[IC] Ragnarök - Tyranny of Dragons

[Thread Generator SIN]

Ragnarök

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Chapter One

City of Krowtell
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The pale hue of an overcast morning sky cast a soft glow down onto the towering city of Krowtell, one of the many large cities that lay near the edges of the Norther region. Spring was near, and the emerald green glow of grassy fields as far as the eye can see began to peek through the thin layer of powdery snow that bathed the area. The distant sounds of singing birds and awakening nature gently resounded across the city as it began to come to life under the cool light of morning.

Massive ornate wooden doors decorated with elegant carvings and polished steel guiding swung open within the palace's main halls, pushed aside hastily by a pair of prim human butlers as they made way for the small entourage of nobles, led closely by a young looking man in an extravagant ensemble of white and blue silks decorated with golden trims and adorning many unnecessary chains, strings, and ribbons. The sense of fashion, as well as his locks of powdery blue hair and serpentine eyes of a deep amber made him stand out from the assortment of whites and greys of the nobles and royals who walked in a huddle behind him. "Right this way master Silus." spoke one of the butlers as the pair extended their arms to present the path ahead through the doorway. The group ambled forward, quietly speaking and mumbling amongst each other.

"Today is the day!" announced Silus jubilantly, throwing his hands up with temperate excitement as he and his accompanying group of nobles walked into the massive halls of the palace, passing different chambers and doors which led to other hallways or rooms. Marble pillars sparsely lined the tall grandiose walls along with the occasional window sitting far too high up for anyone to see anything through other than the pillowy white morning sky. The palace almost seemed vacant, with the occasional servant seen here and there, tending to their tasks. None of the other royals or their court seemed to awake just yet. Or if they were, they weren't anywhere to be seen this early in the morning. Most were likely just starting their days.

"The time has finally arrived!" continued Silus with an expression of moderate glee. "Months of planning and an ocean of bureaucracy later, and here we are! On adventures doorstep!" He glanced over his shoulder, an aura of devilish playfulness subtly showing in his gaze. "Aren't you excited?" A chorus of agreement rose from the group. Nothing out of the ordinary for what was mostly yes men, with the sole exception being a small elder in a silver and blue robe, who feebly beckoned for Silus' attention. "Prince Silus! Please! You mustn't forget your mothers wishes! The que-" "Yes, yes. I'm quite excited too!" interrupted Silus, oblivious to the pleas. "An unprecedented Journey into the west! Oh the beauty and wonder that awaits! In just a few moments we'll be converging with the rest of the expeditionary team in the courtyard." The elder beckoned again. "Prince Silu-" "I also managed to pique the interest of a few foreigners! For a small fee of course. What's a small fortune among royals after all? And there's no price that isn't worth paying to be a pioneer of the unknown!"

Oh dear...he's in his own world. Thought the elder to himself, seemingly accustomed to the dismissive behavior of the Northern Prince. Still, this matter was a pressing one, and he wouldn't rest until he saw it through. The queen had assigned him specifically for this duty, and he was sure not to fail. All things he reassured himself as Silus grew further away, trotting on toward the end of the hall with his yes men and servants in tow. With a hurried huff, the elder waved away his thoughts and pushed ahead, struggling to keep track of the young royal.

Old New York
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"Cavehog wonton!" "Fried rootberries, fresh off the roots!" "Fresh skinned mole beasts!" The chatter of barters and merchants eager to catch the eye new customers echoed out in a dull roar throughout one of the many trading districts scattered about the colossal underground ruins of Old New York. Dingy luminescence filled the caverns, radiated by the many lanterns, candles, and magical lights spread about the many encampments and bazaars. The air was choked with the smells of frying food and farm animals mixed in with the perpetual damp earthy smell of the underground. All around and above, a colorful display of rags and garments hanging from clothes lines, posters advertising services of all kinds, and make shift shabby decorations litter the ancient storefronts and streets, strung up between antiquated lampposts and rickety rag tag buildings.

Deeper into the city, nestled snugly between a not so classy night club and the entrance to a rather large and crowded bazaar, laid a shabby wood and iron two story part bar, part motel known by the off center wooden sign dangling over the doors as the Leaky Grove Tavern. Inside the dimly lit confines of the muggy drinking hole, several patrons both new and old jostled and drank the stress of their travels away. Scantily clad waitresses glided between tables, doling out drinks while absently swatting away wandering hands and pinching fingers. Sounds of merry and music rang through the air as a quartet of musicians playing brass, strings, keys, and drums filled the tavern with a jazzy melody. The cloying scent of alcohol and perfume wafted about the tavern, which mixed with a twinge of sweat closer to the claustrophobic dance floor. Wood chips and dirty rushes were kicked about the smooth stone floors as couples and drunks threw themselves from one side of the bar to the other, possessed by the rhythm of the music.

In spite of the boisterous crowd that populated the noisy tavern, there was one area among the dingy interior that remained relatively clear. What normally serves as a billiard hall was instead acting as a temporary meeting room for a small group of stone faced men and women of the Coalition. The majority of them were posted about the room, shooting pool or conversing over open drinks. At the center of the dingy room sat a pair of men, both seemingly lost in thought. Finally, after several quiet moments, the silver haired one; Ryder, finally spoke. "Do you think this is everyone?" The other, Kraven; a tall dark haired man, broke his silence in response. "Let's wait a little longer. I'm sure these aren't the only people willing to forge the path to the surface...and word should have gotten around-" "You put out all the flie-" "I put out all the fliers yes." The two men shared a pair of stoic looks. Ryder raised an eyebrow. "Have you considered that maybe this is dumb and stupid?" He paused. "...Also most likely suicidal?" Kraven looked pointedly away, pulling a half empty mug of ale up to his lips. "You mispronounced bold and courageous." responded Kraven through his teeth before taking a swig. "Also, fortune does not favor cowards. If the fear of death is enough to deter those we've gathered for this excursion, than we're better off without them." Ryder's expression remained apathetic as he reached for his own drink. "Insightful as always captain."

[Vampiretwilight]

Rose

Rose had just barely managed to finish her assigned duties for that day when she had been called to join the other servants of the prince. She blinked. She wondered what was going on. But, however, she had learned a long time ago not to question when she was called and such. She had seen others being punished for doing such things like that after all. Anyway, she did as she was told and joined the other servants as they gathered with the prince and his yes men.

She froze where she stood, barely even glancing around. The prince had begun to speak, a strong speech being given. She thought she heard a couple servants sigh, and she was tempted to tell on them. She was afraid of interrupting the prince though and so she was conflicted in this. Anyway, the prince was happy and she learned not to ruin that. She listened to what was said and kept silent as she did so. She took a deep breath and managed to keep her usual calm.

She noted that an elder was trying to tell the prince something. She stood close , since she had to stand near where the prince was due to her status and/or position, and so she was able to hear them. She frowned when she managed to see the look on the elders' face. Anyway, before she knew it, they were on their' way. And so, she had to hurry along. She tried not to even look at the prince without permission. She also tried not to speak without permission.

She heard whispers though. The main whispers she heard mentioned her though. She heard them calling her the usual names and such. The most common name being 'pet' and such, since she was a personal slave of the prince himself and such. She frowned as she heard that, but took the blows those words dealt. She was used to them by now.

She pushed forward. She was careful not to trail behind as they walked down the hall. She kept her eyes to the floor, thinking about whatever may happen soon.

[Kiki is Anxious]

Old New York

Amongst the bustling streets that was the ordinarily busy bazaar of the underground city of old, it's infrastructure crumbling from what had once been a wondrous sight to behold, was now where an oddity stood amidst the rushing crowd of citizens going about their shopping. The vendors were rowdy and loud to get the attention of potential customers so they could sell their wares for a good price to take home, their voices carrying farther than the idle chatter of the moving crowd that intricately moved in waves following a current that leads them to where they needed to go like it was second nature.

The process was a seamless act, done without direction or thought.

But there she stood, under the light of the rune-covered lamps that spotted the hanging strings covered in colorful cloth above all of their heads since sunlight was but a myth down in these caves. Her dark blue tresses shinning with a green hue from the yellow of the light blending into it, such is the price of magical light it would seem. Even in the crowded space, there was a small circle around her that people avoided altogether even if it was more convenient not too. Whether it was from fear or respect remained to be seen, as few would look up from the ground in their rushing past to lock gazes with the stoic female. The ones that did could see she was looking past them all and toward the more dingy area, but actually housed businesses were. Rolls of paper clutched in her hand, wrinkled from a fierce grip having crushed it before, but hers was gentle.

The words were familiar, startlingly so. Just from the looks, anyone could place it as the recruitment fliers that had been plastered around detailing the need of people unafraid of journeying to the surface and with skills that would be used to serve the group that they would be tagging along with. Toward the outside of the safety the underworld had given them for most of their lives. The papers were all the same sheet, ripped at different angles from someone having snatched it off where the man who had been putting them up tacked them to whatever he could. He had done an excellent job at that. Even more so at having to put them up in such a way, that in one particular section of the underground city, you couldn't look in any direction without seeing them.

A few surprised whispers mingled in the cacophony that was the normal noise the second her boot-clad feet started walking with purpose in a direct line toward the place specified in those fliers. The Leaky Grove Tavern and the off-centered signed stuck out almost proudly in protest. The empty circle around her becoming a rounded diamond, people parted out of her way just from her stride and the atmosphere she projected from it despite her lips never once twitching downward in a frown.

The Ashen Blacksmith was pissed.

What had become the general area of where her home and school resided since she appeared there with the long thought dead teen who dared to risk the outside world in order to bring back a trade that was dying within the stifled, earthen walls. Despite being an outsider, she garnered students who found her place to be their second home as well, and its surroundings had been littered with those papers. Whether it was intentional or not, the journey garnered her attention from more than just the fliers. Her newest students, bless their naiveté, had been clamoring for weeks about it in their free time. The more experienced apprentices knew better, from experience they were aware the world of the sun and the land above was not for the faint of heart or those that hadn't even the foggiest inkling of caution. The new apprentices were but baby deerlings who were stumbling around the craft they wished to learn and already planning to throw themselves to this request despite barely even understanding the concept of forging weapons, let alone how to use one in battle yet.

The second she crossed the threshold of the doorway leading in, she became both blended in and stuck out amongst the customers both drunk and soon to not be sober. Enough to warrant a double-take. The dingy watering hole for spirits and jubilation looked even more so in disrepair from how crisp and clean her clothes were, but she held no air of superiority, only the flickering licks of a fury that wasn't unlike some of the patrons felt when they came in to unwind. A few of whom had even given a nod of recognition her way if they were not holding a drink to raise in her direction as a greeting since in her time there she had garnered some reputation for her trade outside of her teaching.

Only she wasn't there to unwind like them, she had a purpose. Her blue-eyed gaze lingered around the entire interior that she could see as she scanned the room for the specific face who had inadvertently summoned her. Her ears picking up their voice before she caught sight of him despite the music playing and the murmurs of patrons talking. The minute the dark haired male was in her sight, she stopped and solely stared at him, the color of her eyes darkening slightly before she resumed walking over to his table settled in the middle of the billard hall like area in the middle of dirtied bar.

She made it to their table just as both the male she came to see, and his fairer companion had lifted their mugs to their lips for a drink. The table shook slightly as she put the rolled papers onto it, her hand forcing them completely flat against the soiled wood as she addressed the one she had seen placing those damned fliers around.

"Careful now, confidence may be the food of the wise man, but it is also the liquor of the fool. I'm not too sure of which one you may be, but you surely hold boldness in spades." The blue-haired woman says to him, her voice soft much like her features, but clear like a bell despite their surroundings and her full attention on the man known as Kraven as she looked him dead in the eye without ever losing the emotionless expression she had. The act of which warranted a few looks from those who had nodded to her, since she wasn't one to really engage directly with anyone unless prompted, but they were unaware of what was being said. Only the duo at the table could hear her clearly it would seem. "If you were expecting my students to padden the numbers of your group, they will not be showing up no matter how long you wait." With that she lifted her hand off of the stack to rest by her hip as straightened her posture.

"Now tell me, was it foolish of you or wise, to put these so densely around my residence in particular?"

[Thread Generator SIN]

Ahead laid the main palace courtyard, where Silus led his entourage. It was a majestic open area surrounded by black marble arches and towering alabaster walls adoring ornaments and statues in the likenesses of dragons and royal ancestors. Stone and tile decorated with colorful patterns and shapes covered the floors, punctuated by ornate wooden benches, small potted trees, and chiseled marble pedestals with various busts and statues sitting atop them. A scant tangle of leafy vines lined the outer edges of balconies that looked down over the courtyard, clearly grown there purposefully to add life to the area.

At the center of the sizable courtyard was a large fountain surrounded by a small artificial pond. Small floating lily pads and lotuses drifted atop the pond, gently swirling around the statue of a dragon which sat at the heart of the fountain. A subtle ripple roiled across the water as a lite breeze carrying a dull chill brushed over the pond. Nobles and residents of the main palace were scattered about in sparse numbers, going about their morning routines.

Stepping through the massive arches into the pale morning light and approaching the balcony that looked out over the courtyard, Silus extended his arms and took in the fresh air before placing his hands on the carved stone railing. He didn't linger too long, only pausing for a moment as if to let the cool air and gentle glow of the bright and hazy sky sink in before continuing toward the wide steps that led down into the resplendent courtyard. His court of nobles and servants followed closely, the young and timid consort Rose being among them. "I do wish I could preserve mornings like this forever. Such a tragedy, how fleeting this beauty is. Don't you think?" Once again, Silus was met with a concession of agreement and approval. He responded in kind with a humble chuckle, descending down the stairs and letting the tips of his long obsidian colored nails drag across the coarse surface of the railing.

Sitting on one of the few benches that laid near the pond's edge with an oil-paper parcel propped over her shoulder was a fair looking, elegantly dressed maiden. Long locks of silky dark hair which blended from a deep violet at the roots to a hot red at the tips draped over her shoulders, gently flowing down her back, and in some parts curled around a set of void black horns which spiraled out of her scalp from just above the ears. A young butler knelt beside the woman, head bowed and presenting with one hand a lavish silver plated tray fixed with the trimmings of some kind of baked, glazed fowl as well as a half empty bottle of aged red wine sitting in a small pitcher of ice.

"Would you like me to refresh your drink Mistress Lezabel?" asked the butler in a practiced and proper tone. A question answered by a casual turn and subtle grin. "Must you really ask? If I see the bottom of my cup, you aren't doing your job sweet boy." The woman's grin grew a bit wider. "Perhaps I should drink you up instead." The butler gulped, hesitantly reaching for the wine bottle for a refill. The moment passed as Lezabel presented her glass, turning her attention back to the fountain. "Oooh but I'll be in trouble if I keep burning through my humans like used tissues. I suppose you'll get a pass this time." Suddenly, the unmistakable image of Silus in one of his usual fanciful outfits drew Lezabel's gaze.

"Well well! Madam Lestrade! What a pleasureful sight on this fine morning!" Announced Silus, reaching the end of the steps as he took notice of the familiar face sitting by the fountain. "So you've decided to join us? Or have you simply come to see us adventurers off?" He postured dramatically as he approached, laying one hand against his forehead while the other was tossed to his side. "Just like on the stage, when the hero sets forth on their journey, and the damsel bestows upon them a kiss for good fortune!" Lezabel raised a hand to her mouth and let out a short cavalier giggle through a close lipped smile, her sudden movement nearly causing the butler to spill as he poured her drink, god forbid. "Oh my, quite the ostentatious spirit we have this morning." She paused, withdrawing her glass once it was filled. "I simply couldn't believe you got permission from the Queen for such a venture. I had to see it with my own eyes. Though I must admit, being as persistent as you, I shouldn't have had a doubt in my mind." Lezabel's head tilted as she raised a pondering finger to her chin. "Hmm...or am I confusing your determination for brattiness."

Feigning offense, Silus gasped with both hands over his mouth. However his expression quickly returned to that of a subtle and playful excitement, only faking being taken aback. The pair of servants doting on Silus swiftly brought over a bench, setting it down conveniently behind the prince just as he was reclining to sit, having full expectation and confidence that they would do so in time to catch him. Nonchalantly situating himself on the seat, Silus looked over toward Rose, who stood out among the servants with her comely black dress and soft, fair features. The butlers promptly set a large satin throw pillow down on the floor next to the prince, just as he raised his hand to beckon to the young consort with a inviting grin. "Come Rose. Sit and rest your pretty little head. We'll be waiting here for the rest of our guests." Lezabel chimed in. "Don't you mean the escort the Queen assigned to you to keep her precious little boy out of trouble?" Silus sighed through a slight smirk. "Must you antagonize me so?"

Warm amber light cut through the cramped murky confines of the shabby billiard hall as an intimidating yet elegant presence pushed through the doors leading from the bar and entered. She had a stern confidence about her and an expression that seemed to hide a spiteful glare behind her gentle features. The pair, somewhat taken aback, simultaneously glanced down at the stack of worn and slightly crumpled fliers, then up at the woman, then at each other, then back at the stack. "Well, there's your problem captain." scoffed Ryder, looking away impassively. "It seems most of the fliers are right here." Kraven's brow furrowed slightly, visibly trying to keep his jaw from falling off it's hinges. "I-...you-...are these-..." He dragged a hand down his face before standing up in a huff. He wasn't too happy his fliers he spent several nights plastering high and low were now sitting in front him. Quite a few of them at that. "Now you listen here lady! I don't know where you get off tearing down official coalition recru-" His irate expression faltering as he took a few moments to actually look at the woman's face.

Both Kraven and Ryder weren't commoners to this city. They were travelers, and had only been here the last couple months, settling simply to prepare for this operation. In the short time they had been here, having made this tavern their temporary home, both had managed to explore they area in bits a pieces. With a city so massive and populated, getting ones bearings was a feat in and of itself. That said, Kraven took it upon himself to become familiar with a few key areas that the pair passed through. Places he revisited when posting his fliers. He stared for a moment before putting his thoughts together enough to start speaking again. "Hey....I've seen your face before...." Kraven leaned in, almost uncomfortably close making it clear his sense of social etiquette wasn't the greatest. Still, there was something about this woman that he couldn't put his finger on. His gaze seemed to pierce right through her. The fierce and fiery stare of a soldier hardened in battle, senses refined to pick up on subtle features of the world around him. "You...you're.....you're that one waitress!" Ryder sighed dejectedly. "...blacksmith-" "Blacksmith!" Kraven paused, leaving back toward his impassioned companion. "Blacksmith?" he repeated under his breath with an unsure tone. All his hardened warrior experience doing him a lick of good. "Yes, the blacksmith. You're horrible with faces. I don't know why you try."

"Yes, the blacksmith!" Concluded Kraven, speaking over Ryder who was accustomed to being mostly unheard. "Wait a minute. You must then be from one of the forge districts." The irked expression that once drained from his grimace made its return. "Your 'residence' happens to be a magnet for those who would call themselves warriors. Surely the best of places to find a worthy lot." Ryder finally turned his attention back to the table, glancing at the sizable stack. "This is nearly half of all the fliers we had made by the scribes two towns back. Did you literally put them ev-" "I literally put these everywhere! How did you even manage to get them all down?! Some of these were impossibly high!" Ryder's face rested in the palm of his hand now. "So much wrong..." Kraven snatched the tattered stack off the table as the woman lifted her hand. "Do you understand you are impeding official coalition business? There's not even any time to put these back up! And our numbers are lacking!"

Kraven took in a deep breath, standing at attention with a fist in the air. "We, valiant few and far between, stand as the shining light in the darkness to guide the thralls of humanity into the world of the sun. We, courageous few, bold and bright, will bring forth the new age of freedom and the dawn of-" "You've done it now..." "-hope for humanity! No longer will we hide in the shadows of obscurity, crushed beneath the heel of-" "He's to be at this for a while..." "-dragons and tyrants alike! No longer shall we suffer the cold and bitter taste of defeat! We will rise from the ashes of our fallen ancestors and fight to-" Ryder finally stood, realizing his mug was far too empty to hear this speech for the umpteenth time. "Pardon me, but it seems another round of drinks are in order. I do apologize for the trouble you've incurred on behalf of our captain." Kraven was lost in his own words, reciting his oath as he had done many times before. Once he was started, the rest came flowing out as if read directly from the pages of some handbook. "Perhaps you'll join me." suggested Ryder, standing from his seat and moving toward the bar without waiting for much of an answer. Unlike his taller, louder companion, Ryder seemed more even tempered though a fair bit disinterested.

[Vampiretwilight]

@Thread Generator SIN

Rose

Rose kept walking along. She kept her head down as she had always been told to do. She kept quiet still, not uttering a single word without permission from the prince who was leading the group. She took a breath. That was the only sound she made....her breathing. Anyway, she continued to glance around until they got there. She simply nodded as Silius spoke of the morning as they approached that balcony and such. They were soon descending down the stairs and she was careful to watch her step.

She watched as the prince had a seat on the bench the other servants had quickly brought out for him. She was relieved when he did not fall down. She would hate to see what would happen to those who were negligent enough to allow that to happen. No one wanted to see him angry, not even her. Anyway, she finally glanced up and saw the pond. She also saw the royal female who sat nearby. She quickly lowered her head again. She did not wish to even make eye contact without permission, let alone speak or anything.

She remained silent as the prince and her talked to each other. Like usual, she did not interrupt them or anything. She heard talk of wine and escorts and such, but she did not really listen too closely, as she felt that it was non of her concern. She had no business butting into such things. That was how she felt, and what she thought. She took another breath. She wondered how long it would be before they left, before they moved on to somewhere else.

She blinked when she heard her name and raised her head. She finally looked at the prince, but did her best not to make direct eye contact with him. She nodded. She simply sat on the pillow, as simply even saying 'Thank you, your' highness' or something was feared as speaking out of turn. She did as she usually did when she was allowed to sit down, and usually by his side. She leaned against the bench and rested her head there. Rose did nothing else and kept her silent behavior going at that point. She wanted to close her eyes, but kept from doing so.

Rose never did ANYTHING without permission. She was quite the submissive servant. It was why others talked about her in such negative ways and often. She ignored most of it, but what she did hear, she simply took the blows as she did not wish to anger the prince or anyone else in the royal family herself.

Rose would simply wait after that. It was one of the very very very few things she was allowed to do without permission, or without word from anyone in the royal family. She heard the whispers again not long after that. She almost frowned and she almost let out a sigh. She just barely managed to keep a sigh from forming as the whispers spoke of her again.

She secretly wished for the whispers, or any talk of her really, to stop. But, she did not voice that out loud. She feared what would happen if anyone knew she had such thoughts, or such wishes. Although....she did have longings and longed for things she could not have...like a family and a nice home for example. But, alas, such things were not for her. She learned to accept that. She had no other choice, as those things were amongst the many things that she could not have, nor ever be allowed to have.

Her fate was sealed, or so she felt.

[ShwiggityShwah]

The Beast arrives in Old New York...

Things have gone wrong in the South. There was was a group called the Patriots in old Washington, modelled after the old tribes of the dead world. They were the guns of the city and penninsula, holding up boats and road ways. They claimed they were the peace keepers. The wardens, but they were just a bunch of thugs, demanding money for their protection. It was a racket and everyone knew it. Atleast they looked the part, stupid hats and weird boots and the like.

They made a big mistake when they heard about the Beast. A dragon, one of them among mere mortal folk. It seemed inconceivable, but there he was, earning his money breaking legs for the free booters of the Orleans. A real terror but the Patriots saw potential and strength when they saw it. Sure, the Beast gave them a few months of carnage, his white frame and jaws enough to make entire crews tremble. They made the mistake when they filled up a ships hold with missing children, ready slave labor for more disgusting folks. Even tried to lie to him about the cargo he was protecting.

They didn't know the Beast had a soft spot for kids. The Patriots lost a couple of ships that day, and alot more men.

In retrospect it might have been a mistake on the monster's end, as he had to high tail to the next town, get himself in with a gang quick before the Patriots muscled up enough manpower to finally put him down. Good luck.

---

Good thing about old New York, plenty of hallowed out buildings to hide in. Most of them were collapsed, sunken in on the island, but there were still plenty of ruins outside of the 'city' that could house a monster and some of his minions. Siraki saw the wrecked nature covered interior and finally set his bag down. He breathed a sigh of relief. "Come on in. Is clear."

He had picked up some hangers on. Three kids from the boat, Boy, Girl, small one. There was also Scrap, a bald headed bloke who had alot of debts with the Patriots and figured following the big scary dragon was preferable then trying to ask for a few more weeks more. "This is New York? Expecting something a bit more rowdy." He sat his portly side down and began rubbing his feet before fumbling with the laces.

"We're not there yet." The girl was the brains of the outfit. She managed to get herself snatched up with her little brother, but her parents were apparently merchants at one point, traveling between the hidden cities. The motley crew followed her sign, and her little notebook. "Old New York is under the fallen spires. The cracked ones."

"So that's where we're going." Siraki knelt down and pushed his hands into the puddle that formed over the years. He washed them before taking a drink, uncaring of how dirty they were. Flicking the excess away. "Fact, think we should part ways here. Things get loud when I show up."

The kids looked at the monster with worried eyes. "You're leaving?"

Scrap didn't seem to mind. "It's for the best lass. He does stand out and we don't want to be anywhere near em when word spreads." Scrap seemed to look at his companion with a knowing look. "And I think we cramp his style. Not exactly scary if he shows up with three kids and an old codger like me."

Siraki gave a toothy grin. "Have to make a good first impression."

---

Screams erupted from the corner of the bizarre. This led to confusion which led to shock as more and more eyes saw the white scales and yellowing eyes of the monster that somehow had casually walked into their city. He had been stopped, or some have atleast tried, and other districts have went through the same amount of pandemonium as the bizarre. The Beast moved with purpose and seemed to be uninterested in the commotion he was causing. He'd been through this before, dozens of times. He was a freak. An abomination. A monster. He heard it all before, and he was going to friggin own it. He brings terror and terror brings respect. Most of the time just making himself known would usually lead to something happening. The smart ones knew about his reputation, and usually the jobs flooded in. Then came the money, then came the food and booze. The dumb ones would just attack him, try to carve a reputation out of his hide. This usually did the opposite, keeping the dumb ones away until the smart ones came out.

But first the panic, the murmurs, the screams. The dragons were here. They dragons were invading. Idiots. Why would a dragon be in this crap hole? Why wouldn't they be hiding themselves?

His eyes went from side to side, viewing the pictures and fliers and people that scampered to get distance, grouped up for security, hid in their homes and stalls, or remained motionless on the spot. It was all the same, and sure enough he found some dumb ones.

Two guys with blades at their hip didn't notice the cause of the commotion until the crowd cleared, the Beast, holding onto one strap of his backpack, makeshift armor and tattered pants, a bone necklace around his thick throat. They brew their swords, more like sharpened metal slabs, one dropping something colorful. "S-stop right there!" one shouted. The Beast ignored him and continued walking. The man tried a swipe. Siraki reached out and grabbed the man's hands at the hilt and simply pulled, the man went off balance and fell onto the pavement behind him without missing a beat. His companion was demoralized and raised his blade in defense, arms shaking. Siraki was going to go through him before he noticed the piece of paper that had wofted onto the ground infront of him.

The Beast paused, leaning down and picking up the flier. His yellow eyes scanned over the page, but he didn't understand the local written language. He held it up to the other armed man who flinched and dropped his sword before cowering. The beast figured these 'warriors' were looking at it for a purpose. "What's this?" He asked, his voice more a growl.

---

The doors to the Leaky Grove Tavern slammed open, enough that the hinge of the door might have cracked and a mark was left where the knob hit the wall. The CRASH and clunk cause the bar to turn its attention to the figure, the words stopping in their throat, the music going off key from surprise.

The Beast's tail swayed a little before the towering hulk of horns, claws, and teeth walked into the room, the flier clenched in one fist while the other remained on the strap of his bag. The nostrils of his snout splayed open, taking in the rank smell of differing alcohols and sweaty unwashed bodies. There was a tense moment, quiet, silence, then the Beast looked to the bar tender, before holding up the flier. The barkeep pointed to the corner.

There was a dark haired man there, one standing with his glass in the air, another seemed to be getting up, light haired male about to walk away with a dark haired woman. He wasn't impressed, but he looked to the table, seeing a pile of the fliers. The Beast raised his snout and approached, placing his crinkled flier on the top of the pile before eying the bigger of the two men, seemingly the more dominant, if flamboyant one. "Heard you had work." He said simply.

[Kiki is Anxious]

Old New York

Normally she wouldn't get involved in these types of things. She had people relying on her here, and eager students to teach that wanted to make an honest living not attributed to being hired muscle or stealing. So she wasn't surprised that going as directly to the source of her problem was not the best way to handle things when she herself was also working for the Human Coalition and the problem was one very stubborn but agile male who plastered fliers in the middle of the night. Something she doubted he was privy to know since she watched from the confines of her home with cup in hand at his progress many a time. It was none of her business then what the soon to be marplot after the fifth night of him coming back to rinse and repeat what he had been doing.

His and his friends shock didn't face her, nor was she the slightest bit apologetic as the fairer one alluded to most of the fliers being on the table. She had nothing to apologize for, at least not for that, but they didn't need to know that just yet. Though Kraven's subtle cues of being completely gobsmacked almost made the edges of her lips lift up in the faintest of smiles. Almost.

'A fool wouldn't be interesting to have around if they weren't somewhat charming.'

A look of irritation came and went as did a flash of recognition, albiet a faint one heavily muddled with confusion as it seemed he couldn't quite place her in his memory as well as she could with theirs, since they wandered too often in places she frequented enough to have her remember his face in detail in case he was someone sent from above to kill her. It hadn't happened yet, but no safe place stays that way for long, and the duo's newness to the city made her wary. The flier changed that idea, however. His stare didn't phase her much at first, but the longer he did so, the more it changed into one that was trying to assess her. Inadvertently giving her a better spot to do so as well, as the unfamiliar scent of wherever he had came from before coming to Old New York lingered on him faintly underneath the new ones of the caverns here. He leaned closer as if to intimidate her-- Waitress!? The word instantly sparked her memory to the women she had seen while walking in and he finally got a small reaction from her.

Not even his irked impression could stop her from leaning in to be just as close as he had been, a subtle frown on her lips and her eyes partially narrowed as the darkened blue hues of her eyes clashed with his own amber orbs. Admittedly not as expressive but just as irritated for multiple reasons. "You're looking for warriors and yet the only ones who grabbed those fliers were young men and woman who barely knew the difference between a sword's hilt from its blade." Hana responded back in tandem, the strangely fresh smell of spring water lingered on her person instead of the damp earthly one most residents of Old New York had from their years in the underground. "Which if you had actually asked instead of assumed, I would have told you that they tore them down like badges to show you when they came here to join up. While not persistent in their learning, they are very much so in what they choose to do outside of it." The dark blue haired female leaned back, her expression losing its anger as she looked over at Ryder.

"I was deciding whether or not to take their place and leave the teaching to one of my old apprentices, so you both didn't get them killed from thinking they were warriors ready to fight under your call to arms." She added looking away from Kraven entirely after he started talking about dragons, raising his fist to the air as if to emphasis his point while she followed after Ryder. Disenchanted by Kraven as a whole now. She briefly looked back over to him before settling on the side of Ryder's face. "He isn't making the idea anymore appealing, but I've already made my peace with that. You're sentiment is appreciated though."

And it was only seconds after that did the loud stomps of a larger being grace her ears and cause her to stop in her tracks to turn back to stare at the entrance waiting. One hand poised upward, with her arm placed between Ryder's back and the hefty visitor who smacked the doors hard enough to justle their hinges a little looser and leave the knob imprinted into the wall. The loud ruckus set off a reaction onto everyone there. Silence and stillness settled as all watched with baited breath at what the scaly visitor was about to do. But Hana, her arm fell back to her side and went back to walking to the bar. While hard on the eyes, they were no threat, and that was a sentiment she knew very well even if it was reversed. An interesting party was forming, and she was fortunately or unfortunately stuck with them all from giving her word to help in her less than skilled students steed.