Quests & Challenges

[center] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3229518/31#post_55385561]Previous[/url] [Color=navy][size=5][b]Chapter 62: No Need to Waste[/b][/size][/color] --------------- [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/70053540][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/dressing-room/dragon?did=70053540&skin=50203&apparel=50503,744,743&xt=dressing.png[/img][/url] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/88549868][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/dressing-room/dragon?did=88549868&skin=0&apparel=51133,37384&xt=dressing.png[/img][/url] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/89994591][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/preview/dragon?age=1&body=63&bodygene=106&breed=20&element=2&eyetype=3&gender=0&tert=123&tertgene=211&winggene=93&wings=81&auth=3a1eede847f990d4280fdfbf44f2a29531bd0287&dummyext=prev.png[/img][/url] “Ula, does he still live?” Dakila asked, now that they had regrouped at the caves, a stopping point before they reached the palace for the time of the party. Tristan’s breathing was still labored, and parts of his body was not quite whole still after the spell. Ula surveyed the Aberration, “Yes, but barely. But if he does die, I cannot keep using his body to sustain the beast…” The Fae tapped the side of its face thoughtfully, “But maybe there’s a way to keep his chemical makeup sustained for our purposes…” Ula swam to the back of the caves, and the sound of tinkling glass vials and ceramic jars echoed back to the others, along with their muttering, “I’d need this…then a binding agent…can’t forget that…but what sort of vessel?...” [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/88670503][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/dressing-room/dragon?did=88670503&skin=47476&apparel=&xt=dressing.png[/img][/url] One of Edel’s heads kept its sight at Tristan’s failing body while the other looked at Dakila, “So we will ditch this lowlife before we storm the palace?” Dakila nodded, “Not without extracting his use though. Otherwise, yes, then he is of no further use to me.” The news appeased Edel, and the head facing Tristan grinned wickedly. It didn’t need another soul knowing that Edel was a spirit that escaped death… “I think I have everything,” Ula said, returning to Tristan’s side. They rubbed a salve on Tristan’s chest, which quickly absorbed and caused the Aberration to groan. Then, Ula waved their hands hypnotically, words muttered under the breath and indiscernible. As this happened, Tristan’s chest lurched upwards, and wisps of his body began to leak out, like a hole in a balloon. Ula blew a large bubble into their hand, and the wisps began to fill it as their hands beckoned it inside. The bubble didn’t grow large as more of the wisps entered, but the wispy material itself grew brighter. After a little bit of time, Tristan’s eyes shot opened and he began to scream. “Restrain him!” Ula commanded, and Dakila looked to Edel. It used its two heads to bite down on Tristan’s neck and its arms to hold down Tristan’s torso. Tristan’s lower half flailed, but he was too weak to shake Edel off. Finally Tristan’s eyes glazed over and one final sigh escaped his lips before his body completely disintegrated with the water. What was left of Tristan was sucked up into the bubble, and it created a red and blue hued pearl with flecks of green, the same color of Tristan’s body. Ula grinned and threw the pearl to Dakila, “That should do it. Put it into the trident’s hilt and it will ensure that the beast does not return to death.” Dakila, following Ula’s guidance, placed the stone at the base of the trident’s prongs, and the material engulfed it hungrily. The stone originally in the hilt shone, and now the side opposite to it had the new pearl emerge. Dakila twirled the trident in his hand, enjoying the sparkle that both stones produced. “I supposed Tristan did join our cause after all,” Dakila chuckled, “Edel, when will the celebration at the palace begin?” “In two days, my King, so to accommodate the guests coming from the furthest reaches of Nan’nalu,” Edel reported. “Good,” Dakila said, “Go to Douglas now to ensure that he has all the other parts of the plan in place. Report to me if anything changes.” Edel gave a bow and swam off. ------------------------- [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3229518/32#post_55597422]next[/url] @pinglist-2103 I really dislike fighting in the Woodland Path. Sometimes, all it takes is one critical hit to strike down a dragon in my party, and it was Tristan who was downed…so soon after he was introduced too… I hope they add a new venue soon to break up the 3 level span for that venue. Good news is that after all the death streaks and battles, only one other dragon will die (don’t look at my lair to spoil it please). There was…a lot of death streaks and battle pulls, so it took me some time to get through them all (thank you for your patience). I may get one more chapter to put out for tomorrow that captures this death, but it depends on how well my prep work goes… I will be on a very mini hiatus because I will be on a trip, so my chapters will only come afterwards (it’s a much needed vacation, so I am not going to weigh myself down with much and enjoy it as much as I can).

Tristan existed for like 5 seconds and then died. Rest in peace, you goopy lad.

@Aquasparky
Seriously -_-;; and he's such a pretty lad with perfect Plague colors. I'll probably sell him for currency so I can help gene another dragon in the 'locke

Have fun on your vacation!

And sorry for the loss of Tristan, the Woodland Path is indeed brutal, I have lost many a good dragon there, some venues to break it up would be fantastic.

@Petall
Thank you! It's a little stressful because I'm worried that I missed something in my planning, buy going to make the most of it! Yeah, that Woodland Path is so brutal...I wonder what other sort of venue ideas haven't been used yet that could work in lower levels...

[center][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3229518/32#post_55429791]Previous[/url] [Color=navy][size=5][b]Chapter 63: Party Crashers[/b][/size][/color] --------------- [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/88839731][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/dressing-room/dragon?did=88839731&skin=0&apparel=34146,33699,34148,34155,34147,34154,34149,494&xt=dressing.png[/img][/url] Akamu felt invigorated looking at the the throngs of dragon and marenfolk swimming into the palace. The energy and conversation radiated and brightened the rooms to a state he never could fathom. It’s as though anything could happen, and the possibilities were endless. The main hall was decorated with sculptures of past Nan’nalu rulers, replicated and restored from those at the temple that Keola mentioned when they were planning the party’s theme of “legacy,” and more easily give a platform for Keola and Penina to be seen as the next rightful rulers of the kingdom. Royal banners and tapestries, with scenes of bygone eras (but only of peace and development), decorated the walls. The scene had to be set with a promise of achievement and collaboration, all things that Akamu outlined to draw out a more positive perspective from the inhabitants. Every detail was carefully thought out and accounted for. Akamu smiled warmly at guests that he passed, giving bows or nods depending on the guests’ ranks and familiarity. And of course, he spoke to them when he could, welcoming and inviting them to enjoy the festivities, “Welcome! Please make yourselves at home. Food is served in the back of the hall, but there are hors d'oeuvres being served as we speak. I recommend finding a waiter with a plate of seaweed wrapped shrimps – they are delicious!” Yet, there were some dragons that did not seem to blend with the atmosphere as well, those that Akamu smiled and talked with but returned a grim face and few words. Hopefully it was simply a momentary attitude that would dissolve with the events he had arranged for the party. There were now only a few stragglers swimming in, and Akamu decided that it was time to kick off the event formally. He looked at a guard nearby and gave a nod, indicating that it would soon be time for the Princen and Queen to enter, and they swam off quickly. Exhaling and then breathing in slowly, he nodded to himself to generate confidence, “Okay, here it goes,” talking to himself under his breath. Akamu straightened his vest and then swam up to the stage and its podium, “Gentlefolk of Nan’nalu, welcome one and all! It is my honor to gather you – the minds and hearts of the kingdom – together to not only celebrate the rich history of Nan’nalu, but also to beckon in a new era – an era which builds upon the best that this kingdom has to offer and multiplies it tenfold under the careful and dutiful leadership of Queen Penina and Princen Keola.” Applause rippled through most of the crowd as they felt the energy and promise behind Akamu’s words. He paused and continued to speak once the applause quieted, “King Tusitala may have stepped down, but only once he knew that there were incredibly talented and compassionate leaders that would continue to carry the responsibilities he held. Unfortunately, he could not be here to celebrate with us, as he continues to ensure the safety of our waters, but King Tusitala sends his upmost regards to each and every one of you, trusting that you will be as supportive of his family as you are to him.” Akamu failed to notice the hushed whispers coming from a few corners of the room and the subtle tactical movement of dragons thereafter. “Without any further ado,” he exclaimed warmly, “Let me introduce you to your leaders, Queen Penina and Princen Keola!” And Akamu turned away from the podium and clapped his hands as Penina and Keola swam up to the podium from behind the curtains. [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/83061436][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/dressing-room/dragon?did=83061436&skin=0&apparel=940,45794,50220,9997,37886,50221&xt=dressing.png[/img][/url] [Url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/87563900][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/dressing-room/dragon?did=87563900&skin=0&apparel=45169,24233,45161,45184,24232,24229,24230,45168&xt=dressing.png[/img][/url] Penina looked exhausted, her mind distracted by Mele’s absence, but she shook Akamu’s hand and gave a small smile, “Thank you for taking on most of the work for this event,” she whispered to Akamu, and Akamu beamed. Keola winked at Akamu and said quietly, “Seems like I’ll be speaking for both of us tonight. Hope that’s okay.” Akamu gave a nod and smiled, and then outstretched his hand towards the podium, indicating that it was open for zir to speak at. Keola swam to the podium and, once the applause quieted, cleared zir throat before speaking to the crowd, “Salutations! I am honored that so many of you, Nan’nalu’s future, accepted our invitation to not only this celebration, but to a future that involves all of us bringing Nan’nalu to its most prosperous era. We - ” “You are not the rightful rulers of Nan’nalu!” a voice called out, and it startled Akamu, Keola, and Penina. The crowd parted, revealing a Guardian in the center of the space, flanked by two formidable dragons. [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/75522287][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/dressing-room/dragon?did=75522287&skin=29815&apparel=10715,10364,10392,10743,10371&xt=dressing.png[/img][/url] Douglas continued to speak, his voice booming, “King Tusitala’s right to the throne was stolen by you! We will do what’s right and take it back for him! You will feel the wrath of our might and fury! Comrades – to arms! Capture those imposters!” What came next was utter chaos. Guards attempted to intercept Douglas and the two other dragons near him, but Douglas’ followers weaved through the crowd in a pincer-like fashion, surrounding and attacking the guards from behind them. A few followers were able to quickly make it to the podium, just as they planned, and tried to attack Penina and Keola. But Akamu shoved them away, shouting, “My Queen, my Princen, you must escape! Please save yourselves, I will fight them off to buy you time.” Thankfully a couple of guards joined Akamu as he blocked the dragons, and Penina and Keola were able to make their way to a hidden passageway to escape. [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/86694622][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/dressing-room/dragon?did=86694622&skin=0&apparel=47678,27150,27143,27144,27147,27145,27146&xt=dressing.png[/img][/url] Murchadh was close behind Queen Penina and Princen Keola, easily parrying the onslaught of attacks of the dragons that tried to intercede. At first, Akamu felt hopeful at how the guards and a few of the invited influencers were able to strike back and turn the tide towards their unexpected foe. All others that did not follow Douglas were able to escape the skirmish, but their efforts left a mess of the previously adorned hall. Akamu hated to see all of his efforts leveled by such a disgraceful attack, and it fueled him to fight back even more strongly. Eventually, Douglas and his followers were pushed to the center of the hall, their bodies surrounded by the sharp weapons of the guard. It seemed like their attempted coup had come to an end Akamu swam forward, eyebrows furrowed in anger, “How dare you attack Queen Penina and Princen Keola? And for what? To bring King Tusitala back to the throne? He does not want to return to power, and prefers to protect the kingdom in a way that he feels is best. He would be outraged by this show of hate and destruction in the very halls of the palace.” Douglas stuck out his chin defiantly, “You can spurt out all the lies you want, but we know that he was kicked off of the throne by his daughter and grandkid. And justice will be served - ” CRASH! A force broke through one of the large windows, sending debris flying and a cloud of rubble. “Even if it may not be us that serves it,” Douglas smiled wickedly, “We were just the hors d'oeuvres, but the main course is to die for.” [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/81428979][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/350/814290/81428979_350.png[/img][/url] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/70053540][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/dressing-room/dragon?did=70053540&skin=50203&apparel=50503,744,743&xt=dressing.png[/img][/url] The cloud of debris dissipated, revealing a giant, partially-skeletal Undertide with Dakila on top of its head. The Undertide roared and struck at the circle of guards, killing the few it reached instantly. Akamu along with the guards froze initially when they saw the Undertide, but when it attacked, they all scattered hastily, understanding that sticking around meant certain death. Douglas and his followers cheered, watching Dakila command the Undertide to lay waste to their enemies. Akamu managed to reach the passageway that Penina and Keola used and hurried to escape outside. He needed to let the Queen and Princen know that they were in danger… ------------------------------ [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3229518/32#post_55631866]Next[/url] Yes, a cliff hanger! Will the royal family be able to escape Dakila? Usually I make long chapters (although this feels long with the jet lag I’m still feeling @.@), but I wanted to get what I could get out in the time I had today to bring in some excitement and adrenaline. Hope you’re excited as I am to see what comes next. @pinglist-2103

Ooooo, what an eventful chapter, Dakila sure knows how to make an entrance! I hope the royal family and everyone is okay!

Oh yeah drama! It appears that Dakila and his fellows have crashed the party, but only time will tell how this turns out. Two sides are in collision with one another. Who will hold the throne at the end of this all? Who will succeed? And how will the land dragons play a part in this?

@Petall I honestly think Dakila has a flair to show off with all the confidence he has, lol @Aquasparky Agreed on the land dragons. They will eventually have a part in this for sure (and I am super stoked to finally involve them more). [center]-------------------------------- I overslept yesterday during my nap so I wasn't able to post a chapter [emoji=guardian sad size=1] I'll try to write the next chapter today and hopefully have it posted by tonight!

[center][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3229518/32#post_55597422]Previous[/url] [Color=navy][size=5][b]Chapter 64: How the Scales have Turned[/b][/size][/color] --------------- [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/84168347][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/dressing-room/dragon?did=84168347&skin=0&apparel=17530,690,10371,10385,10743,10736,10722&xt=dressing.png[/img][/url] [img]https://www1.flightrising.com/static/cms/familiar/art/7883.png[/img] Kailani was atop of Aalto and heading back towards the palace. She had been enjoying the patrols with her father, Tusitala, while Murchadh was busy tending to his duties with the guard. It gave her a sense of freedom as well as a purpose to keep her busy. Yet, something seemed amiss as she got nearer the palace. Dragons and merfolk were exiting the palace hastily in all different directions, and the faces Kailani saw who passed her looked petrified. One stopped and said, “Princess Kailani, stay away from the palace! There’s an uprising, and they are trying to overthrow your sister and child. You need to stay safe!” Kailani didn’t need to be told twice – she headed right for the danger, hoping with all hope that her family was safe. [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/83061436][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/dressing-room/dragon?did=83061436&skin=0&apparel=940,45794,50220,9997,37886,50221&xt=dressing.png[/img][/url] [Url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/87563900][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/dressing-room/dragon?did=87563900&skin=0&apparel=45169,24233,45161,45184,24232,24229,24230,45168&xt=dressing.png[/img][/url] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/86694622][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/dressing-room/dragon?did=86694622&skin=0&apparel=47678,27150,27143,27144,27147,27145,27146&xt=dressing.png[/img][/url] She noticed that there were a few figures using a secret back entrance to the palace and made a dive there. Very few knew of that passage, and it could very well be Penina and Keola. As soon as she got close, Murchadh brandished his trident to block any attack while Penina and Keola looked horrified at the shadow of Aalto swooping in. “Easy! It’s just me,” Kailani said, with her hands up to ease them, “By the Tidelord, you look at me like I was some horrific beast. What happened?” After steadying himself, Murchadh replied, “I’m so sorry, my love. The celebration came to a close after dragons attempted to attack Penina and Keola. I was able to hold them off while we escaped, but most of the guard stayed behind to ensure that the coup was prevented,” but then he looked behind him, “I thought that at least one of them would report back to me by now, but I haven’t seen anyone since we stopped here and hid.” “Perhaps it’s just taking them a little longer to bring them to the prison below the palace?” Keola guessed, but worry still covered zir face. Penina grimaced, “We have no idea how many of them there were or even if they had any hidden reinforcements. They could still be battling for their lives…I wish I could fight beside them.” Murchadh shook his head, “And risk the royal line? Your father would kill me if that happened and I didn’t die in battle. We may have to find a safer place to hide on the palace grounds in case the fighting turns out badly.” [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/88839731][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/dressing-room/dragon?did=88839731&skin=0&apparel=34146,33699,34148,34155,34147,34154,34149,494&xt=dressing.png[/img][/url] Suddenly, Akamu swam in, completely out of breath and visibly shaken. He wanted to say something, but all that came out was a wheeze. “Akamu,” Kailani said, “Breathe and then talk. Take a moment.” Akamu looked angry while shaking his head, “No….time…hurry…away…huge…beast…danger…please….” he wheezed in between each word he uttered, which was barely above a whisper. “A huge beast?” Murchadh said, “So the king already returned?” Akamu continued to shake his head, “No…different…with…Guardian…riding…killed…many…” They all exchanged glances with each other while Akamu swallowed and tried to control his breathing. “But then we need to save who we can!” Penina said, “We can’t leave them to die!” Kailani grabbed her sister’s shoulders before she could turn and swim away, “Murchadh and I will check back and see who we can save. You and Keola will ride Aalto and find our father. If they want to battle with a huge beast, then they’ll have the guardian of Nan’nalu to contend with.” Penina looked torn but nodded, “Yeah, we need reinforcements if we’re facing that monster. We’ll head out now. Keep each other safe and head back to us as soon as you can.” Kailani smiled and winked, “When have I ever let myself be caught?” It made Penina give a small laugh, “You did have plenty of practice.” Murchadh helped settle Penina and Keola on Aalto’s back and with a light tap to Aalto’s fin, he said, “Find Tusitala, find the king, and keep them safe.” Aalto swiftly turned around and swam as quickly as he could, soon becoming a dot in the distance. Akamu seemed to have mostly recovered, at least in terms of his breath, and looked determinedly at Kailani and Murchadh, “I’ll join you, if you’ll have me. I’ve seen how dangerous that beast is and its rider. I could maybe guide you safely to where they are.” Kailani nodded, “Then lead the way.” [img]https://imgur.com/9UVvjEs.png[/img] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/70053540][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/dressing-room/dragon?did=70053540&skin=50203&apparel=50503,744,743&xt=dressing.png[/img][/url] Dakila hopped off the beast’s back to survey the hall. Anything that couldn’t escape was left dead with eyes glazed over in horror. Since the beast didn’t eat (as it was undead), the bodies it devoured had escaped its un-whole body, like through the spaces between some ribs, and reddened the water with shreds of flesh. Even amongst the dreadful scene, Dakila looked unfazed and was more focused on his objective, “Where are they?!” [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/75522287][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/dressing-room/dragon?did=75522287&skin=29815&apparel=10715,10364,10392,10743,10371&xt=dressing.png[/img][/url] Douglas swam forward, “The imposters escaped the hall just before you had arrived.” Dakila turned towards him, eyes burning, “So why weren’t you going after them while I was taking care of the opposition?” Douglas squirmed and cursed himself for his negligence, “We are now trying to find them, but there is no trace of them within the palace.” Dakila growled and turned away, “They haven’t gotten far, I’m sure. Tusitala’s daughter is too righteous to leave her people in danger. You keep your eyes peeled in the palace for any trace of them. I will check the palace’s grounds.” Douglas bowed, “Of course. We’ll take them down soon and return the King to his rightful throne.” The words made Dakila smile, “Yes, the King will regain his throne today, for that I’m sure.” [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/81428979][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/350/814290/81428979_350.png[/img][/url] He then returned to the beast’s back and commanded it to leave from the hole it created from its entrance. A dragon standing beside Douglas shivered, “He killed all of them without any hesitation. When you said that we would have reinforcements, I didn’t imagine this.” Douglas shrugged, “He did what any one of us would do to ensure justice was served. If you can’t stomach it, you should leave now.” The dragon shook their head, “And risk being a traitor? I’m with you until the end and will see this through.” “Well, you should use your eyes to search for the imposters instead. We are still not done here,” Douglas replied, and both of them returned with the others to search through the palace for their targets. [img]https://imgur.com/9UVvjEs.png[/img] The three dragons – Akamu, Murchadh, and Kailani – carefully swam through the secret passages of the palace, trying to ensure their presence remained hidden. When they reached the wall near the main hall, they peered out of a peephole concealed by the painting in front of it. Eyes looking through would appear to be the eyes of the dragon that looked on from the canvas. “Oh…gods…this is terrible,” Kailani said when she saw the scene of blood and carnage. Akamu looked next as Murchadh checked behind the group to ensure they weren’t being followed, and he covered his mouth to prevent him from gagging as he took in the ghastly site, “This is horrid…” Kailani looked gravely at her mate, “If anyone stayed behind, there was no way they survived. And it looks like the palace is now swimming with thugs from that uprising. If we stay here, we’ll be at risk to be captured by them.” Murchadh gave a nod and looked at the scene as Akamu covered his face with his hands, “Good thing you escaped, Akamu. That way you could warn us of the danger.” Akamu didn’t say a word and was rocking himself as he continued to hold his face. “I didn’t see any giant beast though, but that hole in the wall really showcases its size,” Kailani continued as she rubbed Akamu’s back, “That could very well be an even match to Nan’nalu’s guardian.” Akamu sighed and turned towards Kailani with a grateful face, “Thank you, Princess. I just needed a moment to compose myself.” “Good, then we need to get out of here fast. Kailani, what’s the best way out of here without being detected?” Murchadh asked. Kailani paused for a moment and then smiled, “Follow me!” Soon, there were only a few bubbles left behind, a scant trace of their presence. [img]https://imgur.com/9UVvjEs.png[/img] Dakila frowned as he continued to scour the scene of the palace grounds. Everywhere was quiet, and debris littered the scene from the party and the beast’s entrance. It made it difficult to discern where the royal family was hiding. “Curses! I need some leverage against Tusitala to ensure I succeed…” After a few more glances around and imagining exacting his wrath on Douglas for allowing them to escape, he had noticed some movement from the wall near the palace’s garden. It was hard to discern with the sea plants and coral, but with how still the scene was before, he was certain someone was emerging. Acting fast, he had the beast dive down to the spot. Kailani was the first to exit, so when she saw the beast approach her, she was paralyzed with fear for a moment. It was all that Dakila needed – one moment - to scoop her up and hold the trident to her throat, “Stay still if you want to live,” he growled. Akamu and Murchadh emerged shortly and were horrified at seeing Kailani held at trident point. “Release her!” Akamu demanded, which only caused Dakila to laugh. “You are to order me around? Now that is a laugh. You don’t seem to be in a place to do anything of the sort,” Dakila said, “Now let’s listen to my demands, especially if you don’t want your princess to come back as a sliced fillet.” He held the trident closer to Kailani’s neck for emphasis, and she gulped as she tried to lean backwards to ease the pressure of the trident’s point. Murchadh lowered his trident, recognizing it would have no power here, and threw it to the ground angrily, “What do you want?” Dakila smiled, “Now this lad knows how the scales have turned. What I want is for you to tell Tusitala that I have his daughter, and if he wants her to live, he will have to come here to meet with me – but without his beast in tow.” Akamu looked at Dakila incredulously, “You want him to see you unarmed? How will we know that he will remain unharmed?” Dakila turned to the Skydancer in annoyance, “That is not your problem now, is it? You seem to be quite chatty given the circumstances. Now that I think of it, I only need one dragon to deliver this message…” With a wicked smile and an unsaid command, Dakila had the beast lunge towards Akamu and bite down on him. It was like a dried up twig breaking under the weight of a large stone, and it cracked Akamu’s body instantly, leaving a slumped and torn Skydancer body, blood staining the sand. Murchadh remained firm, a stature that was reinforced with his training as a guard, but his heart plummeted at seeing the passionate Skydancer killed before him. Akamu still had a bright future ahead of him, a vision even, but it was snuffed out in an instance by a hateful, vengeful dragon. “And then there was one. So, my dutiful messenger, are you ready to deliver my demands?” Dakila asked Murchadh. Murchadh’s face was unreadable, “As long as she remains safe and unharmed.” The Guardian replied, “You have my word.” Murchadh gave one last look towards Kailani, seeing the fire in her eyes and determination. He knew she wasn’t a dragon to back down and would probably try to escape at the soonest opportunity. He hoped his eyes and mouthed words got through to her, [i]Don’t try anything foolish.[/i] She rolled her eyes and mouthed, [i]Fine.[/i] Murchadh looked relieved and mouthed, [i]I love you.[/i] Her eyes softened, [i]I love you too.[/i] Then Murchadh swam away, hurrying to where he hoped Tusitala, Penina, and Keola would be. They needed all the time they could to plan for Dakila’s likely revenge against Tusitala and his family. ---------------- [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3229518/33#post_55641510]next[/url] @pinglist-2103 So Akamu was the unlucky soul that fell in the coli. He really has a lot going for him, but Dakila tore it all away. If anyone wants him, lmk. Otherwise he'll be exalted by Monday. There are more events happening at the same time, so I'll be sure to have the next chapter cover them. It's a lot to unpack in this one instance in the plot.