Espial!

[TheElements]

BEFORE (Find it also in the Beor Mountains):

Elysium woke to a sharp claw prodding her shoulder, belonging to an elegant dragon stretched out beside her.
I thought you'd never awake, hatchling. You were more lost than a cave bear during winter! Orion teased. At least I don't scare off all the Fanghur with my snores! She retorted. Huffing, Orion went back to roasting a bundle of fruit.
I bet you scared those berries right into your paws! Elysium snorted with amusement. He just snapped his jaws shut and dropped the smaller bundle into her lap. Take a look! She pried open the stiff laves, and an assortment of food fell out; a bit of golden brown Nagra (the dwarves might not be so pleased), a couple loaves of bread, four apples, and one small peanut cookie. She gasped, and swatted Orion gently on the snout. I didn't know you were a cook! She giggled, and Orion raised an eye ridge in indignation. She muttered a short spell, and two loaves of bread leapt up and started to duel. She caught the chunks as they flew away. Much more interesting way of slicing bread! She commented. They both watched it for a few minutes more, then she ended the spell and they both ate a morning ration. Today, we fly to Bromsland. Orion decided. Elysium knew he couldn't wait to see all the other dragons there. She wanted to learn how to do more with her magic than cut bread and heal injuries, and an occasional fighting word or two. Getting up and brushing the crumbs into the flames, she dug a small, non-magic hole and scraped in the ashes. Patting dirt back over, she mounted Orion and they flew to Bromsland.

It's so peaceful up here. Elysium murmured. She knew that Orion agreed, but he was too concentrated on flying to say that himself. The steady beat of his wings made her drowsy, but she recited spells and natural cures to keep her awake. She stopped ever so often to consult Orion about a certain one, but made it through. Eventually, they landed.

[TheElements]

Elysium stepped down from Orion's back. She looked around and spotted a tower in the distance. Who's there? She asked Orion. I don't know. I can't feel anyone... Elysium nodded, stepping onto a tall slab of rock. She saw few dragons circling lazily around some mountains, and huge shimmering nests sitting atop the rocky ledges. Wow! Orion gasped. Elysium could feel his excitement. Let's go meet some dragons, hmm? Orion said, a pleading note in his voice. Okay. But can we get some training done first; find a few other Riders? Elysium compromised. Huffily, Orion agreed. Elysium climbed nimbly onto his back, and they set off at a brisk flight through the wispy clouds.

[Deleted]

Alorah wove through the clouds, her huge wings blowing the wisps away. She enjoyed hunting alongside her wild brethren. They allowed her to be as feral as she wanted to without worrying about frightening the hatchlings. She yawned. The green dragon looked forward to a long nap back at New Doru Arabea.
Suddenly, she sensed a pair of unfamiliar presences. One dragon, and one that appeared to be a Rider.
New recruits or perhaps wanderers? she refused to consider the possibility that they were spies of the Shade army.
She sent out a mental knock to the two, not wanting to frighten them with her sudden appearance.

[TheElements]

Orion jerked his head up. He was sure he had felt a mind prodding his. ELYSIUM! He roared. She nearly fell out of the tree she had been sleeping in. What, O great Napslayer? She retorted, a confused tone to her voice. I felt another dragon! Orion answered her unasked question. It came from that thunder of dragons. It was unusual, not like a wild dragon's mind. More... tangled. Elysium jerked up. Rider? Rider and dragon? Orion hummed; amused at the hatchling's sudden interest. Maybe. I'm not sure. Orion started to knead the soft soil with his powerful paws. Elysium had recovered from the shock and dusted herself off. Pulling rations from the bag, she ate and talked to Orion. Well, what if this dragon is a teacher? She mused, chewing. I think we should find out. After I eat, that is. Orion peacefully nodded agreement. Why would a Rider's dragon hunt with the wild ones, though? Elysium felt a rippling wave of confusion emanate from her bond. Maybe it's something she or he does to calm itself. Orion shrugged, then commented; The dragon was female. Her name is... Alorah.

[Deleted]

Deeming that she had given the hatchlings fair warning, Alorah turned her wings in their sockets and glided down through the clouds. Patches of sunlight glinted off her green scales as her magnificent bulk slipped through the clouds with ease. She blinked one large eye at the younglings. She gave a soft trumpet of greeting, her tongue flickering out to taste the air.
If the pair had recently made the flight to Bromsland, the dragon was most likely hungry. Alorah sent another mental knock, wishing to convey the locations of several hunting grounds. She carefully selected the information she wished to share, knowing that if the young ones became curious and attempted to delve into her mind while her mental shields were down in the process of communicating, they would become confused by the plethora of memories, experiences, and knowledge held there.

[TheElements]

Alorah! Orion sent out a mental ripple, alerting Alorah and Elysium. He gazed up at her large green eye, amazed. Are you a Rider's dragon? Do you teach? Elysium queried. Orion just stood there, stunned. The sun shimmered off of her green scales, sending a green wave of light undulating from its stunning source. Clearing his head with a quick shake, Orion sniffed the air. That better not be... SHADE! He rumbled, launching into the sky. Just then, a Shade shot out of the forest on a Fanghur. These must be the new Riders we've heard about, Elysium! They're on Fanghur! The pair were all too familiar with these beasts from living in the Beors. Orion nodded. You know what to do. Elysium dropped off his back, floating down onto a treetop with a spell. The Shade did the same, and the beasts grappled above. Alorah soon joined the fight, and the Fanghur was soon bleeding on the grass. The Shade leisurely strode towards her on the thick tree limb. He created a fire ring around them much like Durza had done so long ago. Swinging his thin rapier, the Shade introduced himself, oddly friendly. "Hello there, little Rider. My name is Zar'roc. You know what that means." His Fanghur screamed alongside, blasting Orion with sound. Alorah plunged, landing on its back and snapping its spine. The Shade winced. Elysium lunged, stabbing him with Skylight. He spun around, slicing a thin line through her left boot. She stabbed, he deflected. Back and forth, again and again. Soon, Orion dropped behind the Shade and clamped his strong jaws onto Zar'roc's leather breeches. Elysium cut deep into his chest, cutting straight through his heart. Zar'roc's face paled, and he dissolved into spirits. Elysium sighed, thanking Orion. Well done! Orion complemented her. Many Riders had killed Shades lately, so it wasn't as much as an accompishement. Thanks. Elysium said to Alorah.

[Deleted]

(OOC: Be careful when writing actions for other people's characters. While you were accurate in portraying Alorah, and the action was short ((and I'm not a huge stickler for this)) there are some other people who get very upset about it. Just a heads up ^^)

Alorah let out an odd grinding sound that constituted as a dragon's laugh.
Yes, hatchlings. I am bonded to the elven Rider, Lucian. I do teach at the academy alongside my Rider.
She was about to say more but her keen nose picked up the scent of a Shade.
So close to the Academy! How did it sneak past our defenses?
She left her considerations for later as the battle was joined. She worried about the young Rider fighting the Shade alone. There was, however, an enemy in the sky as well. She wheeled her mass around as the young dragon and Fanghur met in midair, tearing at each other with talon and fang. She wished that her Rider, Lucian, was there to assist the youngling against the Shade, but he was at the Academy, dealing with another matter. She had no doubt that and Ancient such as he would have no difficulty against such a foe, especially with assistance. As it was, she was too large to properly fight in the confinement the Shade had created, and fighting from the air when he and the Rider were in such proximity would be dangerous. Growling in displeasure, she opted to assist the other dragon against the Fanghur.
The two dragons sent the beast spiraling down into the grass, bloody and beaten. Though, it did not seem to understand its loss. It screamed at the young dragon. Snarling, Alorah dropped from the sky, easily snapping its spine under her monstrous weight. The scream went sharply up in pitch turning into a high yelp. The yelp ended when its head struck the ground, its neck limp in death.
Know when you are beaten, she growled at the creature under her.
She turned her head to watch the ongoing battle, remaining in her position atop the Fanghur.
She rumbled in approval as the Shade was defeated and dissipated.
You are most welcome, she replied to the thanks she received, I cannot allow you hatchlings to fight alone. I commend you in your victory and in the obvious skill in battle you have displayed. I hope that you seek to join our ranks and bolster our strength. Any help that may be given is sorely needed.

[TheElements]

OOC: (Ooopsies! I knew that... I couldn't really have Orion beat the Fanghur alone though.)

Orion brushed his nose across Elysium's head, making sure she was okay. She tended to his wounds, and they both turned to look at Alorah. Thank you, mighty dragon. Elysium said to the large green dragon. Alorah- Orion began, and was interrupted by the other dragon. Moments later, Orion's glee washed over Elysium. She said we should join the Academy! Elysium shared in his giddiness for a few seconds, and then asked, Anything else? Orion shuffled his paws with embarrassment. She said... We displayed skill in battle; and our help would be greatly appreciated. She's bonded to an elven Rider, Lucian. Elysium considered this for a minute or two, then said;Then what are we waiting for? Let's go! They lifted off the ground.

[Deleted]

(OOC- That's fine, I totally get it! You gave me enough room to cooperate so it's all good ;D)

Alorah spread her green wings, the sunlight shimmering through the thin membrane. She pushed off from the ground with her powerful legs, flapping her wings to gain height. She sent a brief mental message to her Rider, informing him of the impending arrival of the new pair. She then projected her thoughts to communicate with the both of them.
Now, then, I have told you my name, young ones, but I do not know yours, she blinked one large eye at them, My Rider will greet us upon our arrival. Follow me, please.
Giving a mighty push of her wings she picked up speed, eager to return home.


Lucian stood in the open valley that lay before the castle of New Doru Arabea, waiting for Alorah to return with the new pair. He closed his eyes as he stood, feeling and sensing the life around him. Young dragons nested in caves in the mountains that loomed over the mighty castle. Their Riders were occupied within the fortress itself, learning magic, combat, history, the Ancient Language, and the like. A soft smile came to his lips as his consciousness stretched outwards, brushing across the blades of grass and the sparse trees of the area. He could sense the game that inhabited the mountains. He remained like this, his consciousness outstretched, mingling with those of the dragons and the occasional student who wished to communicate with him, until he sensed Alorah drawing near.
You are late, my dear one. he told her.
He heard her snort in amusement.
A dragon is never late.

[TheElements]

Orion flew next to Alorah, surveying the surrounding landscape; a large cliff hanging over a castle: a castle of learning. Orion was so excited. He wanted to learn to fight, and learn about hunting and the dragon's history. Elysium, on the other hand, was more interested in mulling over dusty scrolls and learning ancient words. She wanted to learn cures, which was fine on his terms, but he wanted to get out and explore. Now, then, I have told you my name, young ones, but I do not know yours. Alorah rumbled, winking one huge eye. I am Orion, and this Elysium, Orion answered, because Elysium was deep in study. Alorah nodded. They flew in silence for another hour or so, then landed. They were greeted by a tall elf. Orion guessed he was Lucian. They all followed the elf into the fortress. Orion sucked in the castle and landscape. This was now his home! Nudging Elysium with a scaly nose, he shivered with excitement. His Rider dismounted gracefully, and they both set off into the huge stone building.

(OOC: Forgive me for ending outside. I just don't know the castle well enough to be tramping around inside. Nice characters!)

[Deleted]

(OOC- I have no clue either. I joined in a thread and there was a castle and I was like '...okay then'. The same to you!)

[TheElements]

(OOC: That's okay. We'll carry on elsewhere.)

Lifting up a paw from the floor, Orion said, Should we even be here? I mean... well, this place gives me the creeps. All dark... he cut off, ashamed. He padded outside again and lifted Alorah onto his back. Flapping off with Alorah and Lucian behind, he carved a turn and landed on the top of on one of the mountains that wild dragons resided on. Spotting a clearing, he dashed over, snatching up an unwary buck. Come on! he called out to Alorah. Elysium slipped off his back. She couldn't wait to begin training!

[Deleted]

(OOC- alrighty!)

Lucian smiled at their enthusiasm and quickly darted up Alorah's leg and into the saddle. The pair followed Orion and Elysium into the mountains, Alorah trumpeting greetings to the wild dragons she knew and hunted with. Having just eaten before the battle with the Shade, she did not follow in Orion's example. She dropped Lucian off before flying after the young dragon.
Now then, before we begin, she said to him, I will test you to see where we need to pick up with your training. I have witnessed you in combat, but what of your other skills? Sustaining fire and flight, or perhaps fighting on the ground.
She came to perch on an outcropping, her wings spread for balance.

Lucian looked at the young rider before him with his wise grey eyes. He smiled gently before beginning to speak in the ancient language.
"Greetings, Elysium, I am Lucian," he said in his soft, lilting voice, "If you allow me to, I would teach you in the ways of the Riders, as I was taught before the Fall. I will train you in the ways of magic, combat, the ancient language, and, of course, Riding. Is this permissible?"

[TheElements]

Orion shuffled his large paws on the ground, embarrassed. I can hold a flame... and we flew a lot, so I'm decent at that, too. But, I can't fight on the ground. He looked up hopefully. But you can teach me, right? And how to beat up soldiers, like, fifteen at a time? He trumpeted, sending birds out of the trees. Jumping up and flipping midair, he flicked Alorah's broad forehead with his tail. Let's go!

===#*#===

Elsium watched her dragon wheel away with Alorah. Facing the tall elf, she was slightly surprised when he spoke in the ancient language. "If you allow me to, I would teach you in the ways of the Riders, as I was taught before the Fall. I will train you in the ways of magic, combat, the ancient language, and, of course, Riding. Is this permissible?" She was so excited! She could tell Orion was, too. Fighting the urge to squeal with excitement, she answered as regally as she could under the circumstances. "Yes, Lucian. I would love it!" She ended in a little squeak. Screwed that up, she thought. Suddenly a sharp thorn pierced deep into her wall. Flinging up more walls frantically, she moved her hand to her belt. She was comfortable with this. Whipping out her sword; even without wavering in her mental defense, she approached him slowly and struck a couple feints. She struck back, slamming hard. She knew he'd have to choose one or the other. She could do both.

[Deleted]

(OOC- I am cracking up at your sig and the dragon's responses!)

Alorah let out a gravelly laugh at Orion's enthusiasm. It was always uplifting for her to work with the hatchlings. Their excitement was boundless. She took off after him.
Yes, perhaps not so large at number as fifteen at this point, but we will make it so that enemy soldiers do not stand a chance in the face of your might. A dragon should be feared by all who dare challenge him.
She led him to an open expanse that would enable them to work on the ground.
A dragon's natural dominion is the sky. It is uncomfortable for us to do combat on the ground, but necessary. After all, how else would we defend our flightless Riders when they are engaged with a powerful foe and unable to watch their own backs? she gave a toothy grin, You already know how to use your fire, her grin vanished, But have you ever killed a sentient, thinking being with it? Are you sure that you can handle the sudden disappearance of a life and knowing that it was you who ended that life?
In order to train the young dragon in melee combat, which was much different from simply wheeling above an enemy and briefly strafing with fire, she had to be sure that he was mentally prepared.

********************

Lucian nodded, smiling slightly at her excitement. Instead of replying, he tested her by driving an attack into her mental walls. She responded well, thickening her defenses and even going so far as to draw her sword and attack physically in an attempt to distract him. Lucian drew his own green blade in response, deftly blocking her attacks. She struck a hard blow that would have jarred any human. It was only due to his elven strength that he remained firm.
He maintained a constant pressure on her mental defenses, steadily adding force, testing to see how long she could maintain both physical and mental attacks, or if, perhaps, she would attempt to attack him in return. If she did, he would have to be careful. In a mind as old as his, even a Rider may become lost, viewing his many memories and experiences.
Lucian momentarily disengaged, pulling his mind back in order to talk.
"I commend you on your mental prowess," he spoke again in his lyrical voice, "It is impressive for one so young. This foundation will be easy to build upon. Soon, we will have you at the capacity to face enemy Riders who outmatch you in years and experience. Natural talent provides a gateway into great skill."
He gracefully dropped into a stance, holding his sword in one hand.
"Prepare yourself. We begin again."
He sent another sharp stab of thought at her mental walls, this one stronger than before. At the same time, he leapt into action, swinging his blade at her.