Vanish

-THE LETTER-

Madrugada walks quietly for a few moments as she leaves her office at the university, trying to remember what was so important to drag herself out into the darkened and silent hallways. Deep in thought, she stops in front of an elaborate display of artifacts that she’s gathered and collected over many years.

“One problem…” she murmurs while standing there, starting to muse about all her travels. Her thoughts suddenly snap back to the present when she hears a commotion outside.

Someone is frantically knocking on the windows that caress the beautiful entrance into Aerewyn University. Inside, the stained glass windows are flanked by the display cases that Madrugada had just been looking at. Moving her gaze away from the display cases and to the window, she now sees a silver Spiral moving back and forth in front of the locked entrance door.

Niiloi is the one pacing. He wishes that he hadn’t been woken so early to come here, especially when they weren’t even open... “Humph!” he yells to no one in particular, “I will get you back for this September!” He goes back to pounding on the windows and door.

Madrugada flings the door open, not paying attention to where the little Spiral had been a moment before, and almost pins Niiloi between the heavy oak doors and stained glass window. Madrugada is easily annoyed to begin with, however with very little sleep her patience has worn thin as well. Niiloi adjusts his attire and puts away his parka while digging a neatly folded envelope out of his satchel.

Dawn was breaking just over the horizon, painting the sky in beautiful reds and other hues of an almost a bluish purple. The dawns and sunsets have been increasingly vivid this time of year. Madrugada takes a moment to admire it, trying to calm herself as the Spiral starts to speak.

“Uh...” Niiloi begins to say to the still annoyed Pearlcatcher past at him.

“Well, what is it?” Madrugada asks, looking back down. Niiloi attempts to answer her, but she has already started moving away and is ignoring what Niiloi is trying to say. Being tired and annoyed too, the spiral sharply turns about, having no intention of running after the impolite Pearlcatcher.

“How rude, no excuse for it at all!” Suddenly, he realizes that he’s actually voiced his thoughts quite loudly. Madrugada turns back to him while he tries to hide his outburst by focusing on the letter in his hands. At this point, Niiloi is just thankful he didn't get hurt by the door or the angry Pearlcatcher, until her sharp voice cuts through him, getting his attention.

"Well," Madrugada begins again, "come on, now out with it. What do you have here?" She starts to notice the carefully folded envelope in his hands.

Niiloi begins quietly with hesitation in his words. "I... uhm, I have a letter of utmost importance for the matriarch. Are… uhm, are you her?" Relaxing just a little after his near death experience, he finally manages to get the question across.

"NO, NO I AM NOT!" Madrugada yells as she snatches the letter from Niiloi, scaring him. He did approve of the snatching speed though, with his evaluation of her improving by a no small amount.

As she begins to exam this curious letter, she realizes that she needs to wake Daidra. Annoyed, she turns sharply to go out the door, brushing the Spiral aside.

Humph, Niiloi takes a deep sigh while muttering something about manners. He prepares to leave for a while, planning to return in a few hours for a reply to September’s message, when Madrugada quickly turns and shouts; “well come on, we must hurry!” Niiloi considers his options for a moment and begrudgingly follows after her. He continues his muttering again, this time about how much September owes him ‘big time.’

****

Madrugada did not like waking the Daidra, the clan matriarch, especially when it is in the wee morning hours. The maroon coloured Imperial is patient to a point, but doesn't stand for beating around the bush either. As she reads the letter, she lets both of them know that there is something September found while doing research.

“It is a sphere with strange markings” the matriarch says while looking up at the Pearlcatcher, “well, I am not certain but it seems like our help is needed.” She pauses before motioning her over with a whisper, “Madrugada... ” She hands Madrugada a very small scrap of parchment that’s folded neatly and addressed to her.

“Daidra…” Madrugada begins trailing off, but quickly regains her composure over the note September sent to her. It was somewhat cryptic, for good reason, Madrugada thought with certainty. One thing was clear; September wants her to send the artifacts she recovered from an expedition several years ago, back with Niiloi.

Thinking about that expedition, she once again feels the pain and loss that came from it. The avalanche at that time, and the loss of a former member of her clan, Fog, still weighs heavily on her. Fog was very special, and his gift, well... Madrugada pulls her thoughts back together and tries to push the memories aside.

“Daidra…” Madrugada starts again in a hushed whisper, “our party found several items in that expedition a few years, only to recover three. According to September's message, he’s found something that shares the same ancient draconian sigils and runes. It also seems like his object is made out of the same material, with the same low light hue surrounding it, as our three artifacts. I believe we may get further by going to the site that September found. Perhaps bringing everything together will help us solve the mysterious markings. I’m hopeful that we’ll be able to find the answers we’re looking for there.

The clan matriarch spent a few moments thinking about the validity of sending Madrugada to the Icefields and starting a new expedition. It would certainly be better than just sending a few items back with the messenger, and my clan mates can definitely help our allied clan. The historical significance of the find is huge too, but after the tragedy of the last expedition…

Fog’s face appears in Daidra’s thoughts. Her green eyes look towards Madrugada, knowing she’s thinking about the same think. In a quiet voice, she asks the Pearlcatcher “can you handle this new expedition? It won’t be easy.”

Madrugada jolts for a moment at the implication. She looks back towards Daidra with steady eyes and says "I want to let you know I will take great care, and I shall return."

“Very well,” the Imperial nods. Raising her voice back to normal volume, Daidra begins speaking to them again, including the previously ignored Spiral. “Niiloi, I trust that you will safely escort my precious clan mates back to the Southern Skyway? Take Iced with you, he’s been taking far too long to finish his doctorate since his mate of a lifetime left.” She sighs while thinking thank goodness he’s finally getting out of the lair. “You’ll all have a few days to get ready and pack. You will be in charge, Madrugada.”

“Yes matriarch. Thank you.” The Pearlcatcher replies with a smile while Niiloi was looking hurt like someone kicked his familiar; unhappy to say the least.

“Oh, one last thing,” Daidra continues, “I’ll be sending Gear along too. He will be a great resource as an extra set of helping hands and he is very meticulous, like you Madrugada.” Daidra gives her a reassuring smile as she leaves her to get ready to leave.

Though Daidra was never an alarmist, she is truly concerned about the safety of her expedition group. As the pair in front of her left to find their new companions and start packing, Daidra goes to look for LittleWing; her most trusted mercenary. She finds her in the training grounds near the university.

The stonewash Wildclaw with startling plague eyes is sparring with a shredded training dummy. Daidra looks at the scene and calls out to her, “LittleWing, a moment if you please.”

LittleWing stops battering the dummy and looks over to the Imperial. Seeing who it is, she quickly jogs to Daidra’s side and salutes with an arm against her chest. “What can I do for you, matriarch?”

Daidra chooses not to beat around the bush. “I’m sending you to guard an expedition to the Southern Icefields. I’m also sending Gear… you know about his past.” She gives LittleWing a meaningful look and continues. “That kind of history doesn’t just disappear; it has a way to catch up to a person. I need you to keep an eye on him. I don’t know if there will be trouble, but one way or another, I need you to be vigilant. You understand what I mean, right?”

Realization flashes in the Wildclaw’s red eyes. Giving another salute, she conveys her understanding and agrees to Daidra’s request, “of course, matriarch.”

Daidra nods and goes back to making sure every last detail is complete before Madrugada, Niiloi, Iced, Gear, and LittleWing leave the plateau. She knows it will be quite some time before they are able to return safely.

****

Gear is winding his way to where Niiloi is, with high hopes that he can make a new friend. He’s been stressing about his life lately, and some fun is just what he needs. Letting his mind wander for a moment, he can’t help thinking that the pressure of late has been tying me up in knots... He begins to frown, but snaps his thoughts back to the adventure he was going on. Yes, exciting! Oh, I’ve found him! This, well, this couldn't have come at a better time. Another Spiral is better than one, he quips to himself.

As Niiloi was making sure that the artifacts are secure for transport, Gear comes up from behind to ask if he can help, hoping Niiloi would like to make a friend too. The sudden presence of Gear beside him freaks him out, sending Niiloi jumping into the air with a yelp.

Once Niiloi regains his composure, all the while making sure his cargo is alright one more time, he feels a headache coming. Trying to breathe calmly, he quips “oh brother, I’m just about out of patience! I’ve been held here for days and now this! Of course, sure, why not? More the merrier!” His voice dripping with sarcasm...

Gear silently gives him a flat look and, ignoring the sarcasm, starts looking over the cargo to find something to assist with. Being friendly might help Niiloi unwind, he hopes.

Or not, as Niiloi snaps at Gear, “no, I don't want help!” He shouts exasperatingly at Gear. “I’ve been bonked on the head, almost squished by Madrugada, and been made to stay here for days! I’ve had it! HAD IT! I’m going back now! Niiloi grabs his pack and turns to go.

Gear acts quickly and clings to Niiloi before he can leave. “Wait, wait! I’m sorry; it’s our fault for stressing you out. I know what that’s like. Please don’t go yet…” He looked sadly at the other Spiral.

Heaving a big sigh, Niiloi finally calms down a bit. He wanted to leave a couple of days ago, but knew that wouldn't bode well for the alliance between their clans. I just want to go home and see Yoke again, he thought. Niiloi missed his familiar terribly. Heck, he even missed the snow.

Gear saw the far-off look in his eyes and started patting Niiloi’s back. They didn’t say anything for a while, just enjoying the quiet moment.

Niiloi, having calmed down and thinking that Gear isn't so bad, decides that I really must apologize to him before we get underway.

“Ahem.” The sound of Gear clearing his throat startled him for a moment, making him realize he had been thinking out loud.

Snapping his attention back to Gear, he decides to change the subject "What can I do for you Gear?"

"So sorry, Niiloi. I wanted to know, well, if it would be alright with you, uhm.... May I bring my cat? I know you have Yoke and the way you talk about him, I though they could be friends..." his voice trails off.

Niiloi just looks at him. "Well Gear, why not?" He replies with a smile. "I think Yoke would like to meet your cat." Gear is so elated that he starts to give Niioli a hug in appreciation. He thinks better of it, and goes off to fetch his little calico.

Gear’s speed is quite good, Niiloi muses as he watches the departing Spiral. It only takes a few minutes before he features with the little cat in his arms. It turns out that Niiloi has no defence against adorable little animals. S-so cute!

Eventually, the rest of their companions join them. The two spirals and cat look over and welcome the newcomers; Madrugada, Iced and LittleWing. Over the past few days, Niiloi had met these members of Clan Aerewyn while spending time at the university. He didn't have much else to do, after all.

Madrugada clears her throat, and says "Okay everyone, this is your last chance. If you think you've forgotten anything, now is the time to get it." She sends a particularly pointed stare to LittleWing, saying, "perhaps some warmer clothes?"

LittleWing just brushes of the Pearlcatcher's comment, muttering something inaudible under her breath. Iced steps between them with bounce in his step, directing his words to Madrugada "everything's here. Come on, come one, lets go!" Several of the group roll their eyes. Iced was about to say something else when they all notice a shadow pass over them.

Daidra lands next to them and nods in greeting. Slowly, she looks at each expedition member, saying "You are all precious to me, even our guest from another land. Where you're going, there could be danger and peril. You must watch yourselves and rely on each other, because there may be times when you have no on else. I want you all to promise me that you will come back safely."

The group turn solemn while hearing her speech. Madrugada is the first to speak up. " Yes matriarch, I promise that, this time, we will all come back." The rest of her companions echo her sentiments, full of resolve.

Dairdra gives them a firm nod. "Good luck, and may the deities be with you."

The dragons give their final farewells to the matriarch, and take flight into the sky. The expeditionary group departs for their adventure in the Southern Icefields...

---

Mostly finished:
1: Character Intros (DONE!)
2: The Beginning (DONE!)
3: The Letter (DONE!)
-Has their departure (draft I wrote). You said you wanted to add something to this?
4: The Arrival (DONE!)

5: September and Madrugada consult their artifacts to piece together the dragonian language. Once done, they use that to decipher the puzzle of the artifact.
-LittleWing keeps a look out for shady characters (suspicions but that's all)
-Gear and Niiloi spend time together.
-Iced explores.
At the end of the chapter, the mystery is solved! The puzzle SOMEHOW is able to guide/show/point/ to the ruins that the puzzle opens.

6: Interlude or just regular chapter, I don't know ( but its to happen slightly before the mystery puzzle is solved?): When Niiloi leaves Gear, Gear is approached and threatened by the loan sharks who have been keeping tabs on him. They want him to bring the valuable looking artifacts to them... they threaten to kill(?) his companions if he doesn't deliver in a month. He doesn't tell his friends about this.

7: The team convenes to discuss their plan now that they know the ruin location. They prepare and gather the last of the team (guard, porter, cook) and set out, with plans to pass/stop at the cave-in site. NOTE: The weather from this point on is basically too dangerous to fly in - snowing constantly with heavy gusts half the time.

8: They arrive at the cave-in site a few days (a week?) later and find nothing. (this chapter could be mostly dialogue where we set some of the personality of the characters, and perhaps show the logistics of the crew). They continue on after camping nearby.

9: Perhaps they run into trouble/ambush -beasts/conflict/nature/weather- while travelling? Not related to the loan sharks, but some of the crew can see that Gear is bothered by something. The conflict could end after they emerge triumphant (no Fog repeats today!). NOTE: chapter 8 and 9 could be joined instead of separate, depending on length of the chapters.

10: They arrive at the ruins. After some discussion, they open the door(s). The inner area is large and sheltered, they set up camp while beginning to scout the adjacent rooms.

11: They venture in further and find signs of the facilitie's artifacts and ancient weapons. While exploring, they come across the Gaolers (unconscious probably?) in front of a huge locked door. The door needs to be unlocked with a series of locks/mechanisms hidden in the rest of the ruins. For now, they bring the Gaolers back to camp, only to find that Gear and the artifacts are missing. LittleWing and Niiloi are also nowhere to be found.

12: Another chapter in Gear's point of view. He's left with the artifacts and races to the loan sharks to save his friends from future harm. LittleWing has expected this and catches up with Niiloi in tow. Gear confides in them what has happened, and his reasons. LittleWing sends Niiloi back to the team to tell them not to worry and keep exploring the ruin. In the mean time, LittleWing conspires with Gear to set a trap for the loan sharks back at the Southern Skyway.

13: The main team in the ruins have nursed the Gaolers back to health enough to answer some questions. The Gaolers are weak but won't say much, except that the door they guarded was not to be opened. They can't open it anyway, not yet... After some debate, the team keeps exploring to find the mechanisms that open the door (their historical curiosity wins over caution). Gaolers are looked after by the camp dragons (cook, porter).

14: The mechanisms are found and the team opens the door. (not much of a description about this chapter, but it will be detailed when it comes to writing how they explore/find these lock mechanisms. It may even be several chapters, not just one). The chapter(s) ends with the huge door opening (CLIFFHANGER HAHA!!)

15: Back to Gear's story. Perhaps from the loan sharks point of view.... yes, the reader will see from their perspective how Gear and LittleWing spring their trap with the help of the Southern Skyway security team. After a bit of conflict/dialogue, all is well. A message is sent to Daidra (from LittleWing) informing her of the development.

16: Back to the ruins team. The door opens and they see the ancient weapons that can rip a dragon's element from their bodies, killing them. NOTE: I'm not sure how this ends, but I hope they might come to an agreement (after some mild debate) with each other (and Gaolers) to have the weapons dismantled and destroyed. I'll plan the next chapters as if this is the case.

17: This chapter is a jump from that moment of agreement to dismantle the weapons. Yes, a bit of a time skip of a few weeks, but it saves us from writing most of the predictable details of the logistics of it all. The chapter is this: They are back at the Southern Skyway. September is writing in his journal/diary again (a nod to the journal in chapter 1) about how the dismantling and cataloging of artifacts is coming along. Also about how the rest of his companions are doing. He mentions that Dairdra is there too, clearing up 'some mess' with Gear. NOTE: this is a nice chapter with some friendly dialogue between the main members of the expedition now that they're all back together. It will mention the results of the expedition (who gets which artifacts, ect, for later lore because I KNOW I'LL BE INCLUDING SOME REFERENCE TO IT IN MY PERSONAL LORE LATER ON.)

18: Another Gear chapter. Daidra and Gear talk now that the loan sharks here and at home have been taken care of (we learn this after the fact). She unleashes the truth about his father too, and Gear needs to confront his feeling about the past and future. NOTE: may seem like a short chapter, but character interaction and dialogue can flesh it out.

19: Good bye scene! Our dragons have created strong bonds of friendship and they are reluctant to part. Some 'farewells' and 'see you soon's are shared. The Gaolers choose to go back to the university with Aerewyn dragons.


Basically that's the end. I think it will be about 20-24 chapters all up once we flesh out the ruins chapters to include more of the detail surrounding their explorations. YEP! WHAT A NOVEL!! Tell me what you think about this outline.