Rush
(#28463427)
Level 18 Tundra
Familiar
Swiftstride Soldier
Click or tap to view this dragon in Predict Morphology.
Energy: 50/50
This dragon’s natural inborn element is Nature.
Male Tundra
Expand the dragon details section.
Collapse the dragon details section.
Personal Style
Apparel
Skin
Scene
Measurements
Length
4.58 m
Wingspan
4.51 m
Weight
409.95 kg
Genetics
Charcoal
Skink
Skink
Eldritch
Paint
Paint
Platinum
Underbelly
Underbelly
Hatchday
Breed
Eye Type
Level 18 Tundra
EXP: 21386 / 92435
STR
88
AGI
9
DEF
5
QCK
54
INT
5
VIT
5
MND
5
Biography
  
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RUSH
The tireless traveller "Let's go, I can't wait!"
There isn't a single thing or dragon that can hold Rush down. He moves fast through life; danger, excitement, adrenaline are all things that he craves. What he really wants that has all of those things, is adventure. He doesn't want to be tied down; he wants to stretch out his wings and see everything the world has to offer. Maybe one day, when he's old and tired, he'll want to settle down and start a family. Until then, the sun and the sky are his family.
Quote:
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Cognitive's Lair - Plague
Mystery. Mayhem. Marvels. All things one might expect to see in a lair laden with magic - Rush saw all that and more when visiting the Magical Society. Immediately approached by a Coatl clutching a pocketwatch, he was asked if he would like to travel through time. The opportunity offered by Pippin was right up his alley, and Rush excitedly accepted. They traveled back to visit themselves as hatchlings, offering sage advice that would be promptly forgotten by such young dragons. Even so, Rush found it fun to see his younger self and revisit the past.
Or returning to the present, Rush was assaulted by another dragon - the Imperial known as Arianna. She was not a magic user, but a proud warrior and fighter. No dragon should be without the skills to defend themselves, and that included dragons who were not entirely part of the clan. After hours of rigorous training set in the coliseum under Arianna's tutelage, Rush could feel himself already growing stronger. It might be something for him to continue in the future. If he could find the time among his travels!
A break was afforded to the Tundra, and he took to wandering the expansive castle that played host to the magical creatures. His intent was to explore every nook and cranny that he could, and his venturing eventually led him to the catacombs. It wasn't long until he was lost among the clutter of old artifacts, potions, and spellbooks. Fortunately, he was not completely alone. The keeper of the catacombs, a shy Ridgeback by the name of Marcius happened to find him and lead him back upwards. Rush never got a good look at the other dragon, but that may be a mystery for another day.
One cannot visit a place of magic without trying to learn some magic of their own. It was something innate, but there were still other avenues afforded to Rush. Under the supervision and guidance of the Headmistress herself, Josephine, he was taught how to create a potion that could enhance his strength for a period of time. The recipe and how to create the potion was written in a spellbook, which Rush carried with him on leaving this quirky grouping of dragons.
Mystery. Mayhem. Marvels. All things one might expect to see in a lair laden with magic - Rush saw all that and more when visiting the Magical Society. Immediately approached by a Coatl clutching a pocketwatch, he was asked if he would like to travel through time. The opportunity offered by Pippin was right up his alley, and Rush excitedly accepted. They traveled back to visit themselves as hatchlings, offering sage advice that would be promptly forgotten by such young dragons. Even so, Rush found it fun to see his younger self and revisit the past.
Or returning to the present, Rush was assaulted by another dragon - the Imperial known as Arianna. She was not a magic user, but a proud warrior and fighter. No dragon should be without the skills to defend themselves, and that included dragons who were not entirely part of the clan. After hours of rigorous training set in the coliseum under Arianna's tutelage, Rush could feel himself already growing stronger. It might be something for him to continue in the future. If he could find the time among his travels!
A break was afforded to the Tundra, and he took to wandering the expansive castle that played host to the magical creatures. His intent was to explore every nook and cranny that he could, and his venturing eventually led him to the catacombs. It wasn't long until he was lost among the clutter of old artifacts, potions, and spellbooks. Fortunately, he was not completely alone. The keeper of the catacombs, a shy Ridgeback by the name of Marcius happened to find him and lead him back upwards. Rush never got a good look at the other dragon, but that may be a mystery for another day.
One cannot visit a place of magic without trying to learn some magic of their own. It was something innate, but there were still other avenues afforded to Rush. Under the supervision and guidance of the Headmistress herself, Josephine, he was taught how to create a potion that could enhance his strength for a period of time. The recipe and how to create the potion was written in a spellbook, which Rush carried with him on leaving this quirky grouping of dragons.
SassmasterMaxie's Lair - Shadow
Rush's next adventure began in the Tangled Wood, and there he met a group of nomadic dragons who enjoyed travelling. There he was stopped by the first guard, Altani. She wanted to test his defensive abilities, and the two sparred. She was impressed by his strength so far, but offered to train him further to sharpen his skills. In fact, Altani was so impressed with him that she wanted him to father some of her children!
After training hard in the coliseum, Rush met Regina, the clan's outfit planner. Although she wanted to give him a full outfit, instead she settled for giving him a nice patterned steampunk scarf which she said he could keep. Then he got to meet Maxie, the leader of the Sassmaster Clan. He got to play with and pet the many feline friends the clan had amassed.
He also had his future told by Rhodochrosite, the clan's seer, and she said that his time here was near the beginning of a much grander adventure for him. He even spent time with Gabriel, the clan's alchemist, and he learned the recipes for some potions that could cure illnesses and ease fatigue, which he noted down in his spellbook.
He is now the father of two children with Altani, and he plans to bring one of them back to his home with him in the hopes that they too will be just as adventurous as he is. And after saying goodbye to such a varied clan of dragons, he headed back home and prepared for his next wild adventure.
Rush's next adventure began in the Tangled Wood, and there he met a group of nomadic dragons who enjoyed travelling. There he was stopped by the first guard, Altani. She wanted to test his defensive abilities, and the two sparred. She was impressed by his strength so far, but offered to train him further to sharpen his skills. In fact, Altani was so impressed with him that she wanted him to father some of her children!
After training hard in the coliseum, Rush met Regina, the clan's outfit planner. Although she wanted to give him a full outfit, instead she settled for giving him a nice patterned steampunk scarf which she said he could keep. Then he got to meet Maxie, the leader of the Sassmaster Clan. He got to play with and pet the many feline friends the clan had amassed.
He also had his future told by Rhodochrosite, the clan's seer, and she said that his time here was near the beginning of a much grander adventure for him. He even spent time with Gabriel, the clan's alchemist, and he learned the recipes for some potions that could cure illnesses and ease fatigue, which he noted down in his spellbook.
He is now the father of two children with Altani, and he plans to bring one of them back to his home with him in the hopes that they too will be just as adventurous as he is. And after saying goodbye to such a varied clan of dragons, he headed back home and prepared for his next wild adventure.
Sarkie's Lair - Earth
Rush arrived in the Rosewood clan out of a strange homesickness. He grew up in dragonhome, and as exhilarating as the other flights were, after his misadventures in Shadow and Plague he wanted to have a small break from the action. And where better to take a breather than Earth?
He met the Rosewood leader, Sunrise, just when he was homebound to check in on his home clan. Sunrise heard his stories of misadventure and exploration, and invited him for a stay in his clan. Rush had a predictably peaceful first night, but he awoke in the morning to find a fight occurring just outside the lair.
He hurried outside to find the clan under siege by powerful beastclan warriors. With his help they were able to drive them off, and in their gratitude gave him gifts.
He was sad to leave the clan behind, but he was already itching to explore new domains.
Rush arrived in the Rosewood clan out of a strange homesickness. He grew up in dragonhome, and as exhilarating as the other flights were, after his misadventures in Shadow and Plague he wanted to have a small break from the action. And where better to take a breather than Earth?
He met the Rosewood leader, Sunrise, just when he was homebound to check in on his home clan. Sunrise heard his stories of misadventure and exploration, and invited him for a stay in his clan. Rush had a predictably peaceful first night, but he awoke in the morning to find a fight occurring just outside the lair.
He hurried outside to find the clan under siege by powerful beastclan warriors. With his help they were able to drive them off, and in their gratitude gave him gifts.
He was sad to leave the clan behind, but he was already itching to explore new domains.
roadworthy's Lair - Earth
Although Rush had left his clan's domain hoping his next adventure would let him explore more than just the Earthshaker's lands, fate had other plans.
Less than a day's travel from his own lair, thunderheads rose up on the horizon. On the desert floor, grounded by the threat of lightning, Rush found himself in trouble. As the rains moved in, the fear of a flash flood came with them. He made his way to a nearby set of rock arches and, by luck, managed to find a cave set high enough to keep dry. Unfortunately, the cave was not unoccupied.
Rush was trespassing, and at the mercy of a Mirror named Sundowner. If it weren't for the timely arrival of another Mirror named Blaze, Rush would have been tossed back out into the storm. Blaze took Rush deeper into the stone arch, to a cavern where a Mirror clan waited out the rains. Sunbleach, the clan's matriarch, greeted Rush warmly, and declared him their guest. Blaze introduced him to her sister, Corona, and they took the Tundra on a tour of the stone arch's tunnels.
Although Rush had left his clan's domain hoping his next adventure would let him explore more than just the Earthshaker's lands, fate had other plans.
Less than a day's travel from his own lair, thunderheads rose up on the horizon. On the desert floor, grounded by the threat of lightning, Rush found himself in trouble. As the rains moved in, the fear of a flash flood came with them. He made his way to a nearby set of rock arches and, by luck, managed to find a cave set high enough to keep dry. Unfortunately, the cave was not unoccupied.
Rush was trespassing, and at the mercy of a Mirror named Sundowner. If it weren't for the timely arrival of another Mirror named Blaze, Rush would have been tossed back out into the storm. Blaze took Rush deeper into the stone arch, to a cavern where a Mirror clan waited out the rains. Sunbleach, the clan's matriarch, greeted Rush warmly, and declared him their guest. Blaze introduced him to her sister, Corona, and they took the Tundra on a tour of the stone arch's tunnels.
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A few days of rains finally gave way to clear skies, and Blaze's Tundra mate, Mojave, appeared. He'd been trapped on another arch, grounded by the same weather that kept the Mirrors indoors. Mojave and Rush hit it off immediately, and they and Blaze decided to do some exploration. They found the desert floor flooded, and the only way out now an impassable river whose current hurled huge boulders into the sky. Even a flying dragon would be risking life and limb to cross it. Since they had time until it was safe to travel, Blaze and Mojave showed Rush a secret place on top of one of the smaller arches: a garden full of desert plants! Rush was so excited to see live plants in the desert, he couldn't help but taste a few. He ended up with a maneful of flowers for his efforts. The next morning, the waters had begun to recede, and Rush decided he should continue on his way. He met with his new friends one last time and tried to memorize their scents in the way only Tundras can. He wanted to remember them for as long as he could. With a final goodbye, he started on the way to his next adventure. |
Kataracts' Lair - Water
The Riptide Delta was anything but what was expected, with the first noticeable difference was that the lair wasn't in the water, or near the Sea of a Thousand currents, but in a separate dimension on its own, a place with all the water one could imagine, with a singular, amazingly huge continent in the center of it all. This was the Riptide Delta, an expanse of safety, offered to this clan.
Rush gaped as Auberon, the unknown deity of forgotten worlds, lead him through it to the clan's current home site. Auberon smiled and explained that he had created this space as a larger home for the clan since there were beginning to be much less room in Sornieth to expand. Rush spent his first few day simply exploring the land, following Croc through the swamps and marshes, Marina taking him inot the water to show him the reefs, Kaitlyn taking him through the forests, and BumbleBee taking him through the mountains.
After days of exploring, he was lead through the clan's market space, an amazing place stretching across nearly 1/17th of the land. Other clans and flights come to sell their wares there. It is one of the most large and amazing spectacals, and many clans treated the market days as a mini-festival, seeing as so many came to attend it.
Finally, he went to the deep sea with Rybera, the clan leader, to the dragon-esque creature that lives in the core of the planet, where the only way to go to it is to swim very far and deep down, which only Rybera could, and Rush couldn't, or when the meteors came. The creature eats the mineral & ore rich meteors and meteorites, and sustains the planet with his life energy. During a meteor shower, the clan gathered on the cliffs, looking out onto the ocean as they awaited the creature. Soon enough, it came up and snagged a large, shining meteor right from the sky. Its huge form sank back into the water. He came up again a few more times, grabbing the bigger meteorites from the sky, and let the smaller ones fall into the ocean, so they sank back to where it lived and it could eat them later.
After one more day of relaxing and casual exploring, he took his leave, and Auberon lead him out of the dimension, bidding him safe travels as he disappeared back into his swirling blue and yellow portal that looked like a nebula of stars.
The Riptide Delta was anything but what was expected, with the first noticeable difference was that the lair wasn't in the water, or near the Sea of a Thousand currents, but in a separate dimension on its own, a place with all the water one could imagine, with a singular, amazingly huge continent in the center of it all. This was the Riptide Delta, an expanse of safety, offered to this clan.
Rush gaped as Auberon, the unknown deity of forgotten worlds, lead him through it to the clan's current home site. Auberon smiled and explained that he had created this space as a larger home for the clan since there were beginning to be much less room in Sornieth to expand. Rush spent his first few day simply exploring the land, following Croc through the swamps and marshes, Marina taking him inot the water to show him the reefs, Kaitlyn taking him through the forests, and BumbleBee taking him through the mountains.
After days of exploring, he was lead through the clan's market space, an amazing place stretching across nearly 1/17th of the land. Other clans and flights come to sell their wares there. It is one of the most large and amazing spectacals, and many clans treated the market days as a mini-festival, seeing as so many came to attend it.
Finally, he went to the deep sea with Rybera, the clan leader, to the dragon-esque creature that lives in the core of the planet, where the only way to go to it is to swim very far and deep down, which only Rybera could, and Rush couldn't, or when the meteors came. The creature eats the mineral & ore rich meteors and meteorites, and sustains the planet with his life energy. During a meteor shower, the clan gathered on the cliffs, looking out onto the ocean as they awaited the creature. Soon enough, it came up and snagged a large, shining meteor right from the sky. Its huge form sank back into the water. He came up again a few more times, grabbing the bigger meteorites from the sky, and let the smaller ones fall into the ocean, so they sank back to where it lived and it could eat them later.
After one more day of relaxing and casual exploring, he took his leave, and Auberon lead him out of the dimension, bidding him safe travels as he disappeared back into his swirling blue and yellow portal that looked like a nebula of stars.
Wafer's Lair - Nature
Though a Nature dragon by blood, Rush had not been to the GladeKeeper’s realm in a long, long time. It helped that the clan he had stumbled upon valued hospitality to its finest detail. Upon entering the its innermost territory he was surrounded by several chattering dragons, each one eager to catch the wanderer’s attention. These were the Mosspeak dragons, self-appointed masters of festivity, with pedigree for holding festivals that can last days at a time. And for a guest, they would spare no expense.
The food kept coming and crisp water never stopped flowing. Rush found himself pulled and yanked from activity to activity as the days rolled over. A Pearlcatcher, Nano, performed a one-dragon play where, somehow, she managed to seamlessly play both the Gladekeeper and the Plaguebringer in a fictionalized (and highly dramatized) meeting of sisters. Punkin, the clan’s bard, provided musical accompaniment for both the play and many, many dances that would follow.
A great caterwaul of merriment capitalized Rush’s final day from dawn to dusk. At the height of midnight merriment, the clan’s Matriarch, a distant Tundra like himself, presented him with a number of parting gifts: a satchel brimming with vittles, and a freshly woven bandana.
Rush set off from Mosspeak’s territory early the next morning, giving only brief farewells to groggy and half-asleep dragons. It was time for him to journey on.
Though a Nature dragon by blood, Rush had not been to the GladeKeeper’s realm in a long, long time. It helped that the clan he had stumbled upon valued hospitality to its finest detail. Upon entering the its innermost territory he was surrounded by several chattering dragons, each one eager to catch the wanderer’s attention. These were the Mosspeak dragons, self-appointed masters of festivity, with pedigree for holding festivals that can last days at a time. And for a guest, they would spare no expense.
The food kept coming and crisp water never stopped flowing. Rush found himself pulled and yanked from activity to activity as the days rolled over. A Pearlcatcher, Nano, performed a one-dragon play where, somehow, she managed to seamlessly play both the Gladekeeper and the Plaguebringer in a fictionalized (and highly dramatized) meeting of sisters. Punkin, the clan’s bard, provided musical accompaniment for both the play and many, many dances that would follow.
A great caterwaul of merriment capitalized Rush’s final day from dawn to dusk. At the height of midnight merriment, the clan’s Matriarch, a distant Tundra like himself, presented him with a number of parting gifts: a satchel brimming with vittles, and a freshly woven bandana.
Rush set off from Mosspeak’s territory early the next morning, giving only brief farewells to groggy and half-asleep dragons. It was time for him to journey on.
drawingdeamon's Lair - Lightning
It soon occurred to Rush that he had yet to visit the Shifting Expanse, so he determined that to be his next destination. Almost as soon as he crossed the line between domains, the electricity in the air caused his fur to stand on his end, making him look like a giant puffball!
He got lost among the swirling dunes and ended up by the cliffside coastline. After a little more wandering, he found a clan built into the cliff itself! It was a trading town, with a scenic view of the water and spires and a modest marketplace with a variety of wares.
Before he could even check into the local inn, the innkeeper took one look at his charged, sand-covered fur and sent him to the grand opening of a spa. Rush spent a good few hours unwinding and rejuvenating his sore muscles, and left with silky-soft fur that could repel the electricity in the air. He then ate a hearty dinner in a cozy cafe that made him think of the Windswept Plateau-- perhaps he should travel there soon?
In the following days, Rush made sure to check out every shop in the marketplace, talking to each of the shop owners. Many of the dragons who sold food or drink were kind enough to let him try samples, and others working with metal or artwork or mechanics were happy to talk about their trades.
One night, he ended up talking to a street performer named Florys. As the moon began to shine through the cliffside windows, the Spiral gestured to him to follow her, and led the Tundra to a cavern close to the base of the cliff, where music echoed off the walls and dragons danced like the world was about to end. While his visit to the festive Nature clan was full of energetic merriment, this was the sort of event where dragons would only end up recalling the vague emotions of the moment.
The next morning, Rush awoke with homemade bracelets on his wrists and the hazy memory of a rap battle he got roped into. He found another Tundra walking around and helping some of the remaining party stragglers. The Tundra introduced himself to Rush as Sheriff Aura, and gave him some water and walked him back to the inn.
Rush spent the rest of the day recovering from his hangover and preparing to leave on his journey again. Early the following morning, he took one last walk along the marketplace, where some of the merchants were opening shop and waving him farewell.
As he reached the spiraling desert, he crossed paths with another traveler leaving the town. She was a Pearlcatcher named Pistoleer, and interestingly enough, she spoke mostly Harpy and had to have her familiar translate her words into Draconic. Both she and Rush were heading the same way, so she led the Tundra through the dunes. Any conversation they had was slow going, as Rush would speak to her familiar, the familiar would speak to her, she would respond to the familiar, and the familiar back to Rush, but they got along well nonetheless.
Soon enough, the travelers had reached the edge of the Shifting Expanse and would have to part ways. As a token of their temporary acquaintance, Pistoleer gave Rush a ruby choker from one of the jobs she had taken. In very rough Draconic, she wished him luck on his travels as he journeyed on.
It soon occurred to Rush that he had yet to visit the Shifting Expanse, so he determined that to be his next destination. Almost as soon as he crossed the line between domains, the electricity in the air caused his fur to stand on his end, making him look like a giant puffball!
He got lost among the swirling dunes and ended up by the cliffside coastline. After a little more wandering, he found a clan built into the cliff itself! It was a trading town, with a scenic view of the water and spires and a modest marketplace with a variety of wares.
Before he could even check into the local inn, the innkeeper took one look at his charged, sand-covered fur and sent him to the grand opening of a spa. Rush spent a good few hours unwinding and rejuvenating his sore muscles, and left with silky-soft fur that could repel the electricity in the air. He then ate a hearty dinner in a cozy cafe that made him think of the Windswept Plateau-- perhaps he should travel there soon?
In the following days, Rush made sure to check out every shop in the marketplace, talking to each of the shop owners. Many of the dragons who sold food or drink were kind enough to let him try samples, and others working with metal or artwork or mechanics were happy to talk about their trades.
One night, he ended up talking to a street performer named Florys. As the moon began to shine through the cliffside windows, the Spiral gestured to him to follow her, and led the Tundra to a cavern close to the base of the cliff, where music echoed off the walls and dragons danced like the world was about to end. While his visit to the festive Nature clan was full of energetic merriment, this was the sort of event where dragons would only end up recalling the vague emotions of the moment.
The next morning, Rush awoke with homemade bracelets on his wrists and the hazy memory of a rap battle he got roped into. He found another Tundra walking around and helping some of the remaining party stragglers. The Tundra introduced himself to Rush as Sheriff Aura, and gave him some water and walked him back to the inn.
Rush spent the rest of the day recovering from his hangover and preparing to leave on his journey again. Early the following morning, he took one last walk along the marketplace, where some of the merchants were opening shop and waving him farewell.
As he reached the spiraling desert, he crossed paths with another traveler leaving the town. She was a Pearlcatcher named Pistoleer, and interestingly enough, she spoke mostly Harpy and had to have her familiar translate her words into Draconic. Both she and Rush were heading the same way, so she led the Tundra through the dunes. Any conversation they had was slow going, as Rush would speak to her familiar, the familiar would speak to her, she would respond to the familiar, and the familiar back to Rush, but they got along well nonetheless.
Soon enough, the travelers had reached the edge of the Shifting Expanse and would have to part ways. As a token of their temporary acquaintance, Pistoleer gave Rush a ruby choker from one of the jobs she had taken. In very rough Draconic, she wished him luck on his travels as he journeyed on.
BritishSarcasm's Lair - Nature
I've stopped to rest in the Nature region again. I'd been perched in the thick canopies of the Shrieking Wilds when I noticed that I was directly above an actively lived-in lair. This area is colloquially dubbed the Rivermouth Canopy, for this is where the thick mesh of leaves and branches begin the grow in earnest and there is river flowing out of the forest. This lair is situated just to the side of some mangroves and a few of the inhabitants actually seem quite at home in the murky depths. I have decided to stay roosted in the trees for now.
The dragons here are a rather eclectic bunch. All of them seem to shun the usual social behaviours of their breed but I, as an adventurous Tundra, hardly have any room to speak on the matter. The Matriarch and her mate are a Fae pair who have made nests in several regions, originally hailing from the Tide Pools. Perhaps that is why they are so open to a traveller such as myself. Indeed, most of the residents here are happy to allow me to explore at my leisure and have even provided me with company in the form of a familiar.
What luck, there is in fact another Tundra here by the name of Pumpkin. She's quite shy and hides her face beneath a tattered hood, but rather insightful once she speaks. Her colouration and markings are incredibly distinctive but alas she was found as an abandoned egg by the Matriarch on Hallows Eve and thus has no way of tracking her heritage. Perhaps in my travels I will find another Tundra with such genes.
My time here has been quite relaxed, they're not an especially outgoing bunch but there are some who are adventurous. The Gaoler pair are constantly going on expeditions and bringing back all sorts of weird treasures. But I must continue on my journey; places to see, things to experience. It was nice to have a little down time though.
After relaxing with a nice calm nature dragon I was somehow still surprised when I was once more ambushed in the vast plague lands, a large imperial dragon named Axion tackled me to the ground mid flight, he only stopped when he realized I wasn't an enemy from another territory.
Surprisingly after the not so friendly greeting Axion led me back to his territory and while always keeping eyes on me were very hospitable.
While in the plague territory I met a very peculiar dragon, a wildclaw! You don't see those every day, this one was wearing a trophy of a kill. I didn't recognize it at first, but the wildclaw had surprisingly managed to kill a fully grown Warg. His name, Xephron. During the days I stayed he told me many tales of the dangerous land they live in.
The food, unsurprisingly, not the greatest. But I didn't have to work for it, they left me to my own so I got some time to relax and study the infested lands. How anything can live here is beyond me, but the plague dragons seem to get by just fine. They speak so highly of their plague mother I almost envy them.
On my very last day I decided to spend an evening with some of the plague dragons, they offered very strange food this evening, the evening was groggy, I remember not being alone that night. But the next day the offered me some infected meat which I begrudgingly accepted. I'll seemingly never get used to the chaotic land that is the plague lands.
I've stopped to rest in the Nature region again. I'd been perched in the thick canopies of the Shrieking Wilds when I noticed that I was directly above an actively lived-in lair. This area is colloquially dubbed the Rivermouth Canopy, for this is where the thick mesh of leaves and branches begin the grow in earnest and there is river flowing out of the forest. This lair is situated just to the side of some mangroves and a few of the inhabitants actually seem quite at home in the murky depths. I have decided to stay roosted in the trees for now.
The dragons here are a rather eclectic bunch. All of them seem to shun the usual social behaviours of their breed but I, as an adventurous Tundra, hardly have any room to speak on the matter. The Matriarch and her mate are a Fae pair who have made nests in several regions, originally hailing from the Tide Pools. Perhaps that is why they are so open to a traveller such as myself. Indeed, most of the residents here are happy to allow me to explore at my leisure and have even provided me with company in the form of a familiar.
What luck, there is in fact another Tundra here by the name of Pumpkin. She's quite shy and hides her face beneath a tattered hood, but rather insightful once she speaks. Her colouration and markings are incredibly distinctive but alas she was found as an abandoned egg by the Matriarch on Hallows Eve and thus has no way of tracking her heritage. Perhaps in my travels I will find another Tundra with such genes.
My time here has been quite relaxed, they're not an especially outgoing bunch but there are some who are adventurous. The Gaoler pair are constantly going on expeditions and bringing back all sorts of weird treasures. But I must continue on my journey; places to see, things to experience. It was nice to have a little down time though.
Thirtyninjas' lair - Plague
After relaxing with a nice calm nature dragon I was somehow still surprised when I was once more ambushed in the vast plague lands, a large imperial dragon named Axion tackled me to the ground mid flight, he only stopped when he realized I wasn't an enemy from another territory.
Surprisingly after the not so friendly greeting Axion led me back to his territory and while always keeping eyes on me were very hospitable.
While in the plague territory I met a very peculiar dragon, a wildclaw! You don't see those every day, this one was wearing a trophy of a kill. I didn't recognize it at first, but the wildclaw had surprisingly managed to kill a fully grown Warg. His name, Xephron. During the days I stayed he told me many tales of the dangerous land they live in.
The food, unsurprisingly, not the greatest. But I didn't have to work for it, they left me to my own so I got some time to relax and study the infested lands. How anything can live here is beyond me, but the plague dragons seem to get by just fine. They speak so highly of their plague mother I almost envy them.
On my very last day I decided to spend an evening with some of the plague dragons, they offered very strange food this evening, the evening was groggy, I remember not being alone that night. But the next day the offered me some infected meat which I begrudgingly accepted. I'll seemingly never get used to the chaotic land that is the plague lands.
Pyromancy's Lair - Fire
Within the ancient lair of wildfire mages and blazing sorcerers, Rush encountered the Pyromancy clan amidst a rare respite of mirth and celebration during the Flameforger's festival.
Due to his element of Nature, the detour was intended to be a brief one: sharing spicy meals with Flambebe Tundras, learning the clan history from the Progenitors, and befriending the dual-wielding fire-magic warriors was meant to be the extent of his trip.
It was then that The Blockade happened.
Enemy Beastclans triggered an avalanche atop the blazing mountain, trapping Rush and the Pyromancers inside the cave for not one, not two, but three cruel years. Food was scant, secrets were plentiful, and friendship was out of the question -- only after Rush's arrival did the catastrophe occur. Surely he must have been the cause, no? Fear and confusion overrode the determination and levelheadedness that the wildfire mages were so well-known for. Not even the wisdom of Morrigan and Ollathair could appease the denizens, and a full-scale civil war broke out.
Rush played his cards wisely and made it out alive, now hardened and powerful like the very same volcanos that towered over the Ashfall Waste. Those who remember him from this time know him as the Creeping Tendril for his striking, Nature-aligned eyes and careful steps away from peril. It's rumored that the first thing he did when granted his freedom was spread his wings like the flowers of his homeland in full bloom.
Due to his element of Nature, the detour was intended to be a brief one: sharing spicy meals with Flambebe Tundras, learning the clan history from the Progenitors, and befriending the dual-wielding fire-magic warriors was meant to be the extent of his trip.
It was then that The Blockade happened.
Enemy Beastclans triggered an avalanche atop the blazing mountain, trapping Rush and the Pyromancers inside the cave for not one, not two, but three cruel years. Food was scant, secrets were plentiful, and friendship was out of the question -- only after Rush's arrival did the catastrophe occur. Surely he must have been the cause, no? Fear and confusion overrode the determination and levelheadedness that the wildfire mages were so well-known for. Not even the wisdom of Morrigan and Ollathair could appease the denizens, and a full-scale civil war broke out.
Rush played his cards wisely and made it out alive, now hardened and powerful like the very same volcanos that towered over the Ashfall Waste. Those who remember him from this time know him as the Creeping Tendril for his striking, Nature-aligned eyes and careful steps away from peril. It's rumored that the first thing he did when granted his freedom was spread his wings like the flowers of his homeland in full bloom.
LeafyGaming77's Lair - Nature
As a nature dragon, Rush’s natural calling was to his homeland. After his long, mind-numbing stay in the fire territories, he decided to pay the Gladekeeper a visit. Rush sought out the Worldedge Wetlands, a damp and humid environment to contrast his former adventure, and just so happened to catch onto a rumor. Something only whispered in cautionary tales, something highly secretive that no dragon seemed to remember fully. Broken tales of dangers in the waters and a hidden cove of dragons pulled Rush in. This myth seemed perfect for him, so he instantly sought it out, searching and seeking for something that could be merely fiction. Until he found a way in.
Rush had been walking for what felt like hours. Each step sunk into the mud with a squelch, and fog hung heavily over the seemingly endless swamp. A single drop of rain hit his snout. Then two, then four, and before he knew it, it was pouring. Rush, not wanting to freeze to death, attempted to run back to where he came from and make it to a campfire to warm up, but the rain was nearly blinding. The wind howled in his ears, and the water began to lash at his exposed face. That was exactly when he ran right into a coatl. Or was it a skydancer..? Rush couldn’t tell. The dragon let out a small yelp, they and Rush tumbling down to the muddy ground below. The dragon quickly got to their feet, and it became clear that this dragon was shocked and perhaps dazed by Rush’s own appearance in the territory. After shouting a few words that Rush couldn’t clearly hear, the dragon offered him their hand and hurried off to an outcropping of rock that led into a small cave—just big enough for he and the dragon to fit through.
In the shelter of the cave, Rush was able to make out a few defining features of the mystery dragon. For one, they were in fact a younger coatl with green, shimmering wings. The next thing he figured out was their name, Forma. Forma began to panic, and the coatl sparked a bit of lightning between their paws, lighting up the room even if for a split second. Rush considered their behavior odd, and when he questioned Forma they began to rant about how he should not be here. Rush huffed and waited for the coatl's monologue to be over, then asked Forma where he was.
Rush soon found out that he had in fact found what he was looking for. Forma explained that this place was dangerous, but they'd show him around on the condition that he had to leave immediately after. The coatl stared out into the rain until it seemed to lessen, but the clouds did not clear. Forma seemed to think that was a prime time to show Rush around, but he personally disagreed. Rush would soon discover the plethora of leather tents, and the dragons outside taking advantage of the weather to repair the soaked campfires.
He was explained the history of this area, a land full of sorrows and struggles of which no dragon could ever escape from. Rush was devastated; how would he journey the rest of Sornieth now, trapped within this bizarre and rainy world? Much to Rush's delight however, Forma had already hatched a plan. After getting to know most of the dragons in the main camp, Forma pulled Rush aside to speak with him underneath a willow. Rush had a chance. A chance to escape.
The two dragons trudged onwards through the now-increasing storm, Forma leading Rush back to where they had first bumped into eachother. Forma claimed that the magic that brought him here would still be around, and that if he found it he could return to the Labyrinth like nothing ever happened. It would be a while until Rush found something. He called Forma over excitedly and thanked him greatly for the help. The coatl simply smiled, flustered. Rush turned to exit, but before he could make it Forma grabbed his talons. He left Rush with a message, although small, and dropped a jade trinket into his open palm.
Forma had asked Rush to never forget them.
As Rush pushed through the portal and made it out onto the other side, he couldn’t recall a thing about the experience, yet he still held the jade armlet in his talons.
CaramelTurtle's Lair- Water
HYLICS2's Lair - Earth]
As a nature dragon, Rush’s natural calling was to his homeland. After his long, mind-numbing stay in the fire territories, he decided to pay the Gladekeeper a visit. Rush sought out the Worldedge Wetlands, a damp and humid environment to contrast his former adventure, and just so happened to catch onto a rumor. Something only whispered in cautionary tales, something highly secretive that no dragon seemed to remember fully. Broken tales of dangers in the waters and a hidden cove of dragons pulled Rush in. This myth seemed perfect for him, so he instantly sought it out, searching and seeking for something that could be merely fiction. Until he found a way in.
Rush had been walking for what felt like hours. Each step sunk into the mud with a squelch, and fog hung heavily over the seemingly endless swamp. A single drop of rain hit his snout. Then two, then four, and before he knew it, it was pouring. Rush, not wanting to freeze to death, attempted to run back to where he came from and make it to a campfire to warm up, but the rain was nearly blinding. The wind howled in his ears, and the water began to lash at his exposed face. That was exactly when he ran right into a coatl. Or was it a skydancer..? Rush couldn’t tell. The dragon let out a small yelp, they and Rush tumbling down to the muddy ground below. The dragon quickly got to their feet, and it became clear that this dragon was shocked and perhaps dazed by Rush’s own appearance in the territory. After shouting a few words that Rush couldn’t clearly hear, the dragon offered him their hand and hurried off to an outcropping of rock that led into a small cave—just big enough for he and the dragon to fit through.
In the shelter of the cave, Rush was able to make out a few defining features of the mystery dragon. For one, they were in fact a younger coatl with green, shimmering wings. The next thing he figured out was their name, Forma. Forma began to panic, and the coatl sparked a bit of lightning between their paws, lighting up the room even if for a split second. Rush considered their behavior odd, and when he questioned Forma they began to rant about how he should not be here. Rush huffed and waited for the coatl's monologue to be over, then asked Forma where he was.
Rush soon found out that he had in fact found what he was looking for. Forma explained that this place was dangerous, but they'd show him around on the condition that he had to leave immediately after. The coatl stared out into the rain until it seemed to lessen, but the clouds did not clear. Forma seemed to think that was a prime time to show Rush around, but he personally disagreed. Rush would soon discover the plethora of leather tents, and the dragons outside taking advantage of the weather to repair the soaked campfires.
He was explained the history of this area, a land full of sorrows and struggles of which no dragon could ever escape from. Rush was devastated; how would he journey the rest of Sornieth now, trapped within this bizarre and rainy world? Much to Rush's delight however, Forma had already hatched a plan. After getting to know most of the dragons in the main camp, Forma pulled Rush aside to speak with him underneath a willow. Rush had a chance. A chance to escape.
The two dragons trudged onwards through the now-increasing storm, Forma leading Rush back to where they had first bumped into eachother. Forma claimed that the magic that brought him here would still be around, and that if he found it he could return to the Labyrinth like nothing ever happened. It would be a while until Rush found something. He called Forma over excitedly and thanked him greatly for the help. The coatl simply smiled, flustered. Rush turned to exit, but before he could make it Forma grabbed his talons. He left Rush with a message, although small, and dropped a jade trinket into his open palm.
Forma had asked Rush to never forget them.
As Rush pushed through the portal and made it out onto the other side, he couldn’t recall a thing about the experience, yet he still held the jade armlet in his talons.
CaramelTurtle's Lair- Water
Arriving at the sea of a thousand currents, Rush could feel the sea air in his fur, the sun against his ears. It was warm and it was comfortable. Coming to the Churnscar Wharf for supplies, he found an old Wildclaw dragon named Riptide, selling her wares. Upon hearing tales of his travels, she offered him a place to stay in her lair, among her clan. The clan welcomed him with open wings and gave him a Rosy Lake Cormorant to help him navigate the watery realm. As well as some camouflage, to keep him safe if he wished to go out into the waters. There are so many dangers in the deep after all.
Wanting to help the dragons who so graciously offered him a place to stay and were so kind to him, he set out to help them, so he approached the clan battle master, BloodRose, and offered his help in obtaining supplies and fighting off enemies. Bloodrose graciously accepted his help, along with the clan mage, Ashley. They found that they made an amazing team and that they could defend the lair well.
However, soon after joining the team, two hatchlings came of age and decided to join the Tidelord's oracles, and they needed trainers to teach them to defend themselves. Giving Rush the opportunity to help. Joining Ashley and Bloodrose, he trained both dragons to defend themselves before attending a ceremony for them. He watched them descend into the waters with the blessing of Riptide. Swimming out to reach their destiny. To be exalted.
Wanting to help the dragons who so graciously offered him a place to stay and were so kind to him, he set out to help them, so he approached the clan battle master, BloodRose, and offered his help in obtaining supplies and fighting off enemies. Bloodrose graciously accepted his help, along with the clan mage, Ashley. They found that they made an amazing team and that they could defend the lair well.
However, soon after joining the team, two hatchlings came of age and decided to join the Tidelord's oracles, and they needed trainers to teach them to defend themselves. Giving Rush the opportunity to help. Joining Ashley and Bloodrose, he trained both dragons to defend themselves before attending a ceremony for them. He watched them descend into the waters with the blessing of Riptide. Swimming out to reach their destiny. To be exalted.
HYLICS2's Lair - Earth]
The clan, if you could even call it that, seemed very unconventional.
Rush had found himself taking a detour home. He wasn’t sure how long it had been since he had been in the Earthshaker’s domain, but something was calling for him there. Perhaps a new clan had sprouted, or there was a new geological discovery. However, when he arrived near its borders, he found none of that.
Instead, he found a large caravan of eccentric looking dragons, all of which seemed adamant on selling him something. Ranging from multi-colored geodes, homemade delicacies, and some “luxury” items from different domains. It was a lot to take in, at least at once.
Thankfully, after respectfully declining most of their offers, several of the merchants scattered around, going back to their daily duties. When it settled, it was oddly peaceful. The group emanated a light chatter, with an array of mouth-watering smells coming from the carts. Singing and music can be heard from every angle, but it was never overwhelming. Sitting down on achy legs, he sat for a rest. Hoping to get some shuteye.
Spottedbread's Lair - Wind
molaire's Lair - Nature 
Dracononite's Lair - Wind
Rush's wandering had led him once again to the breezy plains of the Windswept Plateau, the cool caress of the gusting wind on his fur refreshing and uplifting. Following the coastal cliffs of the western border of the Plateau, he eventually spotted a large city to the north and allowed the wind to lift and carry him towards its silhouette.
A large city it was, settled upon the tall seaside cliff of the lower Reedcleft Ascent. Large structures and buildings had been built on the solid ground of the mainland. Small houses and structures settled atop spires of rock which towered above the ocean and fisheries were accessible by precariously hanging wooden bridges. On the largest outcrop of the mainland cliff was what seemed to be the main attraction of the city. A huge multi-story spiraling structure floated above the stone plaza, held aloft by balloons and kites tied to its top, upon which was also sat a decorative rendition of a Spiral's head.
Rush alofted upon one of the sturdy air balloon docks jutting out from the cliff and eagerly, well, rushed into the city! He was tired from the long flight from the other side of Sornieth, but couldn't help his excitement, wanting to explore the sights of this Wind clan. All kinds of colorful dragons were traveling via flight and air balloons. Decorative strings of paper lanterns, flags, and kites were waving in the crisp breeze, which carried the scent of the sea. Flyers were being pinned to bulletin boards, and extra market stalls were being set up wherever there was free space. It almost seemed as though the city was preparing for something... though, with the inbound traffic of luggage-carrying dragons, and the sun lowering in the sky, Rush realized he should find a room at an inn before there were none left to rent.
Coming upon the large stone plaza in the middle of the city which housed that large spiral, Rush had to crane his head back to gape in awe at the height of it. It was colossal up close - and cluttered with market stalls and dragons. The most impressive feature of this spiral, however, was the powerful column of upward gusting air seemingly emerging... from the ground? Stepping closer, Rush was amazed to see an Aergate embedded into the plaza below, right in the middle of the structure. Dragons occasionally stepped into its slipstream to be carried up to the top of the market and even higher to glide elsewhere in the city.
As he inspected the Aergate, a loud melody of chimes rung behind him, and an iridescent Nocturne announced to the buzzing crowd that the Festival of Four Winds was set to begin at dawn the next day. Now, Rush knew he simply had to stay for such an occasion! Squeezing his way through the thinning crowd toward a decorative hanging wooden sign with "the Nightingale Tavern" on it, the weary Tundra made quick work of renting one of the few remaining rooms from the charismatic innkeeper. The two somehow managed to keep a conversation going in the crowded room, all the while Rush horked down a hearty meal and a delicious blackberry wine and enjoyed the bard's music. Rush learned that this city was called Cloudy Coast, and the Festival of Four Winds was an annual event celebrating that attracted tourists, racers, and tradesdragons alike. He collapsed into bed excited for the coming days.
Rush was awoken from his restful sleep by dragons bustling about right at the crack of dawn. The sun's rays had hardly peeked over the horizon when soft bells began chiming throughout the city, welcoming the new day and heralding the beginning of one of the most fun festivals of Rush's travels. All the stalls he had seen being set up the evening before were packed full of goodies: pickled and fried bamboo and veggie kabobs, small paper kites, colorful leis, handknitted scarves, fireworks and sparklers, pieces of jewelry, paper mache effigies of the Windsinger, honeyed apple cider, and more from dragons who had come from all over to take advantage of the festival. As Rush browsed the stalls and shops in the large spiral structure - called the Merchant's Spiral, he had learned - he came across a stall run by a rainbow-accented Pearlcatcher who was offering painted portraits, and decided to commission them. It was rather difficult for him to sit so still!
As he thanked the artist for a job well done and agreed on a time for pickup, he heard a trumpeting horn and looked down upon the coastline to see a crowd gathering at the edge of the cliff. He had to see what that was about! He trotted to the edge of the platform before jumping into the Aergate's column of air. It filled his wings and carried him into the sky, where he safely glided down toward the happenings. As he approached, he saw a line of dragons donning flight gear and goggles were readying near a starting line... a race was about to begin! Banners waved from tall game stands, each with different colors and symbols. Tiny handheld flags with the same designs were available for sale, all representing a different popular racer. Hearing registration call out for last-minute sign-ups, Rush hurried to the stall to have his name put down. Though it seemed the first race was official racers only, anybody could sign up to fly in the volley of upcoming races for fun and prizes.
Rush grabbed some popcorn from a vendor and quickly grabbed a seat in the packed stands. The calm before the storm settled over the crowd, waiting for bated breath for the sound of the horn... and the dragons shot off of the cliff at the buzzer, dipping into the air between the mainland and the ocean spires with a flurry! They were fast, especially one green Wildclaw that had the crowd roaring and waving their tiny flags in support. She daringly corkscrewed between spires and hoops, grabbing extra points for tricks and relay flags. A vivid red and teal Nocturne and pastel Skydancer were both close behind, and a green and pink Snapper was... well, trying his hardest to even stay aloft in the back of the group. But it seemed even this racer had fans!
It was (mostly) anyone's game, the Wildclaw, Skydancer and Nocturne all neck-and-neck coming up on the finish line... and the crowd erupted with raucous applause - Rush joined in, not even catching the announcement of who won because the noise was so tremendous!
But he was having the time of his life, and when the time came for him to join a race, he could hardly keep his heart in his chest as he perched on the starting line. The ocean was far, far below him, his claws gripping the cliff's edge, the empty windy air both inviting and intimidating. It made the breath catch in his throat, and suddenly the horn sounded, and he lept with a thrill jumping down his spine. His competitors were fast, but he was fast too, and he spun through the loops and spires with excitement and a budding determination to win as he realized he was doing rather well. It felt like the whole race was only moments long. Rush pulled ahead of second place and zipped over the finish line and the crowd cheered. His celebration left him reeling and breathless, laughing as things calmed down and he stumbled away from the racecourse with a small cash prize and a goodie bag with treats and toys.
In the following days, Rush explored much of Cloudy Coast. He tried its famous honey apple cider, visited the aviary's menagerie of messenger birds, played games on the game field, took air balloon tours, and even dueled opponents in the training grounds. The inland areas of Cloudy Coast were rather calm compared to the coastline, with quiet parks and peaceful gardens tended by groundskeepers. He even met a modest older Tundra on one of his wanderings near the farms, caring for the beehives. The two struck up an interesting yet short conversation before the old dragon bid him a good day and walked off to have his afternoon tea. It was only later that Rush learned from the tavernkeeper that this was the clan's founder, and by then the kind stranger had retreated to his quiet hut for the remainder of the festival. Rush decided not to bother him and instead enjoy the festival as it waned into its final hours.
As sundown approached, a hulking shadow crawled across the sky. It was the Cloudsong, floating steadily over the northern coast on its wayward path - Rush was pleased to see it but wasn't quite prepared for it to come closer, and closer, and even closer... Until it was flying almost directly above the city! The Aergate's magic responded to its presence, the wind pouring from its runic stone circle growing stronger. As sun touched ocean, paper lanterns of all colors were lit and set into the slipstream, floating high above until the sky was full of them like rainbow stars. Dragons too, joined them, from above and below, and Rush as well. Together, dragons of Wind celebrated the sky and flight in a dance lit by the glow of a promised tomorrow. The Cloudsong and its strangers eventually drifted away and the twinkling starlight lit the quieting city below, dragons packing belongings and dismantling shops. Rush made sure to revisit the Pearlcatcher to pick up his portrait scroll, tucking it into his pack. It made for a wonderful memento for his amazing time here!
One more restful night in the now near-empty tavern, and Rush was on his way in the morn, ready to see newer sights. But one day, he might just revisit this one place, if given the opportunity.
Rush was ready to leave the dank and dark environment of the Tangled Wood, and go somewhere lighter; the Sunbeam Ruins. When he finally made it there, The sun flared in his eyes after being in total darkness for a while; The air was also strong with the smell of pine. Looking in front of him and up a slope, he caught glimpse of a big log cabin. Looks very inviting!
The first face that Rush saw upon entering the big cabin was a blue and green Guardian dragon who wore a bamboo hat.
"Why hello there!" The big drake greeted the Tundra. "You're Rush right? Welcome to my humble home! My name is Sir Casmir, I built this big log cabin a long time ago, and I had many guests that moved in! All things considered, please take a look around and take the time to meet the others!"
...
The first room Rush wandered into was covered in all sorts of pillows and blankets... must have been some kind of giant pillow fort. It was super comfy! The floors were squishy and he could just curl up in a bundle of blankets, then have a nice nap. After some time of flying, he did get tired...
However, once he got comfortable, Rush heard a terrible roar come from somewhere. It came from the center of the room...
"Who DARES disturb my slumber!?" Growled a silver, pajama-wearing Skydancer.
Yikes! Skydancers are supposed to be peaceful, but this one was very intimidating! So, Rush ran out of the room as fast as he could.
...
The next room was a nice, earthy room that smelled like spices. There was a bright green Spiral that was cooking some delicious stew in a pot. She noticed the Tundra, flew over to him, and sort of swirled around him.
"Hello stranger!" The Spiral greeted Rush happily and energetically. "You can call me Lemon... want to try my soup?"
Rush nodded, trotting over to Lemon's soup pot. He sniffed the soup's aroma, took a wooden spoon, then tried the food. It had a spicy flavor to it... was that pepper and garlic?
"How do you like it?" Lemon asked Rush.
"I think it's good, but it could use something to balance out the high spiciness." The tundra replied.
"Thanks for telling me!" Lemon told Rush. "You can go now if you'd like."
Before he reached the door, Rush saw some snacks he could take with him. Hopefully Lemon wouldn't notice...?
...
The last room Rush visited was upside-down; there were floating pieces of furniture and glowing fruits! He stepped on a rug, then Rush fell through and popped back up from the roof! What a very strange place!
A brightly-colored Coatl appeared from nowhere in front of Rush. "Hey! You've gotta help me!" The Coatl yelped.
"What's the matter?" Rush replied
"I lost my special potion! A bird took it away from me! Can you help me get it back?"
"I guess so..."
"Good!"
Meanwhile after some time in the woods...
Did that Coatl say a bird? He didn't give the best description for me...
But then he stepped on a pile of purple goo. It led to a tree, where he saw a parrot with a vial of mystery liquid.
He chased after the parrot for about an hour before tiring out. Luckily, the parrot got bored with the vial and dropped it. So, Rush was able to retrieve the mystery potion to the Coatl! Turns out he had an extra one though...
After some shenanigans in the Sunbeam Ruins and a very nice lunch, Rush felt ready to go. He flapped his wings and lifted off from the ground, ready to go wherever fate took him next.
Rush had found himself taking a detour home. He wasn’t sure how long it had been since he had been in the Earthshaker’s domain, but something was calling for him there. Perhaps a new clan had sprouted, or there was a new geological discovery. However, when he arrived near its borders, he found none of that.
Instead, he found a large caravan of eccentric looking dragons, all of which seemed adamant on selling him something. Ranging from multi-colored geodes, homemade delicacies, and some “luxury” items from different domains. It was a lot to take in, at least at once.
Thankfully, after respectfully declining most of their offers, several of the merchants scattered around, going back to their daily duties. When it settled, it was oddly peaceful. The group emanated a light chatter, with an array of mouth-watering smells coming from the carts. Singing and music can be heard from every angle, but it was never overwhelming. Sitting down on achy legs, he sat for a rest. Hoping to get some shuteye.
|
“Hey! Wake up! I drew you! Drew you!” A whiny little voice cried. With crusty, barely open eyes, Rush could see a scrappy spiral hatchling staring right at his face, barely giving any personal space in the slightest. He was clutching a scroll like his life depended on it. It also seemed like he did, as a large, lumbering dragon appeared on the horizon. Demanding respect as its silhouette was outlined against the sun. “Take it!” The voice cried. “I gotta go-” Before Rush could process what was going on, the hatchling flew off towards the figure, tangling itself in its coat before the both wandered off. It took him a few minutes to gain his bearings, but after looking around, he realized the caravan was gone, with no trace of them in sight beyond the scroll in front of him. He was not sure how the drawing of himself would help, but he would treasure it nonetheless. Perhaps if he ever came in contact with the caravan again, he would offer a drawing back. |
|
Spottedbread's Lair - Wind
For the first time in Rush's voyage through the land, the wind seemed to drag him along to land of the Windseeker. He flew for miles with the wind where he was lead to a cave with a waterfall guarding the entrance. A kind, younger Fae greeted him immediately, and he learned that the fae was Mulberry, the unofficial "leader" of the group.
The group of dragons were mostly kind, barring a couple of Skydancers who didn't quite share their attitude. He made friends with all sorts of different dragons, from Tundras like him to Gaolers from ancient times, all being taken in by Mulberry as they were young and alone. The resting ground was a nice, welcoming place.
One dragon he was struck by was a young spiral named Caroline. They hit it off right away. She offered to show him around the cave dens, and would answer any questions he had. He and Caroline spent the week he was there by flying with the wind and exploring the Reedcliff Ascent. (That's another reason he really liked this group; they loved to fly around in the wind and explore like he did.)
Rush felt that Caroline was becoming very attached to him. She didn't seem to have many friends, despite being a lovely spiral. She preferred to keep to herself most of the time, but Rush seemed to bring her out of her shell. He knew parting would be rough, so the two agreed for him to leave her with a nest of hatchlings, so he would always be with her in some form.
Rush took longer than usual to leave this place. He wanted to meet his hatchlings before he had to leave to continue his life. All four of them were tundras, and Rush fell in love with them from the very first sight. His daughter especially seems to take after him, and he couldn't be more proud of them all.
However he had to keep on living his life. He took one last flight with Caroline before he took off, with Caroline understanding his need to keep on, though she'd keep in touch with other groups and make sure to keep him updated on his family. They had a final heartwarming goodbye before Rush took his leave.
The group of dragons were mostly kind, barring a couple of Skydancers who didn't quite share their attitude. He made friends with all sorts of different dragons, from Tundras like him to Gaolers from ancient times, all being taken in by Mulberry as they were young and alone. The resting ground was a nice, welcoming place.
One dragon he was struck by was a young spiral named Caroline. They hit it off right away. She offered to show him around the cave dens, and would answer any questions he had. He and Caroline spent the week he was there by flying with the wind and exploring the Reedcliff Ascent. (That's another reason he really liked this group; they loved to fly around in the wind and explore like he did.)
Rush felt that Caroline was becoming very attached to him. She didn't seem to have many friends, despite being a lovely spiral. She preferred to keep to herself most of the time, but Rush seemed to bring her out of her shell. He knew parting would be rough, so the two agreed for him to leave her with a nest of hatchlings, so he would always be with her in some form.
Rush took longer than usual to leave this place. He wanted to meet his hatchlings before he had to leave to continue his life. All four of them were tundras, and Rush fell in love with them from the very first sight. His daughter especially seems to take after him, and he couldn't be more proud of them all.
However he had to keep on living his life. He took one last flight with Caroline before he took off, with Caroline understanding his need to keep on, though she'd keep in touch with other groups and make sure to keep him updated on his family. They had a final heartwarming goodbye before Rush took his leave.
molaire's Lair - Nature
After a long, arduous flight across Sornieth, Rush finally thought to settle down for a little while. He had been flying for days, with breaks few and far between. After sailing downwards to the ground below, he surveyed his surroundings. It seemed that he had touched down in the lush, damp grasses of the Gladeveins - a place he had not been in ages. He was never in the Viridian Labyrinth for too long, but somehow he kept getting drawn back to it. Maybe it was the nature blood in his veins that called him towards this place. He had been aiming more for somewhere near Lanternlea Port - he had always admired the research conducted there - but evidently he had been blown a bit off course.
Rush began to trundle through the moistened soil and plentiful flora, thoughtful in each step he took as to not trip and fall. It was strange that he hadn't seen any other dragons yet - there were usually a few that saw him land and were curious enough to seek him out, but it seemed that nobody had noticed him this time. As the day dragged on and the sun sank lower and lower into the sky, Rush still hadn't found any signs of dragonkind, and more importantly now that it was getting dark - he still hadn't found any shelter. Contrary to many tundras (and to the bemusement of his family), Rush was never any good at burrowing and never enjoyed doing it, either. He much preferred to find a natural alcove or a nice, warm house for shelter.
It was beginning to get quite dark when Rush finally managed to find a cave to seek refuge in. He hurried towards the opening and laid down with a sigh of relief. He stretched out his aching limbs and curled up tight, preparing for a long night of well-deserved rest. However, just before he drifted off to sleep, he felt a sharp pain erupt from the top of his head, accompanied with a metallic pang and angry, muffled words. Rush scrambled up from his spot at the mouth of the cave and immediately laid eyes on... something. A dragon? He couldn't tell for sure.
Their face was covered by a long, curved mask - it reminded him of a Rosy Lake Cormorant he had taken care of a little while before - and a green hood bursting at the seams with different species of plants. Many small trinkets hung off their wings, jostling around as they moved, making sounds reminiscent of a windchime. In their dirt-stained talons was a large shovel, which was presumably the culprit behind the dull throbbing in Rush's skull. The figure seemed taken aback by Rush's size - which was a bit on the larger size, by tundra standards - but he was still noticeably larger than the figure in front of him. Maybe they were a mirror? No, a mirror's crest would be visible... Maybe a pearlcatcher? No, there wasn't a pearl in sight. Maybe...
"Are you a nocturne?" Rush blurted out. The figure looked bewildered and raised their shovel up again, readying themself for another blow. "No, no - I swear I'm friendly! I was just looking for a place to stay the night!" Rush said, holding out his paws in self defense. "I didn't know anyone lived here, honest!" The nocturne didn't lower their weapon, but did respond. "Who are you?"
Rush breathed his second sigh of relief of the night. "My name is Rush. I'm a traveler, I'm trying to visit every region of Sornieth. I just came here from the Reedcleft Ascent." The nocturne slowly returned the shovel to its sheath on their back. "That's very far from here."
"Yes, well. I tend to just pick a direction and fly until I can't anymore." Rush responded. "It's the way I like to live, you know?" The nocturne sighed and gestured for him to step back into the cave. "My name is Rutto. Apologies for my rudeness, but one has to be cautious around here. I hope you understand." Rush walked into the opening once more, puzzled. "I don't. It just seems like regular nature territory. What's so scary about it?" He asked. Rutto's eyes lingered on him for a moment. They shook their head. "I'd rather not burden you. Make yourself at home." They responded. Rutto padded deeper into the cave and disappeared into the darkness of its maw, and Rush was left alone once again.
Disconcerted, Rush stared out into the thick trees for a moment. Maybe it was the paranoia induced by Rutto's cryptic words, but he could have sworn he saw the feathers of a coatl. He curled up again, this time facing away from the mouth of the cave. He had trouble resting that night, and when he did drift into sleep his mind was plagued with nightmares. When dawn broke, Rush didn't wait to bid his farewell to Rutto. Instead, he soared up into the sky once more, thinking excitedly about where to go next. He didn't think he would re-visit this part of the Gladeveins again any time soon.
Rush began to trundle through the moistened soil and plentiful flora, thoughtful in each step he took as to not trip and fall. It was strange that he hadn't seen any other dragons yet - there were usually a few that saw him land and were curious enough to seek him out, but it seemed that nobody had noticed him this time. As the day dragged on and the sun sank lower and lower into the sky, Rush still hadn't found any signs of dragonkind, and more importantly now that it was getting dark - he still hadn't found any shelter. Contrary to many tundras (and to the bemusement of his family), Rush was never any good at burrowing and never enjoyed doing it, either. He much preferred to find a natural alcove or a nice, warm house for shelter.
It was beginning to get quite dark when Rush finally managed to find a cave to seek refuge in. He hurried towards the opening and laid down with a sigh of relief. He stretched out his aching limbs and curled up tight, preparing for a long night of well-deserved rest. However, just before he drifted off to sleep, he felt a sharp pain erupt from the top of his head, accompanied with a metallic pang and angry, muffled words. Rush scrambled up from his spot at the mouth of the cave and immediately laid eyes on... something. A dragon? He couldn't tell for sure.
Their face was covered by a long, curved mask - it reminded him of a Rosy Lake Cormorant he had taken care of a little while before - and a green hood bursting at the seams with different species of plants. Many small trinkets hung off their wings, jostling around as they moved, making sounds reminiscent of a windchime. In their dirt-stained talons was a large shovel, which was presumably the culprit behind the dull throbbing in Rush's skull. The figure seemed taken aback by Rush's size - which was a bit on the larger size, by tundra standards - but he was still noticeably larger than the figure in front of him. Maybe they were a mirror? No, a mirror's crest would be visible... Maybe a pearlcatcher? No, there wasn't a pearl in sight. Maybe...
"Are you a nocturne?" Rush blurted out. The figure looked bewildered and raised their shovel up again, readying themself for another blow. "No, no - I swear I'm friendly! I was just looking for a place to stay the night!" Rush said, holding out his paws in self defense. "I didn't know anyone lived here, honest!" The nocturne didn't lower their weapon, but did respond. "Who are you?"
Rush breathed his second sigh of relief of the night. "My name is Rush. I'm a traveler, I'm trying to visit every region of Sornieth. I just came here from the Reedcleft Ascent." The nocturne slowly returned the shovel to its sheath on their back. "That's very far from here."
"Yes, well. I tend to just pick a direction and fly until I can't anymore." Rush responded. "It's the way I like to live, you know?" The nocturne sighed and gestured for him to step back into the cave. "My name is Rutto. Apologies for my rudeness, but one has to be cautious around here. I hope you understand." Rush walked into the opening once more, puzzled. "I don't. It just seems like regular nature territory. What's so scary about it?" He asked. Rutto's eyes lingered on him for a moment. They shook their head. "I'd rather not burden you. Make yourself at home." They responded. Rutto padded deeper into the cave and disappeared into the darkness of its maw, and Rush was left alone once again.
Disconcerted, Rush stared out into the thick trees for a moment. Maybe it was the paranoia induced by Rutto's cryptic words, but he could have sworn he saw the feathers of a coatl. He curled up again, this time facing away from the mouth of the cave. He had trouble resting that night, and when he did drift into sleep his mind was plagued with nightmares. When dawn broke, Rush didn't wait to bid his farewell to Rutto. Instead, he soared up into the sky once more, thinking excitedly about where to go next. He didn't think he would re-visit this part of the Gladeveins again any time soon.
Dracononite's Lair - Wind Rush's wandering had led him once again to the breezy plains of the Windswept Plateau, the cool caress of the gusting wind on his fur refreshing and uplifting. Following the coastal cliffs of the western border of the Plateau, he eventually spotted a large city to the north and allowed the wind to lift and carry him towards its silhouette.
A large city it was, settled upon the tall seaside cliff of the lower Reedcleft Ascent. Large structures and buildings had been built on the solid ground of the mainland. Small houses and structures settled atop spires of rock which towered above the ocean and fisheries were accessible by precariously hanging wooden bridges. On the largest outcrop of the mainland cliff was what seemed to be the main attraction of the city. A huge multi-story spiraling structure floated above the stone plaza, held aloft by balloons and kites tied to its top, upon which was also sat a decorative rendition of a Spiral's head.
Rush alofted upon one of the sturdy air balloon docks jutting out from the cliff and eagerly, well, rushed into the city! He was tired from the long flight from the other side of Sornieth, but couldn't help his excitement, wanting to explore the sights of this Wind clan. All kinds of colorful dragons were traveling via flight and air balloons. Decorative strings of paper lanterns, flags, and kites were waving in the crisp breeze, which carried the scent of the sea. Flyers were being pinned to bulletin boards, and extra market stalls were being set up wherever there was free space. It almost seemed as though the city was preparing for something... though, with the inbound traffic of luggage-carrying dragons, and the sun lowering in the sky, Rush realized he should find a room at an inn before there were none left to rent.
Coming upon the large stone plaza in the middle of the city which housed that large spiral, Rush had to crane his head back to gape in awe at the height of it. It was colossal up close - and cluttered with market stalls and dragons. The most impressive feature of this spiral, however, was the powerful column of upward gusting air seemingly emerging... from the ground? Stepping closer, Rush was amazed to see an Aergate embedded into the plaza below, right in the middle of the structure. Dragons occasionally stepped into its slipstream to be carried up to the top of the market and even higher to glide elsewhere in the city.
As he inspected the Aergate, a loud melody of chimes rung behind him, and an iridescent Nocturne announced to the buzzing crowd that the Festival of Four Winds was set to begin at dawn the next day. Now, Rush knew he simply had to stay for such an occasion! Squeezing his way through the thinning crowd toward a decorative hanging wooden sign with "the Nightingale Tavern" on it, the weary Tundra made quick work of renting one of the few remaining rooms from the charismatic innkeeper. The two somehow managed to keep a conversation going in the crowded room, all the while Rush horked down a hearty meal and a delicious blackberry wine and enjoyed the bard's music. Rush learned that this city was called Cloudy Coast, and the Festival of Four Winds was an annual event celebrating that attracted tourists, racers, and tradesdragons alike. He collapsed into bed excited for the coming days.
Rush was awoken from his restful sleep by dragons bustling about right at the crack of dawn. The sun's rays had hardly peeked over the horizon when soft bells began chiming throughout the city, welcoming the new day and heralding the beginning of one of the most fun festivals of Rush's travels. All the stalls he had seen being set up the evening before were packed full of goodies: pickled and fried bamboo and veggie kabobs, small paper kites, colorful leis, handknitted scarves, fireworks and sparklers, pieces of jewelry, paper mache effigies of the Windsinger, honeyed apple cider, and more from dragons who had come from all over to take advantage of the festival. As Rush browsed the stalls and shops in the large spiral structure - called the Merchant's Spiral, he had learned - he came across a stall run by a rainbow-accented Pearlcatcher who was offering painted portraits, and decided to commission them. It was rather difficult for him to sit so still!
As he thanked the artist for a job well done and agreed on a time for pickup, he heard a trumpeting horn and looked down upon the coastline to see a crowd gathering at the edge of the cliff. He had to see what that was about! He trotted to the edge of the platform before jumping into the Aergate's column of air. It filled his wings and carried him into the sky, where he safely glided down toward the happenings. As he approached, he saw a line of dragons donning flight gear and goggles were readying near a starting line... a race was about to begin! Banners waved from tall game stands, each with different colors and symbols. Tiny handheld flags with the same designs were available for sale, all representing a different popular racer. Hearing registration call out for last-minute sign-ups, Rush hurried to the stall to have his name put down. Though it seemed the first race was official racers only, anybody could sign up to fly in the volley of upcoming races for fun and prizes.
Rush grabbed some popcorn from a vendor and quickly grabbed a seat in the packed stands. The calm before the storm settled over the crowd, waiting for bated breath for the sound of the horn... and the dragons shot off of the cliff at the buzzer, dipping into the air between the mainland and the ocean spires with a flurry! They were fast, especially one green Wildclaw that had the crowd roaring and waving their tiny flags in support. She daringly corkscrewed between spires and hoops, grabbing extra points for tricks and relay flags. A vivid red and teal Nocturne and pastel Skydancer were both close behind, and a green and pink Snapper was... well, trying his hardest to even stay aloft in the back of the group. But it seemed even this racer had fans!
It was (mostly) anyone's game, the Wildclaw, Skydancer and Nocturne all neck-and-neck coming up on the finish line... and the crowd erupted with raucous applause - Rush joined in, not even catching the announcement of who won because the noise was so tremendous!
But he was having the time of his life, and when the time came for him to join a race, he could hardly keep his heart in his chest as he perched on the starting line. The ocean was far, far below him, his claws gripping the cliff's edge, the empty windy air both inviting and intimidating. It made the breath catch in his throat, and suddenly the horn sounded, and he lept with a thrill jumping down his spine. His competitors were fast, but he was fast too, and he spun through the loops and spires with excitement and a budding determination to win as he realized he was doing rather well. It felt like the whole race was only moments long. Rush pulled ahead of second place and zipped over the finish line and the crowd cheered. His celebration left him reeling and breathless, laughing as things calmed down and he stumbled away from the racecourse with a small cash prize and a goodie bag with treats and toys.
In the following days, Rush explored much of Cloudy Coast. He tried its famous honey apple cider, visited the aviary's menagerie of messenger birds, played games on the game field, took air balloon tours, and even dueled opponents in the training grounds. The inland areas of Cloudy Coast were rather calm compared to the coastline, with quiet parks and peaceful gardens tended by groundskeepers. He even met a modest older Tundra on one of his wanderings near the farms, caring for the beehives. The two struck up an interesting yet short conversation before the old dragon bid him a good day and walked off to have his afternoon tea. It was only later that Rush learned from the tavernkeeper that this was the clan's founder, and by then the kind stranger had retreated to his quiet hut for the remainder of the festival. Rush decided not to bother him and instead enjoy the festival as it waned into its final hours.
As sundown approached, a hulking shadow crawled across the sky. It was the Cloudsong, floating steadily over the northern coast on its wayward path - Rush was pleased to see it but wasn't quite prepared for it to come closer, and closer, and even closer... Until it was flying almost directly above the city! The Aergate's magic responded to its presence, the wind pouring from its runic stone circle growing stronger. As sun touched ocean, paper lanterns of all colors were lit and set into the slipstream, floating high above until the sky was full of them like rainbow stars. Dragons too, joined them, from above and below, and Rush as well. Together, dragons of Wind celebrated the sky and flight in a dance lit by the glow of a promised tomorrow. The Cloudsong and its strangers eventually drifted away and the twinkling starlight lit the quieting city below, dragons packing belongings and dismantling shops. Rush made sure to revisit the Pearlcatcher to pick up his portrait scroll, tucking it into his pack. It made for a wonderful memento for his amazing time here!
One more restful night in the now near-empty tavern, and Rush was on his way in the morn, ready to see newer sights. But one day, he might just revisit this one place, if given the opportunity.
crowael's Lair - Shadow
This time, Rush's journey took him back to the Tangled Wood. Directly to the heart of it, where the Forum of the Obscured Crescent was piled with debris and riddled with filth. It was about what he expected from the home of the Shadowbinder, if he were honest. He spent some time wandering the Forum, peering in the dirtied pool and trying to stay out of the way of the masses of dragons doing their daily duties.
Many dragons came and went from the Forum, Rush watching from the steps, but one, in particular, caught his eye. A verdant Wildclaw alighted on the steps to the West. He was surrounded by fireflies and had eyes that bloomed - literally. Rush watched as they skittered along the stairs, between a pair of Ridgebacks, and disappeared into a crack in the steps.
Without a second thought, Rush leaped off the step he was sitting on and followed the Wildclaw into the crack, which turned out to be a cave mouth. The inside was surprisingly warm, light from the candles melted into the craggy walls danced along the dark rock and the glowing flora. He didn't get very far before his path was unexpectly blocked by a hulking Guardian donned in ebony armor.
"State your business." The Guardian boomed, wings spread to fill the cave.
"...Exploration?" Rush tried. It was an honest answer.
The Guardian's eyes narrowed and their jaw opened to speak again, but they stopped when a different voice sounded from behind them.
"Relax, Periun, they're with me." The Guardian, Periun, stepped aside, and there was the green Wildclaw, fireflies still flickering around them. "We were traveling together, but my mind got lost in my haste to return home and I accidentally left them behind."
"Hmph." Periun sent another glare in Rush's direction, but ultimately turned and returned to his post, a nearly invisible hollow in the cave wall.
"Sorry, Lady Nocturne allows any well-meaning body in our Lair, but Periun tends to have a more specific definition of "well-meaning" than the rest of us." The Wildclaw babbled as they led the way into a massive room in the cave, filled with dragons of all kinds. "My name is Stigandr, by the way. I'm an explorer, like you!"
"I'm Rush." He said, glancing around at the strange dragons they passed as he followed Stigandr through the caves. "Wait an explorer? How did you- I mean-"
"I travel Sornieth meeting new clans and exploring lands. Isn't that what you do? Looking for somewhere to stay next, I'm assuming?"
"I mean, yeah." Rush said, hesitating as he realized he'd lost track of the number of turns that had taken. "Wait, where are you taking me?"
"To the Lady, of course!"
The Lady was a Guardian, bigger than Periun, who lead the Clan Rush had stumbled across. Her name was Nocturne, and she had spent most of her life cultivating Clan Cynefin - a family of bonds that was hidden away in the caves beneath the Forum. Rush was readily welcomed to their ranks, for as long as he wished to stay, and thus began his time with the clan.
On day one, Rush spent his time within Cynefin's lair, meeting new dragons and learning about the ways that the clan functioned. They hunted and battled like any other, had a nest to nurture their young, and a hierarchal organization system. What Rush found to be different however, was some of the stranger duties they had. What kind of clan has a Necromancer and an Oracle, anyway? Not to mention the temple that was tucked away in the darkest parts of the caves, with deities that only Cynefin worshipped.
The second day, he ventured out of the lair with Shania, the General of Cynefin's guard, and Periun to partake in the Coliseum battles. Together they braved the cold of the Boreal Wood, shifting sands of the Delta, and the stink of the Waterway. He was rewarded with items from Cynefin's armory. The gambeson he chose had the name 'Veerle' inscribed in the leather of the belt, but he thought nothing of it.
Rush took the next day to rest. He meandered around the cave, simply observing the daily life within Cynefin's Lair. He ended up in the sales chamber, where dragons from Cynefin's Hatchery and those that were waiting to move on to other clans were resting. It was there that he was approached by the clan's caretaker, a sweet Coatl named Tiamat whom he had met the first day there.
"Rush, may I have a word?" She said in her timid voice, not unkindly dismissing an Imperial hatchling named Akiro.
"Of course! Is something the matter?"
"No, no..." Tiamat said. "Just... will you walk with me?"
Rush made an affirmative sound, and followed Tiamat into the twisting cave system that was Cynefin's lair. He didn't think he'd ever learn his way around.
"So, um, what was it you wanted to talk about?" Rush prompted when Tiamat said nothing. It seemed she was anxious, he could see it in the unconscious flicking of her feathers.
"You remember," She started finally, as they slipped into a passageway Rush vaguely recognized. "The day before last..."
"Yes..." Rush said. He had done a lot that day. He does a lot in all of his days, to be honest. But what he had done with Tiamat...
As they slipped into the Nesting Grounds, with the three old stumps Cynefin used as protection for their eggs, Rush was beginning to understand. The farthest nest, glowing faintly with Shadow's unnatural light, held three small eggs.
"Yours." Tiamat said, at the same time Rush breathed "Mine."
"Oh." He said. Rush already had children, six to be exact, all from his travels. He was no stranger to fatherhood. With Tiamat being the clan's Caretaker, Rush supposed these hatchlings hada pretty good shot at life.
Rush was up with the sun the following morning. He paid a quick visit to his soon-to-be-hatched eggs and then worked his way into the main chamber. At all hours of the day or night, the cave was alive with its inhabitants. The morning's hunting party was preparing to go out, the dragons headed to the Trading Post were gathered by the exit, and there were even hatchlings plotting something in one corner. Rush wouldn't be joining any of them, however.
"Who's ready to learn some necromancy!?" Amarah said, fluttering around Rush's head.
"Uh-" Rush said. Amarah tended to bounce back and forth from the lighthearted hatchling she had been born and the twisted remains of her it had been raised as quite rapidly. This was not the Amarah that had invited him to it and Falak's outing yesterday.
They traveled West for hours, over where the Foxfire Bramble tanged with the Wandering Contagion, until they settled in a seemingly random place in the Abiding Boneyard.
"There has been unrest here for some time." Falak rumbled, dragging the butt of his scythe through the sand in an intricate pattern. Amarah offered Rush a few Blooming Pods, and they sat back and watched Falak work. His spell circle was impeccable, bigger than Rush's wingspan, and intricately detailed.
"This is the fun part," Amarah whispered, inadvertently ticking Rush's ear, as Falak alighted next to them.
"The dead here have been rioting below the surface, their spirits battling for revenge."
"Rush," Falak said, starting the Tundra. "What do you know of undead magic?"
"U-um, not much, if I'm honest." Rush stammered.
"Then, are you ready to learn?" Falak smiled. It was an unnerving thing to see on his face. Amarah twittered excitedly.
"Yes!" Rush said. He was always up for new adventures - no matter how morally gray it seemed.
"Good." The Imperial tipped his head down to meet Rush's, and the Amulet of Necromancy slipped from Falak's neck to his.
"Now, some of the dead rise as vengeful spirits that seek to destroy anything in their path. Others simply wish to smell the flowers or see the sun. It is a gamble every time, so we must be prepared."
Rush and Amarah nodded to each other, taking their places around the spell circle. Rush's was marked by a crudely drawn tree, a homage to his Flight.
Falak tapped the ground with his scythe and began his chant, and the lines in the sand began to glow the same icy brightness as the Necromancer's eyes.
"ut mortui oriri ut-"
The ground shook and cracked, Falak's voice growing in volume as the wind trembled. The sand is the circle shifted swirled, and eventually fell away as a bloodred Ridgeback emerged from the ground.
Rush drew the dagger he had been gifted, readying for a fight, but as the winds and sands settled, the Ridgeback did nothing more than stare. It's bones were visible under it's bloodied flesh, even protruding in places, and it was draped in the tatters of orange cloth.
"What do you seek, Undead?" Falak asked as his eyes lost their glow.
"Why do you raise me?" The Ridgeback asked, shaking out it's great wings. Blood splattered the sand at the motion, and Rush briefly wondered if the Ridgeback was in pain. It didn't seem to be. Did the undead feel pain?
"To finish your dues. Your soul troubles the land here." Falak said, sheathing his scythe as Amarah settled on one of his wings. Rush pocketed the dagger.
"I seek... revenge," The Ridgeback said. "On those who wronged me in life."
"Then you may take it." Falak said, as Rush slipped in with a "Who wronged you?"
The Ridgeback turned on Rush, as if noticing him for the first time, and Rush flinched at the sight of it. "A Tundra such as yourself, of course. Who are you?"
"My name is Rush."
"They call me Cinnami." The Ridgeback said. "Thank you for allowing me this chance, Rush."
Cinnami, who was one of the more intelligent dead that Falak had raised, joined them in returning to Cynefin. Rush fell asleep to the gentle rumbling snores of the clan and soft scents of the various flora that decorated the walls. He awoke to a paw shaking him and a hushed voice saying something he couldn't quite understand.
"What the-"
"Rush!" Althea hissed. Her sister Malou was the one shaking him awake. "Your kids are here! You're gonna miss it!"
"Alright, kid, I'm com- wait, what?"
Shaking the weariness out of his wings, Rush hurried through Cynefin's tunnels to where he now knew their Nests were held. He arrived at Tiamat's side just as the third egg hatched, a little purple piebald head breaking free from the dark shell. The other two, both spotted as well, were already blinking their eyes open wearily and shuffling around the nest.
"They're beautiful." Rush breathed. "Have any ideas on what to name them?"
Tiamat let out a soft laugh. "Usually I'm the one asking others that."
Rush tilted his head down to bump his nose against one of the hatchlings'. They really were adorable.
"I was thinking Basmu." Tiamat admitted softly. "For the oldest? I've always wanted to name one of my own that."
"Then Basmu will be their name." Rush smiled at the little gray and purple painted hatchling.
"I was thinking maybe Burst for this one." He suggested, nudging the youngest one, who had finished crawling out of her egg and was chewing on her brother's ear.
Tiamat nodded her approval. "And the boy?"
"Hm..."
The middle child, the only male, lacked the purple his sisters shared, and had pale eyes.
"Blitz?" Rush suggested as he watched the hatchling bat at his sister for tugging on his ear a bit too hard.
"That's perfect," Tiamat said softly. "They're perfect."
Rush spent his last day in Cynefin with his children, exploring the lair and playing games. It had been some time before he had been able to experience the childlike wonder that they held. It was one of his favorite days, if he were honest, and one he would remember for the rest of his existence.
When Stigandr approached him the next morning, tail swishing excitedly, Rush's interest was piqued.
"My friend!" Stig said, hopping from foot to foot where he stood. "I'm off on another adventure to the Sundial Terrace! My partner suggested a place."
"I've never been to Sunbeam Ruins." Rush mused as he munched on his breakfast, some fresh green shoots from the morning's hunt.
"Come with me!" Stig said immediately, adding some wing flapping into their little dance. "It'll be fun!"
Rush mulled it over. He had been in Cynefin for a while; it was a place full of mysteries to be solved, caves to explore, and relationships to be built. But, while Rush could see how it could easily become a lost dragon's home, it wasn't the place for him. His heart still belonged to the sun and the stars.
Many dragons came and went from the Forum, Rush watching from the steps, but one, in particular, caught his eye. A verdant Wildclaw alighted on the steps to the West. He was surrounded by fireflies and had eyes that bloomed - literally. Rush watched as they skittered along the stairs, between a pair of Ridgebacks, and disappeared into a crack in the steps.
Without a second thought, Rush leaped off the step he was sitting on and followed the Wildclaw into the crack, which turned out to be a cave mouth. The inside was surprisingly warm, light from the candles melted into the craggy walls danced along the dark rock and the glowing flora. He didn't get very far before his path was unexpectly blocked by a hulking Guardian donned in ebony armor.
"State your business." The Guardian boomed, wings spread to fill the cave.
"...Exploration?" Rush tried. It was an honest answer.
The Guardian's eyes narrowed and their jaw opened to speak again, but they stopped when a different voice sounded from behind them.
"Relax, Periun, they're with me." The Guardian, Periun, stepped aside, and there was the green Wildclaw, fireflies still flickering around them. "We were traveling together, but my mind got lost in my haste to return home and I accidentally left them behind."
"Hmph." Periun sent another glare in Rush's direction, but ultimately turned and returned to his post, a nearly invisible hollow in the cave wall.
"Sorry, Lady Nocturne allows any well-meaning body in our Lair, but Periun tends to have a more specific definition of "well-meaning" than the rest of us." The Wildclaw babbled as they led the way into a massive room in the cave, filled with dragons of all kinds. "My name is Stigandr, by the way. I'm an explorer, like you!"
"I'm Rush." He said, glancing around at the strange dragons they passed as he followed Stigandr through the caves. "Wait an explorer? How did you- I mean-"
"I travel Sornieth meeting new clans and exploring lands. Isn't that what you do? Looking for somewhere to stay next, I'm assuming?"
"I mean, yeah." Rush said, hesitating as he realized he'd lost track of the number of turns that had taken. "Wait, where are you taking me?"
"To the Lady, of course!"
The Lady was a Guardian, bigger than Periun, who lead the Clan Rush had stumbled across. Her name was Nocturne, and she had spent most of her life cultivating Clan Cynefin - a family of bonds that was hidden away in the caves beneath the Forum. Rush was readily welcomed to their ranks, for as long as he wished to stay, and thus began his time with the clan.
On day one, Rush spent his time within Cynefin's lair, meeting new dragons and learning about the ways that the clan functioned. They hunted and battled like any other, had a nest to nurture their young, and a hierarchal organization system. What Rush found to be different however, was some of the stranger duties they had. What kind of clan has a Necromancer and an Oracle, anyway? Not to mention the temple that was tucked away in the darkest parts of the caves, with deities that only Cynefin worshipped.
The second day, he ventured out of the lair with Shania, the General of Cynefin's guard, and Periun to partake in the Coliseum battles. Together they braved the cold of the Boreal Wood, shifting sands of the Delta, and the stink of the Waterway. He was rewarded with items from Cynefin's armory. The gambeson he chose had the name 'Veerle' inscribed in the leather of the belt, but he thought nothing of it.
Rush took the next day to rest. He meandered around the cave, simply observing the daily life within Cynefin's Lair. He ended up in the sales chamber, where dragons from Cynefin's Hatchery and those that were waiting to move on to other clans were resting. It was there that he was approached by the clan's caretaker, a sweet Coatl named Tiamat whom he had met the first day there.
"Rush, may I have a word?" She said in her timid voice, not unkindly dismissing an Imperial hatchling named Akiro.
"Of course! Is something the matter?"
"No, no..." Tiamat said. "Just... will you walk with me?"
Rush made an affirmative sound, and followed Tiamat into the twisting cave system that was Cynefin's lair. He didn't think he'd ever learn his way around.
"So, um, what was it you wanted to talk about?" Rush prompted when Tiamat said nothing. It seemed she was anxious, he could see it in the unconscious flicking of her feathers.
"You remember," She started finally, as they slipped into a passageway Rush vaguely recognized. "The day before last..."
"Yes..." Rush said. He had done a lot that day. He does a lot in all of his days, to be honest. But what he had done with Tiamat...
As they slipped into the Nesting Grounds, with the three old stumps Cynefin used as protection for their eggs, Rush was beginning to understand. The farthest nest, glowing faintly with Shadow's unnatural light, held three small eggs.
"Yours." Tiamat said, at the same time Rush breathed "Mine."
"Oh." He said. Rush already had children, six to be exact, all from his travels. He was no stranger to fatherhood. With Tiamat being the clan's Caretaker, Rush supposed these hatchlings hada pretty good shot at life.
Rush was up with the sun the following morning. He paid a quick visit to his soon-to-be-hatched eggs and then worked his way into the main chamber. At all hours of the day or night, the cave was alive with its inhabitants. The morning's hunting party was preparing to go out, the dragons headed to the Trading Post were gathered by the exit, and there were even hatchlings plotting something in one corner. Rush wouldn't be joining any of them, however.
"Who's ready to learn some necromancy!?" Amarah said, fluttering around Rush's head.
"Uh-" Rush said. Amarah tended to bounce back and forth from the lighthearted hatchling she had been born and the twisted remains of her it had been raised as quite rapidly. This was not the Amarah that had invited him to it and Falak's outing yesterday.
They traveled West for hours, over where the Foxfire Bramble tanged with the Wandering Contagion, until they settled in a seemingly random place in the Abiding Boneyard.
"There has been unrest here for some time." Falak rumbled, dragging the butt of his scythe through the sand in an intricate pattern. Amarah offered Rush a few Blooming Pods, and they sat back and watched Falak work. His spell circle was impeccable, bigger than Rush's wingspan, and intricately detailed.
"This is the fun part," Amarah whispered, inadvertently ticking Rush's ear, as Falak alighted next to them.
"The dead here have been rioting below the surface, their spirits battling for revenge."
"Rush," Falak said, starting the Tundra. "What do you know of undead magic?"
"U-um, not much, if I'm honest." Rush stammered.
"Then, are you ready to learn?" Falak smiled. It was an unnerving thing to see on his face. Amarah twittered excitedly.
"Yes!" Rush said. He was always up for new adventures - no matter how morally gray it seemed.
"Good." The Imperial tipped his head down to meet Rush's, and the Amulet of Necromancy slipped from Falak's neck to his.
"Now, some of the dead rise as vengeful spirits that seek to destroy anything in their path. Others simply wish to smell the flowers or see the sun. It is a gamble every time, so we must be prepared."
Rush and Amarah nodded to each other, taking their places around the spell circle. Rush's was marked by a crudely drawn tree, a homage to his Flight.
Falak tapped the ground with his scythe and began his chant, and the lines in the sand began to glow the same icy brightness as the Necromancer's eyes.
"ut mortui oriri ut-"
The ground shook and cracked, Falak's voice growing in volume as the wind trembled. The sand is the circle shifted swirled, and eventually fell away as a bloodred Ridgeback emerged from the ground.
Rush drew the dagger he had been gifted, readying for a fight, but as the winds and sands settled, the Ridgeback did nothing more than stare. It's bones were visible under it's bloodied flesh, even protruding in places, and it was draped in the tatters of orange cloth.
"What do you seek, Undead?" Falak asked as his eyes lost their glow.
"Why do you raise me?" The Ridgeback asked, shaking out it's great wings. Blood splattered the sand at the motion, and Rush briefly wondered if the Ridgeback was in pain. It didn't seem to be. Did the undead feel pain?
"To finish your dues. Your soul troubles the land here." Falak said, sheathing his scythe as Amarah settled on one of his wings. Rush pocketed the dagger.
"I seek... revenge," The Ridgeback said. "On those who wronged me in life."
"Then you may take it." Falak said, as Rush slipped in with a "Who wronged you?"
The Ridgeback turned on Rush, as if noticing him for the first time, and Rush flinched at the sight of it. "A Tundra such as yourself, of course. Who are you?"
"My name is Rush."
"They call me Cinnami." The Ridgeback said. "Thank you for allowing me this chance, Rush."
Cinnami, who was one of the more intelligent dead that Falak had raised, joined them in returning to Cynefin. Rush fell asleep to the gentle rumbling snores of the clan and soft scents of the various flora that decorated the walls. He awoke to a paw shaking him and a hushed voice saying something he couldn't quite understand.
"What the-"
"Rush!" Althea hissed. Her sister Malou was the one shaking him awake. "Your kids are here! You're gonna miss it!"
"Alright, kid, I'm com- wait, what?"
Shaking the weariness out of his wings, Rush hurried through Cynefin's tunnels to where he now knew their Nests were held. He arrived at Tiamat's side just as the third egg hatched, a little purple piebald head breaking free from the dark shell. The other two, both spotted as well, were already blinking their eyes open wearily and shuffling around the nest.
"They're beautiful." Rush breathed. "Have any ideas on what to name them?"
Tiamat let out a soft laugh. "Usually I'm the one asking others that."
Rush tilted his head down to bump his nose against one of the hatchlings'. They really were adorable.
"I was thinking Basmu." Tiamat admitted softly. "For the oldest? I've always wanted to name one of my own that."
"Then Basmu will be their name." Rush smiled at the little gray and purple painted hatchling.
"I was thinking maybe Burst for this one." He suggested, nudging the youngest one, who had finished crawling out of her egg and was chewing on her brother's ear.
Tiamat nodded her approval. "And the boy?"
"Hm..."
The middle child, the only male, lacked the purple his sisters shared, and had pale eyes.
"Blitz?" Rush suggested as he watched the hatchling bat at his sister for tugging on his ear a bit too hard.
"That's perfect," Tiamat said softly. "They're perfect."
Rush spent his last day in Cynefin with his children, exploring the lair and playing games. It had been some time before he had been able to experience the childlike wonder that they held. It was one of his favorite days, if he were honest, and one he would remember for the rest of his existence.
When Stigandr approached him the next morning, tail swishing excitedly, Rush's interest was piqued.
"My friend!" Stig said, hopping from foot to foot where he stood. "I'm off on another adventure to the Sundial Terrace! My partner suggested a place."
"I've never been to Sunbeam Ruins." Rush mused as he munched on his breakfast, some fresh green shoots from the morning's hunt.
"Come with me!" Stig said immediately, adding some wing flapping into their little dance. "It'll be fun!"
Rush mulled it over. He had been in Cynefin for a while; it was a place full of mysteries to be solved, caves to explore, and relationships to be built. But, while Rush could see how it could easily become a lost dragon's home, it wasn't the place for him. His heart still belonged to the sun and the stars.
Dingasoid's Lair
Rush was ready to leave the dank and dark environment of the Tangled Wood, and go somewhere lighter; the Sunbeam Ruins. When he finally made it there, The sun flared in his eyes after being in total darkness for a while; The air was also strong with the smell of pine. Looking in front of him and up a slope, he caught glimpse of a big log cabin. Looks very inviting!
The first face that Rush saw upon entering the big cabin was a blue and green Guardian dragon who wore a bamboo hat.
"Why hello there!" The big drake greeted the Tundra. "You're Rush right? Welcome to my humble home! My name is Sir Casmir, I built this big log cabin a long time ago, and I had many guests that moved in! All things considered, please take a look around and take the time to meet the others!"
...
The first room Rush wandered into was covered in all sorts of pillows and blankets... must have been some kind of giant pillow fort. It was super comfy! The floors were squishy and he could just curl up in a bundle of blankets, then have a nice nap. After some time of flying, he did get tired...
However, once he got comfortable, Rush heard a terrible roar come from somewhere. It came from the center of the room...
"Who DARES disturb my slumber!?" Growled a silver, pajama-wearing Skydancer.
Yikes! Skydancers are supposed to be peaceful, but this one was very intimidating! So, Rush ran out of the room as fast as he could.
...
The next room was a nice, earthy room that smelled like spices. There was a bright green Spiral that was cooking some delicious stew in a pot. She noticed the Tundra, flew over to him, and sort of swirled around him.
"Hello stranger!" The Spiral greeted Rush happily and energetically. "You can call me Lemon... want to try my soup?"
Rush nodded, trotting over to Lemon's soup pot. He sniffed the soup's aroma, took a wooden spoon, then tried the food. It had a spicy flavor to it... was that pepper and garlic?
"How do you like it?" Lemon asked Rush.
"I think it's good, but it could use something to balance out the high spiciness." The tundra replied.
"Thanks for telling me!" Lemon told Rush. "You can go now if you'd like."
Before he reached the door, Rush saw some snacks he could take with him. Hopefully Lemon wouldn't notice...?
Quote:
...
The last room Rush visited was upside-down; there were floating pieces of furniture and glowing fruits! He stepped on a rug, then Rush fell through and popped back up from the roof! What a very strange place!
A brightly-colored Coatl appeared from nowhere in front of Rush. "Hey! You've gotta help me!" The Coatl yelped.
"What's the matter?" Rush replied
"I lost my special potion! A bird took it away from me! Can you help me get it back?"
"I guess so..."
"Good!"
Meanwhile after some time in the woods...
Did that Coatl say a bird? He didn't give the best description for me...
But then he stepped on a pile of purple goo. It led to a tree, where he saw a parrot with a vial of mystery liquid.
He chased after the parrot for about an hour before tiring out. Luckily, the parrot got bored with the vial and dropped it. So, Rush was able to retrieve the mystery potion to the Coatl! Turns out he had an extra one though...
After some shenanigans in the Sunbeam Ruins and a very nice lunch, Rush felt ready to go. He flapped his wings and lifted off from the ground, ready to go wherever fate took him next.
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