When the hermit confirmed Rai's claim and the siblings were done to answer the question who should have the throne Duncan put his food down and walked towards them. Since they were rightful heirs there wa only one right action to be done. When he stood in front of them he unsheathed his sword, placed the tip softly on the ground and kneeled holding the sword at the hilt. "Prince Noble, Prince Damien and Princess Rai, childeren of the true King and Queen, rightful Heirs to the throne. I promise on my faith that I will in now and the future be faithful to you, never cause you harm and will observe my homage to you completely against all persons in good faith and without deceit. I will protect you and the inhabitants of your Kingdom." Duncan pledged his oath of fealty.

Crreessa yawned when the siblings were talking. The revelation had been thrilling but this talking was boring. She rolled her eyes when Duncan kneeled and swore his oath. She wasn't going to swear allegiance to anyone it was just her and her dragon on to the king and kill his sorry of excuse off a meat bag. It was great that there were people already lining up to fill the void and all but she just didn't care about the politics.

Gnol continued eating as he looked at the heirs pensive. When Noble said he'd take the throne Gnol frowned. Noble's intentions might be good but he didn't really see king material. Rai and Damien both seemed better suited by what he had seen so far. When Duncan pledged his allegiance to them Gnol nodded, at least they had one good man as a loyal vassal. Duncan seemed to be a proper knight. Gnol was curious if Trevor would follow suit, he didn't really expect it. Trevor seemed to keep to the side line. His gaze landed on Rachel. She might do something similar as the dragon riders probably had to swear loyalty to royalty as they seemed somewhat of a knight order to him but he wasn't too sure about the political structures of human countries and regions. So he would just wait. It could be that Damien would have too since his brother would be the King perhaps and Damien might lead the order. Or that none of them would do it now, only at the coronation. "Wonderful, invite me to the coronation." Gnol said.

Alan nodded, it seemed that was settled. He never really felt he belonged to any king or kingdom so he watched Duncan mildly amused, he would never let other people have that kind of power over him. He never promised oaths like that. He would always make sure there was room for interpretation and room to get out of it. He turned his attention to Meria. "So, you go to the sea with that little one?"
Terasivas spurted to Alan and looked up to him. "Can we go to? I want to bring my friend to to the ocean too, I want to sea the ocean!" Alan smiled. "We might, if Meria wants the company." It sure would beat visiting the Dwarves and training and plotting with the Riders. "Terasivas would like to join his friend to the ocean." Alan explained to Meria

Trevor watched Duncan kneel and pledge his oath with crossed arms. He rolled his eyes and turned away, shaking his head. There was no way he would be foolish enough to do that. The furthest he could be away from politics the better it was. He glanced to Mikhal, he hoped the bard wouldn't be foolish enough to pledge any allegiances.

Mikhal ate from his soup as Duncan kneeled down. "Every story needs a faithful hero," he said to Gnol, but he didn't give any sign of wanting to get up and kneel besides Duncan. That was something for nobility and the army, not for a commoner like himself. Of course he still had to decide what he would do, what quest he would join. The sanctuary seemed intriguing and he loved to see it one day, but he felt he could be of better use within the borders of the kingdom. Having travelled around he knew most places and a lot of people.

The old dragon turned to Damien and nodded. "It's an island in the sea," he said and turned to Ricki. "That, I do not know, winged-one. They might let you in. They might let the sorceress in if the sea dragons will vouch for her. But after recent events they will be very cautious for humans, or those closely resembling them."

Rachel stood besides Damien. "If you won't be king, you will lead the Order, right?" she asked. Watching Duncan she realised the Order had to vow an oath too. If Damien would kneel, she would kneel besides him. As the leader he had to speak for the Order in this case. But, if he wanted the throne she'd back him up. She looked at Noble not really seeing king-material there, in her eyes Damnien was much better suited, but if he had the right people around him he could pull it off.

"I would like the company," Meria said to Alan and she looked at the water dragon. "I'm sure she'll enjoy having her new friend with her too." She looked at Mikhal, it would be nice if he were to join them, but it was impossible to predict what the bard would do. He seemed calm and take in the situation. Her eyes rested on the dwarf. It was possible he would prefer to go with the dwarf.
"Will you join us then?" she asked Ricki as her eyes settled on the winged girl. "We can go to the sea and travel further to the sanctuary together."

---

Doruk bowed for the king. "I will do as you order, your highness." After a final glance at the dragon he turned around and left. He would gather some prisoners for the beast first. If it was fed it might get in a better mood. And it would solve the problem with overcrowded prisons.

Noble flinched at Duncan moving to bow to him and his siblings. He looked to Damien and Rai and watched as neither of them really changed their expressions.
Rai acted first, smirking softly as she stepped around her brothers and curtsied back to the Knight. "That is very noble of you Sir Duncan." She said with a smile, moving to place her hand on his shoulder. "But let's not let your Oath blind you. As much as I like Royal soldiers, we need allies not followers."
"Technically we need Both." Noble added quietly, getting his sisters attention as he flinched. He steeled himself as he stepped to her again.

"We do need both, but ta the moment we need a game plan." Noble started, Damien rolled his eyes and glanced towards Rachel as she mentioned the Order.
"Yes." Damien said with a nod, "Since there are three of us, Noble and Rai can argue over the throne if they wish, but I'm taking my Father's place in the Order. I've grown up around Dragons and the Order is like my family."
Noble glanced towards his brother before he almost gave a sigh. He could feel that everyone seemed that either Rai or Damien should take the throne.
"I'm sure you'll make a great King." Rai said suddenly, standing beside her brother, "You've run the Castle while we've been missing right?" Noble nodded.
"Sure I'm a bit.. Jumpy, but I have the experience." Noble started quietly, Rai gave a small smile.

Ricki nodded to the Old Dragons words, taking them in quietly before she looked over to Meria as she asked what she was going to do. She glanced to Seb, who seemed to have his attention on the sky.
"I.." She started, "If that's okay with you guys? Or maybe I should... Go with Rachel as she said she'd teach me how to become a Rider and if they're heading to the Order's base..."
"Go to the Ocean." Seb said as he looked down, "It'll be too risky if you go with the more experienced Riders."
"R...Right. I'd just.. Slow them down." Ricki said with a droop of her ears before Seb walked to her and placed his hand on her head.

Rai looked over to Gnol and the Hermit, "Then should we figure out who's going where?" She asked, looking to the sky before looking towards everyone else, "There seems to be three branches. Going to the Dwarves, Back to the Order and to the Sanctuary..." She trailed off, she didn't know where she would go at the moment.

---

The King glanced back to Volven, Volven only gave a small smile.
"You're afraid." He said.
"Of course I am. I'm working with you." The King replied, he felt his annoyance for the dragon bubble through his body before Volven lowered his head to the King, baring his teeth as his eyes glinted a low, glowing yellow. The Kings expression slowly lessened and his eyes gained a slightly yellow tinge.
"You're not afriad."
"I'm... Not afraid."
"You're the God Damned King, you're going to take those Riders down."
"Y...Yes."
"And you Listen to me, I am the one who truly runs this place." Volven said before he lifted his head away from the Kings, standing up before he returned back to his cave area.

Duncan looked at Rai and smiled. "Rest asured, I will not follow blindly. I have a working pair of eyes abd a good head on my body that I use more then your average noblemen." Duncan got back up and put his sword away. "I may have sworn an oath but I will keep my indepedent thoughts." He walked away to let them talk. He went to Trevor. "And if I think they are about to mess up need a kick in their Royal behond I will polish my shining armour boot." He said with a grin.

Gnol watched silently as he ate. He noticed the siblings had the confidence but he didn't think that managing the castle eas enough but the boy could learn perhaps. "Well if it is determined who will take the crown, I would like to invite that one to join me to the Dwarves. Rai was right,you need alliances but Noble, you got to work how you are going to present yourself if you should choose so or have Duncan or someone speak for you but it might bot be easy to pursuade them."

Creessa grabbed something to eat again as she picked up Rai's last words. "Three branches? No fourth directly to the king and kill his sorry ass?" Creessa was considering to take off right then and there but decided to stay and either go to santuary or dwarves. It might be a good idea to tag along a bit and sneak off later when she and her dragon at least gotten.a bit better in fighting together. "Nevermind three it is." RedClaws nade an approving sound. It was smart to get a bit better together before rushing off.

Alan walked over to Ricki. "Yes, come with us, We are are the cool group. We can use a dragon rider too to protect us you know." He felt for the girl with the drooped ears. "What do you say, Coming with young, cool group or with those old serious ones?"

"Good. Don't disappoint me," Trevor said to Duncan, but when he heard Alan's words he looked over his shoulder to glare at the man. By doing that he noticed the Hermit looked at him. "What?" he barked.
The Hermit looked expectantly at him, then at Noble, then back at him.
"No."
The Hermit rose an eyebrow and crossed his arms.
Trevor let out an exasperated sigh. "Fine. If he takes Gnols invitation and goes to the dwarves then I will go with him. That way I'll at least be able to drink a decent ale." His eyes shot daggers when he saw the pleased look of the Hermit and turned his back at him.
The old dragon let out a deep, rumbling sound. It sounded as if he was laughing. "You remind me of myself," he said to Trevor, which Trevor ignored.

Mikhal looked at Trevor. "If you will go to the dwarves, then I will go to the Dragon Sanctuary. I have been to the dwarves many times and I will be unable to forgive myself if I pass on that opportunity." He turned to Gnol. "While I do enjoy your company, the dragon sanctuary is more appealing to me. I can be of little assistance when it comes to discussing politics with the dwarves anyway. But do give my regards to Ebkor, if he is there and not travelling somewhere to sell his wares."

"We will go back to the Order," Rachel said, and Fiona nodded to show her approval. It was the only logical place to go for her, and plenty of people seemed to be heading to the dragon sanctuary anyway.

Meria smiled at Ricky. "I would love to have you with us," she said to her. When she heard Mikhal mention he'd go with them she turned to the bard and gave him a warm smile, his company was certainly welcome. "We'll have a bard with us too. That will surely make the travel more pleasant."

Rai smiled towards Duncan as he mentioned he wouldn't follow blindly. She looked over to Noble before nodding once and looking away again. Her eyes trailed between Trevor and the older Dragon but spoke nothing.
"If you're taking lead, you should go with them to the Dwarves; I'll go to the sanctuary?" She asked with a tilt of her head. Noble blinked slightly before he nodded.
"Sounds like a plan." He said before he looked to Damien, "You're heading to the Riders?" He asked, the older brother didn't speak but nodded in response.

Damien looked to Rachel with a nod, moving towards his dragon to rummage through his saddle. Orian tilted his head at Damien's sudden silence, Damien caught his dragons eye before he smiled before he looked towards Rachel again.
"Right, we see these two groups off then we head off to the Order?" He asked.
Seb gave Ricki a small rub on the head before he moved over towards Damien and Rachel.
"I wish to accompany you." He spoke formally, bowing his head.

Ricki looked to Alan and then to Meria with a small smile.
"I'll come with you guys!" She said happily, "I'm sure Mercury and I will be helpful. Even if we're not the best rider combo."

Duncan looked around and rubbed his hands pleased, everyone seemed to have made a decision. "Great! That's solved. I'd say lets not waste precious daylight."
Duncan turned to the Hermit. "Thank you for letting us stay here and enjoy your hospitality. You helped us a great deal. Do you need some more help with something before we leave?"

Crreessa glanced at RedClaws. "should we go with Rachel and Damien or Duncan and Noble?. Both might lead closer to capitol." Crressa wished she could travel with Rai but she was going too far from her destination.
RedClaws examined everyone. "Going with Damien would have the benefit of learning sone things but we might get sucked back into the order. Going with Noble and Duncan will probably be a detour but easier to split off from."

Alan grinned happily. "See? The young,cool squad. We have the young bard too." Alan was completely unphased by Trevor's glare. Alan chuckled after Ricki spoke. "You are still a better rider combo than me and Terasivas." He said with a wink.

Gnol looked at Mikhal disappointrd. "Sorry to hear that young bard, I would have loved to sing songs by the campfire at night. But I understand, for humans the dragon sanctuary is something extraordinary and an opportunity you cannot pass." Gnol grinned.
"I will give your regards to Ebkor and I hope our paths cross again."

The Hermit shook his head. "No, you young people helped me enough, you be on your way. There is a lot to do for you." He turned to the old dragon. "What will you do?"
"What needs to be done," the dragon replied. "It would be nice to restore the peace before I go, I wouldn't want to see a war between humans and dragons break out again, and it might if we won't do anything." He looked to Noble. "I will lend the new king a paw and a wing. You are lacking dragons in your team."

That was something Trevor didn't mind at all, having just Comet would have been fine with him. He would have been fine without any dragons on the team. So far only Cressaa hadn't said what she would be doing, but he didn't really care either. He went to the food. "We'll take some of this for along the way," he said.
"Of course," the hermit replied. "Help yourself. Everyone, take as much as you need. In the very least to last this evening and the morning."

"I would have enjoyed singing songs with you," Mikhal said to Gnol. "We'll save that for another time." He got up and walked to Ricki, Alan and Meria. "Young bard, young dragons," he said in responce to Alan. "Just so you know my only asset to any team is that I can kill any boredom during the journey... and that's about everything I can kill. When it comes to battles I'm practically useless, but I can sing songs of encouragement and make fun of the opponents' mothers." He thought about his words. "Probably with one song," he concluded.

Rachel stood beside Damien when Seb approached them. "I don't see why not," she said, looking to Damien. In the end it wasn't her decision to make. She looked at the two other groups that had formed. It was a shame Ricki wouldn't join them, she liked the girl, but she knew the team she had chosen was the best for her.

Noble looked over to Duncan and Trevor before he looked to the large dragon.
"Right." He started, "We grab some food and then we head off. If that's okay with you two?" He asked Duncan and Trevor.
Comet watched Trevor quietly, she didn't like the man, but if Noble wanted to travel with him she'd just have to keep her guard up.

Ricki chuckled at Mikhal's words. "Having more company will be good anyway." She started before she looked towards Rai as she walked over.
"If it's okay with you guys, I will head towards the Sanctuary too." Rai spoke gently, "The other groups will head off soon and I don't really want to join any of them."

Damien looked to Seb and looked him up and down, giving a small nod.
Damien moved towards Orian and pulled out a small pack of food wrappings and containers, moving to take some soup and put it into the container. He stood slowly and moved to put it back in Orian's packs.
He paused at Orian's side, sighing to himself.
"We'll be okay." Orian uttered to him quietly, "We have other riders, and that... Blue haired guy."
Seb smiled a bit more before he looked to Rachel quietly. "Don't worry about having to worry about carrying me when you two fly on your dragons. I have my own way of flight." He said with a smirk and a wink.

Duncan nodded. "That is alright." He said. He wanted to add 'your highness' to it but he didn't know if Noble would like that. Besides when they were travelling it probably was best to keep it low. The less that knew the better. Only those that could be trusted and when they couldn't be overheard could know. "You might want to work on your order giving skill before we reach the dwarves though," Duncan added while he filled the saddlebags with some of the dried meat and his water bottles with water. "The last part makes you seem doubtful."
Duncan was glad Trevor came along too, they might need his expertise.

Alan laughed before he nodded in agreement with Ricki's words. "I almost hope we run into trouble just to hear that song. But killing boredom is a great asset, it will be better than you all having to listen to my boring stories." Alan turned to Rai. "Of course, we can surely use an experienced dragon rider amongst us rookies."
Alan took a bit of the leftover food and put it in his bag. "Everyone ready? I think our best bet is the small harbour city in the east, it is not as busy as the main harbour city."

Gnol was soon ready and walked up to Noble. "I will give you a crash course on how to best behave with the dwarves. We'll get you to be a self-assured rightful heir to the throne." Gnol sounded more confident then he felt. his first impression hadn't been exactly confident Royalty when he saw Noble. But time would tell. "I hope you like ale," he added with a big grin.

Crreessa looked at RedClaws. "Maybe we should go on alone." Reclaws tilted his head. "Maybe, although part of me wants to see what is left of the order." Crreessa shrugged. "Fine by me." she said "Damien is cute too, at least there is some eye-candy along the way" she added mentally as she walked up to Rachel. "We are coming with you." Redclaws was speechless for a bit. "First time I heard someone describe a male as eye-candy. Your brother only discussed females. I warn you now. I didn't care then and I don't care now. you can ask a thousand times but I will not agree nor disagree to a perceived beauty of any two-legged humanoid and I will not share in any gossip" Creessa chuckled. "Spoilsport." "But if it will make you feel better I will only comment on Rachel from now on"
redClaws shook his head. "You tease as much as your brother too, I hope I have the strength to endure it." Creessa flashed a big grin to her dragon.

Trevor packed his bag in silence, listening to Noble and Duncan talk. They had a lot of work to do if they wanted to make this work. He groaned, already regretting his decision to go with the new king. At least there would be dwarven ale. When Gnol talked, his bag was packed with food and he swung it on his back.
"How about I smack him every time he doesn't act as a king should?" he offered.
"You'd probably make a fine king yourself," the Hermit teased.
Trevor glared at the hermit. "Say that one more time and I will put a sword through your heart, old man. I am not affiliated with the royal family in any way nor do I wish to be. But I know how a good king should act." He turned to Noble. "As Duncan and Gnol pointed out, you may have been born in a royal family, but you have some things to learn. If you want to survive as a king you better listen."

"Of course," Meria said to rai and she walked to the lake. "Come here, let's get you to the ocean."
The small blue dragon swam to the shore and allowed Meria to pick her up from the water. "We're going to the ocean!" she said to Terasivas.

Mikhal made sure to pack some supplies too and filled up his bowl for a quick second serving of the soup. It was a nice group they had, and they would go to the Dragon Sanctuary. He turned to look at the old dragon.
"I would love to hear your stories when we come back."
The Elder dragon looked at the young bard for a moment. "If I'm still around when you are back, I will talk with you," he promised.
"Thank you," Mikhal said with a small bow and turned to Trevor. "Have a safe journey, my friend."
"You too," Trevor said and he looked over his team. "The dragons and the sorcerer should make up for the lack of swords in your group. Stay out of fights you can't handle."
Mikhal nodded to that and turned back to the group he had joined.

"Good," Rachel said to Seb, before turning to Crreessa. "It will be nice having you. On the way we can help you become a better Rider too." She too filled her bag with supplies and waited for Fiona to finish eating. Her dragon had decided to fill up on the meat now, so they wouldn't need to hunt in the evening.

Comet moved to stand behind Noble, watching Trevor with a sway of her tail. Noble knew his dragon was defensive, but he nodded to Trevor.
"Of course." He said, looking between the Hermit, Duncan, Gnol and Trevor, "I am willing to learn what it takes to make me a better King, for the people and the Dragons." He looked to Duncan before he nodded, "Of course. But I believe we're more of a team right now, rather than a King leading their troops. I'd rather ask if you guys are okay with doing something currently."

Rai moved to put her fingers into the sides of her mouth and whistled almost silently.
Ark walked over to her rider silently, moving to lower her wing to allow her rider on. "Shall we all head off?" Rai asked with a small smile, "I feel like heading towards the sanctuary would probably be a good idea before sundown."
Ricki looked to Rai and gave a small nod, "Before nightfall might be a good idea, but if we need to set up camp then I hope we can find somewhere safe."

Damien petted Orians side, snapping him out of watching the others before he turned to face his rider.
"Are we ready?" "I believe I am. Are you? Have you eaten enough? Do I need to fasten any of your harness pieces?"
Orian shook his head in response before he fanned his wings upwards with a bit of a yawn.
Seb glanced to Ricki before he waved his hand slightly before turning back to his group. His mind drifted slightly as he closed his eyes, his mind wandering and catching the train of someone else.
"Oh. You're here?" A voice whispered through Seb's head, causing him to flinch and pull away, he stepped back as he opened his eyes and his hair prickled.
No way.

Duncan did a final check on the horse as he listened to Noble. "Fair enough," he replied. Everything was secure he couldn't spot any damage to the saddle or reins "All set, let's go. We don't want to waste precious daylight," he turned to the Hermit. "Thank you for your hospitality and help," he said with a small bow.
Duncan led his horse back to the path they had come from. He knew the general direction but Gnol would have to lead them to the Dwarves later.

Gnol chuckled at Trevor's words. "Or kick him, that always works too." Gnol's horse was already following Duncan and whinnied to get Gnol's attentions. "Yeah yeah, I'm coming." He stopped at the Hermit. "I'll see you again sometime my friend, I'm sure I'll have some stories to tell you by then." He walked on to Noble and reached to give Noble a firm pat on the shoulder. "Let's go young king, adventure awaits and a kingdom needs to be saved." He glanced at Trevor. "We might need to teach him to hold down a decent pint of ale too."

Alan picked up his dragon too. Terasivas made himself comfortable. "Yay the ocean! I'm sooo happy you're coming with us." He turned his snout towards Alan. "How long till we get there?" Alan thought for a moment. "I guess a couple of days on foot. We're closer to the mountains than we are to the shore." He knew the lands fairly well but he wasn't entirely sure how far exactly they were from the smaller harbour city as this was a part of the forest he wasn't that familiar with. Alan looked at Mikhal. "Right?" he figured the bard had a lot of knowledge about the kingdom.

Crreessa and RedClaws ate a bit more before Crreessa climbed on top of her dragon. "I'm ready, ready to go and ready to learn," she said grinning. This would be fun, at least she hoped that Damien, Rachel and Seb knew fun, her brother did share stories of how much fun he had teasing stuck up riders. "Can we not?" grumbled RedClaws. "Behave" Crreessa rolled her eyes. "Fine, I'll be good." she said, "For now" she finished the sentence in her head. "I heard that" RedClaws sighed.

The hermit nodded to Duncan to accept his thanks and then turned to Gnol. "Bring some ale too when you bring your stories," he said to him, watching him walk away. Soon everyone would leave, all on their own quest. He had done what he could for them, it was up to them now.

Trevor nodded to Gnol. "We'll teach him how to drink when we reach the dwarves. It seemed like everyone was ready. He locked eyes with Mikhal a final time and turned to Noble. "Let's go," he said. "We have a few days of travel ahead of us."

A small, yellow fairy dragon flew towards the Hermits house, her body as long as hand. She dove down when she spotted some people. "Oh, dwarf..." she said as she spotted Gnol, making sure to go around him in a wide circle. Most Dwarves she had met didn't like her kind, which may or may not be related to the shiny things her kind liked to pick up and decorate their nests with, and dwarves generally had a nice stash of shiny things.
"Trevor!" she said when she recognised him, flying around his head.
"Stop doing that," Trevor grumbled, swatting to her.
"You're such a Grumpy McGrumpface again. Where is Mikhal?"
Trevor scowled at the name and pointed to where Mikhal was. The fairy dragon chimed a thanks and continued to fly.
As she flew over that group she made sure to go around the large dragons too, some dragons were nice to fairy dragons like her, others thought of them as nothing more but flying lizards and didn't mind a little snack. Of course the intelligence of the dragon species was a factor, some were carnivorous beasts whereas others were compassionate plant-eaters. And dragons could be everything in-between. For that reason she made sure to stay away from the group with the three large dragons. Although the yellow one looked at her with kind eyes, the red one had a grumpy look to him.

The fairy dragon flew around the Hermit. "Mister Oldface!"
"Autumnleaf," the Hermit greeted her.
She landed on his shoulder. "Linda. That's how Mikhal chose to call me."
The hermit nodded. "Linda. Mikhal is there."
"Thank you." She flew up again and went to her friend. She noticed the two large dragons and decided to stay out of their way until she knew how they felt about her kind, but there were two of the cutest small dragons she had ever seen! They would be able to play together and have fun! And there were three human females, they would all make fine mates for Mikhal if he would be interested in them. And Mikhal seemed to have a new male human friend too, as they were talking.

Mikhal turned to Alan when he asked him for an estimate. "It should be something like that. If we keep up a good pace, I reckon we only have to camp two nights." Suddenly he felt small claws on his shoulder and something yellow from the corner of his eye. He turned his head to look at the fairy dragon who had landed there. "It's nice to see you again."
"Who are your new friends? Where are you going? Can I come too?"
Mikhal laughed at the waterfall of questions. "You can come, we're going to the Dragon Sanctuary-" he smiled when he heard the excited 'ohhh' from the fairy dragon "- and these are Ricky, Rai, Meria and Alan, with their dragon-friends."
"Hello everyone!" Linda said. "I am Linda Demi Autumnleaf."

Fiona had seen the fairy dragon approach, it seemed like a lively one. She let out a small growl when Trevor just swatted at her, but much to her relief both the Hermit and Mikhal were kind to her.
I'm ready," she thought to Rachel.
Rachel nodded, she checked the gear and put her bag on the saddle before getting in. "I hope we won't run into any trouble."
Or fly, Fiona added with an amused sound.

Noble moved to stand by the Hermit, offering his hand for him to shake.
"It has been a pleasure staying with you." He said with a soft smile, "I will make sure to return to you after all of this ends." He said before he rummaged around his pockets, "I will make sure to compensate you for your time somehow."
He glanced sideways as Comet slowly walked up to his side with a sway of her tail. "Are we off?" She asked, almost as if she was bored.

Rai looked over to the small dragon with a wide smile.
"A Fairy dragon!" She said with a softened smile, "It's a pleasure to meet you, I am Rai, this is Ark." She motioned to her Dragon, who bowed her head softly.
Ricki looked at the tiny dragon. "Oh. The. Gods." Ricki said quietly as she stepped closer to Mikhal. "She's so gorgeous." She continued before she gently lifted her hands in a way to show she'd like to touch or hold her.

Damien hooked his foot into it's part of the saddle before he swung himself over Orian's back with a smile.
"I doubt we will." He started before he glanced at Seb for a second, "But of course, there is always the trouble with the Kings men."
Orian let out a rumble at the idea of the Kings men.
Seb blinked before he looked towards the Hermit before looking to the sky. Aero draped herself over his shoulders quietly before she pressed her snout against his cheek.
"I'm fine darling." Seb replied to her question out loud, "Just thinking." Aero seemed to stare at him for a moment before she seemed to settle a little more.
Did I just... Seb thought to himself before he furrowed his brow, he didn't stretch out his mind again, as much as he felt like he needed to. "I'm ready when you guys are." He said to Rachel and Damien.

Duncan noticed the little yellow fairy dragon as was amazed to see one. In all his travels he had only seen a glimpse of one and now he saw one much closer and more clear. He chuckled as she seemed to avoid the Dwarf and Trevor didn't seem particularly pleased to see her either. Duncan had to mask a guffaw with a cough and clearing his throat when he heard Linda's name for Trevor
"Onwards," he said when he thought Noble was done with his greetings towards the hermit and he was sure not a hint of amusement was left in his voice. His horse seemed a bit restless as if she smelled something but Duncan assumed she was still a bit skittish around the dragons.

Gnol saw the fairy dragon and instantly his face dropped. When he heard her say 'Oh, dwarf' he replied snarkily with: "Oh, flying vermin." He was glad Trevor didn't like the beast either. There were worse than magpies. Lazy, lousy, treasure stealing vermin. Gnol followed Duncan. "That sounded like a nasty cough, maybe we should make you some warm wine with herbs later." Duncan waved his hand in dismissal. "I'll be fine, but thanks."

Alan looked up when he heard a new voice. "Hello Linda Demi Autumnleaf," Alan said examining the little fairy dragon. He could instantly give a dozen reasons why a companion her size with dragon intelligence would make a great addition to his particular set of skills. Small enough to get by unnoticed and smart enough to understand what needed to be done.
Terasivas looked with big eyes at Linda. "You're very yellow!" he said. "We're also bringing my best friend to the ocean! My name is Terasivas and I'm a big and strong dragon!" "rawr"

Crreessa didn't give any attention to the fairy dragon, she had seen them before and they weren't more or less special than other creatures. She could sense that RedClaws was glad that this particular one wasn't going to join them as he already felt annoyed by her way of talking. Crreessa agilely climbed on RedClaws back. "Which way are we going?" she asked. "And is it safe to fly in group?"
She didn't see her big dragon walking though the forest unnoticed either. He was bound to leave a big trail.

"I will await your return then, your majesty," the hermit said with a small bow. "Good luck on your travel."

Trevor huffed, they had to rely on skill, not luck. He watched the old dragon rise to his feet.
"Finally," the dragon said as he started moving. "I'm not getting any younger, you know. It's been a while since I visited dwarves, so let's make haste. I'd like to get there before I die."
Trevor had to admit he appreciated this dragon's bluntness. That was as far as he was willing to go - dragons were still dangerous monsters. He followed Duncan, but kept an eye on the new king. The last thing he wanted was for the boy to slip and break his neck.

Linda flew up from Mikhal's shoulder to sit on the extended arm of Ricky. "It's nice to meet you all," she replied, before looking at Terasivas. "That is an impressive roar," she cooed. "You are big and strong and the cutest thing I have ever seen!" She turned to look at Mikhal. "On my way here I saw a big, white horse. Stickyback said he would catch up."
Meria smiled at the name. "Then there is no reason to wait. The ocean is that way?" she turned and pointed, looking to Mikhal for a confirmation.
Mikhal nodded. "Indeed, that is the way we should go."

Rachel turned to Crreessa and thought about her question. "It wouldn't be safe to fly in a group if we want to avoid being discovered, but in case of an attack we would be safer in a group. I think we should travel together. At one point we will have to let the enemy know we are here and ready to fight, and it will draw their attention away from the new king or the dragon sanctuary."

Noble bowed back to the Hermit before he looked to his siblings. He hesitated to wave to them before Comet suddenly gripped his shirt collar and pulled her rider up onto his back, flattening her wings out a little before she looked to Trevor and Duncan.
Comet looked up at the bigger dragon and nodded at his words, she was never really in a rush, but it seemed like the time came for more immediate action.
"Noble is slow. I will carry him." She said with an soft chirp. Noble let out a small grumble. "I'm only slow compared to you!" He grumbled in reply. He looked towards the other two humans before looking to the Dwarf, "After you, Mr. Gnol."

Ricki's eyes widened as the small dragon came to land on her hand, her ears flicked up from their flattened posture before her tail started to wag. She gently pulled her arm to inspect the fairy dragon a little closer, taking in everything in her figure.
Mercury slowly slunk forward to stand behind his rider, watching the Fairy dragon carefully. She lifted her free hand gently to stroke the small dragon as gentle as possible with one finger.
The mention of going to the Ocean snapped her back to reality, looking up towards everyone else with a small smile.
Ark tilted her head at the Fairy dragon, moving to stand up properly now that Rai was finally up on her back. "I will lead." She spoke, Rai nodding.
"We're the biggest, We'll be able to lead everyone along." She added as she glanced towards Damien, who was staring at his sister with narrowed eyes.
When they locked eyes, both of them seemed to nod before Rai turned away back to her group.

Damien looked to his group as Orian fanned his wings slowly. "The Sanctuary is to the East." He started, fixing up all of the knots and ropes on Orian's Gear before hooking himself into position. "We'll have to land for a rest once the sun heads down, depending on how fast we go."
Seb nodded and moved his bag open for Aero to slide inside, he bounced a little in air before he seemed to hover and float on the spot. His mind was slightly unfocused, that voice had spooked him.
"You know you missed me~" The voice echoed again, this time more stable connection in Seb's head. The Voice was slightly feminine, but also rather androgynous. "Don't worry, I'm keeping an eye on you~"

Duncan led the way, making sure the very big dragon could also follow the path they were going. He glanced back once but when he noticed Trevor watching Noble he could focus on what was ahead, knowing Trevor was a skilled man who could watch Noble well. Duncan wasn't really expecting trouble here in the forest and it was no use to try and go through the forest with horses and dragons. He thought he saw large wolf through the trees but the shadow was gone too soon to be sure. It could explain his horse being a little skittish the scent of wolfs on top of dragons nearby.
"I know a place we can stay the night if we want to avoid the roads and villages," he said. "A family that lives in the forest a bit away from the roads." He looked to see if the others agreed, it was still a good while till it would be night but planning ahead was always wise and it wasn't much of a detour.

Gnol raised his eyebrow when Noble let him go first. "Sure, don't blame me if my horse farts though, they stink and you don't want to be behind him when he does, I can tell you that." Gnol wasn't completely at ease with having the King behind, it seemed safer for noble to be in the middle of the group, but he figured the dragon was good enough of a guard and quick enough to respond when needed. "Tell me Noble, have you thought about what you are going to tell and how you are going to word it when we reach the Dwarves?"

Terasivas beamed at Linda's compliment. "You heard that Alan? I'm big, strong cute and my roar is impressive!" Alan sighed. "Oh boy..." Alan turned his attention to Rai. He doubted if he should remark that bigger didn't automatically mean one would be a better leader but it wouldn't harm anyone if the biggest would lead for now. "I follow your lead, my lady," he said with a graceful bow. He looked at his dragon. "You ready?" The little green dragon nodded enthusiastically, "you bet!"
He walked up to Mikhal. "So, how difficult is it to befriend one of Linda's kind?" he asked interested.

Crreessa bared her teeth. "I like that plan, we are a distraction and fight anyone stupid enough to come for us." RedClaws nodded in agreement. "I have to say, I am kinda curious to see the Order. My brother always was very vague about it, mostly to tease me. It would be nice to walk where he walked and see it for myself." Her eyes drifted to Seb. "You are floating? You can fly on your own without a dragon?!"

Trevor grabbed the reins of his horse and stayed alongside Noble when he could, falling to the back when necessary. He wouldn't let the future king guard the back, even if he was riding a dragon. Duncan and Gnol could lead the way to the dwarves.
Much to his dismay the old dragon let everyone pass and took a place in the rear. Having a dragon close to him didn't mean he had to talk with it, and chose not to.
"Fine with me," Trevor responded to Duncan's question. He didn't mind where they would spend the night, as long as it was a safe place.

Linda leaned into the gentle stroke, but when Ricky stopped she flew up again to sit with Meria so she could great her.
Mikhal nodded to Rai. "Lead the way please," he said before turning to Alan when he asked his question. "Well, first you need one who is curious rather than suspicious or shy towards humans and let them come to you. Then you have to, erm..." he paused as he thought about it. "I don't think I did anything special. I just talked to her and played some music and I was going someplace she wanted to see so she tagged along. How do friendships normally form? But most of her kind will hide away from humans, they are big, destructive and dangerous."

Rachel mounted Fiona when she heard Crreessa say something about floating. She looked to Seb and noticed he was indeed floating. "Everything okay with you?" she asked as he seemed to stare into the distance.