[Adventure]Its a Hot Time in the Old Town Tonight. (Open)

[Thoth]

Era XIII Post Fractum in the Age of the Darkening
Era I of the Celestine Mandate
Era I of the Regency of Milo
Cryxatum 15 A brightening before the setting of the Suns

The holy city had for a long time been open only to the light races of the world. That had changed a few eras ago as members of the darker races had flocked to the city. Oh them the Dracon had come in the largest numbers. The city of Diana though was a city of wealth and power. Few were the areas that the poor could resided, and even thoughts were either extremely small or were shared by a group of people who paid the rent together.

Only a few of these dracon had been able to find any hopes in outside of what had become known as the Draco. A group of older mansions and homes that had long since been abandoned and converted into apartments. A few dracons were able to make homes in areas other then the Draco, but not many and they tended to be avoided by there neighbors.

Unfortunately the Draco was at the edge of the most dangerous part of the city. Partly in and partly out of it was still a place avoided by the rich, and even some of the more religious of city.

It was a quiet after noon in the early spring. The Draco was quiet as it waited for its citizens to return. Any moment now the people would be returning but any moment. One of the children dracon was playing happily on one of the old abandoned balconies that once allowed for a view of the city.

The child dropped the doll as she heard some noises. Suddenly she had time to watch as something dropped upon her before she saw nothing but black. Shots soon emerged from a neighboring house apartment complex. Smoke could be also seen emerging from some spots.

The returning dracons could also notices the rising smoke coming from some were really close to home. Shots soon began to ring from every buildings as the all began to speed towards the burning section.

[Tradieus Kha'Serith]

Tradieus had been making his way back to the inn he was currently staying in. He had spent a long day at the Rectory from his past. Going among the poor, needy and infirm Trad had given comfort to as many as possible that day. Something to help his fractured soul heal during the dark times.

The large Dracon was not very far from the Inn when after a slight breeze he caught the heedy scent of smoke in the air. Stopping in his tracks, which caused Rumen and Morton to look at one another, he turned his head this way and that. "No." Was the single word spilled from his gapping mouth. Looking towards the plumes of smoke coming from the poor section, if there truly was one in Diana, of the city.

Without a second though Tradieus turned and started running towards the fire. Talons clacking along the streets the large bronze did not slow down for nothing, be it person or object. Getting rude gestures from those he flew past Trad did nothing except quickly look backwards to make sure Rumen and Morton were still following him, which indeed they were.

Skidding to a halt Trad turned his large spiked head. "Rumen, go to the lodging of our fellow warriors of the faith. Tell them of the plight of the city, if they have no heard as of yet. Afterwards to the Vigiles, rouse all those you know and can help." He commanded in a sharp bark. Rumen gave a nod of his head and holding his sword to his side to avoid clanking he dashed off.

Now looking at Morton who was already ready to move Trad nodded. "Go to the headquarters of the legion. Tell them what we now, do not bicker either just get there and let them know. Afterwards to the home of dear Aeri, she can help alert the temples within the city and call for aid easier."

Alone now and running full tilt through the winding alleys and streets Tradieus made his way to the burning quarter of his beloved city. So many thoughts ran through his head on his way there. The most important was why had Diana allowed this to happen to Her city? The very thought made Tradieus want to break down and cry, he couldn't though for the people needed him. There would be time later for emotions, for now lives were in jepordy.

Finally reaching the burning quarter Tradieus looked around in awe. There were Dracons everywhere, just running around like idiots. Panicked as they were he was not suprised, but still it was ridiculous. "You there, brother, come to me." He called harshly to a large black scaled male. "Spread the word, let all know that all able bodied are to help the old, young and infirm to the temples. From there you either come back here or pray to the Gods." Pulling him closer to be heard over the thronging voices Trad finished and pushed him away to do as told. Not caring whether or not he had command over the citizen or not Trad barked again, "Go fool!"

For now though Tradieus could do nothing. He was a lone rock in water and it was breaking all around him. All there was to do was wait for help to arrive. "Diana spare your children this brightening. Grant me the strength to save Your Holy City. Allow me to fend off the flames of destruction and be your beacon of light in this darkness." His head bowed in prayer Trad stood still for long heartbeats.

[Dante Asunder]

Dante had left the capital building after listening to an afternoon of political debate. He had retrieved his dagger from the security guard and was headed home when he stopped. He slearly smelt smoke, and not regualar fireplace or cooking fires, this was a fire that was getting out of control. Not sparing a second he headed for the source of the stench. As he got closer he realized that he was in the "slums" of diana the area known as the Draco.

The sight that met him was pure chaos. "Oh Diana, please help us!" he said audibly. Dante then stopped short, he heard shots. "What the? Not again!" Remembering the screams of his mother and watching his house burn as a child, Dante didn't know what to do. He had been studying Thaumaturgy the gift of life, but this couldn't be permitted. People intentionally taking the lives of others, and for what purpose? Dante had to know.

He took off, heading for the sounds of the shots, dagger drawn ready to bring holy justice down upon those responsible.

[Aerienne Sarista]

Aeri had come immediately when the messenger had reached her, flying from her villa directly south to the city. What she saw stunned her. Oh no! She wished dearly now that her access to Elementalism hadn't been severed. She could have created a rainstorm that would have quenched the flame. She immediately shook her head. There was no time for this!

She immediately flew towards the belltowers of the city. The great towers overlooked the Golden Plaza and their chimes called the faithful to prayer. But in times of emergency they also alerted the city to danger. Using the updrafts of the fire to push her forward, she rocketed towards the towers, barely managing to alter course in time to avoid smashing into the great silver bells. Landing before the stunned old man who managed the towers with a great whoosh of air and a snap of her wings, she grabbed the rope and pulled. The sound of bells pealed out over the city. She looked at the man. "Please, keep ringing this and don't stop! There are lives in danger!" With that, she took off again, headed for the Basillica.

Alighting on a balcony, she ran to the nearest page she could find. When she found one, she said "Find General Selanara at once and tell her to have the Prelatines ready to assist the Vigiles in keeping order and putting out fires!" She ran back out and flew to the flaming district. Spotting Tradieus below in the flame and smoke, she alighted next to him.

"Tradieus! I've sent word for General Selanara to come help out and alerted the city. Please do what you can to save lives and keep order here. I'm going to try and get more help." She launched herself upwards and flew to the top of the bronze cannon set in the Plaza. Closing her eyes, she reached inside her to find the holy energies Diana had left within her. Mentally picturing the spell in her mind, she began trying to shape the ara and vis to perform the Summon Angel spell. Divine aid would be most welcome about now.

[Dravol Arlock]

Dravol had been exploring the city, he had his bearskin draped over his back with his wings hanging loosely he hade taken his training weights off so that he could give his wings a rest. When he heard screaming he began to rush towards the scene. On his way he quickly unbound his shield and strapped it to his right arm. Once he had hisn shield on he unbound his sword quickly so that it could be drawn quickly if needed. Once he smelt the smoke he began to shout, "everyone evacuate the area." He then began to look for gaurds or someone else who seemed to be in charge. He Also watched for anyone injured. It was times like this he wished that his flight training had gone further. If he had a higher vantage point it would be easier to assess the situation.

[Tradieus Kha'Serith]

Tradieus heard the bells go off as he finished his prayer. "Good, the city knows of its plight." He said quietly still with his eyes closed. He was still giving prayers to the Gods of Aetheria in his mind, asking them to aid the people in their time of need, for them to grant him strength and courage. The entire time he had had his head bowed in prayer he was attempting to meditate and focus. While most mages tended to remain silent and still clearing their minds of all thoughts, Tradieus was different. He attained the spell casting state with prayers and quiet mutterings while keeping his eyes closed. It seemed to help him calm himself further and in turn hopefully speed of the process. If he was able to get into Clara he would call forth the Ara and Vis within and without himself to mix into mana for the spell Nimbility or Haste. If unable he would open his wine colored eyes again to see the city burning before him.

He heard clearly the whoosh of large feathered wings over the loudness of the flames and he knew Aeri was near. Morton had done his job well, he was proud of his friend. "We must do everything we can untill help arrives. I will try to usher as many as I can out of the immediate danger area, but I fear without more aid we cannot do more." He said calmly looking down at her. Even though he sounded calm she could tell her was agitated, his large wings were shivering so quickly they were giving a slight buzzing noise. His toe talons were also tap-tap-tapping off of the cobblestone street. "Aetheria guide you my friend." We his wistfull words of hope as the lovely Allerian woman once again took wing leaving Trad to his own devices.

He took a quick look down all the available avenues, that he still knew quite well as his time as Lord of the city. Finding the direction the flames and smoke seemed denser he lopped off in that direction, magically hastned or not. Whenever he saw a passerby just standing still or milling about in confusin he would stop, speak to them and tell them to hasten to the temples. Other then that he was not sure what else to do, he knew that going directly to the flames would mean certain death. For now he would do his best to try and keep order while waiting for Aeri to return to his side or for other help of the soldier kind.

[Dravol Arlock]

Dravol turned as he heard somebody telling him to head to the temples. He turned and saw Tradieus, "Unfortunatly I can't do that. It would be a blow to my honor to abandon this situation, until all innocents are out of the area." His wings twitched slightly. "If you are someone who is in charge of this situation then I pledge my aide." He had no idea whom he was speaking to but he did not really care, if it was someone trying to solve this situation then he would help to his fullest extent.

[Thoth]

Rumen nodded his head and turned and left. He was joined shortly by Morton who also ran on his errand. Around them chaos reigned. It took him calling twice to get the attention of the black male. The large dracon turned and looked at Tradieus, and he nodded his head in relief. The Dracon appeared to need some guidance. He took of and began to talk to some Dracon who were helping a elderly dracon woman. Around Tradieus people were running away from the fire. It appeared that at least some of the woman and children were already leaving the area. Tradieus was only half aware of all of this as he continued to pray.

Word of the fire began to spread though. The area’s around the Draco were become surrounded as citizens began to gather along the perimeter. One of abandoned manors was merrily burnings its death confirmed. Several of the other buildings were also happily burning but none were yet so far as to be help less. The one well supplying the area was crowded. Some people just ran back and forth trying to haul buckets. The sound was reaching a new height as the crowd watched as one burning dracon ran burst from one window to fall to the ground a mist a group of screaming dracon.

Dante could barely tell who it could be who was doing this. To many people had gone wild. Dante was only able to see the mayhem of several hundred tried to figure out what they were doing. He did notices one other person in the crowed though that was walking around with a weapon drawn. Dravol at the same time could see at a distances that there was a dracon with knife out. He was able to catch sit that it was Dante though before the crowd blocked the view.

The first group to actually arrive was the Legion or Diana’s Wrath. One middle age human appeared to be leading the legions. He didn’t pause to really stop and talk with any one. He distributed the guards out and around the area that was burning. He yelled order to his underlings to find were the fire might spread and prevent such an event. The remainder was to try and bring order to the crowed. As the guards were distributed Tradieus could feel the spell spreading through his body.

The arrival of Aeri caused a stir in the crowed. Then again anytime a winged individual arrived it would cause a stir. The dracon continued to mill around the area. The air around Aeri shimmered as the spell was cast. A creature of unearthly beauty stood shimmering before the former Archprelatess. A peace seemed to fill the air around the creature as it stood above the crowed. The crowds below paused as the great beauty filled the sky above them A being of light shimmered before them. All could feel its presences. For a time the chaos appeared to stop in the area around Aeri. The pushing and showing were stopped, but so was the guards’ effort to move into position. All stared at the creature of light. The crowd around Dante, Tradieus and Dravol stopped and stared at the spectacle above them

Only Aeri had a really good view of the angel she had summoned. Its body was interminable amidst the flow of its white robes, and the light that it gave forth. It face was clear though and it stared into the eyes of the former Archprelatess. “You are brave to summon me at this time.” Its voice was for Aeri’s ears alone. The angels face and voice hinted at certain masculinity, but were still music to the soul. In a louder voice it continued. “I come in answer to your summon and the faithful prayers offered this brightening by the people of this city.” His voices could be heard by thoughts below. Then it softened for Aeri ears alone. “I also bear a message from my Queen. So speaks the Queen of Aetheria. “I tire of this delay, and the chooses you place before me are lacking. On the morrow you will receive my two advisors whom shall offer advise to both you and the one who will be worthy of the Archprelate’s station.” Its voice fell silent as it spread it wings and flew towards a burning buildings and an unconscious dracon child. The crowed continued to stare in awe at the creature of Aetheria. While else were in the Draco the buildinigs continued to burn and chaos continued.

[Dante Asunder]

Dante saw another Dracon, weapon drawn, but didn't catch who it was. He couldn't imagine that any Dracon would do this to their own kind, but then again anything was possible. As he was moving closer to identify this 'other' with their weapon drawn the city militia came marching in. Excellent these guys would start the large scale evacuation and get the fire under control, at least as much as possible. This left Dante to hunt those responsible, if he got a chance to exact a little justice on them he would, but most importantly the city needed to know who was responsible for this. Dante continued to try to find the source of the shots.

As he was still trying to identify the other armed crowd member a winged woman flew into the area. Other than the slight reminder at his own groundedness Dante didn't pay that much attention until a bright light grew above the area she landed and a Celestial being appeared.

Dante was thrilled! This means that this is not some horrible chastisement from the goddess for why send an aid if you caused the problem? After the Celestial being moved off to do what it came to do Dante renewed his search for those responsible. To anybody stunned silent he simply counciled loudly although not really yelling "Go to the temples!"

[Dravol Arlock]

Once Dravol saw the dracon with the Drawn weapon he began to make his way through the crowd. He still kept his sword sheathed but he kept his hand close to it incase he need to draw it quickly. Well making his way through the crowd he kept his shield at the ready. Once he had closed on the armed Dracon he would say, "What is going on here?" If it looked like the Dracon was going to attack him he would move his shield to deflect the attack away from him as he pulled his sword into his left hand.

[Dante Asunder]

As Dante made his way through the crowd, still trying to identify the armed Dracon he realized it was his associate Dravol, the deputy in charge of the statue investigation.

Feeling relieved he answered the dracon's question, "Deputy Dravol, sir, I was trying to ascertain who is responsible for this fire. I find it hard to believe that it was accidental and I heard shots coming from that direction." Dante then pointed to the direction he heard the shots coming from. "I was going to investigate because the legion seems to have the evacuation in hand and are busy getting the fire under control. Would you like to accompany me?"

Dante would be thrilled to have another claw along in case things got troublesome.

[Tradieus Kha'Serith]

What in the name of Diana was going on? Tradieus looked up at the angel and let out a loud snort then a sigh. Was the Holy Mother giving out reprimands now? It certainly looked that way, but who was he to question her methods? A nobody, a puny mortal in the grand design of Those of Rule.

He pitied Aeri then, his soul cried for her at this time. She was a brave soul indeed to face the Gods themselves with a kind face. To even be told something from a messenger you had called on for aid, it must be a blow to ones ego. He would speak to her, but for now there were these other Dracons to deal with.

"Well I am sure you two would love to get acquainted, now is not the time. I am hereby pledging the both of you to the Imperial Legion of Diana, the Divine Wrath." He said giving them a sharp salute, that was too quick as he was affected by the spell. Did they know that he couldn't do what he just said? Doubtful, but whatever if they did. "Do you wish to accept this new command? If so go search out an officer, tell them Tradieus Kha'Serith sent you." Giving them another salute he turned quickly on his heel to weave swiftly through the crowd.

"Aeri, down here!" He called up to her, his large hands cupping around his mouth to try and add volume. "I have a question for you my dear friend." Once she was landed, or hovering above the ground he would ask. "You are an Archmage Thaumaturge I know from experience. I have heard that you can speed up the gestation period and prolong life, what do you know about muscle growth?" Asking her as he flexed his wings to try and give the hint.

OOC: I'm too lazy to edit so just pretend Trad never heard anything from the Angel, lazyness ftw!

[Dante Asunder]

Dante heard someone seeming to talk to him and turning didn't recognize the dracon who addressed him. When the fellow attempted to draft him into the legion, Dante only scratched his chin a little, then using his call ability to send a message to Dravol, "Poor crazy fellow, the fire must have really gotten to him." Dante couldn't blame him. It was a pretty tragic although maybe he had just been using the call without grounding himself apprpriately.

Dante wouldn't have payed him much more attention than that except then he began calling to the summoner of the celestial being. Well if he stays around here she should be able to keep him out of trouble. Dante then turned back to Dravol. "Well I'm off." Dante then headed in the direction of where he first heard the shots coming from.

[Dravol Arlock]

What is it with this city that seems to just have someone thrust you into a position. Dravol set off towards the fires once again Yelling at the top of his lungs. "Get out of here, evacuate the area." Dravol made his way through the crowd as quickly as possible. He needed to find the source of the fires, he needed to stop the fires and find out who was behind this. Innocents were being harmed, and it must be brought to an end. Once Dravol got closer to the fires if the crowd had thinned enough so he could move easier he would draw his bastard sword into his left hand with his shield in his right and begin scanning the area for any assailants. He did not want to have to kill anyone unless absolutly neccessary. Only the most vile of beings did not deserve an opprotunity to repent. "If it wasn't so hectic right now I would attempt to cast Nimbility or holy shield but as of the moment I would just leave myself wide open.

[Thoth]

OOC: Sorry Everyone. I was waiting for Aeri but not yet made an appearances. So late but her we go. Oh and Trad retired.

IC:

Dante and Dravol:

The crowed thined out as they drew closer to were the fire was. Here there were really only people trying to put out the fire. These people and legionarians hadn't seen the angel and unlike thoughts legions who were still gawking around Aeri. Chaos while still rampant wasn't as bad as people attempted to salvage what they could.

Dravol could feel it strong thought. Something dark seemed to be coming from some wear around. The inner voice within his soul started to purr at the feeling. It was malice, hatred, and even possible a little greed. This fire appeared to have evil purposes behind it.

Dante was less sensitive to the feelings, but his eyes did notice a human form slink behind a wall across the street. It appeared that the building beyond was another draconic apartment complex like this the few that were already burning.

The soilder contiuned to work tring to stall the onslaughter. Except around Aeri and the angel. Peace had settled around the area. People stopped trying to push and pull. The evil thought could turn this to his advantage. Even as they watched the angel the fire spread to the next set of apartments.