.

If one did not know the healing ways of the Taxis they woukd be surprised by the invading sensation of their healing techniques. Plants growing rapidly within or around someones body was not widely accepted by other nations besides Vrondi. As such this medical practice is not copied else where. "There.. now please." She began to wrap the wound up with a white cloth, going over his massive shoulders and under his arm, covering the flower entirely and the wound.

"Will this be all? I pray you safe travels and a victory against the darkness."

@Zi

As the two entered the bar they would notice the vibrancy was there but not too much. A louder circle of patrons sat around the bar where the bartender Velai stood near. The features of an angel and dragon side by side made a few men whistle with a smirk. Drinking their cup as if a show were to begin, or that they were watching one. As most of the patrons were Sol men and most of the servers were Sol women the eyes on variety made sense.

A Sol server. She wore a fully covering buttoned top and white shoulder wraps with a green dress that reached her ankles. Her feet were covered in green leather. Her white hair was wrapped in a bun with a green bandana on her forehead. Her red eyes almost smiled as she looked at Ava and then Serena. "What can I do you for you today?"

@Sohtem

"Please do visit me again. Perhaps if you tel the guards you know me maybe they will let you come. I will be here." She bowed slowly as Shanna began to shuffle her feet away. Turning around herself and approaching the dark doorways that led to the inner sanctum of the temple.

Many were busy moving about as the day went. But as Shanna made an appearance above many of their heads a few recognized her. As tales of a small one who could take on big ones were rare or nonexistent in this world. The bigger always ate the smaller but in her case it was reversed. Making her a underdog everyone who came across her battles rooted for. Those that were of seraphim descent mostly liked her however.

"Wait!" Shouted a young boy. He was wearing a black cloak with the hood down. His feet were bare and his hair was short, white, and scruffy. Two little black horns protruded from his head and his green eyes looked up at the floating Shanna.

However as she made her way she didnt notice him. He pouted in disappointment. "Autograph.." he sighed. A man touching his shoulder after approaching him from behind. This mans hat was wide as it blocked the sunlight. "Maybe next time. Let's go..."

As Shanna entered the inn the servers immediately welcomed her. Recognizing her or simply assessing her entrance via elegant floating as an indicator of her status. A Sol man approached Shanna with a bow and looked at her with a pleasant almost flirtatious smile. "Are you visiting or staying for the night? We have a suite ready by the window ledge. The sight of the land of Vrondi from it is breath taking." He looked at her with a quizzical brow raised and a look of anticipation.

@WingsOfBronze

Shanna kept high and afloat, merely as big as a pod in the air as she kind of enjoyed it. She was acting like a child as she playfully swam in the air and completely lost her self-proclaimed 'I Am A Lady' facade. She found the Inn at the east of the Town Square, where people just minded their own business and just walked around.

As Shanna landed in front of the Four Winds, the doors are opened for her and was welcomed with a sight of pleasant and welcoming smiles, she grinned condescendingly. She walked in and found a few people looking at her, she thinks people knew her or heard of her somehow.. however, she ignored them blissfully. She was trying to hide her grin, but still felt proud to herself. She watched a man approach her with a smile, she didn't recognize it was flirtatious and simply ignored it.

"Oh yes, I would stay for the night." Shanna's eyes was half-lidded and her hands are on her hips. "To be served like this, oh it was a delight.." She said lowly and mostly to herself, with a meaningful grin attached to her face. Oh yes, alright, she saw outside it was mostly afternoon. Evening will fall soon. She'll just leave her stuff here and brawl in the tavern and place bets. Of course, if the fight is magic, but maybe not because she didn't want to break something and pay for it.

@Rai

Alexis smiled at Velai's flirting, even if it was short-lived due to the man's advances towards the bartender. When he turned his attention to her, she looked at the man she was confronting in confusion as he spoke to her like she was a child, calling himself a Dragon while putting his head on the bar as if merely interacting with her was too much trouble for him. As he spoke, she reluctantly put the gems she'd picked out back in her bag, sighing quietly before speaking to the man again. "Fine. I accept your favor, and thank you very much." She bowed her head slightly as she thanked him, before she jumped at a sudden noise as one of the patrons jumped up onto his table and started shouting about the group attacking the borders and mocking the dragonslayers of Fotia. He must've overheard her talking about her fears of traveling right now.

After the other man took care of the drunkard, she turned to address him as he asked about if the army was from Nero. "I've heard that they're an army of rogues, not loyal to any country. Though I can see why it'd make sense to think they were from Nero..." After she finished speaking, she started thinking about what these men's names were. She was pretty sure this one, the less flamboyant of the two men, was Soron, but as she continued to listen to the conversation she gained no clues to the other one's name.

"I didn't know they only fight at night though." Alexis sighed before continuing. "If I'd known that I would have just waited in the last town for morning before coming here, instead of traveling through the night like an idiot." She shook her head at herself, crossing her arms as she did.

More conversation passed, and then she was surprised again. She laughed slightly as the dragon-man stood and feigned drunkenness, buying the whole bar a drink before dropping the act. "Sir, you might have a problem. You've been a bit too giving for a stranger, and now I'm convinced you're secretly some kind of serial murderer." She smiley jokingly at him as she spoke, but her words did hold some truth. Never, in all her life, had she encountered anyone who was so gratuitous. It may be an effort to be liked wherever he goes, but the way he was going about it now would raise some suspicion in almost anybody.

As he began to dictate a letter to his companion, Alexis finally learned the Dragon-man's name. Suleykaar. Suleykaar the suspicious dragon-man. She watched as Soron whistled, and a small dragon came through the door. She took a few steps back as the little dragon came near, nearly crashing into another random patron as she watched the creature land on Soron's shoulder. He spoke to the creature in some language she'd never heard before, and then disappeared for a moment to send the little dragon on its way. After he came back her curiosity started to get the better of her, and she started asking the two men each question she'd thought of in the last two minutes.

"What language were you just speaking? And how did you get a little dragon? Does the little dragon have a name? Who even are you guys, writing to a king just like that?" She shook her head at herself again as she realized that last question was a bit too rude. "Nevermind, I'm sorry. I shouldn't be sticking my nose where it doesn't belong. My name is Alexis, by the way."

She looked over to the door as a couple of girls walked in. The entire bar's attention seemed drawn to the Seraphim/Dragon duo as they walked over to a table in the corner, but Alexis was able to pull her eyes away after just a second, instead looking over at Velai. "Since he's payed already, may I have another cup of that Crimson Tree Sap please?"

@Rai@FallenTrinity

The drunkin farmer was almost flung by wind as his feet left the table. His lower back met the chair with a loud thud. His weight caused the wooden chair legs to bend ever so slightly. For something made of wood it was a fine product to withstand such stress. The chair slid back a few inches on the sleek wooden floors and made a unpleasant noise as it did so. The farmers cup was spilled onto his own head and he seemed dazed from the experience. Laying his head down with a groan like a wounded animal.

A few patrons sighed with relief when he was put down. Some raising a cup to Soron, though most didnt know what happened and assumed he fell. The floor erupting with laughter.

Eyes widened Velai felt a pulse of weightlessnes hit her body. He IS royalty! I knew it! She thought, her legs pressed together to keep her balanced. This is my chance for a huge tip! Velai jumped at the farmers fall, jolting her back to focus, and wanted to see if he was okay. He was a regular that made inappropriate passes on her all the time. But she did want to be a good server. She however was side tracked by Alexis's inquisitive conversation with Suleykaar. She felt a admiration for Alexis, shown through her gentle smile while looking at her, while small she held her own better than she did. Speaking face to face with Suleykaars caliber without quivering to his superior tailored appearance.

Velai felt a bit lost in this whirlwind of information and mystery, though she did not worry about the battles outside she began to. But this was one of the most interesting days of her life working here. Another one was the rime a traveling bard was assassinated while singing at the inn. This is why they have no music. When Alexis voiced her distrust of Suleykaar Velai's eyes widened at the thought. Could he be? She wondered about the mass murderer part. Though she could not tell by looking at him, his friend however seemed more the part.

Velai held the flower gently inbetween her right hand's thumb, middle, and index fingers. Her left index finger reached her chin to tap it gently in thought. What they were talking about now seemed important, but she hadnt much information beyond what she over heard the soldier say to the dragonkin earlier. She scanned the new patrons and noticed her coworkers handling them. This made her sigh with relief but she kept it looking as if she was aiding them. Even going as far as organzing the silver wear and cups on Sorons table as she listened in.

The two men went on their speculation journey. Though the conversation was short lived before Suleykaar got up and immediately altered his sobriety. Her jaw dropped this time as he bought a round for everyone. "Wow!" She let out before stepping over behind the counter in anticipation for the rush of patrons. The farmer raised a hand in the air and extended his index finger before raising his head with a smile. A tooth missing and another replaced with wood. "Heeraay! Im for it!"

Velai placed the flower on her thin gold twisted belt and began stacking cups up for use. The flower glistened sparkles of multicolored light around the areas of her tunic it was around, almost glowing as she moved her hips around with each stroke as sbe wiped down the table and began sliding drinks to people. Her coworkers helping. Velai walked from behind the counter with a cup of her own red tree sap. She watched as the dragon made its appearance and all.

Equally in awe but even more confused than Alexis Velai began mouthing questions as well. "It would be rude of me not to offer royalty our best services." She said with angry brows but quivering sincere eyes. "Once I know your royal lineage I can better serve you to your tastes... and did you say you're a DRAGON!?" She covered her mouth to keep her shouting low. Though her reaction to the realisation could not be stifled. Her rudeness causing her to blush she handed Alexis her glass of tree sap. Stopping midway. Her pink lip stains on the glass.

"Sorry ill get you a fresh one." Im kinda screwed up right now.. she muttered low.

@Vesuvius00@FallenTrinity

Both the sisters had taken noticed to the vibrancy of the bar when they first entered, especially to the patrons that were checking them out and whistling at them. Whilst Serena paid them no mind, Ava couldn’t help but glare at them, more concerned with if anyone tried to do anything to her sister rather than worrying about herself, although any man trying hit on Ava would certainly be barking up the wrong tree.

“Hey, be nice and stop giving everyone dagger eyes, I told you to behave,” Serena spoke when she noticed her sister occasionally glaring at the male patrons that were still taking a keen interest in the two of them.

“I can’t help it, I don’t like the way those men look at us, eyeing us up like were sweets for them.”

“Well I know your preference and I’m certainly not going to bed with any of these men, so there’s nothing to worry about, besides we’re of Seraphim blood, so that no doubt plays a part in so many eyes on us, now just relax and behave baby sister.”

Their conversation was halted when a Sol waitress came to their table; eager to eat, Ava stood up as she glanced down at the menu on their table, “Oh, we’ll have some chicken and lamb and fish and-” she responded quickly, though interrupted when Serena stood and tapped her fist on the top of Ava’s head.

“Down, girl.”

“Okay, I’m down.” Ava responded as she took her seat again whilst holding the top of her head.

Serena then turned her attention back to the waitress, “I apologize for my sister, she tends to get excited when she’s hungry, we’ll just have the chicken and some tea please.”

“Why do you always have to be so mean big sis? I just wanted a lot to eat,” Ava spoke up after the pain on her head faded, giving a farcical frown.

“I’m not being mean, we just don’t need to order that much food, plus you need to show some restraint, that is what was taught to you when we were younger or at least tried too,” Serena answer back with a slight giggle.

A streak of crimson when over Ava’s face out of embarrassment, “Okay, so I was a little overzealous with the food, but you know how I am when I’m hungry.”

“All too well, baby sister.”

Ava took notice to some commotion going on at the bar, it peaked her curiosity as she turned her head to the right, trying to hear a little more about what they were discussing.

“It isn’t polite to eavesdrop, their affairs are their own and we shouldn’t be trying to get in the middle of it.” Serena spoke up once more when she noticed her sister taking an interest in the people over at the bar.

“I know, it’s just that I’m so bored waiting for our food...say can we spar again after we eat?” Ava asked eagerly.

Serena let out a heavy sigh, “We’ve been sparring for days and just did so an hour ago, I think we’ve fought enough for now, once we leave here and get into the next town, I’ll consider giving you a rematch.”

Whilst she would’ve preferred them fight sooner, she was glad that she’d at least be able to do it again and relatively soon,“Yay! Thank you!” Ava accidentally shouted in her excitement as she hugged her, soon taking notice she had said that louder than she meant to and pulled away from her sister, lowering her head as a streak of crimson went across her face. Serena unable to help but giggle quietly at her sister’s embarrassment.

In the Flowerdancer's Home.
Alexis walked into her daughter’s room and noticed she was reading a book on her bed. She walked up to the bed and sighed. ”Daughter, why are you reading at a time like this?” Alexis asked. She had a smile on her face, however, but she had much to teach her daughter about manners. She had her hand on her forehead.

Heather looked up at her mother and lost her spot in the book, she was reading. She smiled at her mother though. ”Mother, I was bored…,” Heather said. She yawned and put her hand in front of her mouth. She hoped it was a good time to do things. ”What do you want?” Heather asked kindly.

Her mother looked at her daughter and shrugged her shoulders at her daughter saying she was bored. “I guess it would be good for you to go outside and please take, the shy one with you,” Alexis replied. Her mother was grateful her daughter was fully clothed to go outside. Alexis is somewhat worried about what she heard outside of Sunfire, about a battle. ”I shouldn’t be worrying my daughter about those things,” Alexis thought to herself.

Heather was relieved she and Patricia could go outside finally since they have been training inside of the Flowerdancer’s home for awhile now. “Thank you mom, I will be on my way then,” Heather said happily. She got up from her bed and put away the book she was reading, but forgot to put the bookmark in it. She walked outside of her room. She walked to the shy one’s room, whose name is Patricia. She knocked on the door to be polite.

Her mother was in her daughter’s room and decided to tidy it up. ”I need to keep myself in the now and not look at the past,” Alexis thought to herself.

In Patricia’s room, she heard the knock on her door. She was practicing dancing. She walked up to her door. She opened the door and saw her master in front of her. “Master, what are you doing here?” Patricia asked. She had a happy smile on her face.

Heather saw the shy one, happy to see her. ”We can get out of the house before it turns dark,” Heather said. She smiled back at her friend that she sees as a friend over a slave.

Patricia spun in a circle to show she’s really happy in front of her friend. ”Let’s go to that one tavern and inn to see if anyone is there,” Patricia said happily. Her master and she usually goes there and likes talking to the patrons there.

Heather smiled at when she said that and she started to walk towards the door, she had enough money for her to buy herself and the shy one a drink. ”Good idea,” Heather said.

Outside of Flowerdancer's Home.
They walked outside and noticed not much even though her draconian slave stayed behind her, as usual. They walked towards the tavern, which is called Rest Easy. ”What’s going on here there’s an eerie sadness going on here,” Heather thought to herself. She was distracted by that eerie sadness.

”Master, why are you distracted?” Patricia asked. She looked down at the ground since she had no idea about these things.

Heather looked behind her at her friend and smiled. "Sorry, let's go in to see if anyone got any information in what going on," Heather said.

They walked into Rest Easy and had a smile on their faces. @Rai

@Vesuvius00@Rai

Suleykaar sighed in relief when Alexis withdrew the gems and Soron glanced up when he heard some of the patrons cheering for him when he stopped the drunkard. He looked over to the old man and back to his papers and then to those who cheered for him, only to return to the conversation with a satisfied smirk.

"With them being rogue I still wouldn't be surprised if even within the rogue group, a few tested their luck with the day or shaded areas." He cleared his throat. Alexis quipped at his fake drunken antics, causing him to chuckle until she brought up the idea of him being a murderer. He gasp with slight surprise but in his voice, sarcasm was evident.

"Oh by the gods you figured me out-" He brought a hand up to his face to cover it.

"What am I to do to this revelation being brought to light...Maybe I should kill everyone here and burn the place down to cut loose ends." He peeked from behind his covered face with a smiling eyes and a grin before dropping the dramatics.

"I am glad to say I'm not. Just having a good day I suppose." Soron took a bite of his food as he looked at Suleykaar when the dramatics kicked in, earning a light chuckle, if "hm" could be considered one. But his attention was brought to Velai when she seemed to tense, slightly narrowing his eyes. She must've figured out he was of royalty, meaning her demeanor and actions towards him would change. This wasn't good.

Fortunately, nothing else was said in relations to that at the moment. When he returned from outside both Suleykaar and himself were bombarded with questions, throwing Soron a bit off balance. Soron regained his composure with a bit to drink, using the cup to hide his smile. When it moved away from his face, he was stoic in expression and nodded in response.

"It's no trouble at all. The language is called Uld Dovah, roughly translated to ancient scale. Dragons and descendants alike who know the language simply call it Old Scale. The dragon, Spirit-" Suleykaar interrupted mimicking Soron with a childish voice.

"My wittle scalwy butt-ah" The dragon glared at Soron when he felt the slap on the back of the head. Not long after, two others joined the Rest Easy, earning a few whistles in return to which Suleykaar had to look as well. Soron simply glanced.

"As I was saying, that little dragon is a snow dragon from the Lapis forest near the Gaia mountains during the frost season. It's wing was torn and pretty beat up. Honestly I had no hopes for it to survive as it was very young and that forest is very dangerous for wounded creatures but fortunately I fixed him up and nursed him back to health. He looks up to me as a mother figure...or father figure...I'm not sure. But I originally didn't even know Old Scale until I meant Suleykaar here. He's still teaching me. As for who we are, I will speak for myself. My name is Soron Dragonbane, Slayer of the Basille Basilisk and have been given the moniker Soron of the Whispering Blade." Suleykaar spoke up afterwards.

"I am Suleykaar, Dragonlord of Fotia...Former Dragonlord of Fotia before I passed the torch onto Hanoi Magnix. That boy had potential and I'm glad he took it and ran with it." He lifted his drink as he looked up to nothing, simply nostalgia crossing his vision. He quickly snapped out of it wit ha swig from his drink and clearing his throat. Setting it down he looked over at Alexis with a light smile. @Sohtem Soron on the other hand had focused in on to elsewhere in the Rest Easy, specifically two who were trying to focus in on the conversation and he made sure to lock eyes with them.

But to add to the question about Uld Dovah. Thousands of years ago, Uld Dovah was common, as well as dragonlords. Time progressed and with the change of power Uld Dovah died out, along with many of my brethren." When Velai spoke up about him being a dragon he nodded.

"Through and through, though, unlike some of my other brothers and sisters I prefer to embrace the new times. Besides, I'll out live you, your children and your children's children. I'll see many more wars to come and battles to be fought. Many beautiful art and equally beautiful women. When it comes down to it I'm actually quite jealous of you and everyone in here. Having a finite amount of time to live means you won't see lovers come and go. Die of old age before you do. Plus, when I die, I'm not even guaranteed an afterlife. For all I know I'll just fade from existence, only becoming a blip in history so I might as well make do with what I have and enjoy everyday like it's my last." He stood up and retrieved his smoke before sitting back down. For a moment his throat glowed red before bringing his hand up to it, catching a small flame in the palm of his hand that floated there for a moment as he lit his pipe. With the flick of the wrist the flame disappeared out of existence. His attention on Velai and Alexis was taken away as Soron tapped him on the foot. The dragonslayer looked at Suley before grabbing his drink and raising it up to muffle himself.

"I'll be back, I'm going to go over there for a second." Giving Soron a simple "hm", he glanced over at the two lovelies before smirking at the two and then back to Velai. Soron stood up and made his way over to the two women. as he went to pass Suley, he reached into a small black bag and handed him a stone to which Suleykaar nodded. As he got closer, he took in each of their features, not because he liked them. No, this was for his journal. He looked to the both of them with a light smile, one that faded quickly before turning to grab a chair. His voice was gravelly but held a smooth undertone to it.

"May I join you two for a moment?" As he sat, he called for another waiter to grab him a drink. Nothing special, just a glass of mead. Another slight smile before turning his attention back to the two.

"So I've noticed you have been paying attention to us over there. Is there anything I can help you two with?" He quirked a brow as he glanced at the two.

Lila Moriarty

She had been walking almost a day nonstop since she had her last meal. Her body longed for some blood, but she was prohibited of consuming other's blood without their consent, and obviously, no one in their right mind would allow that. Even after seeing the holy symbol she carried on her neck. Only a few would accept it, and their blood always tasted the same. Fear, disgust, apprehension, anger... Lila could taste all of that as the warm blood entered her mouth, a familiar taste to her. Her body longed for it, and even thinking about blood made her bite her lips, trying to control herself.
"Sunfire city is not that far away." she thought to herself as she walked. A lone figure on the road, a small girl wearing a black dress and carrying a scythe bigger than she was. Her blood red hair and pale, silver skin, together with the symbol she carried were obvious giveaways about what she was to anyone who knew even a little bit about the Seraphim or the Aion and Taxi factions.
Nobody wanted to approach her, some going as far as going out of their way to avoid touching her.

The Sunfire city gates weren't strange to her. She had already been on that same city many times. For some, a safe haven where they could pray and admire the beautiful city. But for Lila, it was only another city, just like any other.
She could hear the guards cursing her under their breath as she approached the gates looking down.
"...damned monster..."
"...aberration..."
"...why do they keep it alive?..."
"Lila Moriarty..." she said out of habit as she crossed the gates. Not that it would do any difference. No one in their right mind would stop her, as she was under direct order of the higher ups.
"...A demon imitating an angel..." she heard one of the guards cursing as he spat on the ground when she passed.

Inside the city it wasn't different. She could hear their whispers, she could feel their mood by their respiration, their movements... Mixed feelings of nervousness, anger, disgust... In a certain way, she was grateful she wasn't able to see their expression, although she wondered if their faces were showing as much as she could feel with her senses. People were cruel, dishonest and merciless. They would do anything for their own benefit, even if they had to harm, steal or kill others, that was something that Lila knew very well. She was the living proof on how cruel people could be in order to achieve their objectives.
When Lila was younger, the cold and cruel gazes others gave her together with the whispers about her almost made her mad. But as she grew up, she finally understood what she was. She was a tool, she was alive only because she was useful to the Seraphim.

"We don't need Broken tools, Lila. Remember that."
The words of the ones who trained her echoed on her mind as a bitter, cruel reminder about what she was.

"A tool..." she mumbled, looking down with an empty expression.
"Need blood..." she mumbled again. Every cell in her body screamed for blood as she bit her lip. A thin drop of blood appeared where her fang touched it. A few meters ahead, she felt a building with a noticeable amount of people inside. Its form and size were familiar, especially the smell coming from it, it was a bar. If she was lucky she would find someone loyal to the Seraphim... and some blood.

Inside the bar, people were able to see a girl, apparently very young wearing a black and red dress with a small, but easily noticeable rosary on her neck with the holy symbol of the Seraphim. Her blood red hair matched her eyes, which had a deep, blood red coloration on its pupils and its sclera with a completely black coloration. On the corners of her mouth it was possible to see part of her fangs if you looked very carefully. The scene was already strange, but the big scythe that the girl was carrying only made it even more strange.

Walking inside the bar, she quickly studied the people she could feel nearby. Some seraphim and sol, which was very common seeing as they were on the Sunfire city, but she also could feel some scales. She couldn't say exactly what these people with scales were, and she honestly didn't cared about them either.
Walking in the direction of the bar she said in a low and delicate voice, but it was enough to everyone inside to hear. Especially after the silence that followed after that strange girl got inside the bar. Some of the patrons who lived in the city started whispering and making comments about the girl as she walked.
"Lila Moriarty. Need blood, and Mirror."
The girl's voice was beautiful and sweet, almost angelical, but if you listened to it carefully you could feel a deep melancholy in her voice.
Her words were short, cold and distant. She spoke only the necessary, almost like if she hadn't spoken with other people for a long time.
She stood there, near the counter, her eyes fixed to the ground, wielding her scythe with one hand and the rosary that was on her neck with the other hand.

Alexis laughed quietly as Suleykarr went along with her joking accusation, muttering to herself just loud enough for him to hear as he started thinking how to deal with her guessing his 'secret'. "I knew it..."

As Soron began to answer her questions, she listened intently. She'd been scared to be too near the little dragon when it had appeared, but now she felt she'd been irrational in her wariness of the little creature. Hearing Suleykaar call Spirit 'brother' confused her though. She'd already figured out that he was a dragon, but was he such a small dragon as his little brother? "Are you a snow dragon too then, if Spirit is your brother?" The talk about the old language, Uld Dovah, and how it lost popularity over time as the dragons started to die out made Alexis sad to hear it. She considered saying as much to Suleykaar, but as he continued on to answer Velai's question she decided that it didn't matter if she said it or not. He's seen much sadness, he didn't need others to feel sad for him as well.

As Soron got up to walk somewhere else however, Alexis did decide to say one thing about the matter. "I wouldn't be jealous of me, of any of us. Our short lives just make it so much worse for us when we do experience such things, loved ones and friends lost to the unstoppable flow of time. So many people aspire to be like you, to ascend and have an eternal life like the dragons of old, myself included."

She stopped herself from saying anything more just as she noticed Velai handing her own glass of Crimson Tree Sap to her before the woman realized what she was doing and got flustered at herself. Alexis smiled playfully at the Seraphim before reaching to gently grab the bartender's wrist, taking the cup from her as she did. "It's okay, I don't mind sharing." She took a sip and let a far-away look cross her face. "For some reason, it tastes even sweeter this way..." She trailed off and winked at the Seraphim before taking another quick sip and handing the glass back to her. The lipstick stain that had been on the glass when Alexis had taken it was missing now, and if Velai looked closely enough she would see the color was now on Alexis' lips. When the bartender noticed this, Alexis would smile knowingly at her. If the Sol woman remembered right, Velai had been the one to start flirting in the first place.

@FallenTrinity@Rai

The Sol waitress patiently waited for Ava to finish her rant before taking down the order Serena gave. She left and soon returned with their food and drink. "I forgot to say we have free drinks if you buy from the bar." She spoke as she placed each plate down one by one, taking then off the surface of a large plate she balanced it all on. When Soron came over she flipped the empty surface and pressed it against her belly. She looked down and bowed with her head to Soron. As he was with royalty she assumed he was affiliated and gave the respect it commanded. "Is there anything I can do for you sir?" She asked before she would return to the other areas of the floor.
@Sohtem

Another duo that caught the people's attention strolled in. Ofcourse before this, as they walked the path to the inn, the wings of one of the girls struck whomever cast gazes on them with awe. If she was for sale she was priceless many believed, though most didnt think her wings were real. As the Sol loved lavish colors and designs they adored the sight of colorful hair, scales, or wings. So much so there have been artificial ways to achieve these appearances, though not perfectly in most cases.

The two girls, Patricia and Heather were immediately greeted upon entry by a Sol man. He was servicing in an all green and white tunic that was clean, wrinkle free, save for the inner elbow, and his shoulders were sharp. He had his white hair slicked back in a smooth and wavy fashion. His red eyes were squinted with the dimples of his smile pressing his low lids up. He gave a white toothed smile before taking their order.

"What can I get you beautiful ladies. By the way we have free drinks courtesy of that fellow." He said before doing so. Putting emphasis on the beautiful and pointing to Suleykaar near the bar table. If not for his quick response a few patrons may have acted on their cat calls from a distance. Though these were not young men doing the calling, a recognizable old man giving a gapped tooth smile and wink at the girls almost as if they were wenches patroling for work. As the hour was still far before midnight the robust amount of drinks some of the men were having was degenerate at best. The wealthy men of higher class choosing to pay for their own food and drink in silence away from the crowd forming around the bar.

As the day grew on the attention on the ongoings within the inn grew exponentially. So much so children, and then curious adults looked through the glass circular windows. Two obvious ones being next to the front entrance, then the ones on the left and right sides.
@Landaus Five-One

That girl..
Girl? Monster is more like it..
Can we trust a Nayu of that caliber..?
Why is she free roaming unsupervised? This is scary..


The minds of the common individual within Sunfire had raced as they passed the presence of her, the bloodied ally of light. Lila Moriarty. Though most who knew of her knew her to be an ally of their interests. But her stories were popular, being young it was new, hot. She was hated by those who sought a simple solution of eradication of those that denied the light and adored by the down cast that seeked to be accepted by the light. Though the exact details of her situation is not known by many, her stifled and abused upbringing were hinted at. Making most who are affiliated with her empathetic and also distrusting of her. Though that sentiment is born from weakness, those who could clash blades with her see her as just a lost girl in this world of monsters.

As Mirror once told her during a spar to test her worth for his angelic blood to feed her. "I dont decide when you are free.. you do." He whispered this before giving her a fresh taste from his self mutilated hand. Giving her what she craved but leaving her empty of purpose was what fueled their influence over her, and Mirror never treats her as his by his own choice. But by hers.

The patrons of the bar took a more watchful approach to the entrance of the Nayu. Not freaking out but watching carefully as she came in and took the attention away from the group that really were by now the talk of the inn and outside area of it. A few men were taking a couple bottles outside to enjoy on the moss and in the sunlight before the guards rounded them up.

The server for Patricia and Heather met Lila where she stood. Coming from the front and walking with elegance, in a fashion meant to be seen. But as he neared close he noticed the scythe. He froze. Her eyes were dark, black dark. She had a streak of blood coming down her lip aswell that made him shiver at the reminder that the Nayu existed. Though most that came over this far were good people, the horror tales of their home kingdom by those who desired seraphim blood were what nightmares were made of for Vrondi people. Sunfire included. They saw the vile blood drinkers to be harboring a truly bad element in their ranks. Many choosing to assume it was their nature, as blood nourished them.

"Blood.. and.. Mirror?" He tilted his head some in confusion. Though his fear of her scythe quaked his proper composure into reforming as tense and off balance. "Ill see what we can do. Please have a seat." He pulled out a chair not too far from the bar in hopes she would sit and wait. He then scurried off to search for Velai, who was nearly hidden behind the wall of men buying free drinks at the bar.
@13org

"Its a bit much. To be a dragon. And to be a ascended, like the king. Maybe Ill ascend one day, I am full blooded." She looked down as she spoke, feeling ashamed of the superiority of her bloodline amongst those who seek ascension. Given her young age she also had little anxiety over time spent enjoying her life outside of the serious observation of the universe.

Velais eyes darted to the new entrants. But as she felt her wrist being pulled she turned, her fiery hair whirling from the speed as she did not wish to fall and wanted to comprehend what was happening. Her eyes widened at Alexis taking her cup and placing her lips on it unapologetically. Velai took the cup back, her fingers grasping it from the bottom. She felt taken in by Alexis's expression that felt less fun flirtatious, but real flirtatious. Which excited her as the escalation of their little joke began to become more. "If you want more.. well.." Her free hand brushed hair from around Alexis's tender thin neck before matching Alexis's gaze with her own bedroom eyes.

"Velai!" Called the server man who was seeking her. He waved her over to him behind the counter of the bar. Velai rolled her eyes and blew a few rogue pieces of hair out of her face. "Be right baaack." She said with a singing tone. She shot a glance to Suleykaar to see his reaction, and sipped the tree sap as she walked with relaxed hips. Feeling far looser than a few moments ago. "Whats up?" She asked as she closed the barrier to the other side of the counter. "We have a Nayu customer. Shes asking about blood and a Mirror.. do we sell either of those?" The Sol man asked with raised brows and a perplexed expression. "Oh! That must be Lila!" Velai looked over where Lila was with a gasp, it was her. "Youre new so let me handle this for now." She said patting the man on the shoulder to ease his tension.

Velai soon came to Lila with a metalic cylinder. The top was sealed and it sat on a glass plate elongated upward. Balancing perfectly Velai gently placed it on the table infront of Lila. She twisted the top and a white mist escaped the cylinder. "Mirror is out right now. Hes been gone for a few days now actually. I can leave a message for him." Velaj tilted her head at Lilas eyes and cold expression. "Do you.. remember me?" Velai was and is just a worker but has been here long enough to have served Lila before.

The infestation of mystery spreading through out the town about the supposed royal patrons at the inn, and the talks of the battles going on outside the towns had begun reaching rumor levels. The idea that a meeting of royals to discuss the battle strategies, or top mercenaries from different lands, all meeting at one place began circulating the great tree.

@Vesuvius00@13org@FallenTrinity