The first dawn (open)

Runedas · January 19, 2008, 04:34 AM

TS: Candlemark 15, Month of Optia, Season Summer, Era II, Era XIV

Runedas woke up shuddering once again. Another nightmare disturbed his sleep. He was never sure what these dreams meant or if he could fully remember them. All he really knew was that his dream had something to do with him flying. He looked up and realized that his short break from walking turned into 3 candlemarks. He sat and thought about the dream a little while longer before he stood up.

His little spot underneath the tree was comfortable, but his wings and legs began to ache. As he stood, he felt his legs pop slightly, reminding him that he should take it easy until his body stopped aching. "I really should stop sleeping against these trees." He thought as he started to stretch out his wings. It wasn't a lot to stretch. His wings were only a little more than 5 feet, giving him a 10 foot wingspan. He flapped them a few times, thinking once again about the dream. "If I could fly......." He often wondered about flying and decided that he should see if there was anyone he could go to in order to learn. He soon stopped thinking about it, as he begin to realize he was thirsty.

Lucky for him there was a small stream close to where he fell asleep. He walked over, and after looking around, began to drink from it. He lifted his head up every now and then, just to make sure there was no one around. While he was drinking, his dream crawled back into his mind. The more he tried not to think about it, the more it crept back. He knew the only way to stop thinking about it was to try once again. Runedas found a clearing and took a deep breath. He failed so many time before, but this time, he was sure he could do it. The young dracon charged down the clearing, spreading his wings as far as he could and flapping at the tempo of his running. He started to feel his body lifting, almost like his wings were actually going to get him off the ground this time. In his excitement, he jumped, expecting the leap to get him up into the air. Just as the last attempts, he ended up face first on the grass. "I'm glad that I have scales, otherwise...." As Rundas picked himself up off the ground, he heard a rustling in bushes to his right. He straightened himself up and focused his attention on the disturbance in front of him.

Suvia Theronguard · January 19, 2008, 10:12 PM

Suvia paused. “Damn…” She had been trying to be quiet while she was hunting some small prey. But, due to her clumsy nature, fumbled as usual and startled away the small mammal. The Mermaid sighed aloud at yet another failed attempt at hunting. “Maybe I should just stick to fishing.” She lamented under her breath. Sheathing her fairly lackluster dagger, she took a moment to assess her surroundings. Earlier that brighting, she had wondered in from the city of Kaldria into the forested area just south of it. She had figured if she was going to be roaming the countryside for any length of time, she should at least learn to catch something outside of fish. However, despite all the time she spent in her humanoid form, she still couldn’t make herself fast enough outside of water to do any especially useful. Either way, it was time to find some water. Putting her nose into the air, she took a few deep breaths to find the nearest water body. Ah, there it was…not but a few feet away—smelled like it was just through the bushes she had just fallen into.
Peaking her slender scaled arms through the bush to push them aside, she struggled through the foliage for a moment then managed to get a firm foothold on the soft grass on the other side. Finally looking ahead, she startled back at the sight of the large winged creature ahead of her, the weight of its stare burning into her. She had never seen a being such as this…and hoped it didn’t like the taste of Mer…

Runedas · January 19, 2008, 11:18 PM

Runedas hesitated on whether or not to pull his dagger. He knew that dracons were not a particularly favored race. Just as he began to slowly reach for it, a creature with reddish-orange scales stepped out of the bushes. Feeling slightly at ease, he stood straight up and eyed her. It almost looked as if she was glowing because of the way the sun shone down on her. Pushing this thought to the back of his mind, he grunted and proceeded to approach her. Now that he knew what it was, he was sure that if she was a threat, his claws would be enough to take care of it. Runedas stopped just a arms length away from her and sneered. He reached out one, scaly arm and poked her rather hard with his claw. "What are you? And where have you come from?" Obviously he had never seen one of these creature before. From the look she gave him, she hadn't seen anything that looked like Runedas. He was slightly startled at her extreme shyness as she hesitated so long in order to respond to his questions. As he waited for her answers he reached behind the bushes and with a simple jab-like move, caught a large field mouse with his claws. He eyed her once more and handed her the bloody, severed mouse.

Xavhand Zanneiros · January 19, 2008, 11:49 PM

As Xavhand saw the Dracon approach the Mermaid he pulled his bow off his back and silently knocked an arrow. He walked slowly towards his range of 100 yards. Once he got close enough he would yell "Back away from her or I will let loose this arrow.

Xavhand was a nice guy and really hated to kill an innocent but he didn't know if the Dracon's intension's where true or not. But when he saw the field mouse being handed to the Mermaid he lowered the bow only a little so if the Dracon attacked he could let loose the arrow. He then quietly waited for a response to his order.

Suvia Theronguard · January 20, 2008, 12:17 AM

Suvia’s jaw slacked for a moment. Well, she could have at least flinched! The large claw darted by her so fast she didn’t even have time to react. She let only her eyes follow as the scaly arm retracted back towards its owner—in it’s grasp, a large dead mouse. Hmm…well that was easy. She could’ve ran after a creature like that all day and this thing plucked it out of the bush as if it were a snail! However this wasn’t the time to be impressed by this winged creature’s quick reflexes—it had already poked her in the shoulder with one of its claws and had demanded information from her. That being so, and having its speed so deftly demonstrated, Suvia was hardly in a position to refuse. More than that, it was handing the dead animal to her. Reaching with her small hands, she gingerly took the deceased rodent from the towering humanoid.

“Back away from her or I will let loose this arrow.” A male voice suddenly called out.

Both the Suvia and the creature’s head shot in the direction of the newcomer. It seemed this man thought the winged creature was going to attack. Suvia greatly disliked needless violence…but she assumed that if the man was going shoot, he would have done so.
“Please--” Suvia called back to the man, then looked at the creature in front of her. Let there be no blood shed. I—my name is Suvia, Suvia Theronguard. I come from the island of Ieffreon. It—it is a pleasure to me you winged sir. And to you, brave archer, thank you for your kindness.” She gave a deep nod to the both of them. The winged creature seemed civil enough not to shred her into bits—perhaps by remaining as demure as possible, she could avoid in raging the thing. Should it go on attack, it would kill her immediately. And despite the readiness of the armed man away from them, Suvia doubted that a single arrow could stop quickly enough such a beast whom was but a hair’s breath away from her. These stress though, made Suvia immediately aware of why she stepped through the bushes in the first place. Her need for water had only grown with the encounters. Looking passed the winged creature, she noticed the stream she had caught scent of moments ago.
“Excuse me winged sir, if I may ask, is this your stream? I am a Merfolk you see, and I have been away from water for a while…if it is not too much trouble, may I please replenish myself in your waters? I may not as fair well on my trek back to Kaldria without more water than I’ve brought along.” She said making mention of the water pouch on her hip. Hopefully this thing would continue to be friendly and the newly arrived archer would not have to act on his proclamation.

LostWalker · January 20, 2008, 12:41 AM

"You have no reason to ask permission of a Dracon to drink in waters in the wood. This stream is for all who can brave the creatures and not get caught or eaten you see." A deep male voice came from a tree a few feet away from all the commotion. Out stepped a tall slender human male, standing about 6'3, and advanced upon the party of what appeared to be all weak creatures, except for the archer he may be able to hold his own for about a second longer than the other two. Either way he felt this was the perfect time to make himself known to the group for they did not notice him standing there before.

"You should all pay more attention to your surroundings. If I wanted I could have killed you all withing seconds without to much fuss from you three." Having said his peace he walked up the the young sea women, took her hand and led her to the waters. Leaving the Dracon and the archer confused to what had just happened.

"You can put your bow down now" He said as her turned back to face the archer and the dracon, "and you need to work a bit on the flying or you will have to get someone to fix your broken face." He added to the dracon. "Women of all races deserve to be treated with respect and you poking her and you startling her are not the best way to introduce yourselves." The man took a pause as he looked from the sea women to the dracon and then to the archer. "I am Van and I travel from the city of Archadoon in search of game to feed my family. She has told you her name and I the same, what business do you have in these woods." Van asked the dracon and the archer.

Runedas · January 20, 2008, 01:03 AM

Insulted at the fact that this human came completely from nowhere and interrupted everything, he slowly turned to watch the man and the merwoman walk towards the pool of water. He grunted and thought of how he probably could have solve the entire problem if someone hadn't come to interfere. He knew he meant no harm, but whether or not the elf believed him was a different story. After thinking again, he realized that just maybe he was a little harsh, but it did get her attention and she did answer. He figured since he was startled at the sight of this new creature, he may as well demand to know what it was. It's only fair Runedas thought.

Now he decided to turn his attention toward the elf standing 100 yards away. The nerve of this elf, this soft, squishy thing to try to get in his way when all Runedas wanted were answers. He thought to charge at the elf, but the only thing that stopped him was the human. Even though he was a human, the way he spoke gave Runedas the impression that he shouldn't be taken lightly. "Maybe the elf was just worried.......but other than the human, who else saw me fall?" This wasn't the time to be thinking of such things, but he learned earlier in his life that his pride was all he had left. Flapping his wings softly a few times, he shouted at the elf, "I meant her no harm! I was just curious... Perhaps you took things a little out of hand!" With that he turned and began to walk toward the water where the human and merwoman were standing.

Xavhand Zanneiros · January 20, 2008, 01:18 AM

Xav lowered the bow even more only to raise it when the man appeared. His hands were getting sweaty so he nearly let loose the arrow. He slowly lowered his weapon where he only had to the the arrow in place with his left hand. He looked at the Dracon then to the man leading the mermaid towards the stream. He took the arrow and slid it into the quiver on his back. He nodded to the Dracon an replied "I was just worried about the Mermaid. I mainly acted in instinct and sorry if I startled you. You and your companion seem hungry so do you need any help with catching any food?" He loosened his grip on the bow and slowly walked towards the Dracon. While he did he let his right hand out in a handshake.

Suvia Theronguard · January 20, 2008, 01:57 AM

Suvia watched the exchange with relief. It seemed no heads would be torn this time. She looked up at the human who led her to the trickling water. “Thank you, sir. I am not accustomed to such encounters, and I am out of my element in being here. While I don’t consider myself totally defenseless, I would have been no match for the…Dracon—was it? had he been unfriendly.”
She gave the human man a gentle smile as she bent down to remove her simple sandals from her scaled feet. Placing one foot in the water, (after setting down the dead mouse on the bank) she immediately felt herself shutter. This water was much cooler than she preferred, but she was bringing to dehydrate and even the much cooler water would help. With both feet now in the water, she stooped down and began to scoop the nearly fidget water onto her face. Reaching for her pouch, she removed it from her cloth belt and let it fill in the modest current. As she refreshed, she couldn’t help but think that she was surrounded by nothing but males. Had she been alone, she would have completely disrobed to let the moisture absorb through her skin—however this brief wash-up would have to suffice. She was feeling a bit foolish for wondering so far inland with so little water at her side. Cupping her hands and drinking in the very cool water, she recalled the archer asking the Dracon a question—something about help gathering food? Ever since she was near the water, she had not been paying much attention to the others. Truth be told, she had absolutely no problem with collecting fish…but…not that she really wanted anything but fish…
While she wasn’t sure about how the Dracon would react to the idea of assistance, considering how quickly he caught the mouse, Suvia didn’t believe she could afford passing up an offer of a better technique at food gathering. Perhaps if she asked, maybe the Dracon it would also be willing to assist her in learning to hunt. However at the moment, she was just a bit absorbed in her task of re-hydration. She hoped the human who had led her over didn’t think she was rude.

Runedas · January 20, 2008, 06:18 PM

Runedas looked very hard at the elf before he even considered to reach out his hand. It wasn't that he didn't want to shake his hand, it was just always hard to shake the hand of another species. Instead of accidentally causing the elf harm, he nodded to acknowledge his advance. Runedas hoped that this wouldn't start another conflict, but if it did, there really wasn't anything he could do about it.

Now directing his attention toward the mermaid and the human, he proceeded to finally introduce himself. "I guess I should at least tell you my name. I'm Runedas." Looking at the merwoman once again, he continued to speak. "I didn't really mean to startle you. I was mearly shocked to see a creature such as your self. I hope you don't think my recent actions to be too impolite. The human is right, and you don't need my permission in order to drink from a local stream." He glanced over at the human. He didn't like the way this human treated him, but the least he could do was ask if he knew someone that could help him with his attempts at flying. "Excuse me, is there any chance you know anyone that could help me with my flying problem." Slightly embarrassed that he had to ask someone, he slowly lowered his head. Hopefully this human would be able to help him with this problem and maybe he can find out what those dreams he kept having were about.

LostWalker · January 21, 2008, 04:45 PM

"Don't lower you head when asking for help. Asking for help is one thing, but showing yourself to be weak in the process only will make people walk all over you. And, yes I do know someone who is willing to help you. His name is Grilly and he lives in the port city of Archadoon not to far from here. He loves to fly you see and might be able to help you with your lack of flight." Van said with a chuckle.

Turning toward the archer. "What brings you to these woods young elf, training perhaps, or maybe you are lost, or maybe you wish to start some trouble, perhaps a duel? Please enlighting us to your presence"

Then turning to the young sea women still basking in the chilly stream, "Why have you traveled so far your home?"

Xavhand Zanneiros · January 21, 2008, 08:34 PM

Xavhand took his hand away as the Dracon looked at it. He thought it would be better if he had a hand to shoot with than one like a pancake. He walked over to the human and said "I came out here because I wanted to practice a little with my bow." He grabbed an arrow and knocked it. He looked around and spotted a knotted tree. He then said "I guess I also need to help get some food then." He then started off towards the direction of a berry bush. He then looked over his shoulder and asked "Are you going to help?" He then proceeded into the forest whether they followed or not. If he happened upon an animal he would try his best to kill it by himself. If he didn't he would stop for a rest.

Suvia Theronguard · January 21, 2008, 09:22 PM

Suvia watched the elf trot back over to the foliage. How odd this elf was, nothing like the other elf she had met before…Anyway that was not as important as the human who was speaking to her. Feeling herself better than before, she could focus on a coherent answer.
Standing again, she looked at him. “I am on a quest to find my mother, or at least the city I was born in. The truth of it is, while I was raised in Ieffreon, I understand from my adoptive parents that Ieffreon is not where I am from. I know so little about myself…so I suppose that is also apart of my quest.”
Smiling sweetly at the human, she looked to the Dracon. “You are truly forgiven…I startle easily anyway, so I suppose it couldn’t have been helped.” Glancing at the dead mouse on the bank, she smiled again. “But you did help me get that rodent; I am very grateful for that.”
Suddenly Suvia had a spark of inspiration. This human was obviously busy with his own affairs, but the Dracon seemed alone—plus Suvia had not heard of Archadoon. While Suvia was a bit of a naïve, she was not without abstract thought. The elf was going off into the woods to hunt, but the Dracon had already given her a kill—which meant that he already knew something of the hunt. Moreover, the human said this Archadoon was a port city, which meant it was near water. Thinking back to what her mother had told her before she left home, it was possible that she could find someone who would aid her in the training of her voice. Most importantly however, this Dracon—regardless of his skill, was both stronger and faster than she. The decision was obvious.
“Dracon Runedas, if you do not feel it a great burden, would you allow me to accompany you to this port city of Archadoon? Your constitution is far superior to my own, and frankly, I need your help. I am not without my uses though…if nothing else, I know I would be of good company.”

Runedas · January 21, 2008, 10:16 PM

Runedas seemed to miss most of the conversation between the mermaid and human. His thoughts simply lie in what he was told about the flying. How grand it would be to find another dracon that could teach him how to fly! He started to pay attention right around the time that Suvia thanked him for the rodent. He nodded as if to say she was welcome, but his mind slightly wondered over to the elf. It is true that he had disappeared through some foliage and that was one less person after his hide. As he started to focus on the conversation again, Suvia turned toward him.

“Dracon Runedas, if you do not feel it a great burden, would you allow me to accompany you to this port city of Archadoon? Your constitution is far superior to my own, and frankly, I need your help. I am not without my uses though…if nothing else, I know I would be of good company.”

Indeed strange things had happened to Runedas, but nothing quite like this. This woman intended on following him into Archadoon. He started to think that the rodent he caught made her think that he would be able to catch all the meals. He grunted at the thought but as he looked down into her golden eyes, he couldn't help but think what she would do if he left her here. "The human might have some use for her, but what possible reason would she have to follow me?"

Feeling like his time for a reply was running short, He slowly nodded his head. " I have no problem with you following along........was it Suvia? I don't know what exactly your plans are, for I am only going to this town so I can learn to fly. What will you do while I'm doing this? Stand and watch? The human.......he makes it sound like it will take longer than a few brightenings in order for me to take to the skies." This man did make it sound like it would take quite a while and Runedas was already wondering if there was an easier way. Training under someone had not always been his favorite thing to do, but if it meant being able to live a part of his dream, then he figured he had absolutely no choice. Looking and the man he asked, "You said his name was.....Grilly? Tell me where in town I can find him and I will depart at once." Stretching his wings in a way that looked like he was going to take off on the spot, he spoke to Suvia. "You are allowed to follow if that is truly what you wish. I hear that this Archadoon is full of my brothers. Perhaps when we get there you will have to stay closer at my side. Many dracons are not like myself you see?" Turning towards the human, he patiently waited for his response.

LostWalker · January 22, 2008, 12:12 AM

After finishing her story the human only looked at the sea women. "That is an interesting tell and I hope you find what you seek. Stick to the waters and open your ears to the stories told and you may learn something new."

The dracon on the other hand seemed only interested in learning to fly and he seemed to be in a hurry to get his answer. Almost in such a hurry to not really care for Suvia when she wished to tag along. Either way Van thought it would be a great for Suvia and Runedas to travel together.

"I do no know much about him. I only see him flying in and out of the woods every few days. As I don't live in the city myself or spoken to him for more than a few moments his is a complete mystery to me. You may find some luck for talking to the dracons in town. And why don't you take the young miss with you, she may come in handy, you never know. I will depart you here. Be good and be safe. Oh and be careful of your face." With that Van traveled deeper into the woods.