Eros
(#62799775)
How rare and beautiful it is to exist.. |G4 Naomi, G4 Ignis|
Familiar
Poppy of Flameforger
Click or tap to view this dragon in Predict Morphology.
Energy: 0/50
This dragon’s natural inborn element is Light.
Male Imperial
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Personal Style
Apparel
Skin
Scene
Measurements
Length
27.81 m
Wingspan
16.01 m
Weight
6087.25 kg
Genetics
Carmine
Pinstripe
Pinstripe
Cantaloupe
Bee
Bee
Blush
Glimmer
Glimmer
Hatchday
Breed
Eye Type
Level 7 Imperial
EXP: 2083 / 11881
STR
6
AGI
6
DEF
6
QCK
5
INT
8
VIT
8
MND
6
Biography
The Tale of Eros
Eros let out a sigh as he absentmindedly stared into the small campfire before him. It had been several years since he had left his home and arrived in this village within the Tangled Wood. This was a rare moment of solitude for him, he had tried to ensure that no one would interrupt him while he took time to himself outside of Sanctuary’s mighty walls, but now he was beginning to regret his choice. He was not used to being alone so late at night, so he didn’t quite know what to make of it.
“Hello?” asked a voice from behind him, that seemed much younger than he. “What’s going on? You seem like you have been through some rough times.” said the dragon, emerging from a nearby shrub, revealing themselves to be one of the older Fae hatchlings that had arrived within Clan Sanctuary recently. His bright blue and indigo scales complimented the land he lived within, and his purple eyes were gleaming with curiosity.
“My name is Eros,” replied the tired Imperial, “I believe we have never met before, am I correct?” He hesitated for a moment. Did the hatchling know not to bother him? Or did he ignore the warning he sent out across Sanctuary and came to visit him anyway?
“My name is Marlais,” the small fae spoke as he settled himself by Eros’ campfire. He looked up at the tightly knit canopy of pine and spruce above them. “I was born in this land, and grew up here in Sanctuary. I have felt for some time now that I should always remain in the land of my birthplace, albeit far from this location.” He looked around at his surroundings, taking in the night air. “Like you, I am very fond of these woods. I never knew my parents all that well. Mother was a gatekeeper, Father was a shell of his former self. That’s all that I know.”
Eros felt a twinge of sympathy for the small fae. He couldn’t imagine what it must have been like to grow up with two such different parents, but he was rather glad that Marlais was so sure of his place in the world, despite his young age. It was a rather different situation than the one that he had faced several years before, the day he arrived in the Tangled Wood. Eros looked down at Marlais, noticing he wore a forlorn expression. Startled, Eros tried to come up with something to distract Marlais from his inner sorrow.
“Would you like to hear a story?” Eros asked. Marlais nodded, solemnly. Eros let out a sigh. “Alright. It all began several years ago, in a region called Lantana Linn...”
“Hello?” asked a voice from behind him, that seemed much younger than he. “What’s going on? You seem like you have been through some rough times.” said the dragon, emerging from a nearby shrub, revealing themselves to be one of the older Fae hatchlings that had arrived within Clan Sanctuary recently. His bright blue and indigo scales complimented the land he lived within, and his purple eyes were gleaming with curiosity.
“My name is Eros,” replied the tired Imperial, “I believe we have never met before, am I correct?” He hesitated for a moment. Did the hatchling know not to bother him? Or did he ignore the warning he sent out across Sanctuary and came to visit him anyway?
“My name is Marlais,” the small fae spoke as he settled himself by Eros’ campfire. He looked up at the tightly knit canopy of pine and spruce above them. “I was born in this land, and grew up here in Sanctuary. I have felt for some time now that I should always remain in the land of my birthplace, albeit far from this location.” He looked around at his surroundings, taking in the night air. “Like you, I am very fond of these woods. I never knew my parents all that well. Mother was a gatekeeper, Father was a shell of his former self. That’s all that I know.”
Eros felt a twinge of sympathy for the small fae. He couldn’t imagine what it must have been like to grow up with two such different parents, but he was rather glad that Marlais was so sure of his place in the world, despite his young age. It was a rather different situation than the one that he had faced several years before, the day he arrived in the Tangled Wood. Eros looked down at Marlais, noticing he wore a forlorn expression. Startled, Eros tried to come up with something to distract Marlais from his inner sorrow.
“Would you like to hear a story?” Eros asked. Marlais nodded, solemnly. Eros let out a sigh. “Alright. It all began several years ago, in a region called Lantana Linn...”
The air was thunderous, the atmosphere was suffocating, the wind was unrelenting. The Shifting Expanse was no stranger to these harsh conditions, but the storm burdened winds were much less humid here than in the tropical downpours taking place further to the north. Eros often wondered if that was the reason why his father decided to settle in this place, but he knew he would never understand. The windows of their home, reinforced and made to withstand such weather, even dared to rattle slightly. If Eros was indeed underneath different circumstances, he would have taken this moment to fly into the storm, daring to take on the forces of nature on his own-!
But not today.
“... and this, in turn, summarizes the limitations and ethical boundaries that one must not cross while in the throes of setting a trap." Evike let out a long sigh as they clapped the dust-laden book shut. "Why do they have to make this so drawn out? It isn't that hard to set a good trap. Maybe tomorrow I can show you some good examples, Eros... Eros? Were you paying attention?"
That alone was enough to break Eros' trance-like focus upon the ongoing storm.
"Yes, of course." He knew that Evike would see through his excuse, and it was evident that they did, seeing as they were approaching him with a specific look they gained whenever frustrated.
"Eros, answer me and give the truthful answer this time." They leaned in towards him. "Were you paying attention?"
He knew that he could not fight the inevitable.
"You are right, I was not. The storm transfixed me and distracted me from your lesson. I am sorry." Eros answered as quietly as he could, knowing that there would be nothing to make Evike any less disappointed than they were now.
Evike groaned, looking towards the window alongside their son.
"Your siblings have long since left on their paths outside of our clan, my dear. Each of them going out and making a name for themselves all around our world." They glanced downward, making eye contact with Eros. "Do you not wish for this?"
"Listen," he spluttered out, "if it was my choice I would have left long ago if it weren't for him keeping me here for.. for training! I know that I lack some strengths that the others have, and I am extremely aware that I become ill easily... but I feel like I'm ready now. It's time for me to face the world."
Evike's tone grew concerned. "And do you wish for this... now? Eros, you are the only one left. You've become his main concern, all he does is try to ensure that you're ready. Are you sure you want to leave?"
"With all of my being, yes."
"Then I have no choice but to give you what you beg for." Evike swiftly made their way to the entrance of the door and motioned for Eros to follow. Nervously, Eros left where he was previously seated and joined Evike as they strode down the corridor in silence.
After some moments of silent travel, the pair arrived at Evike's apparent destination. Glancing at their son, Evike solemnly tossed him a sheathed blade from a concealed pocket within their overcoat. His old training knife.
"What for?" Eros choked on his words, nervously fumbling the knife into a pocket on his person.
"Trust me, you will need this." Evike gave him one last look, and then a brief hug. "Be safe. I know you can do this."
Before Eros could question what they meant, Evike gave a sharp knock on the door before them. "You have a visitor, darling!" they called out. And with that, they left Eros at the mercy of whatever lay behind the heavy wooden door, as it swung open ominously before him.
Hesitantly, he entered the room. Dimly lit, skillfully carved oaken shelves abundant with books that appeared to be of another era. Artifacts of questionable origin are displayed upon the walls, along with a shelf of dried herbs residing within miniature glass vials. Maps and relics of all sorts were scattered about the room, and in the center was a desk. The person behind the desk, however, was his father, who quickly noticed his sudden appearance.
"Eros..? My son, what has you troubled? Dismay is spread out over your precious face. Please, sit down, would you care for some tea? Would some incense soothe your nerves? It's strange, you came to my second study.. normally I am not interfered with here unless it is an emergency. And thankfully, nothing is wrong. Correct?"
Eros paled. His father, Adam, had always been keen to strengthen him. Eros never chose to be born the way he was, frail and more susceptible to illness than most. Out of his siblings, Adam tended to train him the most. He did not intend to shield Eros from the world, however, it did not appear as if he intended for Eros to depart until he believed that he had taught all that he could. Nevertheless, deep down, Eros knew that he could not stay within the boundaries of Rosslyn for much longer.
"Father, I need to have a word with you." Eros began to feel more and more apprehensive. He believed that Adam would be very startled at the sudden choice, what father wouldn't be, but there was no going back now. Was this the right decision?
"One moment," Adam took extra care when placing down the cup of tea on the side table next to Eros' chair. "Start again?" He took a sip from his glass, contentedly reclining in his chair once more.
"I know that you have always taken great measures to ready me for the outside world."
"Yes, you were born much more.. frail of body, than your siblings. Naturally, I should be the one to help you be ready for the dangers that will inevitably be faced beyond Lantana Linn and Rosslyn for that matter. Am I correct?"
Eros took a moment to place the teacup back onto its dish, as he had felt the urge to take a brief sip of the herbal brew as his father went on describing his views. "Yes, you are correct. But you also realize that I cannot remain here forever, yes? There has to be a limit to," he took a moment to wave his left arm upward and around. "This."
Adam narrowed his eyes. "Are you proposing what I think you are?"
"With all due respect, father, I assume that it is time that I leave."
To Eros' astonishment, Adam did not appear to be taken aback in the slightest. He briefly saw a twinge of sorrow in his father's eyes, but it was quickly replaced by a look of admiration. Steadiness. Whatever emotion growing rapidly inside his father's heart was contained within his mind now, Eros concluded.
“I always knew this day would come, Eros.”
Eros didn’t know where to start and began stammering over his words. “You did..?”
Adam let a grin claim dominance over his former scowl. “Precisely. And that is why we are going to do this.”
Before Eros could begin to think about what his father meant by “this”, Adam quickly pulled a sheathed sword outward from within his desk and pointed the tip of the covered weapon at Eros.
“If you think you are ready for whatever you may face out there, then you will have zero trouble besting me in a duel. Correct?”
Eros then realized exactly why Evike had given him the knife moments prior. The two of them had likely been planning this moment out for weeks. He inwardly groaned at the prospect of facing his father, but quickly realized that this was not something that he could run from easily.
“Fine. If that’s what you wish, I’ll indulge in your proposal.” He then drew the sheathed blade from the jacket pocket he had awkwardly shoved it in mere minutes ago. “Just know that I will not go down easily.”
Adam grinned. Eros frowned.
But not today.
“... and this, in turn, summarizes the limitations and ethical boundaries that one must not cross while in the throes of setting a trap." Evike let out a long sigh as they clapped the dust-laden book shut. "Why do they have to make this so drawn out? It isn't that hard to set a good trap. Maybe tomorrow I can show you some good examples, Eros... Eros? Were you paying attention?"
That alone was enough to break Eros' trance-like focus upon the ongoing storm.
"Yes, of course." He knew that Evike would see through his excuse, and it was evident that they did, seeing as they were approaching him with a specific look they gained whenever frustrated.
"Eros, answer me and give the truthful answer this time." They leaned in towards him. "Were you paying attention?"
He knew that he could not fight the inevitable.
"You are right, I was not. The storm transfixed me and distracted me from your lesson. I am sorry." Eros answered as quietly as he could, knowing that there would be nothing to make Evike any less disappointed than they were now.
Evike groaned, looking towards the window alongside their son.
"Your siblings have long since left on their paths outside of our clan, my dear. Each of them going out and making a name for themselves all around our world." They glanced downward, making eye contact with Eros. "Do you not wish for this?"
"Listen," he spluttered out, "if it was my choice I would have left long ago if it weren't for him keeping me here for.. for training! I know that I lack some strengths that the others have, and I am extremely aware that I become ill easily... but I feel like I'm ready now. It's time for me to face the world."
Evike's tone grew concerned. "And do you wish for this... now? Eros, you are the only one left. You've become his main concern, all he does is try to ensure that you're ready. Are you sure you want to leave?"
"With all of my being, yes."
"Then I have no choice but to give you what you beg for." Evike swiftly made their way to the entrance of the door and motioned for Eros to follow. Nervously, Eros left where he was previously seated and joined Evike as they strode down the corridor in silence.
After some moments of silent travel, the pair arrived at Evike's apparent destination. Glancing at their son, Evike solemnly tossed him a sheathed blade from a concealed pocket within their overcoat. His old training knife.
"What for?" Eros choked on his words, nervously fumbling the knife into a pocket on his person.
"Trust me, you will need this." Evike gave him one last look, and then a brief hug. "Be safe. I know you can do this."
Before Eros could question what they meant, Evike gave a sharp knock on the door before them. "You have a visitor, darling!" they called out. And with that, they left Eros at the mercy of whatever lay behind the heavy wooden door, as it swung open ominously before him.
Hesitantly, he entered the room. Dimly lit, skillfully carved oaken shelves abundant with books that appeared to be of another era. Artifacts of questionable origin are displayed upon the walls, along with a shelf of dried herbs residing within miniature glass vials. Maps and relics of all sorts were scattered about the room, and in the center was a desk. The person behind the desk, however, was his father, who quickly noticed his sudden appearance.
"Eros..? My son, what has you troubled? Dismay is spread out over your precious face. Please, sit down, would you care for some tea? Would some incense soothe your nerves? It's strange, you came to my second study.. normally I am not interfered with here unless it is an emergency. And thankfully, nothing is wrong. Correct?"
Eros paled. His father, Adam, had always been keen to strengthen him. Eros never chose to be born the way he was, frail and more susceptible to illness than most. Out of his siblings, Adam tended to train him the most. He did not intend to shield Eros from the world, however, it did not appear as if he intended for Eros to depart until he believed that he had taught all that he could. Nevertheless, deep down, Eros knew that he could not stay within the boundaries of Rosslyn for much longer.
"Father, I need to have a word with you." Eros began to feel more and more apprehensive. He believed that Adam would be very startled at the sudden choice, what father wouldn't be, but there was no going back now. Was this the right decision?
"One moment," Adam took extra care when placing down the cup of tea on the side table next to Eros' chair. "Start again?" He took a sip from his glass, contentedly reclining in his chair once more.
"I know that you have always taken great measures to ready me for the outside world."
"Yes, you were born much more.. frail of body, than your siblings. Naturally, I should be the one to help you be ready for the dangers that will inevitably be faced beyond Lantana Linn and Rosslyn for that matter. Am I correct?"
Eros took a moment to place the teacup back onto its dish, as he had felt the urge to take a brief sip of the herbal brew as his father went on describing his views. "Yes, you are correct. But you also realize that I cannot remain here forever, yes? There has to be a limit to," he took a moment to wave his left arm upward and around. "This."
Adam narrowed his eyes. "Are you proposing what I think you are?"
"With all due respect, father, I assume that it is time that I leave."
To Eros' astonishment, Adam did not appear to be taken aback in the slightest. He briefly saw a twinge of sorrow in his father's eyes, but it was quickly replaced by a look of admiration. Steadiness. Whatever emotion growing rapidly inside his father's heart was contained within his mind now, Eros concluded.
“I always knew this day would come, Eros.”
Eros didn’t know where to start and began stammering over his words. “You did..?”
Adam let a grin claim dominance over his former scowl. “Precisely. And that is why we are going to do this.”
Before Eros could begin to think about what his father meant by “this”, Adam quickly pulled a sheathed sword outward from within his desk and pointed the tip of the covered weapon at Eros.
“If you think you are ready for whatever you may face out there, then you will have zero trouble besting me in a duel. Correct?”
Eros then realized exactly why Evike had given him the knife moments prior. The two of them had likely been planning this moment out for weeks. He inwardly groaned at the prospect of facing his father, but quickly realized that this was not something that he could run from easily.
“Fine. If that’s what you wish, I’ll indulge in your proposal.” He then drew the sheathed blade from the jacket pocket he had awkwardly shoved it in mere minutes ago. “Just know that I will not go down easily.”
Adam grinned. Eros frowned.
Lightning illuminated the valley floor as the two began to ready themselves a good distance parallel to each other. Eros had chosen the location for their fight purposefully, it was far enough from Rosslyn to not draw attention to their duel, and it would prevent Adam’ office from going from organized to shambles in mere moments.
“Alright,” Adam began as he wove the blade of his sword around, absentmindedly. “Remember, this is a duel. The first to bring the other to the ground shall be declared the immediate victor, I don’t want to string this out for ages. Fighting is restricted to using the swords we have now, and hand-to-hand combat. No more, no less.”
Eros clenched his teeth. “If this is what it takes to prove myself to you, I accept your rules.” Eros had left his knife sheathed within his coat once more, favoring a cherished broadsword that he had collected from the armory moments before the two had set off for their destination. He gripped the hilt of his weapon tightly. “Best of luck.”
Adam nodded. “Likewise. Shall we begin?”
Before Eros could take the time to respond properly, Adam immediately charged toward him, his sword drawn and ready to strike.
“Ugh!” Eros cried out, as he tried to shield himself from the nearly unstoppable force of his father’s blade. He was a good distance away, but he had enough speed that it took him several seconds just to react. His broadsword came up in front of Adam, blocking his blade, while his other arm swung around so fast that he barely registered what was happening. Eros managed to deflect his father's attack entirely, and with a final lunge at Adam, struck him square in the sternum with the pommel of his sword.
Adam's eyes widened in shock and rapidly moved several paces away from his son. "Eros!" He called out, trying to get his son's attention. "You're not going to kill me, are you?" Adam asked, a bit confused by the sudden change in his son's demeanour.
"No, I'm not," Eros sighed, trying to hide his disappointment. He was hoping that his father would have had more faith in him by this point. But instead of dropping the duel entirely after being pommelled in the chest, Adam began to charge towards him once more. Right. This would not end until one of them was on the ground. Inwardly, Adam had a feeling that he would be the one to get take a sword pommel to the chest, however, he didn't expect Eros to execute it as cleanly as he did. Perhaps there was hope for his son yet. And that is why he decided to up his game, and charge towards him with increased vigor.
Adam's sword cut through the air, striking the ground as it went. Eros tried to dodge, but Adam was faster, and he was able to catch him off-guard with a swift slash to the shoulder.
Eros stumbled backward, his sword in his hand. He looked up at Adam, who was standing mere steps away from him, sword raised.
He then took a step backward, avoiding the inevitable blow. He slashed wildly, trying to get his sword in the air, away from the dust-laden ground upon which they fought, and subsequently get out of reach, but his father parried each attack. "Are you seriously acting like you were on the first day I taught you to wield a sword?" Adam asked, with a joking tone to his voice. Eros knew in his heart that he was outmatched. He struggled to do any sort of damage. He swung again, and this time, Adam ducked, while managing to block the blade with his own. Eros cursed. He raised his sword to block another blow, but his blade met Adam's sword. He staggered backward, dazed from the force. He had to beat him, but how? He knew his father was powerful, but surely he could not hold this much longer. His sword clashed again, and a wave of sparks burst from the blades. The two went flying in opposite directions, both landing firmly on their feet, both struggling to recover. A cloud of dust flew into the air. They barely managed to land without losing their balance.
Eros could barely breathe. How could this be happening? There was nothing that could take him down. There was no way to fight his father head-on. He was simply too strong.
Which meant that he would have to think creatively on how to best his father in a fight. He looked over at Adam, who was collecting himself and beginning to march forward towards Eros once more.
“I need you to hear me,” Eros said, dusting himself off. “even if you are far away, even if we never speak again after this duel, I will still be your son. Always.”
Adam paused in his pacing, looking Eros straight in the eye. "I just hope that I will still be your father." Adam took a breath, steadying himself. "You will be.” Eros let out a shaky sigh as he spoke.
“I won’t let you get hurt.”
“I’ll be fine.”
“I want you to have your freedom, and I want you to be happy.”
“I will be.” Eros was nodding, and he couldn’t help but smile. It was happening, his father had realized that he was ready to leave.
At that moment, he almost wished to call off the duel, declare it a draw so he could talk things out with Adam, but he also realized that his father wished for him to be strong, he had spent all of this time cultivating the strengths he had to ensure that his life in the unknown world beyond their valley would be a safe one.
“Now,” he grinned while raising his blade once more. “Let’s finish this.”
Adam appeared to look delighted as he saw how serious his son was about this, albeit the smile. He continued his march towards Eros, who was ready for more.
The two ran towards one another, blades drawn, ready to complete the fight once and for all.
“Alright,” Adam began as he wove the blade of his sword around, absentmindedly. “Remember, this is a duel. The first to bring the other to the ground shall be declared the immediate victor, I don’t want to string this out for ages. Fighting is restricted to using the swords we have now, and hand-to-hand combat. No more, no less.”
Eros clenched his teeth. “If this is what it takes to prove myself to you, I accept your rules.” Eros had left his knife sheathed within his coat once more, favoring a cherished broadsword that he had collected from the armory moments before the two had set off for their destination. He gripped the hilt of his weapon tightly. “Best of luck.”
Adam nodded. “Likewise. Shall we begin?”
Before Eros could take the time to respond properly, Adam immediately charged toward him, his sword drawn and ready to strike.
“Ugh!” Eros cried out, as he tried to shield himself from the nearly unstoppable force of his father’s blade. He was a good distance away, but he had enough speed that it took him several seconds just to react. His broadsword came up in front of Adam, blocking his blade, while his other arm swung around so fast that he barely registered what was happening. Eros managed to deflect his father's attack entirely, and with a final lunge at Adam, struck him square in the sternum with the pommel of his sword.
Adam's eyes widened in shock and rapidly moved several paces away from his son. "Eros!" He called out, trying to get his son's attention. "You're not going to kill me, are you?" Adam asked, a bit confused by the sudden change in his son's demeanour.
"No, I'm not," Eros sighed, trying to hide his disappointment. He was hoping that his father would have had more faith in him by this point. But instead of dropping the duel entirely after being pommelled in the chest, Adam began to charge towards him once more. Right. This would not end until one of them was on the ground. Inwardly, Adam had a feeling that he would be the one to get take a sword pommel to the chest, however, he didn't expect Eros to execute it as cleanly as he did. Perhaps there was hope for his son yet. And that is why he decided to up his game, and charge towards him with increased vigor.
Adam's sword cut through the air, striking the ground as it went. Eros tried to dodge, but Adam was faster, and he was able to catch him off-guard with a swift slash to the shoulder.
Eros stumbled backward, his sword in his hand. He looked up at Adam, who was standing mere steps away from him, sword raised.
He then took a step backward, avoiding the inevitable blow. He slashed wildly, trying to get his sword in the air, away from the dust-laden ground upon which they fought, and subsequently get out of reach, but his father parried each attack. "Are you seriously acting like you were on the first day I taught you to wield a sword?" Adam asked, with a joking tone to his voice. Eros knew in his heart that he was outmatched. He struggled to do any sort of damage. He swung again, and this time, Adam ducked, while managing to block the blade with his own. Eros cursed. He raised his sword to block another blow, but his blade met Adam's sword. He staggered backward, dazed from the force. He had to beat him, but how? He knew his father was powerful, but surely he could not hold this much longer. His sword clashed again, and a wave of sparks burst from the blades. The two went flying in opposite directions, both landing firmly on their feet, both struggling to recover. A cloud of dust flew into the air. They barely managed to land without losing their balance.
Eros could barely breathe. How could this be happening? There was nothing that could take him down. There was no way to fight his father head-on. He was simply too strong.
Which meant that he would have to think creatively on how to best his father in a fight. He looked over at Adam, who was collecting himself and beginning to march forward towards Eros once more.
“I need you to hear me,” Eros said, dusting himself off. “even if you are far away, even if we never speak again after this duel, I will still be your son. Always.”
Adam paused in his pacing, looking Eros straight in the eye. "I just hope that I will still be your father." Adam took a breath, steadying himself. "You will be.” Eros let out a shaky sigh as he spoke.
“I won’t let you get hurt.”
“I’ll be fine.”
“I want you to have your freedom, and I want you to be happy.”
“I will be.” Eros was nodding, and he couldn’t help but smile. It was happening, his father had realized that he was ready to leave.
At that moment, he almost wished to call off the duel, declare it a draw so he could talk things out with Adam, but he also realized that his father wished for him to be strong, he had spent all of this time cultivating the strengths he had to ensure that his life in the unknown world beyond their valley would be a safe one.
“Now,” he grinned while raising his blade once more. “Let’s finish this.”
Adam appeared to look delighted as he saw how serious his son was about this, albeit the smile. He continued his march towards Eros, who was ready for more.
The two ran towards one another, blades drawn, ready to complete the fight once and for all.
“And THEN what happened!” Marlais chirped, obviously more invested in Eros’ tale than his emotional dilemma at this point.
“Well,” Eros replied, “I had-”
“No, no no, talk in the story voice!”
“The story voice? Fine, if you insist.”
“Well,” Eros replied, “I had-”
“No, no no, talk in the story voice!”
“The story voice? Fine, if you insist.”
Adam brought his sword to his side and leaped to the left, barely avoiding Eros' strike. He tried to keep Eros at bay until he was completely out of the way, but the sword was too heavy to run at full speed with, so he kept his distance and avoided Eros' sword's impact. Eros, meanwhile, was internally panicking. He was pouring all of his strength into making himself seem like a much larger threat than he appeared to be, but he knew that it would not be enough to beat his father. He had to think of something to counter Adam with now, or it would all be over.
But as he thought of what he was going to do to beat Adam, he kept drawing blanks. Sure, his father was better at fighting than he was, that would never change. However, Eros needed a distraction for Adam to work off of. He was so tired of fighting that he began to doubt whether it could be possible for him to keep moving forward. But he knew that he had to.
Eros moved his sword out in front of him and charged at his father with it.
Adam immediately ran ahead, but Eros kept a low, slow pace. Conserving stamina was what mattered. It was a matter of just a few seconds before Eros realized that Adam was beginning to run out of steam, but he knew his father wasn't going to make any trouble. Eros was going to make an impression. "A good start, Dad," Eros called out.
"I'm not going to let you get on my nerves," Adam shouted back, a display of annoyance across his normally stoic face. "You won't beat me like this," he added before Eros could form any sort of response.
Eros was already beginning to think about where he was going to stop running, and he was already planning out what to do next. However, Adam had successfully distracted him well enough for Eros to clue in at the last possible moment as to where he was leading him.
Which happened to be directed towards the heart of Rosslyn itself.
Inwardly, Eros pondered as to why his father had led him back to where they had originally departed, but it did not make sense to him. If Adam had wanted to lure him to the city and put him in a position where he could make an impression on the others, he would have done so by basing the duel in the heart of Rosslyn, to begin with. Eros was too drained to come up with a rational explanation, but he had to admit that his father tended to put on a show when he so desired.
And put on a show he did. Almost as if the members of Cenotaph could sense a conflict in the streets from a distance, dozens of souls began to gather to observe the duel between father and son. Eros could even recognize a few familiar faces in the crowd from afar; Ereshkigal, North, Parzavala, Alai, Hermes... even Evike. Eros had to admit that it was a very different duel from the one he had been envisioning at the beginning, but it was a far better one than what he had been expecting.
"Esteemed members of Cenotaph!" His father gasped out to the gathering crowd as he ran, resulting in cheers resounding throughout Rosslyn. "I'm glad you are here to witness this great event! The battle between father and son is truly a duel like none other, is it not? I wish to show you all how far Eros has come. He has come to the edge of his limits, and yet he remains strong, even as he is now. I hope you will be able to see him as he is now, no longer weak, but a true champion."
Adam's words were met with a roar of applause. So this was why he had brought Eros back, to show the ones close to him just how much he had grown. Inwardly, Eros felt a bit of a rush of pride, but he had no time to dwell on that feeling.
Steadily, he began to allow himself to run faster and faster, ignoring the blistering pain in his ribs as he did so, and instead focusing on the chill of the storm-charged wind against his skin. He was getting ever closer to the speeding Adam. He had to fight. The distance between himself and his father grew shorter and shorter until he found himself mere feet away. He thrust his sword forward, only for Adam to twist around and block it with his own. Eros had no choice but to keep deflecting his father’s blows as the duel continued.
But as he thought of what he was going to do to beat Adam, he kept drawing blanks. Sure, his father was better at fighting than he was, that would never change. However, Eros needed a distraction for Adam to work off of. He was so tired of fighting that he began to doubt whether it could be possible for him to keep moving forward. But he knew that he had to.
Eros moved his sword out in front of him and charged at his father with it.
Adam immediately ran ahead, but Eros kept a low, slow pace. Conserving stamina was what mattered. It was a matter of just a few seconds before Eros realized that Adam was beginning to run out of steam, but he knew his father wasn't going to make any trouble. Eros was going to make an impression. "A good start, Dad," Eros called out.
"I'm not going to let you get on my nerves," Adam shouted back, a display of annoyance across his normally stoic face. "You won't beat me like this," he added before Eros could form any sort of response.
Eros was already beginning to think about where he was going to stop running, and he was already planning out what to do next. However, Adam had successfully distracted him well enough for Eros to clue in at the last possible moment as to where he was leading him.
Which happened to be directed towards the heart of Rosslyn itself.
Inwardly, Eros pondered as to why his father had led him back to where they had originally departed, but it did not make sense to him. If Adam had wanted to lure him to the city and put him in a position where he could make an impression on the others, he would have done so by basing the duel in the heart of Rosslyn, to begin with. Eros was too drained to come up with a rational explanation, but he had to admit that his father tended to put on a show when he so desired.
And put on a show he did. Almost as if the members of Cenotaph could sense a conflict in the streets from a distance, dozens of souls began to gather to observe the duel between father and son. Eros could even recognize a few familiar faces in the crowd from afar; Ereshkigal, North, Parzavala, Alai, Hermes... even Evike. Eros had to admit that it was a very different duel from the one he had been envisioning at the beginning, but it was a far better one than what he had been expecting.
"Esteemed members of Cenotaph!" His father gasped out to the gathering crowd as he ran, resulting in cheers resounding throughout Rosslyn. "I'm glad you are here to witness this great event! The battle between father and son is truly a duel like none other, is it not? I wish to show you all how far Eros has come. He has come to the edge of his limits, and yet he remains strong, even as he is now. I hope you will be able to see him as he is now, no longer weak, but a true champion."
Adam's words were met with a roar of applause. So this was why he had brought Eros back, to show the ones close to him just how much he had grown. Inwardly, Eros felt a bit of a rush of pride, but he had no time to dwell on that feeling.
Steadily, he began to allow himself to run faster and faster, ignoring the blistering pain in his ribs as he did so, and instead focusing on the chill of the storm-charged wind against his skin. He was getting ever closer to the speeding Adam. He had to fight. The distance between himself and his father grew shorter and shorter until he found himself mere feet away. He thrust his sword forward, only for Adam to twist around and block it with his own. Eros had no choice but to keep deflecting his father’s blows as the duel continued.
“Were you scared back then?”
The voice of Marlais broke Eros’ focus on telling his story. “Scared?”
“Mhm. If I had to face one of my parents in a battle, I know I would be scared of hurting them, or them hurting me, even though I didn’t know them all that much before I came here.”
The silence was deafening, the only noise that formed between the two were the various crackles and pops of the fire Eros had set much earlier in the night. There was a faint rustle in the distance, which Eros assumed to be an animal of sorts.
“Well,” Eros started, “I trusted my father. Greatly. I knew that he would never injure me severely, and I would never harm him seriously even if I tried. But I was scared of many things, what would happen in the duel, how I could manage to win against him, it was a lot to handle at the time.”
“But you managed to win, right? How else would you have gotten here?”
Eros’ gaze fell upon the flames, his mind lost in thought.
“...Let me continue the story.”
The voice of Marlais broke Eros’ focus on telling his story. “Scared?”
“Mhm. If I had to face one of my parents in a battle, I know I would be scared of hurting them, or them hurting me, even though I didn’t know them all that much before I came here.”
The silence was deafening, the only noise that formed between the two were the various crackles and pops of the fire Eros had set much earlier in the night. There was a faint rustle in the distance, which Eros assumed to be an animal of sorts.
“Well,” Eros started, “I trusted my father. Greatly. I knew that he would never injure me severely, and I would never harm him seriously even if I tried. But I was scared of many things, what would happen in the duel, how I could manage to win against him, it was a lot to handle at the time.”
“But you managed to win, right? How else would you have gotten here?”
Eros’ gaze fell upon the flames, his mind lost in thought.
“...Let me continue the story.”
Things were beginning to seem bleak on both ends. Both father and son were growing wearier by the moment, Eros was hanging on by a thread, while Adam was doing his best to hide his evident exhaustion. Cenotaph members were beginning to grow tired as well, but they weren’t letting their support for Eros, or Adam, die out in the slightest. Eros had to figure out how to end this, and quickly.
He had to search for an opening.
Clash after clash, shove after shove, Eros was doing his best to scout out a possible way to take down Adam and win the duel once and for all. And then he saw his chance.
Adam, perhaps in a last-ditch effort, threw what strength he had into the swinging of his sword, but Eros knew that he would not hit his target. Using what energy he had left, Eros ducked beneath and off to the side of the blade, before proceeding to wipe his father’s legs out from beneath him with a quick blow.
The crowd held their breath as Adam stumbled backward, unable to retain his balance, and fell silent as he crashed to the ground. Eros, gasping for air at this point, held the front of his sword out toward his father’s throat. Lightning crashed menacingly in the skies above.
He had won.
The members of Cenotaph who had remained to watch the ending of the fight erupted into thunderous applause. Eros’ excitement was overwhelming, while Adam’s pride was visible within his eyes, despite the exhausted appearance he gave off. His son had persevered, overcame multitudes of challenges during the many years he trained him, and now he was ready to leave the nest at long last.
That same morning, Eros had been transfixed by the lightning storm that charged the skies. It was a strange feeling, knowing that only several hours beforehand, he had little hope of leaving Lantana Linn behind him anytime soon, but here he was, soaring into the storm, Adam looking on proudly from the ground. With the essentials packed, his cloak secured around his rapidly moving form, and sword tethered around his waist, Eros was now ready to face the beyond with open arms.
Surges of electricity ran through him, filling him with energy as he carried on higher into the skies. He opened his wings further, and relaxed into the storm, letting the wind carry him onward to an unknown destination. He would let fate handle where he would find his new home. The only thing that Eros could think of at this moment was that freedom felt amazing.
And then he became lost.
He had to search for an opening.
Clash after clash, shove after shove, Eros was doing his best to scout out a possible way to take down Adam and win the duel once and for all. And then he saw his chance.
Adam, perhaps in a last-ditch effort, threw what strength he had into the swinging of his sword, but Eros knew that he would not hit his target. Using what energy he had left, Eros ducked beneath and off to the side of the blade, before proceeding to wipe his father’s legs out from beneath him with a quick blow.
The crowd held their breath as Adam stumbled backward, unable to retain his balance, and fell silent as he crashed to the ground. Eros, gasping for air at this point, held the front of his sword out toward his father’s throat. Lightning crashed menacingly in the skies above.
He had won.
The members of Cenotaph who had remained to watch the ending of the fight erupted into thunderous applause. Eros’ excitement was overwhelming, while Adam’s pride was visible within his eyes, despite the exhausted appearance he gave off. His son had persevered, overcame multitudes of challenges during the many years he trained him, and now he was ready to leave the nest at long last.
That same morning, Eros had been transfixed by the lightning storm that charged the skies. It was a strange feeling, knowing that only several hours beforehand, he had little hope of leaving Lantana Linn behind him anytime soon, but here he was, soaring into the storm, Adam looking on proudly from the ground. With the essentials packed, his cloak secured around his rapidly moving form, and sword tethered around his waist, Eros was now ready to face the beyond with open arms.
Surges of electricity ran through him, filling him with energy as he carried on higher into the skies. He opened his wings further, and relaxed into the storm, letting the wind carry him onward to an unknown destination. He would let fate handle where he would find his new home. The only thing that Eros could think of at this moment was that freedom felt amazing.
And then he became lost.
“You were lost?!” Marlais exclaimed, flapping his wings fervently. “What were you thinking, letting the storm blow you away like that? Did your father raise a valiant warrior or a wayward balloon?”
“Listen,” Eros chortled, “as silly as it may sound, being lost was beneficial in this situation.”
“Really?” The young fae pondered. “How?”
“Let me continue with this story, and I’ll tell you how.”
“Listen,” Eros chortled, “as silly as it may sound, being lost was beneficial in this situation.”
“Really?” The young fae pondered. “How?”
“Let me continue with this story, and I’ll tell you how.”
Eros had long since left the crashing skies of the Badlands, no more were the flashes of lightning and the howls of the wind, the skies in which he flew now contained nothing but a miserable drizzle of rain. And, seeing as the sun had now set, he was flying blindly. Eros had to land, and fast, but the moon was providing minimal light due to the cloud cover. Looking towards the ground, it was an empty void, nothing but darkness, there was nothing-
... there was something.
Eros screeched to a halt, his wings keeping him airborne as he scanned the ground. Yes, there it was. A glimmer of blue light. Inwardly, Eros knew that he could not continue in this weather, but he was also conflicted about what dangers he may face while trying to reach this strange glow. Regardless, he began to descend.
Overall, he did not have much trouble reaching the strange light source. Pushing his way through a maelstrom of branches, being poked by pine needles, and crashing to the ground in a heap would have to be the only notable downsides. Eros, who now lay in a crumpled heap on the newly discovered forest’s floor, eventually got on his feet and took in his surroundings.
The blue glow that he spotted from the sky was due to the abnormally large presence of bioluminescent fungi, which emitted a soft blue shine. They were growing from the ground in clumps, and on the sides of the massive pine and fir trees that encompassed Eros’ landing area in every direction, and they seemed to be endless.
Knowing that he would likely find himself lost in this strange wood if he decided to explore in the middle of the night, Eros decided to get some well-needed rest. He made his way over to one of the few bushes without thorns, curled up, and shut his eyes.
“Hey, wake up.”
The sudden voice broke what was an indeterminate amount of silence, and subsequently startled Eros awake, fumbling to his feet, readying himself for a fight. What he did not expect to see, however, was a frail, delicate appearing Fae, who was dressed much like the surrounding forest- her cloak was a deep hue of wisteria, with glowing purple runes adorned throughout. Her wings were a soft glow of periwinkle, and a secondary set of insect-like wings adorned themselves over them. She had what could only be described as a mane of gloom colored hair that was spread out across her shoulders, flowing from beneath her pointed, curved, and patched hat. The skull that adorned that hat, however, unnerved Eros for reasons that he could not explain.
“Who are you?” He demanded. “Are there more of you?” He twisted and turned his head rapidly, scanning for a potential threat.
The navy-colored Fae chuckled. “Temper, temper. No need to be so defensive.” She took a moment to adjust her silver-lined glasses and focused her gaze on the imperial before her. “My name is Naviya, daughter of Fia, great-granddaughter of the Glitch Queen. Are you lost?”
“What did you just say?” Eros’ eyes widened in shock.
“Excuse me? That is naught but the formal introduction I give to a new soul that crosses my path...” Naviya’s voice trailed off into a racing train of thought.
“Tell me, who are your parents.”
“My father is named Adam-”
“Adam? Sanguine Imperial, capricious, Badlands?”
“Yes to all?” Eros’ curiosity was beginning to get the better of him. “Why are you so curious about my father?”
“Because,” Naviya sighed, “it appears that I have found another cousin of mine whilst on an herb collecting trip.” She stared at the Imperial before her dead in the eyes. “Our parents are half-siblings.”
“What?”
Eros barely had the time to spurt out any more exclamations before Naviya motioned for him to follow her.
“Come along now, I’m sure the others are going to love you.” She proceeded to fly a short distance, before turning around to face Eros once more. “Well?”
Eros shuffled forward, stuttering out a quick “Yes, I’m following” as Naviya went on ahead. Where was she taking him?
... there was something.
Eros screeched to a halt, his wings keeping him airborne as he scanned the ground. Yes, there it was. A glimmer of blue light. Inwardly, Eros knew that he could not continue in this weather, but he was also conflicted about what dangers he may face while trying to reach this strange glow. Regardless, he began to descend.
Overall, he did not have much trouble reaching the strange light source. Pushing his way through a maelstrom of branches, being poked by pine needles, and crashing to the ground in a heap would have to be the only notable downsides. Eros, who now lay in a crumpled heap on the newly discovered forest’s floor, eventually got on his feet and took in his surroundings.
The blue glow that he spotted from the sky was due to the abnormally large presence of bioluminescent fungi, which emitted a soft blue shine. They were growing from the ground in clumps, and on the sides of the massive pine and fir trees that encompassed Eros’ landing area in every direction, and they seemed to be endless.
Knowing that he would likely find himself lost in this strange wood if he decided to explore in the middle of the night, Eros decided to get some well-needed rest. He made his way over to one of the few bushes without thorns, curled up, and shut his eyes.
“Hey, wake up.”
The sudden voice broke what was an indeterminate amount of silence, and subsequently startled Eros awake, fumbling to his feet, readying himself for a fight. What he did not expect to see, however, was a frail, delicate appearing Fae, who was dressed much like the surrounding forest- her cloak was a deep hue of wisteria, with glowing purple runes adorned throughout. Her wings were a soft glow of periwinkle, and a secondary set of insect-like wings adorned themselves over them. She had what could only be described as a mane of gloom colored hair that was spread out across her shoulders, flowing from beneath her pointed, curved, and patched hat. The skull that adorned that hat, however, unnerved Eros for reasons that he could not explain.
“Who are you?” He demanded. “Are there more of you?” He twisted and turned his head rapidly, scanning for a potential threat.
The navy-colored Fae chuckled. “Temper, temper. No need to be so defensive.” She took a moment to adjust her silver-lined glasses and focused her gaze on the imperial before her. “My name is Naviya, daughter of Fia, great-granddaughter of the Glitch Queen. Are you lost?”
“What did you just say?” Eros’ eyes widened in shock.
“Excuse me? That is naught but the formal introduction I give to a new soul that crosses my path...” Naviya’s voice trailed off into a racing train of thought.
“Tell me, who are your parents.”
“My father is named Adam-”
“Adam? Sanguine Imperial, capricious, Badlands?”
“Yes to all?” Eros’ curiosity was beginning to get the better of him. “Why are you so curious about my father?”
“Because,” Naviya sighed, “it appears that I have found another cousin of mine whilst on an herb collecting trip.” She stared at the Imperial before her dead in the eyes. “Our parents are half-siblings.”
“What?”
Eros barely had the time to spurt out any more exclamations before Naviya motioned for him to follow her.
“Come along now, I’m sure the others are going to love you.” She proceeded to fly a short distance, before turning around to face Eros once more. “Well?”
Eros shuffled forward, stuttering out a quick “Yes, I’m following” as Naviya went on ahead. Where was she taking him?
“So that’s how you met Navy!” Marlais had turned his attention to poking and prodding at the hot coals of the fire with a stick as he listened. “She’s real nice. Gave me some tea once.”
“Yes, she is.. caring,” Eros huffed while slumping his shoulders. “But I owe her to finding this clan in the first place. Imagine if I had been stuck out there forever!”
“Hmm... I suppose that would be an unfortunate way to live the rest of your days.” Marlais looked to the forest ceiling, peering into the tightly knit branches. “What happened when you got here?”
“You’re about to find out.”
“Yes, she is.. caring,” Eros huffed while slumping his shoulders. “But I owe her to finding this clan in the first place. Imagine if I had been stuck out there forever!”
“Hmm... I suppose that would be an unfortunate way to live the rest of your days.” Marlais looked to the forest ceiling, peering into the tightly knit branches. “What happened when you got here?”
“You’re about to find out.”
Going from the Badlands to the storm filled skies, and a mysterious forest all in such a short amount of time left Eros feeling like there could have been no other thing that could surprise him. That is until he saw the wooden walls of what was presumably Naviya’s home clan, that were triple his height.
“Welcome to Sanctuary, what was it again? I don’t think I got your name.”
“Eros, son of Adam."
“Eros, huh? Well, welcome to Sanctuary, Eros son of Adam. Hopefully, you’ll enjoy your stay.” She flitted towards what appeared to be a knot in one of the logs that made up the wall and knocked harshly on it.
“Wake up, Twelve! I know you’re on guard duty tonight!”
Upon Naviya’s ‘request,’ a female nocturne subsequently stuck her head through a swinging panel installed within the wall. Her silver wings reminded Eros of a constellation of sorts, and her armor seemed to be made of otherworldly material.
“Navy, for the last time, I told you to not interrupt me tonight unless there was an emergency, and assuming that there isn’t a forest fire or a band of raiders on the horizon, I’m not seeing one.”
Naviya grunted and slammed her fist into the wall. “Twelve, this is an emergency, I have one of Adam’s kids with me that needs entry to Sanctuary, and so help me Shadowbringer, be grateful that I haven’t told Nadim or Nadia that you use this time for beauty sleep.”
All Eros could do was watch as Twelve gulped nervously, went back within the walls, and moments later, the heavy wooden wall in front of them split into two, revealing a hidden gateway. Eros’ eyes lit up at the sight that lay behind them.
Dragons of all kinds bustled to and fro within this secretive walled village. There were other Faes like Naviya that were residing in hollows carved into the higher areas of the walled-in trees, dragons were bustling through a marketplace, consisting of various small vendors and businesses. Others were also emerging from and returning to dens of all kinds- some were dug out into the earth, others were formed underneath roots of trees so large that the thought of them merely existing boggled Eros’ mind.
“Most of them are related to you, Eros,” Naviya mentioned with a smile. “This place is a haven for our family, many of our relatives have sought refuge here after being targeted in the outside world. We have a stable economy, our co-leaders have led us to prosperity, and our alliances grow by the month.”
The gates slammed shut behind them with a bang, but it only seemed to phase Eros. The rest of the dragons present were at ease.
“The Sentry keeps us safe,” Naviya explained, “our primary defensive force. Twelve, who you just met, is one of the newer additions. She’s young, but she will learn.” Naviya flew in front of Eros’ line of sight. “Walk with me, I will bring you to the clan leaders.”
At this point, Eros couldn’t help but follow. He took in the sights, sounds, and atmosphere as he made his way through the crowd, it seemed like Naviya was leading him towards the end of the main pathway that cuts through the village center.
“Nadim and Nadia are brother and sister,” she continued. “They founded our home after fleeing the Nature territories, they are the great-grandchildren of Thorn, one of your older uncles. Chances are that Nadia is away on some business trip, but Nadim is almost always home.”
After leaving the village center, Eros found himself standing in front of a cozy hollow dug out into a mound of earth, but the interior was lit warmly judging from the one window that was installed on the left-hand side, and the oaken door looked welcoming enough.
“I cannot stay with you for this part,” Naviya said while gliding over to a nearby barrel, which she promptly sat upon. “You must talk to Nadim and convince him that you want to stay.”
Eros was baffled. “Me, Stay? But I just met you! And I just arrived here!”
Naviya smiled. “Don’t try and hide it, I see a certain look in your eye. You like it here, don’t you.”
Darn. She read him like a book. He had let the wind carry him, trusting that fate would take over and lead him to where he was meant to be, and that’s exactly what had happened. With a shaky breath, he knocked on the door before him, which was promptly opened by an oilslick brown pearlcatcher, dressed in armor designed similarly to Twelve’s, and had striking green eyes. Wordlessly, he invited Eros inside with a simple gesture, and Eros promptly did as he asked.
“Who are you, Imperial,” Nadim questioned, as the door shut behind them both. The interior of Nadim’s den was candle-lit, with various papers lining a nearby desk, and a few decorative shelves nearby that housed various trinkets against the earthen walls. “And why, pray tell, have you come here?”
Eros let out a sigh. Time to plead his case.
“My name is Eros, son of Adam, great-grandson of the Glitch Queen.” He inwardly hoped that copying the way that Naviya introduced herself to him would make a difference in how the Pearlcatcher viewed him. “It seems that fate has lead me to your walls, all the way from the Badlands. I humbly request that I remain here, live, and help contribute to the clan’s success.”
Nadim’s eyes narrowed. “And what, pray tell, would you have to offer?”
Eros’ mind began to race. He couldn’t sell things, he couldn’t see himself as a figurehead of the clan.. he could fight. He could defend. That was it, Naviya had mentioned something earlier...
“I wish to join your clan’s Sentry, Nadim.”
“Can you fight?”
“I defeated Adam himself in a duel several hours before this moment.”
Nadim’s expression went from one full of doubt to one of shock. “And you’re okay with patrols, gathering materials for the clan, and fending off raiders?”
Eros grinned. If he could best Adam in a duel, he might be capable of more than what he thought only days prior. “I’d be perfectly fine with that, yes.”
The Pearlcatcher’s eyes glinted, and a toothy smile spread across his face.
“Welcome to Sanctuary, Eros. Welcome home.”
“Welcome to Sanctuary, what was it again? I don’t think I got your name.”
“Eros, son of Adam."
“Eros, huh? Well, welcome to Sanctuary, Eros son of Adam. Hopefully, you’ll enjoy your stay.” She flitted towards what appeared to be a knot in one of the logs that made up the wall and knocked harshly on it.
“Wake up, Twelve! I know you’re on guard duty tonight!”
Upon Naviya’s ‘request,’ a female nocturne subsequently stuck her head through a swinging panel installed within the wall. Her silver wings reminded Eros of a constellation of sorts, and her armor seemed to be made of otherworldly material.
“Navy, for the last time, I told you to not interrupt me tonight unless there was an emergency, and assuming that there isn’t a forest fire or a band of raiders on the horizon, I’m not seeing one.”
Naviya grunted and slammed her fist into the wall. “Twelve, this is an emergency, I have one of Adam’s kids with me that needs entry to Sanctuary, and so help me Shadowbringer, be grateful that I haven’t told Nadim or Nadia that you use this time for beauty sleep.”
All Eros could do was watch as Twelve gulped nervously, went back within the walls, and moments later, the heavy wooden wall in front of them split into two, revealing a hidden gateway. Eros’ eyes lit up at the sight that lay behind them.
Dragons of all kinds bustled to and fro within this secretive walled village. There were other Faes like Naviya that were residing in hollows carved into the higher areas of the walled-in trees, dragons were bustling through a marketplace, consisting of various small vendors and businesses. Others were also emerging from and returning to dens of all kinds- some were dug out into the earth, others were formed underneath roots of trees so large that the thought of them merely existing boggled Eros’ mind.
“Most of them are related to you, Eros,” Naviya mentioned with a smile. “This place is a haven for our family, many of our relatives have sought refuge here after being targeted in the outside world. We have a stable economy, our co-leaders have led us to prosperity, and our alliances grow by the month.”
The gates slammed shut behind them with a bang, but it only seemed to phase Eros. The rest of the dragons present were at ease.
“The Sentry keeps us safe,” Naviya explained, “our primary defensive force. Twelve, who you just met, is one of the newer additions. She’s young, but she will learn.” Naviya flew in front of Eros’ line of sight. “Walk with me, I will bring you to the clan leaders.”
At this point, Eros couldn’t help but follow. He took in the sights, sounds, and atmosphere as he made his way through the crowd, it seemed like Naviya was leading him towards the end of the main pathway that cuts through the village center.
“Nadim and Nadia are brother and sister,” she continued. “They founded our home after fleeing the Nature territories, they are the great-grandchildren of Thorn, one of your older uncles. Chances are that Nadia is away on some business trip, but Nadim is almost always home.”
After leaving the village center, Eros found himself standing in front of a cozy hollow dug out into a mound of earth, but the interior was lit warmly judging from the one window that was installed on the left-hand side, and the oaken door looked welcoming enough.
“I cannot stay with you for this part,” Naviya said while gliding over to a nearby barrel, which she promptly sat upon. “You must talk to Nadim and convince him that you want to stay.”
Eros was baffled. “Me, Stay? But I just met you! And I just arrived here!”
Naviya smiled. “Don’t try and hide it, I see a certain look in your eye. You like it here, don’t you.”
Darn. She read him like a book. He had let the wind carry him, trusting that fate would take over and lead him to where he was meant to be, and that’s exactly what had happened. With a shaky breath, he knocked on the door before him, which was promptly opened by an oilslick brown pearlcatcher, dressed in armor designed similarly to Twelve’s, and had striking green eyes. Wordlessly, he invited Eros inside with a simple gesture, and Eros promptly did as he asked.
“Who are you, Imperial,” Nadim questioned, as the door shut behind them both. The interior of Nadim’s den was candle-lit, with various papers lining a nearby desk, and a few decorative shelves nearby that housed various trinkets against the earthen walls. “And why, pray tell, have you come here?”
Eros let out a sigh. Time to plead his case.
“My name is Eros, son of Adam, great-grandson of the Glitch Queen.” He inwardly hoped that copying the way that Naviya introduced herself to him would make a difference in how the Pearlcatcher viewed him. “It seems that fate has lead me to your walls, all the way from the Badlands. I humbly request that I remain here, live, and help contribute to the clan’s success.”
Nadim’s eyes narrowed. “And what, pray tell, would you have to offer?”
Eros’ mind began to race. He couldn’t sell things, he couldn’t see himself as a figurehead of the clan.. he could fight. He could defend. That was it, Naviya had mentioned something earlier...
“I wish to join your clan’s Sentry, Nadim.”
“Can you fight?”
“I defeated Adam himself in a duel several hours before this moment.”
Nadim’s expression went from one full of doubt to one of shock. “And you’re okay with patrols, gathering materials for the clan, and fending off raiders?”
Eros grinned. If he could best Adam in a duel, he might be capable of more than what he thought only days prior. “I’d be perfectly fine with that, yes.”
The Pearlcatcher’s eyes glinted, and a toothy smile spread across his face.
“Welcome to Sanctuary, Eros. Welcome home.”
“That’s it?” Marlais asked. “There has to be more! How were things for you when you joined the Sentry? Did it ever feel tedious? Have you made any other friends here besides Navy and me? Come on!”
“That’s enough,” Eros cut in, “as far as I’m concerned, there will be other stories for other times. It’s getting late now.. perhaps it would be best if you went back inside the walls for now. Come see me next week at this location, and I’ll have more to tell.”
“But!”
“No buts, you need your sleep. It was nice having someone to talk to about this, but I can’t go on forever. You run along now, alright?”
Marlais sighed. “Alright, I’ll see you next week Mr. Eros.” With a few failed attempts, he finally flapped his wings enough to become airborne. “Have a nice night!” And with that, he flew off into the darkness, leaving the Imperial alone with his fire.
Eros stared into the crackling flames, and he allowed himself a moment of thought. He had come so far in the years since he had left Rosslyn. He had risen through the Sentry’s ranks and found himself teaching the younger recruits how to fight, alongside other experienced members. He had met many relatives of his, shared many stories, but there was still something missing. A part of him had never truly settled with this place being his home.
A rustle from nearby shrubbery shook Eros away from his thoughts. Jumping to his feet, reaching for his sword and pulling it from its sheath, he recognized that the footfalls were much too heavy to be Marlais, this was something larger, potentially a threat, and it was coming in his direction.
“Who are you!” He called out in the direction of the approaching entity. It was larger than any of the Coatl members of the Sentry that he knew to be patrolling tonight, and the rest were back within the walls. Whatever, or whoever this was, it was coming toward him without hesitation. Eros grit his teeth. He wasn’t expecting to run into a threat this quickly outside of the walls, but at least Marlais had gotten away in time. Eros silently hoped that he made it back to Sanctuary safely. From this distance, Eros could only assume that it was another Imperial dragon much like himself, but he was unsure if this was one of the few others that resided within Sanctuary, or if it was-
“Well, well. You have certainly become quite the storyteller. How are you, Eros?”
Eros’ sword clattered to the ground. The voice had completely shattered his train of thought. A cloaked figure emerged from the shadows, proving to be a fellow imperial much like he had predicted, but he knew exactly who it was the moment that he heard its voice.
“How did you find me, father.”
Adam flung the hood that covered his head back with a simple toss of his head, revealing the sanguine imperial’s smirk, and red-eyed gaze. “If you must know, my son,” he took a moment to circle the fire, and take a seat on the opposite side of Eros’ tense form. Eros quickly gathered his sword from the ground and lowered himself to where he had been sitting previously. “Go on?” Eros asked.
Adam sighed. “I was simply on my way to a meeting that will take place later on tomorrow, further across the shadow territories from this point. I had stopped at the nearest village for a fast restock of supplies when it appears that one of my nieces recognized me. Blue fae, witch, daughter of Fia? Ring any bells, Eros?”
“That would be Naviya,” Eros stammered out. “Of course she would recognize you. And I’m guessing she told you where I was, didn’t she.”
“That she did. However, what I didn’t expect was to see you, hunched over a campfire, talking excitedly to a hatchling about our duel. Naturally, I didn’t want to interrupt, so I remained in hiding over there.” He motioned to a bush that Eros had heard rustling from earlier on. He returned his focus to Eros, a look of pride taking over. “And I also had the chance to hear about what you have been through since you left our home, what strengths you have gained, and bonds you have forged. Needless to say, you’ve grown quite a bit since the day you left.”
“And are you proud of what I have become?”
“I can say with utmost certainty, I am,” Adam’s facial expression shifted to one of contentment. “Training you for so long.. certainly paid off in the best of ways. You have gone from being the weakest born of your siblings, to a high ranking member of a clan’s Sentry. The journey to this point was certainly not easy, but I am sure that you don’t regret any of it in the slightest, yes?”
Eros nodded in agreement. “I would go back and relive every moment if I was given the chance, father. The good times and the bad. You never gave up on me, and without your training, I never would have made it this far. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.”
Silence then flooded the space between the father and son. Rising to his feet once again, Adam gave his son a quick hug, before moving in the direction from where he arrived only moments before.
“Where are you going?” Eros inquired. Adam halted.
“As much as I would love to stay here and catch up with you further, I do have that meeting to attend tomorrow, and it will take some time to cross the Tangled Wood to that clan to the north. Hard to navigate territory and all.” He looked back at Eros from over his shoulder, before tossing him a small package that was stored within his cloak.
Tearing open the paper wrapping as quickly as he could, he was astonished to find his old training knife, he had left it behind in Rosslyn before he set out into the unknown. It was now possessing a dark, tightly bound leather wrapping around the hilt, and its matching leather sheath was adorned with delicate carvings of grapevines, leaves, and apples. Unsheathing the blade, Eros gasped. The blade had been polished, clearly sharpened, and was engraved with a likeness of the valley they had dueled in, many years before. He looked up at his father, eyes wide, as he began to smile, tears welling up in his eyes, before shaking his head, trying to bring himself back to his senses.
"A piece of home," Adam whispered, as he turned to Eros. "A piece of home that will always stay with you, and a reminder of where you came from." Eros tried to calm the surge of emotions that rose within him. He had never seen this side of his father before, but here he was, in his father's shadow, and he could feel it. The side of Adam that was kept buried away from most, the side that was often hidden beneath a front of confidence and charisma. The side of Adam that cared for Eros and his siblings immensely, the proud father that was always there to watch over him and protect him from harm. "I'm not going to let you down," Eros spoke, his voice breaking. "I'll always remember where I came from, and I will always remember what you did for me." Adam smiled gently at Eros. "Be strong, and continue to prosper. I will always love you."
Eros nodded, biting back tears. "Thank you, for everything."
“That’s enough,” Eros cut in, “as far as I’m concerned, there will be other stories for other times. It’s getting late now.. perhaps it would be best if you went back inside the walls for now. Come see me next week at this location, and I’ll have more to tell.”
“But!”
“No buts, you need your sleep. It was nice having someone to talk to about this, but I can’t go on forever. You run along now, alright?”
Marlais sighed. “Alright, I’ll see you next week Mr. Eros.” With a few failed attempts, he finally flapped his wings enough to become airborne. “Have a nice night!” And with that, he flew off into the darkness, leaving the Imperial alone with his fire.
Eros stared into the crackling flames, and he allowed himself a moment of thought. He had come so far in the years since he had left Rosslyn. He had risen through the Sentry’s ranks and found himself teaching the younger recruits how to fight, alongside other experienced members. He had met many relatives of his, shared many stories, but there was still something missing. A part of him had never truly settled with this place being his home.
A rustle from nearby shrubbery shook Eros away from his thoughts. Jumping to his feet, reaching for his sword and pulling it from its sheath, he recognized that the footfalls were much too heavy to be Marlais, this was something larger, potentially a threat, and it was coming in his direction.
“Who are you!” He called out in the direction of the approaching entity. It was larger than any of the Coatl members of the Sentry that he knew to be patrolling tonight, and the rest were back within the walls. Whatever, or whoever this was, it was coming toward him without hesitation. Eros grit his teeth. He wasn’t expecting to run into a threat this quickly outside of the walls, but at least Marlais had gotten away in time. Eros silently hoped that he made it back to Sanctuary safely. From this distance, Eros could only assume that it was another Imperial dragon much like himself, but he was unsure if this was one of the few others that resided within Sanctuary, or if it was-
“Well, well. You have certainly become quite the storyteller. How are you, Eros?”
Eros’ sword clattered to the ground. The voice had completely shattered his train of thought. A cloaked figure emerged from the shadows, proving to be a fellow imperial much like he had predicted, but he knew exactly who it was the moment that he heard its voice.
“How did you find me, father.”
Adam flung the hood that covered his head back with a simple toss of his head, revealing the sanguine imperial’s smirk, and red-eyed gaze. “If you must know, my son,” he took a moment to circle the fire, and take a seat on the opposite side of Eros’ tense form. Eros quickly gathered his sword from the ground and lowered himself to where he had been sitting previously. “Go on?” Eros asked.
Adam sighed. “I was simply on my way to a meeting that will take place later on tomorrow, further across the shadow territories from this point. I had stopped at the nearest village for a fast restock of supplies when it appears that one of my nieces recognized me. Blue fae, witch, daughter of Fia? Ring any bells, Eros?”
“That would be Naviya,” Eros stammered out. “Of course she would recognize you. And I’m guessing she told you where I was, didn’t she.”
“That she did. However, what I didn’t expect was to see you, hunched over a campfire, talking excitedly to a hatchling about our duel. Naturally, I didn’t want to interrupt, so I remained in hiding over there.” He motioned to a bush that Eros had heard rustling from earlier on. He returned his focus to Eros, a look of pride taking over. “And I also had the chance to hear about what you have been through since you left our home, what strengths you have gained, and bonds you have forged. Needless to say, you’ve grown quite a bit since the day you left.”
“And are you proud of what I have become?”
“I can say with utmost certainty, I am,” Adam’s facial expression shifted to one of contentment. “Training you for so long.. certainly paid off in the best of ways. You have gone from being the weakest born of your siblings, to a high ranking member of a clan’s Sentry. The journey to this point was certainly not easy, but I am sure that you don’t regret any of it in the slightest, yes?”
Eros nodded in agreement. “I would go back and relive every moment if I was given the chance, father. The good times and the bad. You never gave up on me, and without your training, I never would have made it this far. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.”
Silence then flooded the space between the father and son. Rising to his feet once again, Adam gave his son a quick hug, before moving in the direction from where he arrived only moments before.
“Where are you going?” Eros inquired. Adam halted.
“As much as I would love to stay here and catch up with you further, I do have that meeting to attend tomorrow, and it will take some time to cross the Tangled Wood to that clan to the north. Hard to navigate territory and all.” He looked back at Eros from over his shoulder, before tossing him a small package that was stored within his cloak.
Tearing open the paper wrapping as quickly as he could, he was astonished to find his old training knife, he had left it behind in Rosslyn before he set out into the unknown. It was now possessing a dark, tightly bound leather wrapping around the hilt, and its matching leather sheath was adorned with delicate carvings of grapevines, leaves, and apples. Unsheathing the blade, Eros gasped. The blade had been polished, clearly sharpened, and was engraved with a likeness of the valley they had dueled in, many years before. He looked up at his father, eyes wide, as he began to smile, tears welling up in his eyes, before shaking his head, trying to bring himself back to his senses.
"A piece of home," Adam whispered, as he turned to Eros. "A piece of home that will always stay with you, and a reminder of where you came from." Eros tried to calm the surge of emotions that rose within him. He had never seen this side of his father before, but here he was, in his father's shadow, and he could feel it. The side of Adam that was kept buried away from most, the side that was often hidden beneath a front of confidence and charisma. The side of Adam that cared for Eros and his siblings immensely, the proud father that was always there to watch over him and protect him from harm. "I'm not going to let you down," Eros spoke, his voice breaking. "I'll always remember where I came from, and I will always remember what you did for me." Adam smiled gently at Eros. "Be strong, and continue to prosper. I will always love you."
Eros nodded, biting back tears. "Thank you, for everything."
And with that, Adam disappeared into the darkness. In the stillness of the night, with the sound of thunder in the distance, Eros was now alone with his knife, his fire, and his thoughts. He closed his eyes for a moment, listening to the sounds of the Wood. It was hard to believe that it had been several years since he had left the Badlands behind him and started life anew. The forest he arrived in so long ago, of course, had changed over the years, there had been several new additions to Sanctuary, and many more inhabitants had departed.
Eros opened his eyes, stretched, and turned his focus to the forest around him. Sanctuary had given him many opportunities, it had let him improve upon his abilities, but his father and Evike had helped him develop them, giving him the chance he needed to survive in the world beyond their town. Standing up, Eros swiftly extinguished his fire and began to walk back in the direction of Sanctuary. As he walked through the forest, mushrooms lighting his path onward, he began to see the impressive wall he had defended many times over in the distance. His training, his hard work, and perseverance had brought him to this point, but he never would have made it past the Badlands had it not been for his parents.
He was scared when he first arrived here, so long ago, but now he felt at home in the shadows, among the glowing mushrooms, the dragons that he had sworn to protect, the village he had grown to love. He would always have ties to his birthplace, to his brothers, sisters, parents. And that would remain with him, he thought, as he held his knife tightly. But his priorities had shifted, he was no longer the same Eros that had left Lantana Linn so many years prior, flying blindly into a storm-charged sky. He had new priorities, new responsibilities, new souls to guard, protect, and cherish. And as he arrived at the heavy wooden wall, and passed through the gates as he had numerous times before, Eros had finally made his conclusion. Rosslyn may have been the home he was born into, but Sanctuary was the home he had made for himself.
Eros opened his eyes, stretched, and turned his focus to the forest around him. Sanctuary had given him many opportunities, it had let him improve upon his abilities, but his father and Evike had helped him develop them, giving him the chance he needed to survive in the world beyond their town. Standing up, Eros swiftly extinguished his fire and began to walk back in the direction of Sanctuary. As he walked through the forest, mushrooms lighting his path onward, he began to see the impressive wall he had defended many times over in the distance. His training, his hard work, and perseverance had brought him to this point, but he never would have made it past the Badlands had it not been for his parents.
He was scared when he first arrived here, so long ago, but now he felt at home in the shadows, among the glowing mushrooms, the dragons that he had sworn to protect, the village he had grown to love. He would always have ties to his birthplace, to his brothers, sisters, parents. And that would remain with him, he thought, as he held his knife tightly. But his priorities had shifted, he was no longer the same Eros that had left Lantana Linn so many years prior, flying blindly into a storm-charged sky. He had new priorities, new responsibilities, new souls to guard, protect, and cherish. And as he arrived at the heavy wooden wall, and passed through the gates as he had numerous times before, Eros had finally made his conclusion. Rosslyn may have been the home he was born into, but Sanctuary was the home he had made for himself.
Months later, deep in the Earthen Territories...
Eros was content. No, he was extremely pleased. The fact that Adam, his retainer Osiris, and his elder sister came all this way to visit him, deep in the heart of Dragonhome? In his mind, all was perfect with the world.
Until it wasn't.
The sound of a small blast echoed through the ravine he had been exploring, and his immediate reaction was to run. There was no way to fly upward, for the crack in the earth was far too thin towards the ceiling of the formation. All he could do was focus on the path ahead of him, his feet sliding against the incline as he progressed towards the exit.
As he ran, he was showered by dust, deep rumbles surrounded him, and observed strange roots worming their way through the surrounding earth. As he finally reached the surface, he inhaled sharply.
The building designated for his father and company was in shambles, with the roof blown far from the foundation and a tree marking the epicenter of what Eros assumed to be the initial blast. The ground beneath his feet seemed to hum with energy as Adam made his way out of the structure, immediately followed by three, smaller shadows behind him.
"Oh dear."
Eros was content. No, he was extremely pleased. The fact that Adam, his retainer Osiris, and his elder sister came all this way to visit him, deep in the heart of Dragonhome? In his mind, all was perfect with the world.
Until it wasn't.
The sound of a small blast echoed through the ravine he had been exploring, and his immediate reaction was to run. There was no way to fly upward, for the crack in the earth was far too thin towards the ceiling of the formation. All he could do was focus on the path ahead of him, his feet sliding against the incline as he progressed towards the exit.
As he ran, he was showered by dust, deep rumbles surrounded him, and observed strange roots worming their way through the surrounding earth. As he finally reached the surface, he inhaled sharply.
The building designated for his father and company was in shambles, with the roof blown far from the foundation and a tree marking the epicenter of what Eros assumed to be the initial blast. The ground beneath his feet seemed to hum with energy as Adam made his way out of the structure, immediately followed by three, smaller shadows behind him.
"Oh dear."
Dividers by Starkindler
Acquired on October 31st 2020
Scatter Journey:
Starting Colours: Coral/Red/Peach
1. Camo/Hunter/Turquoise
2. Peach/Wisteria/Forest
3. Splash/Peridot/Carmine
4. Eggplant/Mantis/Banana
5. Carrot/Chartreuse/Dust
6. Flaxen/Navy/Sunset
7. Green/Spring/Algae
8. Lavender/Peridot/Mulberry
9. Thicket/Lemon/Orange
10. Thicket/Steel/Red
11. Honeydew/Carrot/Spearmint
12. WINE. BERRY. PEAR.
13. Robin/Leaf/Blackberry
14. Honey/Ivory/Wisteria
15. Robin/Radioactive/Stonewash
16. Leaf/Stone/Lemon
17. Wisteria/Ginger/Caramel
18. Violet/Carmine/Caribbean
19. Berry/Radioactive/Caribbean
20. Splash/Silver/Rose
21. Sunset/Splash/Orange
22. Camo/Ginger/Moon
23. Eldritch/Ginger/Chartreuse
24. Wisteria/Thicket/Magenta
25. Cerise/Peridot/Gold
26. Olive/Cottoncandy/Grape
27. Olive/Peach/Plum
28. Banana/Sable/Lavender
29. Cyan/Chartreuse/Aqua
30. Jungle/Purple/Overcast
31. Carmine/Cantaloupe/Blush (KEEP)
Father came to visit, perhaps Eros is not the family disappointment anymore..? (April 1st 2021)
Acquired on October 31st 2020
Scatter Journey:
Starting Colours: Coral/Red/Peach
1. Camo/Hunter/Turquoise
2. Peach/Wisteria/Forest
3. Splash/Peridot/Carmine
4. Eggplant/Mantis/Banana
5. Carrot/Chartreuse/Dust
6. Flaxen/Navy/Sunset
7. Green/Spring/Algae
8. Lavender/Peridot/Mulberry
9. Thicket/Lemon/Orange
10. Thicket/Steel/Red
11. Honeydew/Carrot/Spearmint
12. WINE. BERRY. PEAR.
13. Robin/Leaf/Blackberry
14. Honey/Ivory/Wisteria
15. Robin/Radioactive/Stonewash
16. Leaf/Stone/Lemon
17. Wisteria/Ginger/Caramel
18. Violet/Carmine/Caribbean
19. Berry/Radioactive/Caribbean
20. Splash/Silver/Rose
21. Sunset/Splash/Orange
22. Camo/Ginger/Moon
23. Eldritch/Ginger/Chartreuse
24. Wisteria/Thicket/Magenta
25. Cerise/Peridot/Gold
26. Olive/Cottoncandy/Grape
27. Olive/Peach/Plum
28. Banana/Sable/Lavender
29. Cyan/Chartreuse/Aqua
30. Jungle/Purple/Overcast
31. Carmine/Cantaloupe/Blush (KEEP)
Father came to visit, perhaps Eros is not the family disappointment anymore..? (April 1st 2021)
Art by crv02
The Children of Eros
Erastos - The Firstborn Son
Erasmus - The Charmer
Eron - The Author
Erato - The Firstborn Daughter
Eryx -
SpiteSprite - The Tradition-Breaker
Era - The Dreamer
-Dismas was originally named Adam and while Eros' memories reflect that, his father is now referred to as Dismas.
Erastos - The Firstborn Son
Erasmus - The Charmer
Eron - The Author
Erato - The Firstborn Daughter
Eryx -
SpiteSprite - The Tradition-Breaker
Era - The Dreamer
-Dismas was originally named Adam and while Eros' memories reflect that, his father is now referred to as Dismas.
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