Bright sun shone down on the coastal town torturing a great many of its already strained residence. The great expedition to find Alpheim’s Lost God, was soon to commence, and as such, the city of Merain was packed to the brim with those who wished to join the Government funded operation. Travelers, both honest and… those who were much less so, were tromping through the streets anxiously heading in all directions, buying, selling, and talking jovially.

One such man, was no traveler, or not yet anyways. One of the great noble families – the Lystraan family, had allowed a few of their adopted children to take part in the expedition as they saw fit. This was on the condition that none of them were in the same group, and as always, competed against each other.

Evergreen eyes glanced back toward the main house he’d known as home for the last 12 years. A home he was soon to depart from for an unknown amount of time, and should he prove very unlucky in the venture, never see again. It was a sight to behold, that was true. His adopted father was the fifth richest man in the kingdom, and he spared no expense in flaunting that wealth on everything.

Rashim Lystraan was his name, third oldest of the family’s five adopted children. Currently he was clad in blue cloth with white glossed armor, the boy did like blue, and looking good in front of others was important to his father. One must always look their best… as his father had stated on so many occasions.

His first destination would be the Government offices to sign up for the Expedition and to join one of the many groups heading out into the wilder areas of Alpheim. Two of his adopted siblings would also be taking part in what his eldest brother had called a great and wondrous waste of time. It was easier for the 23 year old to say such, he was in the lead with their father’s attention and affection; the most likely to inherit everything when their father passed.

“You’re still here little brother?” came the voice of the eldest himself. Wild slicked black blonde hair and eyes of Crimson gave the boy away.

“Goodbye to you too Westal,” Rashim said then turned his evergreen gaze back over the city and started his trek, it would normally be an hour to his destination, but with the city as packed as it was, it could be as much as two this day. Their villa, far up on the mountain side, was a great deal farther away than he liked it to be. Father said the walking helped build their character, so riding into town for any reason would lower them in his eyes.

“I’ll see you soon little brother. Try not to get killed without me there to save you,” echoed down after him a few moments later.

Cool crisp moistened air filled the morning with a sudden calmness. A young man ,determined, stood a the entrance way of a cottage. Behind him an older man that had seen his days worth looked on reassuringly. They stood in silence for they both knew they may never see each other again but what was being done had to be done. The young man looked back, but not with the grimace of farewell, but with a large smile that would make anyone feel safe and endeared beyond normal limits even with danger about them. The memory faded through the distance that had been traveled.

Honey glazed eyes opened upon a mountain side city, gazing upon something they had never before. Pyrrus recollected himself from the thought of the morning he had left the comfort of the home he had known all his life on his first adventure. His adoptive father had been a scholar who had traveled and known all and Pyrrus had adventured through his stories and knowledge, never really for himself. While the homesickness set in a bit, Pyrrus was more than excited to be experiencing his first adventure himself. Yet his bone's rattled at the though of what he might come to learn about himself and his long lost father.

The entrance to the city was low on the coast, yet the vast majority of the city seemed to grow larger and larger as its structures lined along the cliffs. His eye's had never identified more than a few smalls towns and forest filled areas. This was something new to be seen. Pyrrus passion ignited even further as he made the last bit of his trip to the city of Merain.

Pyrrus had never thought of leaving like this. To go off on some random crazy adventure that surely made no sense. Albeit, here he was. It had never occurred to him that he would be so desperately in need of this, not until that night not to long ago where he witnessed who he really was. Something that was unknown and mysterious, something that frightened him.

Yet now here he was, on some hysterically crazy adventure to discover more about himself mostly. More specifically he was heading to the capital city to sign up for the expedition of the lost god Rin. That night, Pyrrus had discovered that he in fact was a dragonkin, descended down from the might beast himself. That beast yet rest inside him. Pyrrus had never come to known another dragonkin due to their scarceness. Since dragonkin were frowned upon for being able to take their true form of the mighty beast its self, they seemed to mostly burn through there lives in disguise. Yet somehow all the taboo was connected to the lost god Rin themselves, and the fact they took on a dragon form as well. What better way to inform ones self than to start with the expedition of finding the god them self.

Pyrrus continued on with his mad thoughts drowning him before, not long, reaching the entrance to the city. It seemed to be a lower point. Upon entering, the tone of what had made the image of the city in his mind from its far away appearance, now a harsh reality. The city was jam packed with the tight space of tons of heroic adventurers coming all for an adventure of their own. As well as the hustle bustle of a port city, Confusion quickly over took the young man as the new found hectic atmosphere clouded his mind for the first time.

After staggering around for a bit, Pyrrus finally was able to gain a small bit of composure. His brown locks shook as his head gyrated like wet dog to shake of some of the happenings. He practically couldn't think. Honey eyes blasted around for some sort of reassurance that he was in fact heading the right way as he aimlessly trudged about. He had been told that he must sign up with the government... how the heck was he suppose to know exactly how to sign up with and where this government was. Thinking back about the knowledge his guardian had taught him didn't really seem to help in this situation.

Pyrrus thought about asking for help, yet he felt like no one would be able to hear him. "Gah, I'm gonna figure this out:" The young dragonkin let out a deep sigh and regained his composure as he felt a sharp sting of stress enter him. He completely relieved it, the last thing he needed was for anything to happen...here of all places. His eyes began scanning around but he couldn't deny that he was truly lost.

The long walk into town had been easy, but the walk through town had been more annoying than even the blonde was expecting. The Lystraan family and their adopted children were well known throughout the city, so most residents knew him by sight, but these travelers were wont to push past him in the throng of bodies moving every which way that they could. Sure, the travel through the noble’s quarter had been easy enough, but once he reached the Commons just below, things had taken that drastic turn. One would hate to see what was happening at the wharf right now.

He had to get to the governmental district, but to do so he still had to pass through the Merchants District, not to mention finish moving through the Commons themselves. With a sigh, Rashim separated himself from the crowd by stepping into a shop for a breather. He could swear that if he wasn’t wearing armor he’d be battered and bruised by now. Would he even make it to his destination?

His right hand throbbed and he rubbed at the top of the chainmail glove soothingly. The familiar feel of his Lunar Sigil, or magical channel, was soothing most times, but should he go too long without casting it had problems. He was just going to have to be patient for now. Casting any sort of spell strong enough to dissuade the throb wouldn’t result in anything pleasant.

“Ahh, Master Lystraan, How are you today?” A female voice caused the teen’s evergreen gaze to turn and take in the shop he’d stepped into. It was a f=confections store he’d visited quite often since he’d been granted a small weekly allowance from his adopted father. Naturally, that too was a test, who could do what with their money. He sought to be impressed by their management skills when he would throw money at rats to scare them away.

“Miss Florence, I am quite well, though it is a struggle to get around. No doubt you have been quite busy for the last few days.” He said with a polite smile. He wasn’t supposed to bow to those of ‘lower status’, regardless of how polite it may have been… father’s rules.

“Ohohoho, indeed I have. I had to hire on a new hand back in the kitchen. Are you interested in making a purchase today?” The woman queried with that winning sales smile that had drawn her in a great deal of customers in her younger days… or so she claimed.

“I’m afraid I was just trying to get out of the street for a few moments to breathe.” The blonde replied and straightened his ruffled clothing a bit, always be presentable.
“Well, before you leave, should you need anything just ask May. I’m sure she’d be more than happy to get you anything you need.” The woman said while motioning to a red headed young woman behind a counter serving small bags to the men and women in line.

“I will be sure to do so,” He said with a small nod before turning his gaze ponderously back out into the town. Should he take a short break now? It was nearly lunch time. He would hate to see how things got at that time… or more feared to.

No… he should get to his destination sooner rather than later. It was best to get things over with, and not be stuck in the crowd. Father hated it when any of them were late or put anything off due to adverse circumstances.

An elbow to the side, a shoulder collision, and a few other trifling knocks left Pyrrus a bit irritated. The city was crowded but no one seemed to care about any body else's well being, just their own destination. Maybe this was the way a busy city like this was, either way it didn't fortify ignorant behavior.

Pyrrus placed his hands in his pockets and nuzzled his face into his scarf, scrunching up his shoulders to take up as little bit of space as he possibly could. Hopefully he'd be able to fit through the crowd easier this way. His scarf tickled his nose, and he took note of it carefully tied around his neck. Golden eye's scanned about noticing the apparel of other people and taking note of their owner's own. Now looking, he seemed to notice that he was the only person in fully covered attire. A nice jacket buttoned over his shirt, a scarf in place upon his neck, even a small fur cape draped around his shoulder, and nice long pants tucked in his boots. One would wear this in colder weather. The blazing sun however made another point that it in fact wasn't very cool.

Looking more into the crowd everyone was sweating from the sheer body heat being given off from the large amount of beings gathered, not to mention the scorching sun warming. People would probably think Pyrrus was crazy in his attire..but it was very comfortable. As strange as it was he never felt discomfort from heat. Heck, he could hardly feel it himself. He had never really understood the way people changed their outfits so drastically through the seasons. It all never really made sense until the burning started. When he finally felt what it was like to feel the scorching burning of fire. But the only fire that burned him was his own longing for release. Other than that it kept his body temperature at a constant. Never hot and never cold. Pyrrus could comfortably wear what he wanted no matter what time of the year it was.

Obviously in this crowd it wasn't good to get lost in a train of thought such as apparel. "Oof" escaped from the dragonkin's lips as something slammed against his side and released the air that held in his breath. It was such a fast action, he wouldn't be surprised if a spark had escaped from his throat. Pyrrus put his hands to his knee's and coughed as he choked on trying refill what his lungs had lost. Expecting to look up and be bumped a few more times and ignored, it came to him as a surprise when a voice actually reached his ears.

"Oh....I'm sorry about that...I seemed to have nabbed you really hard". Pyrrus' honey eyes elevated up to where the voice had come from. Standing before him was a young sleek dark haired woman. Her eyes a yellow that seemed to be glowing faintly. "Well Sorry..." she began to turn and Pyrrus realized that he had been staring at her silently in awe that someone had apologized. The dragonkin quickly straightened his back and regained his composure placing his hand on the back of his head. "Ahh sorry about that, and yes no problem the city is so crowded it hard not to ram someone with all your might". He grinned and a chuckle escaped her lips and she continued to turn. "Wait! What.. I mean wait... I'm kind of...well really lost actually. Are you from around here could you perhaps help me find my way to the location I have to sign up for the expedition at!?"

The woman focused her attention on him from it's original goal on walking away. Her yellow eyes began to scan him "Ah you're looking to register to be one of those looking for something that's been lost for too long for anyone with sense to bother searching for". Her faintly glowing eyes rolled in their sockets before looking back " Uhhh I mean it's just I'm not into that myself..I didn't mean too insult you." Her words were apologetic but her eyes stayed eerie. "Well I can tell you that anything important with the government won't exactly be here in this part of the city. You might want to try the better parts of the city" She pointed in an upward motion. "Where exactly I can't tell you because I myself take no interest in that". Her arms uncrossed and she squinted seeming to examine him. "Yeah.. It's hectic just follow the crowd.. or you should find something more worth yourself". Grinning at her last words she turned and proceeded to walk into the crowd. Pyrrus tried to thank her for being...some what helpful but she was gone. He manged to catch glimpse of her fluffy white tail trailing behind her that he had not noticed before. The dragonkin felt a bit of uneasiness, she seemed to take some kind of interest in him at the last moment.

Still basically lost with no exact direction, Pyrrus was glad that he at least had some better insight of where to be lost at. Turning he began making his way to the next part of the city.

~

Another 20 minutes and the blonde had finally navigated his way through the twining masses of bodies the flooded the streets. His current location, the Governmental district, and it seemed much more crowded, were that even possible, than the other districts and the commons. Still, he’d made it this far, and with it being just a few days into the ‘beginning’ of the expedition the peoples spirits were still sky high, just like their hopes for tomorrow. Should someone finally find Rin, then the world, and mostly Alpheim, would be made right once more.

The death of Ral some 1200 years prior had thrown the world into chaos for a great length of time. Rin was only asleep somewhere though, right? The God was surely not deceased, it would have taken another one of the Moon God’s to do such a thing. Should the history books be anything to go by, then any battle between the remaining four would result in great damage to any surrounding area. When Rok and Ral had fought the plains of Midea outside of the Great Capital Varenhal had been decimated to such a degree that they became the Six Midean Lakes.

Regardless of that though, his destination was in sight ahead. The great gleaming white spire of the Expeditions Magistrates Office loomed in the sky ahead of him. The road he was on dead ended there. People he passed were actively recruiting would be adventurers to join their own group. Those that passed were easy enough to spot, and those that failed… much more so. Somber expressions were far greater than those of others. The Government would not simply send off anyone and everyone with their coin. You had to pass a series of test, from strength, to the ever more important Sigil. Those without Sigils would no doubt be turned away at the door. Others would fail in the Magical aptitude test phase, and then the Physical phase.

Sure, should you fail any of those tests you could always attempt to join one of the recruiters, or simply fund your own operations, but that could cost a great deal. Very few of the richer merchants or noble families wanted their children galavanting off on ‘adventures’ in the charted and uncharted parts of Alpheim. His father had been one of them at first, until Rashim’s sister had convinced him of the merits of being the family that had located Rin. So, the old golden winged man had ascented to allow three of them to go, so long as they understood that bringing back nothing to show for their efforts was akin to not showing back up at all.

He took a place in one of the six lines headed towards the doors. They were moving surprisingly fast, though it wasn’t like it was hard to check a Sigil. Some had no doubt tried to fake their way past that point. How would one check to see if a Sigil was real in the first place? He would have to ask Sister next time he saw her. The woman was an absolute genius when it came to all things associated with the Gods… perhaps that was one reason that she thought she would have an easy enough time finding Alpheim’s own Lost God.

Although he had gotten some insight from a mysterious beastkin girl, Pyrrus was still slightly overwhelmed with the navigation of the city. He had been told to make his way to a better part of the city. Hopefully there he would find the government area and find the place to sign up for the expedition.

A few more moments of trudging through the city eventually led him to the exact situation he had previously been in this whole time, lost in the hectic crowds of the cities. "Geez, you think they would have something to make this easier... a large arrow pointing to the location reading expedition sign up here". Pyrrus let out a deep sigh as he spoke aloud to himself. Not that anyone could possibly hear him in this crowd..he practically couldn't hear himself think. A headache began to form in his brain and a small flick of pain struck his chest. Pyrrus clenched his chest and felt a little worried. "Is it getting hotter..."

"Excuse me, did you say something about the Expedition sign up?" A small voice rang through his ears. "I heard you talking about a big arrow or something...and the expedition, do you need some kind of help?". The dragonkin perked up. What were the chances someone would have heard, he had hardly heard himself speak the words. "Uhhh Yes! Yes! I am trying to find the main area to sign up for the expedition...but you see I'm not really familiar with the area". The young nicely dressed woman smiled, "Ahh yes you're looking the Expeditions Magistrates Office. It's right over in the Government district. Just keep along the path and it should be pretty visible. A large white spire!" The young woman smiled. "Th..thank you!" Pyrrus was beyond surprised that someone had managed to find and help him in this mess. The dragonkin eagerly headed in the direction she had offered patting away a strange tickle in hist chest.

Pyrrus felt a huge amount of relief. It went from nothing at all to all that he could' have needed. It wasn't long before the large white spire came into view. It was something quite marvelous to look upon. Nothing his honey glazed eyes had quite seen in person. No drawing could match it. His spirit en-kindled as he finally reached his destination. Looking around he saw plenty of people gathered around. All of them must have been adventurers, all here to sign up and recruit for the expedition to come. Anyone of these people could find Rin. Of course Pyrrus dreamed that it would be him. But he wouldn't be picky. If Rin was found everything would surely get better. Even for his kind...somehow. The dragonkin rubbed his chest as the irritation surfaced once more.

The magistrate was plainly visible now. Lines filling the entrance way of the magistrate. All he would have to do was sign up and see what else awaited him. Maybe he could join a whole team! What would a team want with a carefree scholar's child? Pyrrus was definitely knowledgeable from all his guardian had taught him, but after learning he was a dragonkin he learned of the true strengths that resided in him. Naturally being a dragon entitled some great power. Even better the Lunar Sigils offered for a better way to control your element. Of course Pyrrus had not practiced much,,,he was but terrified of the fire inside of him. The dragonkin coughed and rubbed his chest as the irritation returned. What was going on with him. Was it feeling hotter..? He never felt hot.. Only when.. Pyrrus' eyes shot wide open as the realization of his situation came into mind.

Here the dragonkin was filled with his own dragon fire. An intense flame that had been suppressed deep inside him for so long. Now here Pyrrus was, surrounded by tons of adventurers. All with their own skills to be able to complete an expedition and of course the use of the Sigils. It was no doubt that there were plenty of people mastered with the skill of them and here he was, a walking gas tank waiting to be amplified. Clearly the Sigils were effecting his dragon flame. The sudden realization sent him into a bit of a panic and Pyrrus began to feel very hot. "NNghhh... Ahhh...no..I" Pyrrus fell to his knees as the burning began. The terrible sensation that scorched his insides when the dragon inside of him yearned for release. Sweat began to leak from his forehead. Was it going to get uncontrollable like before? Would he lose his senses and turn to the rage. No...it was just an irritant he couldn't let a small hiccup torture him. The burning intensified " Arggghhhhhh" the dragon let out a loud grunt of pain. Heads were surely turning now. Was he going to turn into a Dragon now? Be uncontrollable and hurt others and maybe even be killed. The Sigils!

Pyrrus had been taught about the Sigils and how everyone had the ability to process magic. Could he use them to help control himself. The scorching blasted his train of thought and he grimaced.. he had to try..He thought of all he had learned. Pyrrus focused as best as he could on the fire inside of him. Concentrating hard, he began to feel a pressure inside him. Was it the burning no it was a....Pyrrus' mouth opened and large flames shot into the sky being amplified by his Sigil. They scattered about and dispersed into tiny embers that began to rain. Golden honey eyes began to roll in there sockets as Pyrrus began to cool down. A sigh of relief escaped his unscathed lips and he slowly stood up. Pyrrus opened his eyes glad to be out of that situation. Tiny flames scattered around were the first to meet his eyes, followed by the gazes of others. "Did he just amplify a flame that large?...Where did he get the source? I don't see a match or flint or...Did he do that from no where....?" These were a few of the questions that he heard from some of the onlookers. Nerves struck Pyrrus once more, had he taken himself out of a bad situation and into a worse one? His mind floated with questions like that embers that rained from the sky,

Rashim had been standing in line for almost a half hour when an… ‘event’ occurred some three houses behind him in one of the lines. As if it hadn’t been hot enough hat day as it was, some idiot decided to liven things up with a fire display. Showing off was not something his father appreciated his children doing, and as such, the same could be said from all but one of the five. Shaking his head, the blonde went to turn back in line and allow whatever happened to happen, but something caught his eyes.

The evergreen gaze swept from one building to the next, thatch and wooden roofs… things might get bad if no one stepped in to do something. It wasn’t his responsibility, but since so many others were too dumbfounded to do anything about raining ember shards of fire, he supposed it was up to him. While a nice quick breeze would put some of them out, it was no doubt magical fire, lest the embers would have already diminished into nothingness by then.

He wasn’t really very good with the water element, and his own specialty – wind, would no doubt make things all the worse should you not be careful enough in the manipulation. The dull throb in his arm turned to a soothing caress as he flipped a small fan out of the folds in his clothing. Opening it up and deftly twirling it in the air the blonde conjured up a small tornado, sucking all of the embers from the sky into a single spot nearby where there were very few people.

It was a sight to behold, the swaying miniature flame shards twirling and swirling around in a dance that, should it go awry, would lead to a great panic in the governmental district. As the fiery shards settled down to the cobblestone someone manipulated the water in the air to extinguish them. With a shake of his head Rashim clipped the fan closed and placed it back from whence it had come.

People who had not the restraint to control themselves or their own power should not venture into cities full of innocent people. While he could easily reprimand the person responsible for the little fire dance, he would leave it up to whatever governmental body decided to intervene. If one even did.

Pyrrus breathed heavyily and choked on the char that remained in his throat from his latest spectacle. Well if he ever needed validation that he was a dragon surely him breathing fire would be enough. The young dragonkin cleared his throat and coughed a bit more. the scorching from his insides had wallowed but the after effects still remained, just like the embers in the sky.

The embers floated around like a magical shower warming the already hot day. They seemed to be charged with essence most likely from using his sigil to enhance then when trying to control himself. the dancing embers were quite a spectacle and Pyrrus could tell as many onlookers looked on in awe. But of course there were more level headed about. A few complaints about the embers raining down and burning, or landing on wood and catching fire emerged from some of the crowd. Pyrrus became a bit nervous. Many of the onlookers had witnessed him do the act so if anything negative were to happen they'd clearly pin it on him. Should he just leave now, come back and sign up laterv Would he feel guilty if something was to happen?

Lucky for him some others decided to take it into their hands noticing the problem as well. One in particular took the initiative to step forward and use his sigil to enhance the air. With a fan he created a small vortex that swayed into the ambers and caused them to dance in a swirl motion. The embers flickered as the air trickled their essence. Slowly they sparked and came to rest in a concentrated area at the base of the vortex. What a sight it had been to see. Another person ended the spectacle by dousing them away in water.

Honey glazed eyes swayed over to the initiated of the wind. A young man looking to be somewhere around his age. Still a bit far away to get a close look onto. Pyrrus wondered if he should thank him, but thought it best to make a scene around himself as the starter of the fire due to the fact that there seemed to be much as much scorn as there was praise to what had just occurred. Something however was familiar about the young man who simply stepped back into his place in line.

Pyrrus stood up and his ears perked to the conversation erupting around him. Some negative " Shows off can cause a whole problem for us all" and some positive "Wow that was amazing such power amplification turned so beautiful" Pyrrus twitched at the negatives and hurried into the crowd so no one would be able to face point him if the starter came into question.

Stepping forward, the conversation did not cease. A specific comment caught his ears " Ahh of course Rashim would take control of the situation, One of the Lystraan's adopted mongrels would surely take "control" ". Golden eyes widened at the mention of the name. Rashim...it couldn't be.. Could it?

Pyrrus eyes shot over to where he had seen the young man who had controlled his chaos. But from this point all he could see was the line. "I have too.." Pyrrus quickly stepped over to the line and quickly placed himself in the same one hoping to somehow cross paths with him. Pyrrus wanted to push through everyone and make his way through by force as the excitement overwhelmed him, the excitement that it would be HIM that waited in the same line as him.

Glancing up at the sun beating down overhead Rashim took note of how long it had been; two hours to get there, and roughly an hour in one of the lines. FINALLY, he was nearing the front, but that didn’t mean he was close to being done. He was thirsty, probably should have gotten the woman at the confections shop to help him after all. Poor planning on his part, Father would be angry if he knew about this. Glancing down, he realized that he should not have worn his current clothing and armor. Conditioning as he’d grown up could only take him so far, and the constant standing with the added weight was starting to throw him off a bit, or maybe it was a bit of dehydration.

“NEXT!” Came the call from twelve figures ahead of him. So close, but still far off. Once he’d passed this first ‘trial’ he was sure they offered something inside, they were a government agency, they could hardly be unprepared for what was to come. “You Pass, NEXT!”

The guard ahead of him continued. A small man in a long robe with a wiley look in his eye had the next person reveal his Sigil, which could be located at any part of the body. Lucky for Rashim, his ran from the back of his hand up past his wrist and wrapped around his forearm. His father had been fascinated by it for some time, a Sigil like his was rare, even for those who still received one of Rin’s. Flexing his hand he silently thanked the idiot who had misused fire in a crowded area full of houses and other wooden structures like tinder boxes. The wait may have been unbearable with that annoying throbbing in his hand.

“NEXT! “ How many people had gone while he was distracted? Apparently the remainder of them. “Ahh, master Lystraan, no need to remove your Gauntlet, you may pass.” The man said with a wave then Shouted for the next person.

The blonde hated how it made him seem overtly privileged and his evergreen eyes flickered behind him to the spectators. With a light shake of his head, the blonde moved through the large door before him next to a black wolf with a smile upon his lips. The young wolf was apparently very happy to have passed. He did not seem like one so well off. Rashim did not see his Sigil and had to wonder where it was, his back perhaps? That was a relatively popular location.

Not the issue at the moment, he needed to get something to drink. There should be a well in the courtyard of this building…

The line stretched a bit from the doors that seemed to be the entrance way. The dragonkin squinted his bright eyes and covered them from the sun to see further distance. He could tell he had gotten closer from when he first joined the line but a ways to go was still apparent. Although the line was moving fast, Pyrrus wished it would go faster. The anxious feeling inside him grew more and more as time passed. What if it was him? After all this time Pyrrus couldn't wish anymore harder than he was that it was in fact him. It also did not help the situation that he was also excited that he had finally reached the building and here he was in line to sign up for the expedition as well.

The line inched forward and Pyrrus finally was able to catch sound of the guards regulating this calling next. The sound grew closer and closer after inching forward between each next. The clear view of the entrance finally there in sight with out squinting. The large door awaited behind the guards and he could now see people entering after being cleared.

Soon enough the line in front of him dissolved until it only left a few others in front of him. Soon it was gonna be his turn. Finally he would be able to sign up and be relieved of all the crazy happenings of getting through this town. Between being abused by the crowds and drowned by the noise, Pyrrus was completely ready to be done with the crowds and be out adventuring as soon as possible. The dragonkin sure wasn't use to these large packed crowds and clearly they weren't very good for him either. He hadn't really thought about how so many people setting out on this adventure were in fact seasoned Magic users. It had been unbeknownst to him that just being around others Sigils en-kindled his dragon fire. Perfect, now he had to add large magic using crowds to his list of worries. He couldn't even imagine losing control in such a large crowd...

"Next!" a voice shouted startling from his thoughts. Golden eyes quickly shot forward to reveal a gap in front of him, Looking over at the guard he realized he in fact was next and by the guards irritated look he had probably shouted next more than once. "Gaahh! Sorry!" Pyrrus hurried forward and approached the guard. The guard didn't look displeased but he didn't really look like anything. Just tired of going through countless of people calling next. "Uhh I'm here to sign up for the expedition..." The guard didn't even bother to look at him yet. "Obviously just like everyone else here, well then let's see it". Pyrrus grew a confused expression from this line "Excuse me..." The guard was now paying full attention to him. "Show it me! Your Sigil boy, what else would you be presenting at a Sigil check" Pyrrus grew a bit nervous and swallowed "Oh I didn't realize there would be checks I thought It would be some type of sign in sheet!" The guards face grew weary "Well now you know just show it so you can move on or if you don't have one don't waste my time" Pyrrus began to detest "No sir I don't think I can.." the guard motioned him away and began to call next. "No wait I have one I just...." the dragon kin let out a sigh. Now feeling embarrassed.

Why might he, well his sigil wasn't exactly in an easy place to just roll up a sleeve. Pyrrus untied the cape from his neck followed by un buttoning his jacket and removing it from his torso. After his outer garmet was removed he proceeded to pull up his shirt, turning his left side to the guard. The top half of it was visible just from this. On his lower rib cage the top of the sigil took form and winded down his side. "There..." The guard looked on and noticed it was only partialy showing. "Sir I have to Identify your sigil before I can pass you, if you would." Pyrrus' face flooded with red. Of course he had to see the whole thing. All of these people were surely looking on as he lifted his shirt. He closed his burning eyes and unbuttoned the top button of his pants too loosen them enough to pull the left side down revealing the top of his left thigh where the whole sigil was now visible. "Ahhh okay go on in" the guard smirked and called next. Pyrrus continued to blush and quickly dropped his shirt while pulling and fastening his pants. He didn't even want to wait around to put on his jacket so the dragokin just slung the jacket and cape to his side and rushed.

Pyrrus blasted through the door face still just as hot and mind drowned with embarrassment. Passing through he thought of the name Rashim being said not too long before. Hopefully he would be on the other side of the doors and would in fact be who he thought...well hoped it would be. Not to mention to mention it would be quite humorous if the two had indirectly interacted with each other without knowing it.

Cool, refreshing, resplendent liquid cascaded down his throat sending shivers up the blonde’s spine. How could he have been so foolish as to go that long without water, father would be angry to learn of it. Best if he never do so, not that the evergreen eyes teen would do so. Setting the wooden ladle down next to the bucket he turned his gaze back over the crowd ponderously.

This many people had made it past the first phase of eliminations… not hat it was a difficult one in the least, but it still showed a facet of how many people were attempting to join in on the expedition. The next phase would be more difficult, of that he held little doubt. The ‘show your ability with your Sigil’ or ‘Sigil Control’. It would be simple enough for him, but there were those much less so trained in the use, and those who were just too weak in their ability to channel in the first place.

“Ohh, and here I thought you would have already been through here Brother,” came a female voice from nearby. The blonde forced his face to stay relaxed and unbothered by his adopted sisters light taunt.

”Phaira, I had expected you to already be on your way as well. Perhaps you are taking your time thinking that there is no real competition.”

“Hmmph, these peasants will never find Rin, they lack drive and conviction. Most of those who entered when I did couldn’t even pass the second trial.” The twenty year old sneered down her nose at the rest of the lard courtyards inhabitants.

“I expect that a great many will no doubt at least join in one of the larger groups that are set to depart sometime this month.”

“Below standard members will only drag the group down, no matter the size. Quality over quantity brother, Father taught us that much, surely you have not forgotten as of yet?” The blonde girl stated while turning her Steely grey eyes back to him in disdain.

“He also taught us the uses of a good pawn, and the weak are much easier to control than the strong. The masses can force their will, no matter how much weaker they are given sufficient quantity.” Rashim replied.

His sister merely smirked back at him. “Try not to die while out adventuring brother, I do so enjoy our little quarrels. If you will excuse me, I have a few A-listers that I saw in the trials to enthrall.”

The boy watched her go and shook his head, he would never understand women. His sister was the most prominent one he knew, and he could never fathom a thing she did. Father had stated that women were easy enough to control; of course, he’d told sister the same of men. One merely had to let them think that you had JUST what they needed, what they WANTED, and they would follow you around like a puppy… doing whatever it was you commanded. Sister had grown very good at that as she aged.

Pyrrus passed through the doors and into the large interior. Looking forward, the crowd inside had not dwindle much from the crowd outside. But alas it was more calm inside than the streets had been. Taking a breather he stepped to the side and let a deep sigh escape his dried lips. Releasing the embarrassment from practically pulling down his pants in public, the dragonkin re moistened his lips with a lick from his tongue and threw his jacket over himself more. Fastening the buttons quickly and tying the cape back around his neck. Golden eyes took a long blink and Pyrrus shook his head a bit before regaining his composure.

Opening his eyes and looking about he took more into detail and headed in. The entrance area lead into a larger area where all were gathered who had shown proof of their Sigil's. Clearly awaiting what ever was next. What was in fact next. Pyrrus twiddled his thumbs at the thought now. In fact, he hadn't really known that this would involve any test or checks. The dragonkin had come into this very open minded. Pyrrus even smacked his own forehead thinking back to how he asked there would just be a sign in sheet. Clearly this expedition was very important. That could only mean plenty of other checks. Pyrrus hoped that it wasn't anything to drastic...or at least he wouldn't have to remove anymore clothes.

"Ahh see you found your way". Pyrrus was interrupted and for some reason the familiarization struck the image of the mysterious yellow eyed girl..who else would recognize him. Turning he saw a nicely dressed woman...no tail. "Ohh uhmm hi..." The girl smiled and her small voice rang. "You forgot me already after I showed you how to get here" the girl let a playful pout fill her face. "oh oh! right I'm sorry it has just been hectic getting in here and such my mind is too flustered" Pyrrus bowed apologetically to her. "No problem! I'm sure it's been something for you especially seeing how you were lost in the city. I'm glad you were able to make it in fine and into the next stage." The girl smiled and went to go about her business. "Ohhh thanks...Uhhh wait..I'm not to familiar with this stuff...The sigil check surprised me so you can be assured what is more to come will surprise me more." Pyrrus blushed at is unbeknownst" The girl smiled lightly "Oh well you can just expect the Sigil use test and a Physical test and you'll be well approved of the expedition, no problem for you I'm sure". The girl bowed and made her way off.

Pyrrus grew mixed feelings. The fact of being tested was just unnerving, but it couldn't be too bad right. He did in fact know how to use his Sigil and a physical test couldn't be that bad. The dragonkin tried not to let it get to much thought in his brain.

Ahhh yes! He had almost forgotten, he had walked through the same doors as the so called Rashim that people had named the stopper of his ember terror. Now here he himself was in those same doors. Pyrrus had only known one other person named Rashim in his life and he would be damned if this guy wasn't in fact him. All he had to do was find him in this crowd. The dragonkin followed the area which led to a more open courtyard as honey glazed eyes continued to harshly scan the area. At first it seemed futile but he knew for a fact that this so called Rashim was in here. He remembered he had faintly spotted the vortex creator from a distance so he was sure he could identify his clothes once more. They weren't very subtle at all. This guy was the one they had called Rashim.

A bit more scanning and it wasn't long before his bright armor caught sight into Pyrrus golden eyes. Pyrrus heart skipped a moment as he looked over to him in much closer detail now. This was it the moment he would identify his face and be able to tell if this was in fact his long lost friend. His eyes slowly traveled up the figures armor nervously to his face. As soon as eye contact was made with the evergreen eyes a smile erupted on his face. "Rashim!" Pyrrus exclaimed his name loudly and quickly leaped towards him. "Oh my, I thought I would never see you again I can't believe you are here signing up for the same expedition as I am" Tears practically began to form in his eyes as he leaped over to him and hugged who he now knew was in fact his friend "I can't believe I'm seeing you..you're practically still as you were as as child, you haven't grown much since then!" Pyrrus turned to look at him sure to see him equally excited to see his long lost best friend. " And to believe you were already controlling my messes out there without even knowing it! Aha!"

Scared, out of his mind, that was the best way to put how he was currently feeling. Rashim could only be glad that his sister was no longer standing nearby… nor any of his brothers, and ESPECIALLY his father. Some random person had YELLED his name out into the crowd and rushed over to him, hugged him, and started to babble about the craziest of things.

The only thing he could see of the strange… male, definitely a male, was his brown hair. Strangely, the other teen, who was taller than him a good deal, seemed to know him from their apparently shared past. The blonde had known a good number of people in his eighteen (and a half) years. Somehow, his evergreen gaze managed to notice all of the stares, and there were a LOT of them. The brown haired person hugging him managed to draw a lot of attention with his voice.

The other person FINALLY stepped back enough for the blonde to take in his entirety, and not just the mess of hair and scarf… cape thing. He was certainly not dressed very well to do, more like it was winter than summer, his only clothes perhaps? Honey glazed eyes, a HUGE smile, and… he was tall. Over 6’ if his guess was correct, which it always was on this matter.

The teen fought back the urge to say something while thinking over the others words carefully. Had they met before? He would remember someone of this height, and he’d mentioned that he looked the same as he did when he was a child, well sorry for not growing into a bean pole. The last phrase caught his attention as he ran back over it in his head.

Rashim tried to think back to his childhood, he had a hard time remembering much before all of the lessons he’d been put through over the last decade. Certainly he would remember a giant of a boy though, wouldn’t he? A giant fire starting boy with brown hair, honey eyes, and a penchant for old wrongly climated clothing.

“Are you sure you have the right person?” He queried politely. Act natural, it’s best not to simply feed the a shark, they’ll only seek more. Perhaps that was who this was, one of those who saw someone partially famous or wealthy and was looking for a hand out. He’d met more than one of those. This was the first of them that had pretended to know him though.

Pyrrus held his grasp around Rashim until the blonde haired boy stepped back from him. The dragonkin's grin was so large it forced his cheeks up high almost shutting his eyes. He cold still hardly believe that he had some how manged to run into this boy. So many years had passed, he had begun to think he had fallen of the face of the planet. Rashim finally broke his grasp and stepped back. Looking down at his face , yes he had to tilt his head a bit down for he had not grown quite as much, Pyrrus looked to his facial expression expecting a huge grin in return. However such was not the case.

The evergreen eyed boy instead had a grimace of confusion across his face. Pyrrus' honey eyes connected to the shorter boys and he cocked an eyebrow at him. He waited for a response and when one came he was harshly surprised. What!? Of course he had the right person! How else could there be another person that matched his friends description so well and have the same name as him. But even more shocking, how could that friend had simply forgotten who he was. Pyrrus was so sure he would have been instantly recognized as well.

Well maybe not so much. Sure his hair had grown out more and seemed to have darkened over the year and maybe he had grow twice his size. Not to mention puberty probably hit him like a truck. Well sure he might have been hard to recognize but aren't there just some faces you don't forget. Pyrrus always thought his was one of those. Honey glazed eyes looked back over to the young man in armor, his eyebrow still cocked in disappointment and confusion.

"Waaahh? Do I have the right pers...Well of course I do! There's no other blonde kitten I know named Rashim!" Reminding himself of that he grew worried. This boy had no ears. His child friend had been a cat beastkin fully equipped with cat ears, yet on top of the boys head nothing appeared. Pyrrus pulse began to rise. Looking over him again he noticed that he was wearing very fanciful armor. The kind that the young poor lumberer's boy would never have been in. On top of that he had no ears. Had Pyrrus in fact made a mistake?

Pyrrus connected his golden eyes with the evergreen ones of the person in front of him, locking faces with him. No this was him! There was no denying it. This Rashim still definitely resembled the Rashim he had known too much to be some sort of magical coincidence. Pyrrus chuckled and grew a huge grin once more. "Stop playing around! It's me silly, Pyrrus! There's no way you'd forget me. The gods wouldn't allow it at all!" Pyrrus inched closer to him and placed his hand in the side of his hair and scratched around a bit. "Where the heck are your ears by the way?!"

Rashim didn’t know what to make of this anymore, truly he did not. The ‘kitten’ remark had drawn a light twitch to his eyebrow that he suppressed as best he could manage. While it was true he was a feline form of beastkin, unlike others of his… race, he did his best to hide the features. They were nothing but a hindrance to his daily life. The tail got in the way of so many clothes, and any form of hat required holes for the appendages… naturally. The human ears were fake… and annoying, but he’d learned to live with them as best he could.

The other teen’s smile looked like it nearly split is face, not to mention revealed gleaming white teeth… two of which were sharper than they probably would have been on any normal human. Some things you just couldn’t completely hide. The blondes own tongue flicked at his sharpened canines before settling back down.

With arms crossed on his chest he allowed the other to keep speaking, best not to interrupt the slightly off in the head honey eyes boy. The name ‘Pyrrus’ gave him a start, not physically of course, that would be unbecoming of one in his position, father would be angry at such a thing. A name he recalled… vaguly. Flashes of memories past by in his head as he closed his eyes; a younger boy, someone he’d met before the adoption twelve years ago, tree’s, the river, laughter.

Suddenly someone was touching his head and angry evergreen eyes flashed open to knock the offending hand away. “Do not touch my head.” He growled out, letting his defenses slip, father would have been cross had he seen the scene. A memory passed through his head that was quite similar.

”DON’T TOUCH MY EARS! STUPID PIE!” he cried out then turned and stormed off.

“You must have the wrong person, surely I would recall it should we have met before. Seeing as you’re new to town, I will let it drop with just a warning. I am Rashim Lystraan, not this… other person you’re searching for.” Those fuzzy images in the back of his head wouldn’t leave him alone, but he pushed them back down as best he could. Father had said that there was no need for any form of attachment to his past life, that it was best to simply forget everything from that time.

Before this… strange person had shown up, he’d done a very good job of that.

Pyrrus' hand seemed to have no boundaries at all as it continued to search the head before him for ears. He was more surprised than he should've been when his arm was smacked away before him. "Hey...." he quietly spoke as he rubbed where his arm had been smacked. The dragonkin's grin turned to a frown as a scolding followed. An angry one at that. Something was strangely off about Rashim. Of course he had never really liked his ears to be touched, even getting childishly defensive when they had been, but he had never gotten so scorned about it. Something was so off...so different.

Thinking back to the days long ago when he had been a child. Those days in the forest and by the river. He remembered the two standing together as they did now, but a much different air about the two. Of course they had been much younger and smaller and much more innocent. But he remembered looking into those evergreen eyes. They always shined brightly through that small face. As the memories flashed away golden eyes glanced over to the evergreen ones he fondly remembered, but there was something different. They shined magnificently still, but something was dull about them. Something so different.

Pyrrus grew sad as Rashim continued on to say Pyrrus had the wrong person and he surely would've remembered if they had met before. The dragonkin felt slight betrayed and offended. Sure it was a long time ago when the two had been a part of each others lives. But the pair had found so much solace between each other. Even at their young age he felt like they had the kind of bond that you never forget, the one that resounds continuously in your life. The Rashim he knew would've been like that... maybe he did have the wrong person. NO! he thought to himself. Something must have happened to him.

Pyrrus began to make excuses in his head defensively. It was many many years ago when the two had been friends. Pyrrus had even remembered that Rashim was bit younger than him so maybe his memory at the time was not as well endowed. Rashim was so different seeming now, something could've easily clouded his memory. None of the excuses made him feel better though. Deep inside he felt that it was just the kind of thing you never forgot. Pyrrus could feel this was the same Rashim, he knew, there had to be something to create the same effect for Rashim...something.

Pyrrus became a bit ticked at the warning threat. As if Rashim was better than him and could enforce and carryout such a warning. His eyebrows scowled as it made him more mad that the cat had become this way over the years. The anger quickly left as fast as it had entered and his expression returned to a much calmer one. The last thing the dragonkin needed to do was feel angry. He rolled his honey eyes in his head and let out a deep sigh before returning his golden gaze back to the evergreen eyes which refused to make contact some how.

"I do not have the wrong person! I know I don't I can feel it's you!" Pyrrus eyes brightened with determination and almost seemed to shine. Not exactly, they were in fact watering a bit. He closed them tightly "There is no other person I'm searching for, it IS you!" He felt a bit offended, how could he not know him, not at all. It hurt a bit. "Come on it's me Pyrrus..you have to remember me... there has got to be something...the woods.. the river...all those days...the day we found each other!" The last thing he had mentioned echoed in his head. All of this was getting to him even his mind began to feel a bit cloudy. His eyes opened again as the bit of water escaped them. Pyrrus moved his golden gaze over to the evergreen one once more hoping they would actually connect to his now.

Whispering and stares around the two seemed to intensify, it didn’t help that they were standing right next to the only water source at the Expeditions Trials Yard. A man walked up and looked the two over, eyes more on the ragged looking giant of a teen than on Rashim. The boy’s evergreen gaze stared him down and the man hurriedly drank his fill, then left.

With the man gone, the blonde returned his attention to the boy who had been speaking before the other had shown up. How was he supposed to resolve this situation? Sure, he remembered… some things, but that didn’t mean he WANTED to remember them, nor did it mean that he NEEDED to remember them. Father’s word was law at their house, and if he said that your past was useless, then it was useless. A thing to be discarded whenever commanded, just like one’s own emotions, pointless, and in the way.
His gaze flickered back to the milling crowd, some who continued on, and those who were standing and watching. With a sigh his gaze turned back UPWARDS to the honey eyed youth. “You’re words are… familiar, but that does not mean that I should remember you.” Everyone knew that the Lystraan family children were adopted, or anyone with half a brain to listen to anything said in this town.

With eyes locked, he calculated his next phrase as best he could. Let the other down easy so as not to cause a scene… more of a scene. The other already appeared to have a glisten to his honeyed eyes. He swallowed hard and spoke, “my past and those involved with it are unimportant, only the future is of interest to me.” He paused once again and glanced past the overtly tall person to the doorway into the next training area.

“And at this point in time, my future entails joining the expedition to find Rin.” the blonde finished and pointed towards the door.

The silence that followed his last sentence was more than awkward. The two looked at each other pretty much lost in the situation. Pyrrus had finally begun to catch onto the fact that he had started to make a scene. The eyes were poured onto them, even though Pyrrus never meant bad he couldn't help that his voice tended to boom sometimes. People even seemed hesitant to walk and obtain water as the ordeal even took place by it. Finally a man stepped by the pair and mainly eyed the dragonkin. Pyrrus tried his best to apologize with his eyes.

Pyrrus turned his golden eyes back to Rashim, waiting for a response. He looked into his face hoping he would all of a sudden get hit by a memory of him and all would turn well. Such was not the case. "Your words are familiar" Pyrrus perked up at these words. If he was a dog beastkin his tail would have been wagging for sure! " I knew yo." he was simply cut off by the rest of the sentence before he could finish. His heart dropped as Rashim finished. "Why shouldn't you remember me.....Why wouldn't you want too remember me? I thought..I always thought...." his voice became a bit shaky. Pyrrus looked at him, his eyes glistened in the light.

This was turning out more horrible than he could have imagined The worst he could have expected to happen was him simply not remember him and the two go from there, maybe Pyrrus would share a few stories of their childhood together the cat had some how forgotten. But this, this was beyond. Not only did he not remember but his friend had some how turned a bit cold. The dragonkin wanted it to stop, he wanted to preserve what little good memory he had of his friend and not have it destroyed by this cold new Rashim.

But Rashim was not having any of it. His next sentence even colder than before. Was it even more horrible then he thought. Did Rashim in fact remember him but simply chosen to not care. It came off that way. Pyrrus rubbed his eyes to prevent anymore water from forming. He definitely wasn't going to shed a tear. His word's stung a bit. Pyrrus didn't know why it was so upsetting. Maybe he shouldn't be taking things that happened to them as children so dearly to heart. But wasn't the most innocent time of your life when you were the most honest? Maybe it hurt because he had such an image of Rashim in his head and he would have rather gone the rest of his days with that positive image in his mind than this harsh reality. Rashim had in fact changed, and was someone cold, someone completely different than the kid he had known.

"How can you say that? The past is not important and the people in your past. They're the people who shape your life. They're the ones who are your friends and you're suppose to carry on with them in your mind! You're suppose to carry on with them in the future if given the opportunity again! You can't just erase them from your memory and throw them off to the side if you ever cross paths again! WHY SAY THAT?" Pyrrus' chest heated up as the yell escaped his lips. A sweat began to escape his brow. He looked around at all the eyes staring at him. Even guards taking notice. The dragonkin closed his eyes and let out all the heat in a deep sigh. Even a small amount of smoke escaped with his breath. The last thing he needed to do was go berserk in this crowded area. But the burning in his chest had begun. Too much emotion had strained him and now he was heated.

Pyrrus' eyes reopened as Rashim mentioned the expedition, which he had originally been here for anyways. "Well that's at least one thing we still have in common..." Rashim had pointed to the door which led to the training area. Rashim seemed to be a lost cause at this point. Even though Pyrrus longed to continue hassling him till he at least admitted he remembered he felt it would be very unwise to continue in his state. As upset as he was, he surely didn't want to hurt anyone. Pyrrus let out another sigh and let the angry expression leave his face to somber tone. Golden eyes traveled around the room and identified the people looking at them. Pyrrus then lowered his head in apology to the crowd and began making his way to the door. The burning still in his chest, now would definitely be a good time to hit the next part of the expedition sign up.

Rashim brushed past the large brown haired boy and headed for the door. A hand drifted up to his head as he shook images from it that he deemed unnecessary. “Quite the heart breaker there Mr. Noble,” a voice to his left. His evergreen gaze flickered in that direction and saw the black wolf from when he entered the Expeditions trial grounds.

The blonde’s eyes did not linger long on the rogue looking fellow and instead moved back to their target. He wasn’t about to exchange pleasantries with some nobody wolf. He’d had enough distractions as it was already. “Wooow, you must give the cold shoulder to everyone.” The raven tailed canine stated as he walked backwards alongside Rashim.

Was he just attracting strangers today? Perhaps he should have remained at the house like his elder brother had stated, it would no doubt have been much easier. “I am merely busy with the trials. I do not have time for pleasantries.”

“Ahh, you mean to say you don’t have time for anything fun. It must be harsh, being so high above everyone else.” The wolf stated drawing on his innate hate of that phrase. He did not believe himself better than others. Everyone was perfectly capable of the same or better than him should they put in enough effort. Most just did not try to do so. As for his status, he had to work like a ‘slave’ for his father to keep him around, or even consider him his successor.

He chose to ignore the wolf’s comment and continued on his way, fighting the urge to let his ears free of his hair where they were hidden, and his tail from its location down the back leg of his pants. (That must be uncomfortable).

When he reached the door… the wolf still in tow and who knew what other person happened to be following him… he was half tempted to turn his gaze back to see if the brown haired boy had followed him, but didn’t. it was best to forget him and simply move on. “Ahh, Mr. Lystraan, you’re sister and little brother did very well, I expect you’ll do no less.” The man stated and motioned him inside of the magic casting hall.

If he was lucky, he’d be through in here before anyone who wouldn’t leave him alone managed ot catch up.