Dragon Share

[b]The Ancient One[/b] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=1561213] [img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/350/15613/1561213_350.png[/img] [/url] Narcissus is the oldest dragon in the Clan, both literally and in lore. He is the leader of the Burnished Royal Guard, who directly protect the Royal Family and any royal dragons. He lives in the lower levels of the castle, where pretty much any city member can knock upon his door. His age also makes him more old fashioned, and he tends to favour higher class dragons, and those of the Light element. He's fiercely protective of the Royal Family, not letting any speak ill of them in his presence, even though many members of the Clan feel the Royal Family have left the light of truth... [b]The Young One[/b] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=37256912] [img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/350/372570/37256912_350.png[/img] [/url] [b]The Friend[/b] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=1155398] [img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/350/11554/1155398_350.png[/img] [/url] Kaos, older than Narcissus by only a few months. He's the leader of the Iron Knights, and lives near the inner parts of the city. The Iron Knights are like the average-working police of the Clan, looking out for robbers and murderers and general rule-breakers. However, they don't swear their loyalty to the Royal Family, rather to the Clan itself. Thus, they tend to get into quarrels with the Knight groups that are exceptionally loyal to the Royal Family. This such divide has driven a rift between Narcissus and Kaos, and they are no longer friends, believing in different causes. [b]The Progenitor[/b] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=2979578] [img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/350/29796/2979578_350.png[/img] [/url] While the Clan has two progenitors, FireoftheSun is the lead one. She founded her Clan alongside DecayoftheEarth, and they rule together as the Empress and Emperor. Though she discusses things with her mate, and has a court to consult, final decisions are always laid with her. As the Clan has grown, it has fallen further and further down a twisting path, and lost connection with some of its former allies as it turns from democracy to more of a monarchy. New allies tend to be Clans of similar style, rather than democracies or otherwise peaceful Clans. FireoftheSun is noted to be rather unsympathetic to the lower classes, and believes the Clan should treat her and her Royal Family with respect and unquestioned loyalty. Such behaviour has, of course, done quite the opposite, leading to the formation of rebel groups, annoyed lower classes, and even a few knight factions splitting off from the Royal Army and, while still working for the Clan, doing all they can for the lower classes to make their lives easier. If called to action, these knight factions would fight against their very Empress. If she is aware of this, she does not consider it a threat to her reign or her way of life. [b]The Traitor[/b] [i]While I posted multiple potential traitors, that would go over the limit on this thread. Thus, I will put the one most of the Clan believe could have done it[/i] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=24272143] [img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/350/242722/24272143_350.png[/img] [/url] While most don't see what his motivation could be, some dragons suspect Noxious is actually one of the rebels, working from the inside. If he is, he's certainly good at hiding it.

boop

The Progenitor also the Loved one - Gabriel [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=15862194] [img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/350/158622/15862194_350.png[/img] [/url] The Ancient One- Andromeda [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=29246827] [img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/350/292469/29246827_350.png[/img] [/url] The young one- Desperada (Des) [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=18981045] [img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/350/189811/18981045_350.png[/img] [/url] The Friend - FaSing [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=24168898] [img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/350/241689/24168898_350.png[/img] [/url] The Traitor - Fearah [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=29407865] [img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/350/294079/29407865_350.png[/img] [/url] When Gabriel fell ill, none of the potions that the apothecary had been giving to him were working. Desperada was desperate for answers so she went to Andromeda and Dalmar for answers. "Please, I beg you, I must save him.... tell me how." Des said through tears , Andromeda pulled Des aside "What I am about to tell you, you can either run from it or rise to meet it. Some years before you arrived Gabriel and FaSing have been the leaders of this clan. Many dragons have come and gone since and Gabriel has seen over every one of them. However after you arrived the one named Fearah had been jealous either by the fact that Gabriel chose you as his love or she wants the clan and will take from him." Andromeda says trying to comfort a weeping Desperada. "I wont give up the clan and I wont give up on Gabriel, but what must I do to help my love?" Des says "It won't be easy but I don't expect you to fail either, you must travel across all of Sorienth collecting various specimens which I will provide the list for, bring them to the Apothecary, she will know what to do. But be leery, Fearah may go after you too." Andromeda says taking a piece of tattered parchment and writing down the list of ingredients "I knew this day would come but I never imagined it would be this harsh. Fearah has been trying to 'court' the figureheads for long time, each time being turned down, she is convinced that its her 'season manipulating abilities' that turn them away, that is not the case, Fearah is too single minded, demanding, and very shady. You may want to collect extra if you can, who knows who else is poisoned." Andromeda added handing Des the list. Des nods and flies back to Gabriel, FaSing and the Apothecary, Gabriel's condition had not changed but luckily it didn't get worse either. "FaSing, the Ancient one has sent me on a mission to help Gabriel, but I need to know, will the clan be safe while I'm gone?" Des asks "Worry about it not, for I and the rest of the Watchers will make sure that nothing else happens, though my questions for you is, Who will go with you?" FaSing asks "I plan to ask Mikhail, Darkstar, Lioska, and Nuvola if they wish to accompany, I know Darkfury and Celestis travel a lot but I don't know if they will be able to procure what I need." Des replies. "Despite what path you choose, do make sure you know about where you are heading too, the Ambassadors can tell you about the terrain and what dangers lurk beyond." FaSing says "I shall do that, Thank you FaSing." Des says as she heads towards Darkfury's hovel, she hoped that he would be in so that they may travel since Circuit and Lily were never around, she peaks inside to an empty hovel, Des sighed heavily and turned away only to be greeted by Darkfury. "Well my my, Des, what brings you to our humble abode?" he asks. "I need your help, Gabriel is ill and the ancient one has sent me on a task to gather items that will help him and since you are a traveling merchant I had hoped that you can help me." Des near pleading. "What task do you have that I may help with?" Darkfury asks, Des hands him the list and begins to check his wares and digs out several items from the list "I'm afraid I don't have all the items you need, however I can help you with the rest, we'll just need some security because some of these items fetch a very high price, since the arena is out of season perhaps Oscar and Lioska could join us." Darkfury says "Then let us go, I wish not to waste any more time while Gabriel wastes away." Des says eager to get a move on, Darfury smiles and leaves to ready his cart Celestis and Bolt were already waiting, meanwhile Des went to ask Oscar and Lioska if they would join them, it took Lioska to convince Oscar to go. The six of them traveled far and wide to collect the missing items that Gabriel desperately needed. After many weeks of travel and trade, the group finally had all the items they needed, now the only thing left to do was get this back home. One their return home, Andromeda met them at the clan entrance, she ushered that Darkfury take the items to the Apothecary, she needed to talk to Des "Why have you stopped me Ancient one? I must get to Gabriel." Des says "In due time, but first I must ask you did you find any shadow egg potions on your travels?" Andromeda asks "Come to think of it yes." Des replies "Then it is worse then I feared, long ago Gabriel and FaSing stopped Fearah from taking eggs out of the nests OUR nests from under the noses of the caretakers, she kept muttering to herself that she could make any egg a shadow egg, though upon further investigation the only way to really do this is reduce the egg into a slimy liquid, this liquid is then poured on other eggs turning them into shadow eggs." Andromeda says "Why have you not told me this before?" Des asks near angry for learning this "Its not something I thought of at the moment, if Fearah's influence has spread, who know how many others have been doing this, I just pray that those that know of this have a heart not to and may have done us a favor." Andromeda asks bringing Des inside "A favor in doing what?" Des asks "Fearah may no longer be a problem for anyone." Andromeda replied. Once at Gabriel, the apothecary was giving him the funny concoction, he chokes for a moment before swallowing, Des rushes to his side, Gabriel's eyes open and Des is the first thing he sees, there was a silent sigh among all those that watched, Gabriel stood up and gave a mighty roar. Andromeda knew that all would be well and slid back into the shadows with Dalmar, there was much cheering and rejoicing. Meanwhile, Fearah was hiding at an undisclosed location was busy with a cauldron, she was about to drop and egg when she was rushed from the shadows, the nothing was heard, not even a muffled scream, the egg landed softly onto the ground only to be whisked away into the shadows.

[url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=20773952] [img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/350/207740/20773952_350.png[/img] [/url] [b]The Ancient One: Ryuunosuke[/b] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=10730416] [img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/350/107305/10730416_350.png[/img] [/url] [b]The Friend: Stahl [/b] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=20773951] [img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/350/207740/20773951_350.png[/img] [/url] [b]The Progenitor: Sakura[/b] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=35327777] [img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/350/353278/35327777_350.png[/img] [/url] [b]The Young One: Yang[/b] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=37569448] [img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/350/375695/37569448_350.png[/img] [/url] [b]The Dear One: Anna[/b] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=29433155] [img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/350/294332/29433155_350.png[/img] [/url] [b]The Traitor: Garon[/b]

The Ancient One: Jormungandr [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=35632731] [img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/350/356328/35632731_350.png[/img] [/url] The Young One: Lazuli [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=34393493] [img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/350/343935/34393493_350.png[/img] [/url] The Friend: Mickey [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=35280723] [img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/350/352808/35280723_350.png[/img] [/url] The Progenitor: Tourmaline [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=34305256] [img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/350/343053/34305256_350.png[/img] [/url] The Traitor: Chrysoberyl [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=34433929] [img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/350/344340/34433929_350.png[/img] [/url] The Dear One: Peridot [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=34636457] [img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/350/346365/34636457_350.png[/img] [/url] "I believe in you, Lazuli," smiled Mickey the guardian, giving him a pat on the back before exiting his friend's lair, so that his friend and Lazuli could have a private conversation. Lazuli gathered his courage as he slowly flew up to the Jormungandr, the Ancient One's lair. The Fae's three sets of wings quivered as he slowly wandered his way in, gawking at the many bits and bangles laying around everywhere. He knew that he wasn't in the wrong, as far as Chrysoberyl's rules and all that, but something about the deep, dark lair made him feel as if he had done something wrong. "Ah. Lazuli, is it?" hissed the vaguely Spiral-like being. Lazuli nodded, his six wings shaking at once. The Spiral laughed. "Come come. Have a seat. Would you like a bit to drink?" the Spiral asked in a serpentine voice. "No, Jormungandr, I came here about something else," Lazuli replied meekly. "Something else...?" asked Jormungandr, cocking a brow. He sighed. "Have at it." "I was wondering..." murmured Lazuli. "Well, I was wondering why Chrysoberyl and you all were going after her. Peridot. And how could I save her??" "Peridot... yes. Peridot," said Jormungandr. He searched his shelves, and took out a vial of a honeydew liquid. The color of Peridot's hide! Lazuli flinched. "Go on. Drink up and have a look for yourself as to why your mate is on the brink of death." A sense of unease poured over Lazuli as his hands curled around the flask. He saw her in it. Her bright magenta eyes. That Gladekeeper-forsaken bow that she always carried around, scaring all the animals. What's the worst that could happen? he thought to himself, as he turned the bottom up on the bottle and started to drink. The form of another Guardian, a female that looked rather like Mickey, and a mirror male that looked not unlike Chrysoberyl crossed his mind. They nodded to each other in agreement, and started to dig a hole in the Windswept Plateau, a hole that looked like... the lair that the Clan resided in now. The two laughed, and played, and flung dirt at each other. "Tourmaline and Dioptase?" asked Lazuli, instantly recognizing them as they began to build a little motel, the one that he himself had been dropped in front of. "What have they got to do with this?!?" "Watch and see," replied the snakelike spirit. The happy pair parted, smiling to themselves, and between them was a nest of five eggs. Three of the hatchlings left to find new grounds, but the first two, one he recognized as Chrysoberyl and the first one, a Guardian male who donned a familiar pair of roundhorns, began to roughhouse and play with one another. Lazuli smiled as he watched the hatchlings grow into young dragons, but his expression straightened out when he remembered that Chrysoberyl was the one that had wanted to capture his mate for herself, and keep her and only her. The two grew up strong and healthy, but one day, the older one, the Guardian parted ways with the Clan, to join the Windsinger in his ranks. The sadness in Chrysoberyl's eyes was one that he had never seen before--the loss of a sibling, a dear friend. He wanted to reach through whatever was keeping her from him and comfort her, but a strange force left him seated in the den. She donned the roundhorns that he had left behind as the Clan started to grow. Tourmaline and Dioptase's second hatcharound gave the Clan Mickey, who he saw Jormungandr instantly take a liking to when he started hanging around in Jormungandr's lair instead of going to his lessons like a good little hatchling. And then one day, a full-fledged Fae joined the ranks of the Clan. His Peridot. He watched as the two met and played. And loved. Tears filled his eyes as he remembered the times when things were not so complicated. "What does all this have to do with Peridot?" asked Lazuli. "Please, Jormungandr!" The snake smiled a cruel grin that sent shivers down Lazuli's spine. "Watch and see." With the strike of her blade, Chrysoberyl had rowed down both of her parents, and all of the dragons that she deemed were traitors to the Clan. Lazuli watched Peridot as she stole soon-to-be slaves for the Clan, egg and hatchling and dragon alike, and hid them in other Clans. All without his knowing! "Wow..." he murmured to himself, tears streaming down his eyes. "Gladekeeper keep you well." Jormungandr's evil smile grew as the scene shifted from Peridot to Mickey and Jormungandr. "You can't do this! It's not right!" contested Mickey, trying to hold the serpentlike being back. "My duty isn't being right! My duty is Chrysoberyl, our new Queen!" shouted Jormungandr, loud and clear, breaking free of the Guardian's hold. He flew off to find Peridot in the act of smuggling his own hatchlings to faraway Clans. Appalled by each other, the two began to fight. But, being merely a Fae against a Lesser Diety of Chaos, Peridot lost. Lazuli watched her violet wings wither away and her lovely magenta eyes shut, her grasp still firm on the hatchling. "Jormungandr... you can't!" shouted Lazuli, trying to fight the effects of the potion. "You were the one who brought her to the brink of death?!? She hasn't woken in [i]months,[/i] mind you, and you and Chrysoberyl and Casey and Janus... and... and Padparadscha, her own brother, haven't said anything about this!" He woke up to the real world again, and panted. "You will tell me how to save her. Or else." "Or else what?" "I will expose you to everyone around us as an evil liar!" His voice, which was normally shy and quiet, could be heard through the entire lair. Gasps and murmurs followed. Jormungandr grinned his evil grin, his dark magics being used in one hand. "Not if I have anything to do with it."

[center] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=29599418] [img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/295995/29599418.png[/img] [/url] [i]The Young One[/i] [/center] Salvia gazed bleary eyed at the lone figure perched atop the rocky outcrop. This was his final option with little to no hope at success. He knew there were procedures to address if he wanted a true audience with the Elder Council, but he also knew this was beyond the bureaucracy that was sometimes demanded in the clan. He had to go straight to the source. The oldest among them. [center][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=48149] [img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/482/48149.png[/img] [/url] [i]The Elder[/i][/center] Baldr always took his time as guard very seriously. Even when chatting with a friend or fellow clan member, his eyes were trained, unblinking, on the vast expanse stretched out before him. The wastes were harsh and the Plague clan never underestimated them. Salvia gritted his teeth, calling a small "Hello!" The wildclaw's eyes flicked to the fae briefly before returning to the sands. He heaved a sigh and motioned for the young dragon to join him. "Sir," Salvia began, voice quiet and tremulous. "Not really a [i]sir[/i]," Baldr murmured back. "Just Baldr will do, boyo." [center][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=36775915] [img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/367760/36775915.png[/img] [/url] [i]The Loved One[/i][/center] Saliva inhaled and tried again. "Baldr, please, Rifle meant no harm. Really, I don't even know what she said that was so awful but..." The white dragon cut him off with a small motion of his clawed hand. "There is an old story in our clan. Old, true and painful. Do you know of The Purge?" The fae paused, pondering. He had heard the phrase used before, but only in hushed tones and mournful voices. He shook his head. "Our hatchling caretaker was not always [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=9152562]Mercy[/url]. Before her was Mint. [center][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=3800087] [img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/38001/3800087.png[/img] [/url] [i]The Traitor[/i][/center] "Mint's egg was brought to us by our scavengers. A lightning egg in the depths of the Plague wilds. She hatched here, grew and was loved. Her joy with the younglings was noted and acted upon. She raised them in turn, teaching them the ways of our clan. "But inside, she hated. She raged against Plague and all it stood for. She loathed the very idea of exalting our youth to the Mother. "Mint stole two eggs. She raised the hatchlings in secret - puppets for her scheme. 'Leaders' for her 'cause'. "She raised a rebellion against us. Her and her imperial mate drew in those loyal with lies and slander. They shaped their warriors. They spun rumors to scatter our strongest. They forced a coup when the elders were tracking ghosts. [center][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/26282/2628108.png[/img] [i]The Friend[/i][/center] "Nanna was my first True Mate. A friend I confided in. A friend who made me laugh and brought joy with her every word. "She was there when Mint threw down her ultimatum. Join us, or die." A small smile graced the wildclaw's muzzle, eyes slightly unfocused. "My Nanna was never one to let such injustice stand. She refused. And was cut down." He paused. Salvia remained silent, unwilling to break the tension. "Mint took those who could not fight against her to Lightning. She preened and peacocked over her victory. But... evil like that does not go unpunished. [center][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=125653] [img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/1257/125653.png[/img] [/url] [i]The Progenitor[/i] [/center] "Pandora found her. Our matriarch does not treat those who wrong her kindly. Mint lives. Not well, but she lives. A shell of herself. "Now. What did your Rifle say before she was restrained?" The heather dragon gaped at the elder. Shaking himself he whispered, "She said that it was a waste exalting so many dragons so young." Baldr heaved a sigh. "Truly, an ill-worded statement." "No!" Saliva barked, crest flaring, flitting before the wildclaw's gaze. "She didn't mean it like that! She didn't mean it like [i]Her[/i]!" Small claws laced and unlaced before him. "Please. She believes in the strength of the clan. She just meant that there is so much more they could learn before joining our deity!" He drooped in the air, sinking to the ground. "I tried to say she meant no harm, but no one would listen." Baldr eyed the yound dragon before him. He had an idea. One that Pandora would no likely disapprove of, but the stability and safety of the clan was forever his prerogative. "Perhaps your friend may be correct." Salvia's head snapped up, eyes wide in wonder. "Maybe our younglings could use some more non-combat training. Maybe... you and your friend could teach them other things. Stories, history, our virtues and vices. Our truths." "Please," was the whispered response, as the fae trembled with shock and joy. A small whistle broke the quiet, as the change-in-watch arrived to relieve the Elder. "Come along," Baldr said, a smile breaking out on his muzzle. "Let's go see what we can do for your friend."

[center][size=5]{ Our Cast }[/size] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=7230614] [img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/350/72307/7230614_350.png[/img] [/url] [size=5]{ Renaf, the Ancient One }[/size] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=36608529] [img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/350/366086/36608529_350.png[/img] [/url] [size=5]{ Machete, the Young One }[/size] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=15652341] [img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/350/156524/15652341_350.png[/img] [/url] [size=5]{ Sawblade, the Friend }[/size] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=205610] [img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/350/2057/205610_350.png[/img] [/url] [size=5]{ Wynterr, the Progenitor }[/size] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=979790] [img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/350/9798/979790_350.png[/img] [/url] [size=5]{ Lampade, the Red Herring }[/size] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=13764785] [img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/350/137648/13764785_350.png[/img] [/url] [size=5]{ Clearsky, the Traitor }[/size] ~~~~~~~~~[/center] [i]Machete's nostrils flared with apprehension, the Tundra's pale yellow eyes glaring at the Imperial who towered over her. The Cataclysm had taken many from Clan Nomadbound's ranks... There was no need for any more bloodshed, or egg-thieving! "You can't run from my nose, you brute." She snarled, wings fanning out as she felt her claws begin to illuminate with her energetic Light essence. "Give us our eggs back." "... What makes you think I still have them?" The Imperial looked down upon her with morbid condescension. His tail had begun to move in anticipatory waves in the corner of her eye, and she was well aware of the damage a whip of his tail could cause... She had been a witness to the aftermath, after all. "You dare take my pride and joy away from me?" "I dare." Machete snarled. "And I will."[/i] [center]---[/center] "So... You want little old Renav to spill zhe beanz about what hiz eyez have seen, hm?~" "Yes," Machete nodded, the Tundra laying down on top of one of the many pillars in the Mirrorlight Promenade as she talked to the grinning dragon. "I'm well aware that you were the only witness who attempted to chase after him... Or her..." Renaf's ruby eyes flashed with excitement in the evening light, the Sun's setting reflection in his glasses adding to his sinister, albeit amiable aura. "Such a shame... About Sawblade, zhat is. Zhe kruel fellow waz kunning enough to dizable her first before advansing onto Chreine and Wynterr." [i]'Fellow, huh,'[/i] The Tundra frowned. That meant it was either Xeriohs, who had yet to return from last night's border patrol... Or someone she would have never suspected would do such horrible things. As though fearing the rest of the world would somehow betray its looks as well, Machete clung to the fractured surface of her perch. "Go on, then. For Sawblade's sake." { WIP }

Claim for when I'm done with school.

[b][u]The Ancient One - Hyperion[/u][/b] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=2790627] [img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/350/27907/2790627_350.png[/img] [/url] [b][u]The Young One - Vega[/u][/b] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=29098769] [img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/350/290988/29098769_350.png[/img] [/url] [b][u]The Friend - Assana[/u][/b] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=22306993] [img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/350/223070/22306993_350.png[/img] [/url] [b][u]The Progenitor and Loved One - Indra[/u][/b] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=23389177] [img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/350/233892/23389177_350.png[/img] [/url] [b][u]The Traitor - ???[/u][/b] (Links instead of pictures to save on space) Solx: http://flightrising.com/main.php?p=lair&id=241472&tab=dragon&did=26414254 Ruvak: http://flightrising.com/main.php?p=lair&id=241472&tab=dragon&did=32197752 Amerlin: http://flightrising.com/main.php?p=lair&id=241472&tab=dragon&did=18557371 [b][u]Others Cameo'd[/u][/b] (Links instead of pictures to save on space) Leo: http://flightrising.com/main.php?p=lair&id=241472&tab=dragon&did=23389176 Illima: http://flightrising.com/main.php?p=lair&id=241472&tab=dragon&did=18863333 I had way too much fun with this lore game. [i]*lands meteor of smol text into forum and hopes that's okay*[/i] ----- [size=2]"Why...?" It was the only question Vega had wondered since meeting with the ancient one. She'd sought him out, sat in the overpowering grace of his immotal presence, and had heard the words on his misted breaths...but they weren't right. "Why did they accuse Indra...? E-Even Leo, even my mom..." she choked on her resolve, claws digging into the soil floor of the ancient one's cave, "They're her closest friends, why did she get blamed for what happened?! It doesn't make sense!!" "It shouldn't..." Hyperion wisped slowly. With one claw, and with unhurried movements that had all of eternity to get where they were going, he slid the blindfold off his face, and Vega saw the sorrow that pooled in his eyes, "You know the clan had decided on one of three traitors who had committed the crime..." "Yes, of course," Vega rushed, "It had to have been Solx, Ruvak, or Amerlin. One of them was supposed to have done it, so why-" She cut herself off in dismay as Hyperion began to shake his gilded head. "The blame was laid on your progenitor by means no one would have predicted... I am sorry to bring these truths to light... but I will tell you what had to be done..." ... "Gone..." Five dragons stood in a semi-circle of shame around one of their progenitors, the leader of their clan. Leo's reliably calm voice was cracked and choked with harsh emotion: dismay, disappointment, sorrow, and a terrifying touch of rage. Wind-colored eyes staring widely at the dragons before him, he gaped incredulously, raising his tone to the trembling edge of a shout. "One precious unhatched egg is gone. Our only one..." "H-Hey, chill..." Solx tried uncomfortably. He tied himself in knots as he attempted to calm the Tundra, "I-It's only one egg...we can get another one..." His words fell short as Leo whirled on him, ears pinning in distress. "Solx, we have no nesting dragons in the clan," he stressed, "That egg was irreplaceable! Would you feel the same about its loss if it was yours?!" "Leo..." the gentle, towering form of Indra stepped a fraction closer to her fellow progenitor, one wing attempting to shelter him. He stood rooted to the spot and did not shoulder it away. The silence that fell was brief, punctured by an ice-cold voice. "This still begs the question..." Amerlin looked up from where he sat coiled deductively, claws laced together, "Where has the egg gone?" "It was stolen by one of us, we know that much," Assana pointed out quietly, "No Beastclan could've gotten into our nesting grounds, nor another dragon. In fact..." she looked over the trio of Solx, Amerlin, and the as-of-then-silent Ruvak, and regret made her heave a sigh, "We're almost certain it had to be one of you three..." "It wasn't me," Solx was quick to say. Eyes darting, he scooted away from the other two as if washing his hands of the accusation, "You got less to choose from now." "Getcher tail back in line, noodle," Ruvak laughed with an amused sneer. "No," all eyes turned to Leo as he spoke, gradually composing himself but still uncertain, "No, I don't think it was Solx... If it really was you, you'd show it...you'd be more scared... You can't hide your emotions..." Solx blinked twice, "...I regret your lack of faith in my character, but I accept your testimony all the same. I'm outta here," slinking quickly out of the lineup, he found his way coiled under Indra's other wing and hid there. "It wasn't Ruvak," Amerlin said abruptly, eyes closed in confidence. The Ridgeback in question flashed him a toothy grin. "Why can't it be me? I was having fun with this." "Because if you had stolen it..." the royal drawled, "You would've sold it in a heartbeat. I was at the auctioneer's today by chance and no such egg was sold by a Wind clan." For a moment, there was quiet, and Leo was the first to break it. All eyes were on the final possible traitor. "That just leaves you, Am..." "You know it wasn't..." Amerlin countered, voice low and eyes flashing dangerously, "What if that egg had been Illima's? My own mate!" "You'd have fought to the end for it..." Assana finished, "You wouldn't endanger any egg." But that statement birthed an ultimatum. Three possible traitors, and none of them could have committed the crime... But no dragon or beast outside the clan could've reached it. "Leo...?" Assana posed quietly, "Do you have a judgement...?" Exhausted beyond measure, the Tundra replied with a numb shake of his head, "In my eyes, it's impossible..." he murmured, "But someone has done it... I leave it to you, Assana...I know you'll be impartial..." Heavy-hearted but confident, Assana looked to each of the three...to Solx cowering uncertainly, to Ruvak grinning carelessly, to Amerlin glaring icily... Before she could open her mouth, someone else spoke. "Assana..." Indra met her friend's eyes, and shook her head slowly, "It's alright..." she let out a deep breath, raised her saddened stare to each member of the clan, and proclaimed calmly, "I stole it." ... "But- but she can't be guilty, can she...?" Vega spluttered. Hyperion closed his eyes and murmured a soft, "Of course not, my dear... But that is why the others accepted her confession... Whoever was to blame... she knew... and she saw the good behind their action..." "They stole an egg though..." Vega still couldn't wrap her head around the crime, "It was our only one, we were supposed to hatch it and add it to the clan...!" "Just like you...?" Hyperion posed. The young Guardian deflated at the reminder that she too was once an unhatched egg treasured in the clan. If she had been stolen before her hatching, she never would have had this family... "Who did it, then...?" she whispered, "And why...?" Hyperion's wry smile parted for the name, "Amerlin. The why is not for me to say... I assume you will trust in Indra's judgement in seeing his reasons were right..." "...It's..." Vega's eyes darted briefly for answers, "It's for him and his mate, isn't it...? Is it going to be their first child...?" Hyperion said nothing, but that in itself said enough. "Can I talk to the others?" she pleaded quickly, "I don't want Indra to be punished for this. We're a family, I know we can figure it out, without anyone getting hurt!" The ancient Imp only smiled, and brushed his silken muzzle to her head. "Go to them, young one," he whispered, "With your resolve... I'm certain you can still save your friend..."