[IC] ..::Ascension::..

[Rai]

Arc #1
..::The Death Cultists::..

A sea of black. Waves of erratic motion. An army of oozing black mud covered beings. A sky of black and a moon lit with silver light. Glowing its majestic hue on the heads of all below. The feeling was. Excitement. As if the nights air gave birth to wicked spirits of incessant laughter. The spectacle around blue flames was maddening to the mind.

A numbing experience it was to observe the numerous horrors being done all at once. Fornication, murder, cannibalism, and combinations of the three. A figure stood above it all. On a high stone sat a slender and necromantic being. A cloak swayed in the wind, a pitch black shadow that danced around the edges like the ends of the fire below.

There one could see, if one were able. To see the walls that surrounded the horde. A fallen, and ancient, castle of old gods and kings. No longer able to protest the wicked atrocities that happened upon their thrones. A hood cloaked the figures head. But a mask glistened with the rays of moonlight that touched it.

When the world opened to be ruled from outer realms was the day the era of torment began. A curse was cast upon us. We were once mighty, fearless, and unquestioning. Now we exist to ponder and wonder if what we do with ourselves is impure. Sick. WRONG. I wish to see things return to its former glory. I have a way to do it.

With your deeds you have awakened the dark angel. He who holds the door sealed. He who is one of our forefathers. And he who is the lord of death...

..The dark mass shouted in a wild and beastly howl of pleasure...

I know he is awake because the prophecy written long ago says he will manifest in our realm if the correct ritual is done. This will garner his attention for us. Once he is summoned he will no doubt respect our wishes to serve him. And in doing so we will be granted eternal seats in his dark realm. Possibly to torture those poor souls that end up there FOR AN ETERNITY!!

...Another rejoicing howl from the black mass below...

And so when the moon light reached the peak of the sky. And its rays shimmered upon the dancing flame. A flame burning with the hunger for blood and flesh. Angelic women, fair young and beautiful, being burned with it. Their innocent screams being stifled by hundreds of cries of pleasure.

It was then the moment happened. The darkness came. IT came for good, and it came for keeps.

A bellowing sound could be heard. Before a black hole expanded from the center of the flame. Absorbing all around it with a slow pull. This silenced the banshee like screams throughout the area. It was soon replaced with screams of fear.

A sound from so many at once gave the same heart pounding effect as merely passing the sounds of hell itself. Those incapable of escaping felt as their bodies were pulled in, and torn apart. Stones lifted from the earth. Dust whirled within it. The hole grew larger and seemed as though it would encompass all.

It's happening... Our lord is arriving..

The hole collapsed in a wave of darkness. A literal manifested shadow that swept over all. Knocking them all upon the floor. But soon they scrambled to get to their feet. A low hum could be heard as a thick blackness, two dimensional in nature, sat where the large flame pit was. There a large skeleton stood. With two large black horns on its head. Its eyes were imbued with a blue flame. It gave a menacing feel to it. Despite its stone, statue like stance. Unmoving or twitching even as those around it began to draw their weapons.

NO! YOU FOOLS DO NOT ATTACK!

One not so obedient moved in. His stature was large, larger than most. His ornaments displayed his deeds. Skulls, body parts, and blood. Lots of blood caked onto his body.

He had a dragon like appearance, despite a human form. He rushed in. And clashed his blade on the skull of the skeleton, which equaled him in height. All watched as the axe broke into a thousand pieces upon contact. An excessive blow back that would boggle any mind. However it did not end there. The skeleton did not appear to move. But its right hand was around the mans neck, already having him midair and helpless. Each blow with his fists tightened the grip of the monster.

Body...

A voice echoed from the summoned demon. The blue flame in its eyes turn pitch black and then expanded out and engulfed the man. He screamed in agony and fell to the ground as a lump of darkness, no longer retaining his original form in the slightest. The darkness then began to rapidly spread. Many trying to escape to no avail. The darkness reached about a dozen of them before turning to the skeleton.

Covering it until a new shape was made. The shape of a slender yet muscular man. A blue and orchid hue to his skin and red eyes that rivaled dragons. His back was bare, save for his flowing black hair, and so was his body. Yet at several feet tall, and sculpted to a fine edge, he commanded a respect that out weighed his lack of clothes.

He gripped his fists and looked as if he was unpleased. But not displeased. His nonchalant appearance demanded those before him bow. As they did. This made him smirk, then he looked to the moon. It was full and bright and beautiful just like his appearance. He truly appeared as a god amongst mortals...

[Rai]

The kingdom of Fotia. The volcano peaks sat high above the bustling kingdom below its mass. The clouds were below the volcano edges and formed a shadow on the heads of the several hundred people below. The day was in its earlier hours, but was well on the way. People sold and mingled, shopped and played. A vibrant and functioning society that would make any emperor proud. Even this emperor.

Fiery eyes gazing on the functioning lifts. Their gears rotating goods and people to higher areas of the city, those areas protruding from the volcano side. There was always a mist emerging from the ground, like an aura of milky white rising from the city. Their toils and cares all reaching the skies and permeating it in the form of clouds that blocked the sun from their already warm bodies. Not a person could be seen, within the walls of the volcanoes and the city that uses them, without a bead of sweat decorating some area of their bodies.

This mentioned emperor. This sovereign leader was Magnixx. His hair, dreaded and long, whirled in the wind. His position was high above the city. His castle was erected from the side of a volcano, yet it melded well with it.

It almost appeared as though it were a part of it. Lava flowed from a few of its stone dragon statues. All meant for design, but represented the power over fire and lava their people had and their kinship to it. His wings were at his back and didn't move except for the ends which danced like a leather garment. He stood on the edge of a ledge, where the wind was free and strong. Despite the risk he seemed unfazed within the dance of gusts around him.

Outside the walls sat the towns and the open lands meant for farming and game. There the atrocities of that lit moon night rose to afflict the Fotian nation. This was done in the same way to the rest of the lands. First the horns of a horrific nightmare sounded. Loud yet unpleasant in its tone. The horn was like the thunder before the lightning and gave birth to a growing army of darkness. Bodies, limbs, fragments. All were decorations for this armada of beasts.

There were indeed brutal wild men who lived by their own cutthroat regulations. But this was something else. Something more sinister and directed. A black snake the size of several horses peered its head from behind the horizon line the army marched upon. There, atop the Basilisks head stood a slender hooded masked figure. Next to him stood a elegant being that was indistinguishable from male or female. Long black flowing hair and sharp red eyes and facial features. A beautiful figure behind horrors too ugly to be redeemed.

They attacked. They raped and pillaged the outskirts of all the lands except for Nero. Those dark pitiful caves the outsiders live in are not worth tormenting it seems. Those soldiers tasked by the kingdom to protect the farmers did their best. But they were low in numbers and were overwhelmed. This called upon the powers of the kingdoms to help prevent the total destruction of their farm lands and free farm labor.

Magnixx stepped out onto the battlefield. A basilisk was attacking and helping the savages attack. This required his attention. However. He was not to lift a finger in this fight. Even as the massive reptile turned many people to stone and gored on flesh it didn't require the kings power. He brought with him a single dragon slayer from his guild and armada. This man bowed to his king before stepping into the zone of the basilisk.

A rare creature in these parts..

If it were not for the wild and vile outfits and tactics of these savages the many kingdoms fighting would think their enemies from Nero territory. But while basilisks were only native to that land it was not impossible to charm one under strong spells. One would reason. So the slayer stood tall, armored helmet shaped like a fierce dragon covered his face as well. His clothes were limited to armored leggings and gauntlets. His muscles were large and matched the heavy blade he wielded. Holding it downward as he approached. Finally meeting the beast only a few feet away.

With only a single second to process something was close to it the Basilisk turned its giant fangs on the slayer. A crash into the earth was met with a howling roar of flames. The basilisk's mouth was blown through by a massive pillar of fire. Crashing around the slayer were the parts of the beasts head that would have aided in its devouring of his person entirely.

Instead it decorated the ground around him with dead flesh and before him was the uncoiling of a headless serpent several times his size. He turned to his king who merely nodded approval before the soldiers of his kingdom cleaned up the rest of the aggressors.

One thing to note was that none of the pillagers retreated, many seeking death over capture or prolonged injury and doing so with a smile.

All over the lands were battles like this taking place and being quelled. Leaving all wondering who or what they were. The only answers being the notes left on some of the bodies. Claiming that, in terms only madmen would use, their ways of living is the true way. To murder, kill, devour and be the strongest all while serving death is the true way for a Descendant and the way their new god commands.

[Rai]

The battles came to an end. Those who were a part of it were resting in many of the towns. One of those towns was Sunfire. A colossal tree, hollowed out from the inside, yet still breathing life into its many leaves and limbs. Once inside the guarded gates you will enter a brightly lit interior. It was light from outside somehow reflecting inside like a glass ceiling.



The first level. Homes of those who live in Sunfire. Most are workers and shop owners. Though a home is always available for purchase through the temple.



The second floor. Shops and other essential locations. The shops were open. The temple was busy with injured soldiers. The Taxis were there doing their healing and mending.

The third floor is a circular flat wooden area on top of the tree. This is where gatherings are held by the Taxis and is decorated with stone statues of king Vrondi and angelic beings holding candle lights.

[WingsOfBronze]

A little seraphim, walking as fast as her small legs can carry. She stopped infront of the third floor entrance, looking for guards if there's any. She stepped inside, unknown if it's allowed for her. She came to gaze on the statues- to see it for the first time. She's not one of Taxis, who might've been used to seeing King Vrondi and the angelic statues. She used her air walking, scanning King Vrondi's statue first. She never have found King Vrondi's face once even though she's been in Sunfire before. She have seen Mirror once and up close but just once.

She touched the statue and checked her gauntlet, speckles of dust have been at the garment. "Tch. The statue have dust, I should say cleaning is a must.." She sighed in disappointment as she scrutinized the king's face as she moved on to go away, if she's not spotted yet.

[Eisenhorn]

The deft flap of wings carried a certain half dragon through the air, heading downwards towards the entryway into a certain town of Sunfire. Ansgar Staudinger mentally took a glance at his one side, a narrow blade pass having opened up a minor wound during that battle he had gotten caught up in. Some mad fellows, refused to do anything but fight to the last man, and one of them had gotten a sneaky shot in while the fellow was lying on the ground dying. Nothing deep, and it barely bled, but flying was exerting. Exertion opened up wounds if one wasn't careful, and even with his thicker than average blood, the last thing he needed was an open, oozing wound in the middle of the air. Apparently, from what the word was coming in from various places, this wasn't the only instance of battle mad folk running about, trying to loot, pillage, rape, the like, and that was not a good sign. It didn't take a soothsayer to see this was just the beginning, and he found himself muttering to, well, himself as he aimed to land a short walks away from the city entrance. No sense spooking anyone with an armed fellow like him literally falling from the sky. "A wicked wind this way comes. Question is, will it be a breeze, or a gale..."

Touching down just out of view of the main gate to Sunfire, not his usual visiting place but he could use a stiff drink while he recovered from his, albeit minor, injury, he proceeded forward. Hopefully, despite Sunfire cutting it rather close to Fotian territory, they would either not care for their criminals or, more likely, bounties, or not have ever caught wind or forgotten about such things. But approach the gates he would, requesting entry on grounds of seeking a place to rest after having gotten caught up in the fighting near Sunfire, which was likely treating the more badly injured. He had bandaged himself up well enough to suffice, so he wouldn't be wasting the healers time with a minor injury that would take care of itself. Not when there was likely far worse off folks more demanding of their attention. Assuming he was given access to the city, he would make his way to the Rest Easy, unimaginative name but hopefully true to its name. Walking in, he would remove his conical hat, out of respect for being indoors, and find a seat at the bar before producing several gold coins, the universally accepted ones minted on Fotia. "A stiff ale, when you have the moment. Thank you kindly."

[Rai]

@WingsOfBronze
The breeze from the outside air was stifled within the leaves that surrounded the open area. At least 25 meters across, well lit with beams of sunlight that shined through the vegetation, and empty. The roof of the building was surprisingly spacious yet empty given its size. Save for the small seraphim observing the calm face of the king of this land.. And a cloaked figure, unmoving as it knelt to a statue. This figure was thin underneath the clean cloak. Its wrists and hands were visible as they were raised to the flame of a statue.

The fire began to grow brighter as the praying hands of the person edged closer. "May the light guide our path.." The hood was not able to hide the gentle feminine voice of the woman. Her fair pale skin almost glowed when the sun hit it. She turned to the light to make her way toward the next statue. This one was next to Vrondi's and in front of the Seraphim.

She walked with a calm almost ghostly grace. With her hands gently clasped together she bowed when coming before the little angel. She looked up at the statue, a few strands of her long white hairs falling out of the hood and flowing in the breeze as she did so."He is truly a sight.. Even in stone his presence is felt by all who know his light..." She turned her head to the angelic statue next to king Vrondi's and clasped her hands together. The fire soon began to grow within the angels hands, which it held in both palms facing upward like a juggling act. After doing this she clasped her hands together and turned her head slightly toward the Seraphim. "Are you here to pray to the lord of light in this world?"

@Eisenhorn
"Here you go!"
A elegant and fair seraphim woman slid a brew across the table a foot across to dragonkin. His presence being one of the more rugged and intimidating of the three who sat at the bar. One was a simple Sol man, what appeared to be a trader with his fine clothes and gentle hands. The other was a simple drunk. His hair was a mess and his sad green eyes looked into the puddle of melted ice on the bar table. He seemed like a Sol as well, however with brown hair he seemed diluted.

The bar tender was a fair seraphim woman though, with long hair like fire and golden eyes. Her clothes were a white tunic which didn't cover herself from her lack of undergarments by a whole lot. The drink that rocked itself back and forth when arriving to Ansgar grew small suds on the top of it. With no ice and a orange hue at the bottom and red at the top. "Hope you like it! It's called Dragon's blood!" She exclaimed with a engaged stare and smile. Whether she found his appearance interesting or awaited a reaction to the mix was up to ponder. As the mixture was a strong mix of dark liquor and wine. Also a single drop of dragon blood.

"It's coming.. It's coming for us all but nobody knows it yet.." Muttered the drunkard. His slurred words growing more clear with each utterance. "I've seen it... Oh heavens I've seen the damn...!" He choked and forced down a drink in the process. A tear streaming down his cheek. It was apparent now this rambling drunk who reeked of booze was a soldier. His gauntlets and boots, branded with the seal of Vrondi, was proof of this. He let out a deep beaten sigh as the drink went down. "A darkness is coming..." He spoke looking into his drink. The trader scoffed, finished his drink and went for the door. The rest of the patrons did not over hear the strange words over their own merry times. The seraphim bartender only looked worried.

"I think you've had enough sir.."

[Eisenhorn]

Ansgar caught the drink when it arrived readily, a faint smile apparent, something that wasn't always the most flattering on a draconic visage like his. Seraphim, probably enough blood to give off that air of desire that lured a great many into their waiting arms. He'd crossed paths with a Seraphim bounty hunter before, she used that grace and air of desirability to lure in marks. The barkeeps lack of undergarments, clear as it was given her simple tunic, added to the allure that they tended to have. Thankfully for him, spending as much time on the run as he did, he had a sense of self control. Asides that, he had never been one overly focused on dalience. Not that he turned it down when the opportunity arose, mind you, most Descendent wouldn't, and he was certainly not an exception. He would keep that idea open, if her engaging stare and smile were not merely waiting for a response to the drink at hand. Dragon's Blood, eh? Clever, he chuckled at the name, showing he took no offense at the name or purported likeness to the very same blood pumping through his veins. Taking a pull from the drink, a healthy one mind you, the familiar burn of strong alcohol burning down his throat was a good one indeed. "Much obliged, best drink I've had in quite awhile really. Good to get off the road for a spell, doubly so with recent events, eh?"

Favoring the Seraphim with a feint smile, doubly so since he planned to be spending the night in town and no sense being unkind to her, doubly so if the style of dress and attention hinted at anything, his attention was drawn to the drunk. He had been babbling about an oncoming darkness. Any other day, he would merely have passed that off as idle talk, some doomsayer drunk out of his mind and drowning his woes a bit too far, apparent since the barkeep, the picture of concern, at least overtly, mentioned that he probably had enough to drink. Coupled with the recent surge of violence from battle mad Descendents, well, a cautious soul wouldn't necessarily ignore what was being said. The trader was unsurprising, he seemed to likely only care for his profits. The Sol, at least the mixed blood Sol, of a drunk was staring into his drink, and he took another drink from his before speaking, quietly mind you, to the drunk. "Those are grim words, friend. Speaking of the upswing of violence lately, mayhaps?" Ansgar was not unkind outside of a fight, so he didn't just drill the man for information, instead putting a lead out and seeing if he bit. Worse comes to worse, he was just drunk and out of his mind, in which case he could simply turn his attention back elsewhere and be done with it.

[WingsOfBronze]

@Rai

This little Seraphim did not bother look back as she calmly gazed at the King's Statue. She smiled in glee, at last, he knows the Kings face after years. The seraphim didn't look at the cloaked figure after- presumably, she finished whatever she is doing. Once the cloaked one asked, she smiled at herself, she did not learn any religious things for this clan. She did not bother. She did not bother learn the belief's of the seraphims as well, she didn't care, but she would know, sooner or later.

She answered, however, raising her arms as she placed her right arm under her face and the right arm's elbow resting on the left arm's palm. "No, I am not." She said, she cannot hide the bluntness of her words, but she doesn't want the cloaked one to get the wrong idea. "To discover his face at last, is truly my plot." She said, still gazing at the statue.

" I must say, he's the second "king" I found the real face. Once I found out I can sneak in, i jumped to the opportunity post-haste" She admitted her sin, if it was counted as one. She didn't bother to know if it was allowed to be here. She looked around, but not much. For any exits if it was needed, looks like the whole room can be used as an exit, they're in an open room, now windows, but holes. The tree itself is majestic.. mystical.

"(I'm talking with a stranger, how come I did not know the danger?)" She whispered to herself. Covering her mouth as she did so, she did it childishly. She looked back at the statue to cover any rising suspicion if there was any, of course.

She still tried to be calm at least, with an annoying smile plastered on her face as she gazed at the statue a hundred times taller than him. " However, I did not know if here I am allowed, (If not, I should disappear inside the crowd..)" The last part was whisperd and her mouth are covered again.

[Rai]

@WingsOfBronze

"Ooh.."
She said with surprise in her tone. She could be felt blinking at the seraphim despite her face being covered. However from below one could see her small lips and acute jawline. "Perhaps you were right to sneak here.. There are not many that come up here beyond prayer." She lifted her clasped hands to her chest as she spoke the words. Prayer.. She thought.

"Little seraphim.." A small pause as the wind passed with a whistle. "You have a strange way of speaking. Though I do find it quite enjoyable... My name is Luna. I tend to the fires.. and other aesthetics of this place." She looked to the statue of Vrondi again, looking into his face and empty stone eyes. "Do you know the way of prayer?" She spoke without turning her head. This one seems quite young... She thought.

"The way we pray to the lord of light, as commanded by his very own mouth. Whatever feeling light gives you must be harnessed and meditated on. Whether joy, clarity, or fear.. whichever way you embrace the light there is no wrong way." Her hands began to glow softly as she held them to her chest. Soon the light escaped from her hands as small particles that lifted like dust into the air.

"Then ones soul will shine with its own pure light... That is all he asks is for us to find our own light... Do you wish to learn?" As she said this her head turn to look down on her visitor. Her crimson right eye becoming visible beneath the shade of her hood.

@Eisenhorn

Glad he enjoyed the drink the young seraphim woman smiled with satisfaction. Perhaps the sobbing of the drunken soldier went on too long for her and she needed to please a customer or two. She began cleaning some of the cups off as she noticed the dragonkin begin to speak to the man. In a tone that was reconciling and apathetic. Calling her attention to make a few drinks for her coworkers who were serving the other customers around the bar floor.

"It's not a fucking uptick..." He spoke from emotion. Barely glancing at or registering Ansgar's appearance. "I've never seen so much death.. All of my companions are dead, terribly cursed, or injured beyond repair... Soon I will be too.." He took his last gulp and slammed the glass cup on the table. Cracking the cup between his armored fingers as he did so. This loud snap whirled the bartender around. "Take it from my tab.. I'll be dead by tomorrow.." He dropped a sack of gold and silver coins on the table before the bartender could protest. The amount brightening up her face as she swept it away and placed it on her thin rope belt around her slender waist. "Thaaank you sir!" Either the money or the loud patrons defeaning her sense of apathy.

"We expect another attack tonight.. another fucking slaughter no doubt.." He finally took the moment to look at the one he spoke to. This time more directly. His lack of a full drink in hand gave him a moment to speak without too much distraction. "Then there was the one we saw..." He spoke ominously now. Slower and with a gentle and calm expression taking over his face rather than a beaten and scared one. Perhaps he resigned to.. "Death.. Their proclaimed god who stood above them all. Merely watching us defend ourselves from his fanatic followers.." He shifted in his seat as if he sat there too long.

"I know necromancers.. I know those who play with death like gods. But this one.. He seemed to be the source of it all.. I don't know what it was. But he seemed beyond any of that.." He almost smiled now. His teary eyes dried as he was able to speak with someone with clarity. "My name is Gaien (Guy-en)... I apologize for my ramblings.." He lifted two fingers to rub his weary eyes. Seeming to recover slowly from his haze of drunken depression to being simply drunk.

[WingsOfBronze]

The seraphim raised a brow and smiled. She wasn't expecting this, of course. She crossed her arms, not leaving her eyes towards the mighty statue. Now what she could think of, is the power of light are also in shared throughout cities, or is it? She asked herself. Maybe it was only shared in Sunfire.. the land of.. what was it called? Nero? She hasn't been there, not interested either. What she thinks now is that, the chance of having light in that savage place are lower than dirt. In her opinion, of course.

" I must say, here they liked to pray." She started, closing her eyes and shaking her head a little. She still wore a patient smile on her face, still gazing at the statue. "But is prayer for hope? So they- people can cope? I'm sorry if I'm rash. I'm curious so I'm brash.." She said apoligetically, but her face was still neutral, gazing at the statue still. Better enjoy it while you can, right?

[Eisenhorn]

Ansgar was quiet while the man spoke at rather great lengths about his own personal problems. Well, not personal, apparently him and quite a few others had suffered at the hands of some apparent leader of some sort or another. However, had he been another person he wouldn't have seen the look in his eyes as anything more than just sorrow. But the draconkin had seen that kind of look before, many years ago in the slave pits. The ones set against impossible matches, resigned to their fates to be slaughtered for the enjoyment of others. The man spoke of the fact that many of his comrades were dead, or worse, and that he was going to join them by tomorrow. It sounded like the survivors fit for combat would not be able to muster the numbers to stand against them. Then this soldier spoke of the leader of the attacks, Death apparently, a god above the fanatics that refused to withdraw and fought to the death. It wasn't something most were ready to fight like, msot conventional armies and soldiers would fight hard, and would die, but not to the death typically barring unusual circumstances. Facing a foe that does not fear death requires a certain approach, an approach that most did not grasp.

The soldier wrapped up with his name and an apology, this Gaien, as he seemed to rise back up to drunk instead of drunken depression. An improvement, mind you, but drowning one's sorrows got one nowhere. Not that he planned to call the soldier out on this, it would be in poor taste and, if the man spoke truly, he drank for the dead as much as he did anything else then. Rather, he nodded quietly, the din of the other tavern revelers being notable enough to keep the Seraphim busy it seemed. Shame, she was nice eye candy, but if there was to be another attack on this place tonight, they might not be able to spare sword arms to be dallying with such lures. "Your apologies are unnecessary, Gaien. Most folk would be in such a state of mind if they saw the same as you seem to have, so I hold no ill will towards you for ramblings. They intend to come here, then?" If that was the case, then Ansgar had two options, really. Run, and have to sleep out in the woods somewhere, or stand his ground here. While he wasn't one to go seeking a fight, he would definitely be one to stand his ground and fight if need be. And it gave him an excuse to remain here as well, if violence broke out, it would be a short, quick flight into the fray. If not, he might have good company for the night then, not in Gaien but in the bartender, if things went smoothly enough.

[Rai]

@WingsOfBronze

The words silenced her. Prayer for what? "Oh little one.. Prayer does and means a great many things. For those who serve the light our prayers strengthen us. Give us the ability to undo the creeping darkness of death. Or to bring judgement on those who seek to spread darkness. For most it will bring them a sense of peace in times of turmoil.." She looked at the angels standing to the right and left of the Vrondi statue. "If we speak through our souls even the creator of us all will hear it."

She watched flame dance as the breeze came through again. The winds blew a chilled air into the atmosphere and gave those in a sense of the cool night air to come. She then began to kneel down. As she did so she turned to face the seraphim. Her head reaching the same height. This made her crimson eyes visible beneath the hood and silver strands of hair. She had no pupils and her eyes were piercing, a yellow hue in the light that hit it.

"You have a light of your own. What is it you want from life? I'm sure a young one such as you could grow to be a mighty wielder of light." She didn't know this ones age. But her own age seemed fairly young. "I can teach you.." As she spoke she attempted to take the hand of the seraphim and place it between her prayer hands. "This is strange.. I can feel your soul.. It's quite substantial for your age.."

@Eisenhorn

The bartender returned to clean the broken cup and the liquid that pooled on the wooden surface. The rowdy noises of the patrons began to settle down as their desire for food and drink were being satiated. However a holler of laughter still broke the ambient chatter every once in a while. The hums of the bartender could be heard as she subconsciously recited the tones of a song.

"They would never come here.." He said with widening eyes. "The armored guardian of the king won't allow a single one to touch the barrier that protects this place.. Only problem is it won't go beyond that. Leaving us to fight what occupies our lands.." He stumbled a bit on the seat as his butt slid off the edge for a second.

"If they did find a way to get through that guardian however.. Perhaps.." He looked him in the eyes for a second before blinking away in thought. "This tree has been here for nearly a thousand years.. At least that's what they say. For it to fall to fanatics.. Impossible.." As he spoke that final word the door swung open behind them. A elite soldier fully armored in the slender shining metals stepped in and toward the drunken soldier.

"Gaien.. There you are! You cannot hide out here." A female voice came from beneath the sturdy figure of the soldier. Her helmet hid her top half like a eagles beak. However her white hair and pale skin indicated a fully blooded Sol woman.

"I expected captain would send one of his dogs for me. I was having a chat with my good friend here." He drew a blank on the name as his hand gestured a reveal, only to curl back in apology. "Listen." He attempted to posture himself as he stood up. The presence of a fellow soldier seeming to put a rod in his spine. Though he was struggling. "You seem like a capable one." He eyed the blade at the dragonkin's side. "We are looking for capable warriors to help us. For mercenaries the pay is well. Far better than what we get.." The female soldier stomped a foot at his comments. "Sorry.." He said looking sheepishly at the boots of his peer. "..come if you will.. But I wouldn't recommend it.."

[WingsOfBronze]

@Rai

The seraphim grinned as she heard the 'young one' " Ohohoho! You say I'm young a compliment that is!" She laughed loudly. She faced the cloaked figure with a smile on her lips, leaving the statue of Vrondi for a while as she scanned her. "A lady like I am, is already in her thirties!" She admitted loudly as she giggled at it, then turned around to face the statue again, sighing. " I enjoy people calling me young, haha!" She blinked as she finished her sentence.

Then, the seraphim spoke once again, but now with a smile. " Sure, I'll learn how to pray. Might help calm me when I'm a prey." She said then smirked. " It doesn't hurt to believe, in some times it might help me relieve.." She sighed once again.

"Sure, I'll learn, show me how. So my stay in Sunfire be worth it somehow." She said, facing the cloaked one again, a smile on her lips as she looked up to see her crimson eyes. " My name is Shanna anyway, don't forget or I'll make you in any way." The last part is a bit serious but she laughed it off her whole body moving as she did so.

[Eisenhorn]

The man certainly seemed to calm down a bit as he continued to speak, Ansgar noted, as Gaien mentioned it to be impossible for these fanatics to breach the barrier that the King's Guardian put forth for the town. Immediately, the dragonkin was sceptical of this, and could only imagine how unprepared the town would be for a real fight, if they had relied so often on the barrier and this guardian. No matter how potent any singular being was, sheer numbers could overwhelm them in the right situations. At a certain point, the quality of the few was just overwhelmed by the raw quantity of the many. And if the stories this man gave were true, these fanatics had numbers. But he wouldn't openly speak such things, the man was broken enough as it was, whether it was just when drunk or period he could not readily decide on. Yet, when the female soldier came in, wearing some sort of fancier armor, he cocked an eyebrow. He never favored armor, his dragonic features slowed him enough as it was without adding armor onto it. He had practiced and trained to not let such things slow him, the slave arenas saw to that, so the last thing he intended to do was go and slow himself down again.

However, the offer for work caught Ansgar's attention. He always needed more coin, and if the pay was halfway decent, he might be able to kill multiple birds with one stone. Make some coin, investigate this madness since it had caught his attention, keep away from the populated areas that might recognize him, even after all these years. As tempting as one might find it to stick their head in the sand and hide in a tavern, that wasn't the kind of person the dragonkin was. Downing the rest of his drink in one go, he rose from his seat, far steadier on his feet and putting his height over most average descendant on display, something that had not been apparent before from how he had been seated at the bar of the tavern. "Recommended or not, I am in need of work as of late. Not in dire need, mind you, but no one can go forever without working to some degree."

[Rai]

@WingsOfBronze
Holding her hand made the light that emitted from it grow brighter. The light enveloping the little hand in between hers began to expand around Luna's hand. "Ooh.. I apologize. I felt as if there was something different about you." Her eyes could be seen beneath the hood as she eased in closer to match eyes with her.

The light from around their hands began to take form like a mist, rotating and escaping into the air continually. "You may have already been a student of one who knows how to pray.. But there are many ways to pray.. And only one way the lord of light approves of."

She closed her eyes as her lips folded into a gentle smile. She tilted her head back some as she escaped into a vision. Like a relaxing breeze she breathed in the vision of the complexity of the seraphim's soul.

Her hands were warm and soft like silk. Her nails were not trimmed and had a blue tint and a sharp edge. Giving her hands a elegant look.

"Imagine light.. How does it make you feel?"

After the answer she continues. "Now clear your mind of everything but that feeling and the image of light in your mind.."

Soon the milky white light, or aura, emitted from the seraphim woman. Escaping from her head like fire or smoke dancing in a ethereal wind. "This is the calling of the soul.. This is what makes us closer to our ancestor. The elder of us all, the one true seraphim." She let go of her hand. Placing them on her lap.

----
@Eisenhorn

"Y-You're serious.." His eyes widened and pupils shrank as he stared into the scaled man with disbelief. He then stumbled forward and was caught by the female soldier with one arm around his chest. "Damnit Gaien.." She spoke softly, her stone demeanor melting as she caught him. The tone of concern in her voice.
"Don't worry about me.." He said as he used her to hoist himself to his feet. He turned to the exit but turned his head before leaving to look at him.

"If you're truly serious then follow us. We can take you to our barracks where our captain is. He'll take care of the rest.." With help from his comrade he turned and began to walk out of the small building's front exit.
"Bye have a nice day!" Could be heard from the bartender as she waved goodbye.

The main paths of the shopping district connected to the taverns, temple, and other services. The shopping circle were low income traders selling food, clothes and other goods in the open air. The ground was surprisingly flat and each step was softened by the thick grassy moss that acted as a highlight on the walking paths. The outside areas of the path were wild grass and flowers of various colors and natures.

"I can't believe you Gaien.. First you drink. Now you drag some shady scale skinn to the captain..." She half whispered this in a fustrated tone, though her hand never left his chest as his arm was around her shoulder, still supporting his stumbling walk. He didn't have much of a reply. As he walked with closed eyes and sucked in air to fight back something welling within him. He placed his free left hand over his lips. Taking the message she moved him over to a grassy alley between two buildings. They stood in front of the town circle where traders of different styles and lands sold their valuables. The temple was visible, the temple where the emergency injured were being taken care of.

Gaien was busy kneeling down into the grass and spitting up something his bodies frame blocked from sight. No one seemed to notice a soldier puking in the corner as the daily festivities went on like a festival. The colorful robes, hats, hairs, eyes, scales and more diversified the landscape of heads rotating around the circle. Within the middle of the circle was a statue of what was supposed to be Mirror.

The depiction wasn't anything but a bird like dragon. Elegant and gentle looking as it gazed into the crowd of people. There were at least 50 people here. "I apologize for this one." Said the soldier girl. She crossed her arms in fustration. "But you shouldn't come to this battle if you know what's good for you. Unless ofcourse you plan to cut and run when it gets tough. Then it will be just like any other battle..." She could be felt judging the man already. Though her eyes were not visible her aura was that of a noble soldier, very different from a champion of the bloodied ring.

[WingsOfBronze]

@Rai

The seraphim smirked. She is indeed different among the others, the thought gave her the urge to laugh. She shan't. Not to be rude, of course. As the light illuminated from their hands, she couldn't help but to gaze. It was warm. The light rotating around her, she smiled as she moved and followed the light, yet it was rotating on her body, so she shifted and move just to follow it.

Shanna have closed her eyes as their hands held still, the question she was asked, she responded. "I feel embraced with warmth."

She clears her head of every million wonder running through her head and focused on warmth. Heavenly warmth it is. She can't help but smile cutely.

(Sorry for my sudden inactivity. It's summer so I have tons of time but the wifi broke off and stuff so I can't go on the line)

[Eisenhorn]

The dragonkin met widened, shocked, eyes of the soldier with an even gaze, the look in Ansgar's own eyes steady and unwavering. One drink wasn't anywhere remotely close enough to get him in a state unfitting to function or talk about his employment with the soldiers. Indeed, if it was as simple as the Captain making an offer, than it would be easy enough to work with. Raising his hand in farewell to the barkeep, sad as it was to leave so soon, he had been honest in the fact that he would need more work soon. The coin from his last job, some caravan work, had been running low enough to prompt him to start seeking new work. The fact it, for all intents and purposes, walked through the door and made itself available was rather, well, convenient. Following after them, he pretended to not hear her comments on a shady scale skin, as they went back and, well, back really. The drunken fellow was not readily responding much to the female soldier, apparently set rather intently on not vomiting most likely. And the man failed, stumbling into the grass to vomit while the woman said her first words directly at him.

Ansgar knew when he was being judged, and he could see the subtle cues. Her stance, tone of voice, even the way she carried herself. Nobility, or at least the graces of it, it stank like an all too familiar pervasion that wormed its way about. Yet, unlike her, he reserved judgement for now. He knew next to nothing about this woman, who she was, why she fought, so on and so forth. Hasty judgements were dangerous, possibly more so, compared to delayed ones. "Hardly your fault for a man drowning his sorrows. However, I have a simple rule in regards to jobs. I take someone's coin, I see it through, to the bitter end if need be. All folks like me have left are their word, and if they break that? Well, you can imagine how that song and dance goes. Hardly expect you to believe words alone, you don't look stupid enough to be the sort for that, but staying one's judgement might be prudent. Looks are deceiving, at the best of times. Even for a shady scale skin like me." The visage of a smirking dragonkin was rarely a pleasant one, but the fact she could be judging that quickly was entertaining. Sure, his gut instinct wanted him to judge her for her noble airs, as being little better than the ones that sat, getting fat on the spoils of progress and the toils of their underlings, enslaved and free alike. But he didn't, for a variety of reasons, most notably her caring manner towards the drunken one, unusual for one of classical noble standing.

[Rai]

Only being at shoulder length to the dragonkin made her look to the left. This was to stave her instinct of being intimidated from first glance. Dragons and their kin were almost always more deadly. This fact kept her rapier in its sheath.

When he was done she turned her head to look at him. Who was he to be so confident? His blood was impure. "Hm.."
She looked at his stature. Not royalty by any means. But solid like a hardened warrior. The odor was not sweet that was for sure, and his blade's hilt looked partially faded in color. Worn, used and perhaps quite well to have this.. man. Still be alive. At least this was what she thought as she analyzed the dragonkin. His scar was exceptionally telling.

"I suppose you don't seem the type to run often." She conceded with a hint of distaste. Her petite lips that protruded above her thin chin pursed instead of frowned now. Though her impatient posture never changed.

"Alright.." Gaien coughed out. With a uncharacteristic burst of energy he slapped his hands on his knees and lifted himself up effortlessly. He turned on a dime and began to march away from his spewed mess in the direction of the temple. He passed by the two rather swiftly, walking in more of a soldier like form. A sign of sobriety?

Catching up to Gaien the three entered the Temple's two large and highly decorated doors. Angels and feathers carved into the doors with a breath taking design. The inside of the temple however was far more simpler. Several stone white pillars vertical to each other went down the far right and left walls with plants wrapping up their sides. To the far right was a desk where a handful of helmeted soldiers stood upright.

At the desk sat a man in more decorated armor. Thicker in size, silver and markings engraved into his armor in gold and emerald green. His size was a bit formidable as well. His proportions being almost twice that of the average soldier around him. His hair was long and white and his horns that sat on the sides of his head were like miniature antlers on a deer. His piercing yellow eyes shined like sunlight in the dim temple light. His hands swiftly and tirelessly inked letters onto paper.

Gaien approached the desk. Walking even more sternly than when outside the temple. "Sir." He said once reaching the front of the desk. The other soldiers standing side by side next to the man at the desk, who did not look up to see Gaien. "Yes?" He replied with a uninterested and occupied tone. "I have a mercenary looking for work. More specifically our work.." The mans pen stopped. The feathers on the ends of it seemed to move with a strange wind no one else could feel. He looked up, yellow pupils looking the dragon up and down. "I suppose that's fine.. What is your experience?" His voice was elegant and echoed like expanded vocals. His left eyebrow raised a little adding to his inquisitive expression.
@Eisenhorn

Smiling along with her Luna mutual projected a pleased feeling. A form of light within itself. "Despite your age you have the heart of a child it seems. This is good. For the light within us comes out stronger with purity." She let her little hand go as she began to stand up. Lifting herself up from her knelt position in one motion.

She placed her hands together and hanged them to her center. "My attendance to the flame is complete for this day. The night will soon come." Her head turned to the sunlight at the final wording. "Let us descend to the lower levels." She took one final look at the Vrondi statue and bowed before turning and gently walking to the entrance / exit.

The large wooden door was opened with a gentle push. It's hinges being loose and able to be opened from either side. The descending stairs were made of wood and covered in soft green moss. It went to the lower level where the shopping district and the temple was. The exit of this poorly lit stairwell ended with the entrance into the Temple.

A direct doorway to the top entrance was inside the Temple behind the large stage and podiums where speeches were held. Within this temple now were bodies being cared for by over a dozen healers. Their garments were decorated with natural leaves and bones. The soldiers were stained with blood as they laid out on makeshift beds of feathers and grass.

Their groans could be heard echoing inside the Temple. "This is tragic.. I may remain here to aid the hurt. They protect us. The least I can do is help.."@WingsOfBronze

[WingsOfBronze]

@Rai

The seraphim smiled at her comments, oh the joy of being complimented! Shanna looked up as she stood up, gazing at her crimson eyes. 'Attendance for the flames' she ignored, not her business anyways. She followed shortly, as soon as she walked, following this cloaked one's lead.

Shanna wondered how the stairs held out for long, wood creaking under Luna's footsteps, it was also covered in moss, so she really judged their durability. She saw the wounded taken care of, and the lady telling her that she should take care and help.

The seraphim looked up, and smiled. "I shall accompany you, your the only acquaintance I had so far." She offered and smiled. "I should warn you, I have experiences about war. Not to brag, of course. I'm only used to find blood." The last part was rather skeptic but she smiled anyway.

(I'm in a rush soorryyy)

[FallenTrinity]

@Rai
Amongst the towering mountains that protruded from the terra below rested a cave on Dragon's Peak. A place known for dragon activity but none more so than a beast of massive size, larger than most of the scaled creatures around. He was an Old Scale by dragon terms, a relic dying out from the old war but still young and eager to travel. He laid curled up upon smoldering rock and ash, a way to keep warmer in this higher atmosphere. He had heard of the fighting around the different towns near Fotia and given it not much thought, say for the smaller unknown towns who he had provided coin for so it could expand and prosper. He did have enough coin for the people as his mountain seemed to be made of it. Caverns and tunnels full of the precious metals amongst gems and other valuables. The sound of a scaled beast landing upon his dwelling came with a light growl from him but alas a light growl from something so large even made some of the smaller ones take heed.

Off to his side, a man laid against a rock, sharpening his forged blade, the crucible. A blade forged from the finest steel and dipped in venomous liquid to ensure each cut was as deadly as the last. He glanced up at the small wyrm that entered the cavern, watching it snap its mouth at him before turning its attention back to the large winged beast. It let out a light screech, the what appeared to be a few chirps before ending with a low growl. The red dragon eyes glowed in interest.

"Oh? You don't say? Well I suppose it has been a few weeks. Soron, grab the essentials as we will make for Fotia." Soron glanced up with a quirked brow.

"Fotia? Why there?"

"There seems to be a new leader in town." Soron squinted his eyes.

"Magnix you mean..." He glanced back down to his blade as he continued to sharpen it.

"he's not exactly what I would consider a new leader. Has been for some time and from what travels through the wind...heh, doesn't like your kind." Suleykaar cocked his head.

"Really? I feel I can change that." Soron sighed as he rose up, gathering what gear he had.

"He's known for destroying dragons, Suls. Not for making friends with them."

"Well he hasn't met me and my charming demeanor." Confused with a slight smirk, Soron retorted with quick wit.

"Are you going to attempt to bed him?" Chuckling at his own joke, he wasn't prepared for the small burst of fire that shot out of the old dragonlord's mouth, burning his chain mailed behind, causing the poor man to jump about at pat it out as quickly as possible and in return, gaining a grin from Suls as he let out a throaty chuckle. Agitated, Soron looked back with a glare.

"Yeah...Real funny." The dragonlord shrugged.

"I thought so."

"Fuck off..." The laugh that followed exasperated Soron even more, simply giving up with the beast.

Suleykarr, stood up and begun making his way towards the mouth of the cave, Soron quickly following suit as the dragon offered Soron a lift before taking off and making way for Fotia.

---

Some time later, they had made their landing outside of Sunfire. The travel was quite long and decided to grab some food and drink before continuing on towards Fotia. It would be odd if no one from the town saw the dragon coming in. But nonetheless, their arrival was know. It's fairly hard for a dragon over 100ft move about without being noticed. Soron was lowered down to the ground, since the jump could possible kill him, a risk neither one was going to make again. Suley stepped back a bit while his body began to morph into that of a dragon humanoid figure. It was a bit of an annoying process having to condense their body to this size as could be seen in his stretching afterwards.

Know of any good places for food?" He brought up his clawed hand to rub his chin as he twisted his torso to look over at friend. He nodded in response as the white haired man scratched his chin.

"There is a place not to far from here called the Rest Easy, supposedly has some of the best drink in town. Homebrewed if I'm not mistaken." The dragon nodded as he snorted out a plume of smoke, a sign he was contemplating. Clearing his throat, the young dragon nodded and gestured for Soron to lead since he had not been out this way for some time. The walk didn't take long but the whispers were going around now that a dragon had entered the town and Suley could not help but keep a slightly smug yet excited look on his face. He was a dragon who enjoyed the attention, both positive and negative. When they arrived, Sulley was took in the building and nodded. For what it was, it seemed to be kept in well maintained structure, minus the little bit of wear and tear on some parts of its exterior but only noticeable if one really paid attention.

"Well, wait are we waiting for?" Suls patted his companion on the shoulder before entering, Soron just behind him.

"Greetings everyone and good day!" was the announcement that left Suley's mouth, one that caused Soron to rub his temples.

"Come on. That's enough attention for now." Leading the dragon over to the bar, they both sat down. Soron glanced up to the Seraphim behind the bar and raised a hand, gesturing for a simple glass brew. Suleykaar on the other hand, leaned forward, his head resting on his partially closed fist, giving the lady behind the bar a warm and seductive smile.

"So it is true..." He paused.

"Angelic beauty does flow through the bloodlines. I wouldn't have believed it if it hadn't been your beauty. Wouldn't you agree, hm?" He gave her a wink before sitting up and retrieving a sack of coin from his sleeve.

"I will have your finest brew that you hold and something for my friend here." He gave her a wink and a smirk to complement it. Soron glanced over at his dragon friend and shook his head as he pulled out a small coin bag of his own.

"I'll also take some lamb or something simple if you don't mind as well." soft gold slitted eyes looked back at the seraphim before he pulled out a small notebook and quill and began drawing something.

"It's been a long time since I've been down this way. What has happened in the past summer? I have heard of battles being waged and brewing wars. Is this true?"