Quests & Challenges

@Petall Yeah we do. (: I love that the item for this entry looks vaguely like the lesbian flag. :D

[center][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3007918#post_47530571]Back[/url] | [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3007918/13#post_51599633]Previous[/url] ---------- @Averat @Saphira455 @SecondToLast @draconicelestial @Petall @Takadimi ---------- [u][b]Entry 50: Fight, Flight, Freeze[/b][/u] [item=raptorik talonblades] [i]Writing[/i] ------ “Hey, Aleta.” Aleta nearly threw open the door she’d just closed again, but relaxed upon realizing it was Arturo who had spoken. [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/69304131][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/dressing-room/dragon?did=69304131&skin=0&apparel=13846,13790,13838,13822&xt=dressing.png[/img][/url] “Oh, it’s just you.” “What do you mean it’s just me?” Arturo said, a hint of tease entangled with concern. “Just…” Aleta gestured to nothing. “Aloha’s training has me on edge.” Arturo grimaced. “Wanna talk about it?” “Not really.” Aleta was glad Arturo had gotten some time off, which meant that they could spend time for the day. That time was probably going to be mostly sleeping, given their hectic and long hours, but it was going to be great. The family, Aleta, Arturo, and the Triplets had recently moved into a deeper tunnel in the Warren, thanks to Umikara. It had several adjacent, large rooms, and a door was soon to be installed on the front end to make it something of a house. The two of them had long given up on leaving the Warren, and the new accommodations were greatly appreciated. Aleta finished putting her cloak away before joining Arturo on their messy, blanket mound of a bed. Minutes passed. Arturo spoke up, startling Aleta from drifting off to sleep. “We should talk about the kids.” Aleta squinted, sudden concern in her eyes. “Yeah? What’s wrong?” Arturo grimaced. “Nothing, I hope. You know the phrase flight, fight, freeze?” Aleta shook her paw uncertainly. “Sorta. I know fight or flight. Makes sense to add freeze though.” Arturo shrugged. “What does this have to do with our kids?” Aleta asked. “Fight is Beat.” Aleta snorted at Arturo’s labeling. “Of course.” “Freeze is Bander. Don’t look at me like that, even though she’s a healer you know she has problems with tough situations.” Aleta’s eyebrows rose. “Really? I thought she was pretty worldly.” Arturo stuck his tongue out. “She is! I meant with family.” Aleta nodded, understanding. “And I’m assuming Burt is flight? Why?” Arturo rubbed slowly against Aleta’s fur, thoughtful. “He blames the ending of his relationships on the other dragon every time, but I’ve noticed more and more it’s whenever the other dragon gets fed up with him.” Aleta froze. “What?” “He’s the grandson of the Creator. He brags about it. All the time.” Arturo told her. “Yeah, but-” Aleta started. “All. The. Time. He’s too proud of it I think. If the dragon doesn’t praise him for it he leaves.” Arturo finished. Aleta grumbled, gnashing her teeth for a moment. “That’s harsh, Arturo. He’s our son. We’ve talked to him about that.” Arturo sighed. “We have. I know it’s harsh, but his behavior worries me.” “Have you talked to him about it?” “Yeah. He just thinks it's his partners’ faults. I just hope someday he’ll find someone who loves him enough to tame that behavior.” Aleta bumped Arturo’s nose. “He will. Have faith, Arturo. He’s a good dragon.” Arturo ‘hmm’ed. [i]I hope so.[/i] He thought.[/center] --------------- [center][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3007918/14#post_51674030]Next[/url][/center]

Oh, this is a great analysis of the triplets, I love it!!!

@Petall Thank you! (: I love the phrase fight, flight, or freeze since it makes more sense than just fight and flight, and when I realized the triplets fit that phrase I was very excited to write this chapter. :D

[center][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3007918#post_47530571]Back[/url] | [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3007918/14#post_51659315]Previous[/url] ---------- @Averat @Saphira455 @SecondToLast @draconicelestial @Petall @Takadimi ---------- [u][b]Entry 51: Dating History[/b][/u] [item=clockwork shield] [i]Writing[/i] ---------- [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/76681083][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/dressing-room/dragon?did=76681083&skin=0&apparel=20831,20835,20834&xt=dressing.png[/img][/url] “They just keep leaving!” Burt moaned, spread out on the triplet’s room’s largest couch. He was talking about another failed date with another girlfriend earlier that week. Beat snorted from where she was moving through her fighting forms. [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/76681082][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/dressing-room/dragon?did=76681082&skin=0&apparel=17273,13846,13838,17257,37385&xt=dressing.png[/img][/url] “Did you bring the Darkling’s grandchild thing up again?” “Pfft, what kind of question is that? Of course I did. It usually works.” Burt spat. “And then they leave. After you, what, pay for something, right?” “Yeah.” “Deities save us you’re dumb.” “Excuse me?” “I said you’re dumb! Ask Bander why, I’m busy.” Burt rolled his eyes. “Bandeeerrr!” He yowled. “What?” Bander said calmly, as if she hadn’t been in the room making balms the whole time. [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/76681084][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/dressing-room/dragon?did=76681084&skin=0&apparel=15273,29232,29218&xt=dressing.png[/img][/url] “Beat’s being mean!” “Mhm. You are dumb, though.” Burt gasped. “Betrayal! By my favorite medic sister!” “I’m your only medic sister.” She smirked without looking up, and Beat stopped her practice for a moment to grin as well. “In fact,” Beat said, unsheathing her claws. “I’m quite the opposite.” A second of silence passed, and the three of them burst out laughing. It ended with a tired sigh from Burt. “Someday, one will stay.” Beat snorted a little more derisively than before, and turned away when Bander stared at her judgingly for it. Bander smiled warmly at Burt, who’d looked up at the noise. “Don’t pay attention to her, I’m sure you’ll find someone.” Burt grinned. “Of course I will, how can anyone resist my impossible ch- Ack!” He shouted, flailing when Bander’s thrown medical cloth smacked him across the face. He looked up, but she only smiled serenely. “Thanks.” Burt said dryly. “No problem!” Bander sang, and Beat chuckled, halfway through another form. Even though they annoyed him a lot, Burt thought, he was glad to have his sisters.[/center] ------------ [center][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3007918/14#post_51738264]Next[/url][/center]

Omg this is hilarious, I hope Beat gets into a healthy relationship soon

@Petall Sibling dynamics are always fun for me to write. Assuming you meant Burt (They're very easy to mix up, don't worry (: ), who knows?

[center][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3007918#post_47530571]Back[/url] | [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3007918/14#post_51674030]Previous[/url] ----------- @Averat @Saphira455 @SecondToLast @draconicelestial @Petall @Takadimi -------------- [u][b]Entry 52: Closer, Yet Further[/b][/u] [item=Azure Lure] [i]Writing[/i] ---------- Protocol had something she needed to pick up. That’s what she said, and that’s what Cipher wanted to believe. His sister needed to pick something up. “She needs to pick something up.” Cipher said aloud, pacing the floor of his dorm room in the lab. He was honestly surprised he hadn’t worn a hole in it yet. Last week, Protocol and Cipher had gotten solid evidence of Code’s assassination. Granted, only Protocol called it solid. Cipher called it coincidence until they’d talked to Crescent. [i]”Guys, please.” Crescent’s tone was already defeated in the face of Protocol’s burning determination. [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/40486009][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/dressing-room/dragon?did=40486009&skin=28495&apparel=10382,23716&xt=dressing.png[/img][/url] “I really can’t tell you.” “Crescent, I’m only asking what happened to Radine. You were on guard in the Academy the night the students heard the sounds of fighting in the east lecture hall. It’s the last piece of evidence I-” Protocol glanced at Cipher, who was silent for his own sake. “We need. I promise, I’ll never bother you again about this just please, tell me what happened.” Crescent grimaced, and pulled away, but made the mistake of looking into Protocol’s eyes. In them, she saw rolling waves of mixed emotions. An ocean of regret, fear, anger, and love for Code that had nowhere to go was trapped in those eyes, Crescent thought. She sighed, sure she was going to regret what came out of her mouth next. “...It was an attempt.” Protocol perked up, fins flared, desperate to hear more. “An assassination attempt. By a nocturne. Just like the rumors you brought up. Now please,” Crescent pleaded, guilt at breaking an order flowing through her already. “Let me go.” “Yeah, yeah.” Protocol steeled herself. She knew she’d burned a bridge by forcing the issue. “Thanks, Crescent.” “Goodbye, Protocol.[/i] Despite the clear ending of a friendship that day, Protocol had been ecstatic when she and Cipher returned home. She’d jumped around in her office, nearly knocking several samples that Cipher had to catch off their shelves as she shouted ‘Yes!’ and ‘I knew I was right!’ over and over. Cipher had been happy to see her happy, but a little worried. It was a week later, Protocol had something to pick up, and Cipher knew she hadn’t asked anyone for anything in the seven days before. [b]==========[/b] Protocol was working off of rumors. [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/47086609][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/dressing-room/scry?sdid=2707105&skin=0&apparel=8598,9815,9448,18800,716,8812&xt=dressing.png[/img][/url] It itched at her, as she moved through the alleys that rarely if ever saw the sun, near the entrance to the Crescent Volcano. She was a scientist. She was working off of rumors. It was contradictory, but sometimes things had to be. The rumors were not about Code’s death being an assassination or not, oh no, she knew it was. The location of the assassin herself - if she was a she - was what she’d - hopefully - managed to scrape off of the rumor mill that was the bustle and tussle of the Coliseum Market Ring. Surprisingly, for such a wanted dragon, the assassin was hanging out near the Coliseum. But Protocol wasn’t surprised she hadn’t been caught. She was skilled. And Protocol was going to confront her. Protocol grimaced. “Maybe this is a bad idea.” “What?” Protocol jolted, looking up. Before her was green wearing brown nocturne with cracked scales. [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/74585407][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/dressing-room/scry?sdid=2707099&skin=0&apparel=23288,815,28812,1152,948,950,13794,13850,26536,26539&xt=dressing.png[/img][/url] “Sorry, I just thought you said my name. What did you actually say?” The nocturne said, tilting her head curiously. “Bad idea.” Protocol stuttered out, suspicious. “Oh! Oh that’s what happened. My name’s Leena. It’s loud here so I probably heard idea wrong.” Yeah. Probably.” “Do you want some tea?” Leena gestured towards what was probably her house. Or something. “You look like you could use it.” Protocol weighed the pros and cons in her mind, but physically shook the argument out of her head. She couldn’t distrust every nocturne just because Code was killed by one. [b]==========[/b] It was in the middle of what was, until then, a very nice moment of quiet that Protocol had been sorely needing that the rest of the day was turned on its head. “By the way.” Protocol looked at Leena, who had a strange glint in her eye. “I’ve heard you’ve been looking for me?” Suddenly, the tea Protocol had just taken a sip of tasted foul in her mouth. She spat it out, unwilling to believe what she’d just heard. “What in Flamecaller’s name-” “Me. You’re looking for me. This chase you’ve been leading yourself on was fun for a time but I’m bored. You’re boring me.” Protocol stared at the increasingly cruelly polite smile across from her. Protocol only looked down at her cup for a second, fear naked on her face when Leena interrupted her thoughts. “It’s not poisoned.” Protocol glared up at her. “I’m mean, not rude.” “Mean isn’t how I’d put it.” Protocol snarled, before snapping her mouth shut with disgust. Leena’s expression had turned gleeful. “She speaks! Tell me, tell me. What did it? What made you hunt me down?” She said, excitement plain and sick. “Not even the Council was this fast! Ooo you made it fun to hide at first! That dumb lab director attempt did nothing, or at least I thought until-” “She’s smart.” Protocol interrupted, furious at the insult. “Sure, sure, not what I meant.” Leena waved her off, dismissive. Protocol wasn’t done. “She’s smart, and she showed me her plans. That research you killed her for was stable. She-” Protocol cut herself off, not willing to tell the assassin anything about Cipher’s origins. "You think I killed her for that?" Leena said, confused. "Shade, you're pathetic!" Her face twisted to a cruel grin. "I was bored, I wanted the clan panicky, and she was the best target!" "But she-" "Oh, shut up!" Leena said, brushing Protocol off again, rolling her eyes. "I couldn't care less what it was she was doing, all I care about is that it blew up and got her. Is that so hard to understand?" She sneered, shrugging and shaking her head like Protocol was an unruly hatchling. Protocol growled, and shot forward over the table, swiping at the brown nocturne, who ducked under her claws with a short laugh. "Faster than that if you want to stop me!" She whooped as she flew backwards, away from Protocol, who snarled with frustration. Taking advantage of the small room Protocol had been led to, Leena used the ceiling as a boost pad to get past Protocol to the exit, stopping for a moment as Protocol scrambled to turn around. "Faster than that if you want revenge." She grinned, and shot out the door, laughing wildly as Protocol charged after her, but the raging mirror lost her in the crowd of the midday bustle. "Slag!" Protocol shouted, spitting fire on the ground. [i]I’ve lost her! I’ve lost that Shade-stained scrap of dung![/i] Protocol did not care that half the dragons on the street stared at her when she screamed. So close. So far. --------- (:<[/center] ------------ [center][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3007918/15#post_51976555]Next[/url][/center]

OOOO Assasins! Couldn't help but think of Adriel at the line about the tea, lol

@Petall This chapter felt so good to write, finally having Protocol meet Leena. Also, I have a habit of having my characters like tea. I didn't even make the connection to Adriel, but thinking about it, Leena wouldn't like her. She thinks poison is 'rude' and that a dragon should have the honor of knowing they're about to die by her hand.