Creative Corner

[center][img]http://i.imgur.com/Ue34vuS.png[/img] [font=Monotype Corsiva] [color=#2a164f][size=7][i]C[/i][/size][/color][size=6][color=grey]onsanguinity[/size][/color] --- [size=4] [font=Palatino Linotype] Welcome to Consanguinity, a tale of genesis. Feel free to post on this thread with comments, questions, and general screams of angst. Consanguinity exists in the same universe as [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2095163][color=#2a164f]Tribulation[/url], my other lore thread; but are unrelated enough to where you can jump right into Consanguinity without reading Tribulation if you’d like. [/size] --- [sub][size=4] Graphics by [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?p=lair&tab=userpage&id=96226][color=#2a164f]UserOfShadows[/url] and are not free to use.[/sub] [/font][/size] [img]http://i.imgur.com/gAjBEgR.png[/img] [color=#2a164f] [font=Monotype Corsiva] [color=#2a164f][size=7][i]C[/i][/size][/color][size=6][color=grey]ontents[/size][/color] --- [size=4] [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2242193#post_28521238][color=#2a164f]1[/url] | [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2242193#post_28523717][color=#2a164f]2[/url] | [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2242193#post_28526416][color=#2a164f]3[/url] | [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2242193#post_28529791][color=#2a164f]4[/url] | [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2242193#post_28589417][color=#2a164f]5[/url] | [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2242193#post_28611141][color=#2a164f]6[/url] | [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2242193#post_28634381][color=#2a164f]7[/url] | [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2242193#post_28645236][color=#2a164f]8[/url] | [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2242193/2#post_28665320][color=#2a164f]9[/url] | [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2242193/2#post_28669797][color=#2a164f]10[/url] [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2242193/2#post_28676599][color=#2a164f]11[/url] | [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2242193/2#post_28680046][color=#2a164f]12[/url] | [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2242193/2#post_28743521][color=#2a164f]13[/url] | [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2242193/2#post_28745943][color=#2a164f]14[/url] | [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2242193/2#post_28765100][color=#2a164f]15[/url] | [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2242193/3#post_28766098][color=#2a164f]16[/url] | [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2242193/3#post_28767366][color=#2a164f]17[/url] | [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2242193/3#post_28798140][color=#2a164f]18[/url] | [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2242193/3#post_28919804][color=#2a164f]19[/url] | [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2242193/3#post_28927508][color=#2a164f]20[/url] [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2242193/3#post_28964191][color=#2a164f]21[/url] | [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2242193/3#post_28974921][color=#2a164f]22[/url] | [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2242193/3#post_28977386][color=#2a164f]23[/url] | [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2242193/3#post_28990176][color=#2a164f]24[/url] | [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2242193/4#post_28996232][color=#2a164f]25[/url] | [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2242193/4#post_29013953][color=#2a164f]26[/url] | [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2242193/4#post_29181329][color=#2a164f]27[/url] | [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2242193/4#post_29225603][color=#2a164f]28[/url] | [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2242193/4#post_29227268][color=#2a164f]29[/url] | [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2242193/4#post_29227998][color=#2a164f]30[/url] [img]http://i.imgur.com/69MIHaA.png[/img]

[center] [img]http://i.imgur.com/Ue34vuS.png[/img][font=Monotype Corsiva][size=7][color=#2a164f]Chapter One[/size][/color][/font] --- [font=Palatino Linotype][size=4] “...And that's how it's done!” the mighty dragon boasted with a hearty laugh as he sent a rather sizable tree down to the forest floor with a thud. “Wow Auric! You're so strong, I’d hate to be on the wrong side of your axe!” said a timid mirror, and Auric rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment. “Let's hope that [i]no one[/i] does,” he said somewhat gruffly as he strapped his axe to his back and picked up the tree. “C’mon, let's get this back home. I'm sure everyone would appreciate a nice fire on this cold night,” Auric said, and the mirror nodded in agreement as she padded after the skydancer. “I wasn't sure if that was the wrath of the Gods I heard, or you getting firewood!” a nocturne said with a wave of his hand as the pair returned to the small village. “Hah! Not even the Gods could make such a ruckus!” said a guardian with a good natured smile, and Auric chuckled as he headed down the well worn trail. He passed many small houses made of stone and woven straw roofs. Auric smiled as he walked by several small gardens teeming with food ready to be harvested, and was pleased to see the livestock was healthy. “We should be well prepared for the coming winter,” Auric said to himself as he finally made his way to the center of the village. Auric pulled out his axe once again and began to chop up the massive log. He made short work of turning it into suitable firewood, and it wasn't long before the entire village gathered around the roaring fire. “You were gone for a long time, I was worried,” a coatl said as he sat beside Auric, and the skydancer raised an eyebrow at his companion. “Gods, Seolfor! You worry too much! We are at a time of peace, and all of the great forest knows of my mighty axe!” Auric said, and Seolfor frowned. “You know as well as I do, Auric, that peace cannot last forever! Have you not heard the whispers of a great war that creeps closer to us with each passing day?” Seolfor said with a huff, and Auric shook his head. “Our Mother created our home to protect us, no outsiders can venture this deep into the forest; and who of our kin would risk Her wrath to turn on us? We're [i]fine[/i], Seolfor,” Auric said commandingly, and Seolfor sighed as he watched the roaring fire. “For all of our sakes, I hope you are right,” the coatl continued, and he took a deep breath in attempt to relax. They sat together by the fire until it had died out, and with a yawn they headed to their respective homes for the night. Auric curled up under the large and heavy pelt he used as a blanket, and sleep came easily to the skydancer. He awoke feeling rested, and was eager to join the rest of the village for breakfast. As he leisurely made his way down to the center of the village, he looked around and scoffed. “[I]What a fool Seolfor is! This peace was meant to last, and he’ll worry himself over nothing at all![/i]” Auric thought as the crisp autumn air blew through the village, sending a chill down his spine. Cold and hungry, he quickened his pace, and eagerly took his place near the fire pit after he grabbed his breakfast. Not a moment after he had begun to eat, Seolfor had sat down beside him, wearing a frown. “I would feel better if you would take the rumors a bit more seriously,” he said, and Auric sighed. “If I do some combat training or something, would you stop pestering me about it?!” Auric asked annoyed, and Seolfor looked away for a moment with his eyes narrowed. “Fighting another dragon is not the same as hunting or chopping down trees for firewood! I do not wish to see you injured should an attack happen,” Seolfor said, and an old imperial looked over at the pair with a curious expression. “What's this about fighting now? We haven't had a reason ta fight since I was a wee hatching!” she croaked, and Auric shook his head. “Seolfor’s got it into his head that we're on the brink of some horrible war or something,” he scoffed, and Seolfor frowned. “I speak the truth! I heard invaders from the Sunbeam Ruins sent by the Lightweaver Herself have already left a blood soaked trail in our land, and it is only a matter of time until they reach our village! Is it wrong of us to err on the side of caution and to prepare ourselves against this attack?” Seolfor cried, and the elder shook her head. “Oh, my sweet little dragon, I believe that your friend is right. There's no reason ta get so worked up over rumors, lest we develop a taste for bloodshed ourselves! We are at peace, and the only thing we need to concern ourselves with is a successful harvest for the coming winter,” she said as she hobbled away, and Auric gave Seolfor a look. “Oh, stop looking at me like that! I trust the merchant I heard the tale from, you cannot fake fear like what I saw in his eyes! Mock me if you like, but when you watch the village fall because of your negligence, I hope you know not to expect any sympathy from me!” Seolfor spat as he got up and left Auric alone by the fire. The skydancer sighed as he finished his breakfast and left the square, not keen on hearing Seolfor preach his sermon of war looming on the horizon. It was his turn to hunt lunch, anyway, and he was eager to take out his frustrations and provide for the village in the same stroke. [img]http://i.imgur.com/gAjBEgR.png[/img] [sub][color=transparent]<[/color] [img]http://i.imgur.com/t2H7r4v.png[/img] [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2242193#post_28523717][img]http://i.imgur.com/JIV4dlU.png[/img][/url] [img]http://i.imgur.com/69MIHaA.png[/img]

[center] [img]http://i.imgur.com/Ue34vuS.png[/img][font=Monotype Corsiva][size=7][color=#2a164f]Chapter Two[/size][/color][/font] --- [font=Palatino Linotype][size=4] The cold wind ripped through Auric as he ventured into the forest, axe at the ready. The woods seemed a bit too quiet, but Auric shook his head and pressed on. “[I]I can't let the village down, I refuse to let Seolfor’s paranoia get to me like this![/i]” Auric thought as he ventured further into the dark forest. A twig snapped, and he jumped slightly. Auric turned around and saw a deer nearby, and silently snuck up behind it, axe at the ready. The deer fell the ground with a thud a moment later, and Auric hoisted its still warm body onto his shoulder and made his way back to the village. “We’re lucky we have such a strong dragon to help us with labor like this,” said a spiral as Auric returned to the village, and the burly skydancer looked to be somewhat embarrassed. “Well, I’m no mage, I’m happy to help where I can,” he said as he took his deer to the village butcher. “Oi, you want the pelt fer this, yeah?” the butcher asked as Auric set the deer on the counter, and the skydancer nodded. “I’ll get it back to ya when it’s been tanned properly,” the butcher said as Auric nodded in agreement and left the shop. Seolfor glared at him as he walked outside, but Auric ignored the coatl as he made his way back to his home for the afternoon. He had just gotten settled in when someone started knocking rapidly at his door. Auric got up with a sigh and opened his door to see a very irritated looking Seolfor. “Are you going to lounge about when you [i]ought[/i] to be training?” the coatl asked, and Auric shrugged. “Everyone agrees with me, you’re the only one who thinks the end is nigh!” the skydancer said, and Seolfor narrowed his eyes. “What is the worst that could happen if I am wrong? You will get a good workout regardless, and do you not prize yourself on your strength?” Seolfor asked, and Auric sighed. “Alright, fine, let me just grab my axe first,” he said as he closed the door and returned to his warm bed, snickering all the while. Auric had just fallen asleep when he was suddenly jarred awake by the cold wind roaring through the village. He blinked in confusion for a moment before he saw Seolfor angrily tapping his fingers on his crossed arms nearby. “Oh Gods,” Auric muttered as he stood up and braced himself for the coatl’s wrath. “”[i]Just grabbing your axe[/i]” hmm? You can nap later, we’re going to train [i]now[/i], no more excuses!” he snapped, and Auric gave him a tired look. “Can you not magically drag me out of bed next time?” he muttered, and Seolfor furrowed his brow. “Could you not lie to me next time?” he snapped, and with that the pair made their way to the forest in an an awkward silence. “I hope you know I have no intention of letting you nap unless you put your heart into this,” Seolfor said when they made their way into a clearing, and after he had a moment to catch his breath he snapped his fingers and summoned a mighty dragon that appeared to be almost life like. Without warning he sent the illusion charging straight toward Auric, who found himself impaled by the fake dragon’s spear. He looked down and blinked in confusion for a moment, and Seolfor let out an irritated hiss. “The genuine article will hurt, I hope you know,” he said, frustrated, and Auric raised an eyebrow at him. “Try to not get impaled again,” Seolfor said with a frown as he once again had his illusion lunge at Auric. This time, Auric dodged the attack with a roll just in the nick of time, and Seolfor looked pleased with himself. “Dodging is all well and good, but you must attack!” Seolfor called as he made his illusion attack once again. This time Auric jumped out of the way and landed a blow of his own, slicing the illusion’s arm off. “Messy, and you would do better to be more fatal next time,” Seolfor called out snidely, and Auric frowned. “Why would I want to be deadly? My axe is for providing for the village, not to destroy lives!” he said, and Seolfor frowned. “Casualties are inevitable in war, and it is far better to ensure your foes are incapable of fighting another day,” he said bluntly, and Auric shook his head as he strapped his axe to his back. “If that's what war is, then I want no part of it! I'm going back home, and you can't do anything to stop me, Seolfor!” Auric roared as he stormed off, and Seolfor shook his head with a sigh. The coatl stood in the forest as he watched his companion storm off with a sad look in his eyes. “It is not as if I wish for war either!” he muttered as he too, started to leave the forest. Seolfor didn’t make it very far when he heard an odd rumbling noise deeper in the forest, and his eyes grew wide. With a deep breath he summoned Auric to where he was, and motioned for the skydancer to be silent as he gestured to the deep forest. “We cannot waste any time, our enemy is upon us!” [img]http://i.imgur.com/gAjBEgR.png[/img] [sub][url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2242193#post_28521238][img]http://i.imgur.com/Z7TDQEm.png[/url] [img]http://i.imgur.com/t2H7r4v.png[/img] [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2242193#post_28526416][img]http://i.imgur.com/JIV4dlU.png[/img][/url] [img]http://i.imgur.com/69MIHaA.png[/img]

[center] [img]http://i.imgur.com/Ue34vuS.png[/img][font=Monotype Corsiva][size=7][color=#2a164f]Chapter Three[/size][/color][/font] --- [font=Palatino Linotype][size=4] Auric felt his blood run cold. He desperately wanted to believe that Seolfor was wrong, but he knew it in his gut to be the truth. “What do we do?” he whispered, and Seolfor looked at him with a worried look. “I cannot get us out of here in time, I am far too exhausted. You will need to fight, and when I am able, I will get us home to Ramba Village, where we can warn the rest of the villagers,” Seolfor said with a frown, and Auric nodded as he drew his axe. Seolfor used the last of his magic to safely perch up in a nearby tree, and Auric took a shaky breath as he felt the distant rumbling draw closer by the moment. “It is you against an army, Auric, you need to consider your actions carefully so you can survive!” Seolfor hissed, and Auric nodded. The skydancer hid himself behind a nearby tree, each second he waited feeling to him more like an eternity. The rumbling came closer and closer, the marching sounding akin to a drum beat. Auric’s heart pounded to the beat of the “drums”, his adrenaline growing with every moment. If he had to go down fighting to save his village, then so be it, but he’d be damned if he wouldn’t bring as many of the invaders as he could with him. And then the invaders from Light were upon him, their forces slowed down by the thick forest brambles and blinded by the darkness that covered the woods. Auric saw the first wave, took a deep breath and leaped out from his hiding place. He sent his axe hurling through the air, and it took off the soldier’s head closest to him. His axe lodged itself in a nearby tree, and the soldiers of Light stopped their march in shock and confusion. Auric threw himself at the invaders with a roar, stealing the decapitated soldier's lance and using it to slay the unlucky soldier that was closest to him. Breathing heavy, Auric narrowly dodged a lunge from another soldier and freed his axe from it’s wooden prison. He whipped around and ended another soldier’s life with a quick swing of his axe. Another soldier ran at him, but tripped on a bramble and met his unfortunate end on a rather sharp thorn. Auric grimaced as the realisation of what he’d done had hit him, and in his moment of weakness he failed to notice another soldier had snuck up behind him. Auric ducked and kicked his attacker, sending the soldier of Light flying back a few feet. He threw his axe, and the soldier stopped dead in his tracks as the steel made contact with its target. Auric looked around with wild eyes as he breathed heavily, but didn’t see any other invaders. “By the Gods, Auric! You singlehandedly took out their entire troop! Let us return to the village where we will celebrate your victory!” Seolfor cried as he descended from his tree less than gracefully. Auric shook his head sadly. “I killed them all…” he muttered, and Seolfor frowned. “This is war, Auric! If you did not kill them, they would have wiped out all of Ramba! Better those who signed up for war to die instead of the innocents, yes?” Seolfor said, and Auric sighed. “I wish it didn’t come to this,” the skydancer sighed, and his companion looked at him with sympathetic eyes. “As do I, but now we must do what we can to fight for our land and end this quickly,” he said gently. Auric nodded as he wiped the blood from his axe and strapped it once again to his back. “You’re right, let’s go back home,” he said, and Seolfor nodded as he teleported them back to the village’s square. “Oh Gods! Why you’re [i]drenched[/i] in blood, Auric! What happened?!” one of the villagers cried in alarm, and it was only a moment before the entire village surrounded the duo with wide eyes and shocked voices all running together. “Please, everyone, settle down! We cannot talk over everyone!” Seolfor called out over the din, and the villagers quickly hushed as they turned to Seolfor and Auric, who had climbed up on the fire pit to stand above the crowd. Auric took a deep breath as he began to recount the battle, and the villagers looked up at him with amazement and fear alike in their eyes. “...and while I was able to hold my own against the Soldiers of Light this time, I fear that was but a fraction of our enemies! I plan to set off to free our homeland from these invaders, who’s with me!?” he ended with a roar, and the villagers started to cry out in alarm and excitement. [img]http://i.imgur.com/gAjBEgR.png[/img] [sub][url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2242193#post_28523717][img]http://i.imgur.com/Z7TDQEm.png[/url] [img]http://i.imgur.com/t2H7r4v.png[/img] [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2242193#post_28529791][img]http://i.imgur.com/JIV4dlU.png[/img][/url] [img]http://i.imgur.com/69MIHaA.png[/img]

[center] [img]http://i.imgur.com/Ue34vuS.png[/img][font=Monotype Corsiva][size=7][color=#2a164f]Chapter Four[/size][/color][/font] --- [font=Palatino Linotype][size=4] “But if we leave, who will care for the village?” a villager cried over the din, and there was a chorus of agreement throughout the square. “What if that was the last of the invaders?” another voice cried. “You’re the only one who knows how to fight, Auric! We’d just hold you back!” “Yes, Yes!” the villagers said, and Auric frowned. “If you will not help me, than at the very least help supply me for the long road ahead!” he called over the din, and the villagers fell into hushed murmurs for a moment. “I don’t have a problem with that,” one said, and the rest quickly vocalized their agreement. Auric surveyed the crowd with a pleased look in his eye. “Good! Bring whatever you can afford back here. If anyone has a change of heart, I won’t leave until dawn,” Auric said, and the crowd quickly dispersed. Auric hopped down from the fire pit, and Seolfor quickly followed suit. “I am coming with you,” he said commandingly, and Auric raised an eyebrow. “I will not be able to assist much if at all in battle; however in my time of village record keeper, I have read up on the art of war. You need a tactician,” he continued, and Auric shrugged. “Fine. Get some sleep, we leave at dawn,” Auric said gruffly as he left the square and made his way back home. “Who knows when I’ll be able to sleep in my bed again?” he muttered as he prepared his things for the morning. Exhausted, Auric fell asleep quickly, and the morning came all too soon for him. “I’m surprised to see you’re on time,” the skydancer said gruffly as he saw Seolfor enter the village square out of the corner of his eyes. “I could say the same to you,” Seolfor said with a frown as he looked over at his companion. “...And that’s the last of it. Alright, you take this roll, and we’re off,” Auric said as he handed Seolfor his provisions and started walking. “Dear Gods! Did you put [i]rocks[/i] in my provisions?!” Seolfor spat, and Auric chuckled. “Why you -” the coatl started to say, but was cut off by the skydancer. “No, I gave you the lighter roll. I forget mages lack physical strength!” Auric laughed, and Seolfor huffed. “I am not weak!” he cried as he punched Auric’s arm. “Hmm? Did a fly land on me? [i]No[/i]? That was [i]you[/i]?! I’m pretty sure Dahlia’s hatchlings could hit me harder than that,” Auric said tauntingly, and Seolfor crossed his arms. The pair traveled through the village in silence after that exchange. They made it to the outskirts of Ramba, and Auric looked up at the old wooden sign that marked the settlement with a sigh. “I hope that we can return here one day, when the forest is at peace once again,” Auric said quietly, and Seolfor placed an arm on Auric’s shoulder. “We will, so long as you [i]listen[/i] to my advice,” Seolfor said somewhat harshly, and after a moment Auric nodded. “You’re right. Er, which way should we go?” Auric asked, and Seolfor rested his hand on his chin as he thought. Eventually, he looked up with a satisfied expression on his face. “We need to drive the warriors of Light back into their homeland. Our best course of action would to visit every settlement we can for supplies and allies as we head southeast towards the border. With any luck, we should be prepared at that point to drive our enemies back,” Seolfor said, and Auric nodded. “Makes sense to me,” he said, and with that, the duo turned their back on the sleepy village of Ramba and started to venture into the dark forest. “We need to keep quiet, who knows where the warriors of Light might be lurking!” Seolfor said after they’d made half a day’s travel into the forest, and Auric raised an eyebrow at him. “You’re the one who likes listening to himself speak, not me,” he muttered, and Seolfor huffed as he struggled to keep up with his companion. “Could...you…[i]please[/i]...slow...down?!” he wheezed after a moment, and Auric slowed his pace to a crawl. “Gods! It must...be...nice for you non-mages! All this...walking...is...unbearable!” Seolfor said as he struggled to catch his breath, and Auric stopped and gave him a sad look. “I could never hope to be as useful or as talented as my mage brethren, and I often find myself wishing I wasn’t the odd one for not having a drop of magic in my blood,” Auric said quietly, and Seolfor frowned. “We’ve been traveling for awhile now, might as well make camp,” Auric said in his usual gruff manner, and Seolfor sighed in relief. “I should be able to put up a defensive barrier of sorts around us. No one will be able to see our camp, and we should be safe,” he said, but furrowed his brow after a moment. “Seolfor? What’s wrong?” Auric asked, and Seolfor shook his head. “I cannot guarantee our safety, if they have a strong mage amongst their ranks they could see that the area is enchanted,” he said with a furrowed brow, and Auric frowned. “I thought they didn’t train battle mages anymore?” he asked, and Seolfor sighed. “Not for a few generations, no… but if the forces of Light are desperate enough…” he trailed off, and Auric turned his attention back to making camp for the night. “We’ll have to hope they’re not desperate then,” the skydancer said gruffly, and his companion nodded gravely as he turned to help him. [img]http://i.imgur.com/gAjBEgR.png[/img] [sub][url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2242193#post_28526416][img]http://i.imgur.com/Z7TDQEm.png[/url] [img]http://i.imgur.com/t2H7r4v.png[/img] [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2242193#post_28589417][img]http://i.imgur.com/JIV4dlU.png[/img][/url] [img]http://i.imgur.com/69MIHaA.png[/img]

[center] [img]http://i.imgur.com/Ue34vuS.png[/img][font=Monotype Corsiva][size=7][color=#2a164f]Chapter Five[/size][/color][/font] --- [font=Palatino Linotype][size=4] “Wake [i]up[/i], you lazy oaf!” Seolfur said annoyed, and Auric’s eyes fluttered open. “Wha?” he muttered as his surroundings came into focus. He blinked in confusion for a moment. “Seolfor?...Why are you in my house?” he asked groggily, and the coatl rolled his eyes. “Did you forget that we left Ramba to drive back the warriors of Light?” he scoffed, and Auric frowned as he rubbed the sleep out of his eyes. “I cannot hold this enchantment for any longer, we need to get moving,” Seolfor said, and Auric sighed as he gathered his things. He strapped both his axe and the pelt he was using as a blanket onto his back, and nodded at his companion. Seolfor was too preoccupied with studying a map to notice, and Auric cleared his throat after a moment. Seolfor looked up with a somewhat embarrassed facial expression, and put away his map. “If my map is accurate, we should arrive in the next settlement within the day or so,” he said, and Auric nodded. “Good, we're running low on supplies,” he said gruffly as he watched Seolfor remove his enchantment of the area. After taking a moment to catch his breath, Seolfor pointed off into the forest with a commanding air. “This way!” he said as he started walking towards the direction he just pointed at, and Auric followed behind him with a shrug. They had kept a steady pace, and after a few hours were able to see a village larger than Ramba in the distance. Seeing this, the duo found a second wind, and quickly made their way to the new settlement’s outskirts. “According to my map, this should be “[i]Crescent Village[/i]””, Seolfor said as he struggled to catch his breath. The pair had just crossed the threshold of the village when they were halted by a pair of guards, who lowered their spears. “We don't often get visitors, ‘specially not ones armed like yerselves! State yer business,” one guard commanded, and Seolfor nudged Auric while he still struggled to catch his breath. “I am Auric Badulf of Ramba Village, n’ this is Seolfor Bakke, also of Ramba. We’re traveling in search of able-bodied dragons that can help us drive back the warriors of Light who've invaded our homeland,” Auric said plainly and the guards frowned. “I haven't ‘erd of an invasion, ’ave you?” he asked as he turned to his fellow guard, who looked troubled. “Nah, but it’d explain why our numbers ‘ave been dwindlin’ though, do you reckon those invaders ‘ave been stealin’ away our lot?” the other guard asked, and the two stood in thoughtful silence for a few moments. “If nothing else, we are in need of supplies. Could you be persuaded to let us in to visit your market?” Seolfor asked, and the guards whispered to each other for a moment before they broke apart and turned toward the duo. “We’ll let ya in, don't cause any trouble,” one said as he moved his spear out of the way. “Yer not allowed ta recruit unless ya get the Chief's express permission,” the other said as he too, moved his spear out of the way. “Very well. Tell me, where can we find this Chief?” Seolfor asked, and one of the guards pointed to the far side of the settlement. “There's a big n’ fancy house over there, yeh won't be able ta miss it,” he said, and Seolfor nodded and gave a “Thank you,” as he started to walk off. “Shouldn't we get supplies?” Auric asked as he rejoined Seolfor’s side, and the coatl shook his head. “It would make more sense to wait. We do not know if anyone else will be joining us, why make unnecessary trips to the market? The more time we waste, the more time the invaders have to get further in their quest,” Seolfor said with an irritated hiss, and Auric frowned. “I suppose that makes sense,” he said, and Seolfor looked pleased. The pair made their way to the Chief's house in silence; and after a decently long walk, arrived at the door. Auric gave a hearty knock, and after a moment they were greeted by a young nocturne, who gave them a quizzical expression. “We don't often get visitors here in Crescent, and it's rare to see any that come to pay me a visit. So...why have you come?” she asked as she studied the pair at her door. “The warriors of Light have invaded our homeland, and so we are on a quest to drive them back into the Sunbeam Ruins. We seek any able-bodied dragons who are willing to fight for the cause, as well as provisions,” Seolfor said, and the chief frowned. “If what you say is true, why is this the first I've heard of an invasion?!” she asked with a cold and distrusting look in her eyes, and Auric frowned. “The news came to a shock to me as well, believe me, but I swear to our Mother Herself that we speak the truth! We took out a small number of their forces near our village, Ramba,” Auric said, and Seolfor nodded. “They had extreme difficulty navigating the forest, and I believe that most of their forces are much closer to the border,” Seolfor added, and the chief scowled for a moment as she thought. “I will allow you to recruit my people; so long as they know exactly what they are getting into, and that it completely voluntary on their behalf. I will accompany you throughout your stay in Crescent,” the nocturne said with stern authority, and with that, the trio made their way back into the village square. [img]http://i.imgur.com/gAjBEgR.png[/img] [sub][url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2242193#post_28529791][img]http://i.imgur.com/Z7TDQEm.png[/url] [img]http://i.imgur.com/t2H7r4v.png[/img] [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2242193#post_28611141][img]http://i.imgur.com/JIV4dlU.png[/img][/url] [img]http://i.imgur.com/69MIHaA.png[/img]

[center] [img]http://i.imgur.com/Ue34vuS.png[/img][font=Monotype Corsiva][size=7][color=#2a164f]Chapter Six[/size][/color][/font] --- [font=Palatino Linotype][size=4] Seolfor looked down at the small crowd of dragons with a pleased expression. Only two had returned home after hearing of the war, and the odd twenty or so dragons left were all determined to join the cause. The coatl looked over each recruit with interest, and after a few moments he turned toward Auric. “You need to test them, we need to see how much training they require before we set off,” he commanded, and Auric nodded as he began to pair up his troops. With that, they marched off into the nearby forest to begin training. After several exhausting hours of combat training, Auric halted the practice. “That’s enough, return home and rest. We leave at dawn,” he said as he turned toward Seolfor, who rolled up the parchment he was scribbling on. “Well? What did you think?” Auric asked as he drew closer, and Seolfor frowned. “A mob of peasants will hardly stand a chance against the warriors of Light, I just hope this lot will improve, [i]quickly[/i],” he said, and Auric furrowed his brow. “They are strong and ready to fight for our cause!” he said defensively, and Seolfor let out an irritated hiss. “And they are still not prepared! It was a miracle you were able to defeat even one of the invaders, and you are much stronger than any of these recruits! Optimism does [i]not[/i] win wars,” he hissed, and Auric sighed as he followed his companion back to the village. They shopped for supplies in silence, broken only by necessary questions or statements. Eventually they made their way back to the room they boarded for the night at the tavern. Auric was the first to fall asleep, but Seolfor found himself awake as he deliberated strategies. Eventually he forced himself to fall asleep, and morning came all too quickly for him. Still groggy, he woke Auric up, and the pair made their way to the entrance of the village to wait on their small army to join them. Seolfor let out an impatient hiss as he tapped his foot. “Did you [i]not[/i] make it clear we were to leave at dawn?!” he spat, and Auric frowned. “I’m sure they'll be here any minute now,” he said gruffly, and Seolfor crossed his arms. “I would have to hope so,” he said, clearly irritated. Not much time passed before the rest of the army had arrived, and after a very long and brutal scolding from Seolfor, they marched on. “We march straight to Grado, the large center of trade to the southeast of here, no detours. Keep quiet, we will use our familiarity of our land and stealth to our advantage. Auric and I will lead, and I will signal if I spot the invaders nearby. We can [i]only[/i] win this war if we use the element of surprise to ambush our foes,” Seolfor said, and there was a murmur of agreement throughout the troops. Satisfied with their answer, Seolfor motioned for them to begin to march. After several hours had passed of non stop marching, the coatl had called them to a halt. “That should do it for today, we will make camp here,” he said, and the army gladly began to settle down for the evening for some much needed relaxation. Just as Seolfor had finished enchanting the camp, he heard a twig snap nearby. He motioned for the army to be silent, and to follow him out of the camp. Thick fog blanketed the forest, and for those not native to the Tangled Woods, would be nearly impossible to see through. This proved to be a blessing for the Shadow dragons, as not more than a few feet away from them was a platoon at least double their size, all decked out in golden colors. Seolfor took a deep breath, and after a tense moment had motioned for them to attack, and prayed he made the right choice as the army lept out of the shroud and began their assault on the invaders. [img]http://i.imgur.com/gAjBEgR.png[/img] [sub][url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2242193#post_28589417][img]http://i.imgur.com/Z7TDQEm.png[/url] [img]http://i.imgur.com/t2H7r4v.png[/img] [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2242193#post_28634381][img]http://i.imgur.com/JIV4dlU.png[/img][/url] [img]http://i.imgur.com/69MIHaA.png[/img]

[center] [img]http://i.imgur.com/Ue34vuS.png[/img][font=Monotype Corsiva][size=7][color=#2a164f]Chapter Seven[/size][/color][/font] --- [font=Palatino Linotype][size=4] The invaders let out a yell of surprise and fear as the Shadow dragons lept out from the shroud. Auric’s axe sliced through a soldier as if they were made of butter, their surprise proven to be fatal. From what Auric could tell in the heat of the moment, it seemed as if his comrades were faring about the same. He changed forward with a cry, his sights locked onto another foe. He lept up, and narrowly dodged a lunge from different warrior, who slumped over a moment later. He muttered a “thanks” as he charged forward, and felled the foe in his sights. The surprise had worn off, and now it was clear the warriors of Light had the advantage. Auric thought he heard Seolfor call for a retreat, but he was too focused on the task at hand to pay it any mind. He swung his axe and left another soldier dead in their tracks. Auric looked around with wild eyes as he surveyed the battlefield. There were bodies lying everywhere, and if he had the luxury of being able to think at the moment he'd be horrified. The skydancer went after the nearest warrior with a primal cry, and it wasn't long before their body fell beside the others. “Auric! I called for a retreat! Fall back!” Seolfor cried out as the skydancer dodged a blow before landing one of his own. Auric showed no signs of stopping, and with an irritated hiss, Seolfor teleported himself to Auric’s side. “Are you deaf?! Going against this many enemies is suicide! We are retra-” Seolfor started to say, but was cut off by the air leaving him suddenly. Auric’s eyes narrowed in fury as he flung himself at the warrior that had impaled Seolfor, and once he finished he strapped his axe to his back and picked up the coatl, who was bleeding rather heavily. “You..know where... to go,” Seolfor said breathlessly as he struggled to catch his breath. Auric nodded and ran as fast as his legs could safely take him back to the camp, which luckily, was still enchanted. “He needs help, someone roll out something I can set him down on!” Auric barked, and one of the recruits nodded and swiftly prepared a makeshift bed. Auric gently set Seolfor down, who was muttering something to himself. “I’m...not strong enough...to fix this, but…” he trailed off, suddenly sounding exhausted, and Auric looked at him with fear in his eyes. “I will not die from this,” Seolfor said weakly as his eyes flickered shut, and Auric bit his lip as he momentarily forgot how to breathe. He quickly checked the mage's pulse, and was relieved that he seemed to still be alive, just unconscious. Auric stood up from where he was kneeling beside his companion and turned to the rest of the army. “Rest and regain your strength, we leave for the nearest settlement at sundown,” he said gruffly, and Auric didn't care to listen to the hushed chatting that ravaged the camp. Sighing, the skydancer knelt beside the unconscious coatl, and begun a vigilant watch over him. Every time Seolfor’s soft breathing was delayed, Auric found himself holding his own breath. No one had died yet, and while losing a stranger would be bad enough, losing someone Auric [i]knew[/i] would be unbearable. “You promised we’d return to Ramba…[I]together[/i],” he muttered so softly it was hard for even the skydancer to make out what he said. [img]http://i.imgur.com/gAjBEgR.png[/img] [sub][url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2242193#post_28611141][img]http://i.imgur.com/Z7TDQEm.png[/url] [img]http://i.imgur.com/t2H7r4v.png[/img] [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2242193#post_28645236][img]http://i.imgur.com/JIV4dlU.png[/img][/url] [img]http://i.imgur.com/69MIHaA.png[/img]

[center] [img]http://i.imgur.com/Ue34vuS.png[/img][font=Monotype Corsiva][size=7][color=#2a164f]Chapter Eight[/size][/color][/font] --- [font=Palatino Linotype][size=4] Seolfor’s eyes weakly fluttered open. His vision was blurry, and his pain was making it hard for him to concentrate on much; but he could tell he was being gently carried somewhere. “A-Auric..?” he muttered, sounding somewhat confused. “I’m here,” Auric muttered somewhat gruffly, and Seolfor felt both relieved and irritated. “I am able to walk,” he protested, and Auric looked down at him and frowned. “You just got stabbed, you don’t need to walk,” he said, and Seolfor sighed in resignation. “...We’ve been marching for awhile now, we’ll get you to a healer soon,” Auric said after a few moments, and Seolfor furrowed his brow. “Surely you jest! Grado is still a long way from where we camped!” he said, and Auric seemed somewhat amused. “Can’t get anything past you, huh?” You’re right, we’re making a detour,” he said, and Seolfor let out an irritated hiss. “I am not worth detouring for! We cannot afford to waste any time, the sooner we get to Grado the sooner we can end this war!” he spat, and Auric raised an eyebrow at him. “And we can’t afford to lose our tactician either, can we? I’m not smart enough to lead, and like you’ve said, the rest have no experience,” Auric said with a quiet authority, and Seolfor shook his head. They fell into silence as they continued to march, and Seolfor found himself to be quite relaxed in Auric’s arms, and found himself nodding off once more. “...ab wound, can you heal him?” Seolfor heard Auric say, and he opened his eyes to see he was inside a unfamiliar room. “Yes...it should be easy, but how did he get stabbed?” a spiral asked with a mellow tone as he moved closer to the pair. “There’s a war, haven’t you heard?” Auric said gruffly, and the spiral gave a slow nod. “I’ve prayed for our Mother for aid, but… ah that doesn’t matter, go and set him down over there,” he said slowly as he gestured to a table nearby, and Auric swiftly obeyed. The spiral made his way over to the table, albeit much slower than Auric moved. He bowed his head for a moment before he slowly ran his hand over Seolfor’s wound. The wound began to close as he slowly worked his healing magic, and after several minutes, the Spiral looked up. “Good as new,” he said, sounding satisfied, and Auric looked relieved. “Have there been any other injuries?” the spiral asked, and Auric shook his head. “Mhm… that’s good then,” the spiral said, and Auric nodded. “Not much of a talker, eh?” the spiral asked, and Seolfor looked amused for a moment, before furrowing his brow. “Do you happen to know how far we are from Grado?” he asked the spiral, who had begun to hum a moment earlier. “You’re heading to Grado too? It’s a few days from here. Y’know, it’d make more sense if we went together,” the spiral said, and Seolfor frowned. “What business do you have there?” the coatl questioned, and after a few moments, the spiral answered. “I’m a priest at the temple there. The High Priestess sent me for supplies, y’see,” he said in his mellow way, and Seolfor nodded. “Having someone who is capable of healing, if only for a few days, would be advantageous. I see no reason why you should not join us,” he said, and the spiral nodded slowly and begun to hum once more. “Do you have a name?” Auric asked gruffly, and after a few minutes the spiral stopped humming. “...Aeris Rondeau,” he said slowly and returned to humming a moment later. Seolfor looked irritated at the priest’s constant humming, but didn’t say anything as he glared from afar. “Start packing then, we leave at dawn. With or [i]without[/i] you,” Auric said gruffly, and Aeris nodded slowly. Seolfor rolled his eyes as he slid off the table, and joined Auric’s side as he made his way to the door. “I hope this…[i]detour[/i]... did not cost us the war! If you [i]listened[/i] to me, we would be well on our way to Grado by now!” Seolfor spat once they got outside, and Auric deflated. “Sorry,” he muttered gruffly, and Seolfor scoffed as he crossed his arms. The two made their way back to the makeshift camp for the night, and despite Seolfor’s irritation, he was happy that Auric layed a bit closer to him than ever before. [img]http://i.imgur.com/gAjBEgR.png[/img] [sub][url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2242193#post_28634381][img]http://i.imgur.com/Z7TDQEm.png[/url] [img]http://i.imgur.com/t2H7r4v.png[/img] [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2242193/2#post_28665320][img]http://i.imgur.com/JIV4dlU.png[/img][/url] [img]http://i.imgur.com/69MIHaA.png[/img]