The Dragon Children: Second Generation

[rocklobster]

--Joanne--
Joanne said, "Well, I see she matches your description, Eulalia." She looked into Chrysanthe's eyes. Then she placed her hands on Chrysanthe's temple. "I sense great conflict within you, my child." She sent waves of love into Chrysanthe's body, evoking the memory of the warmth of a mother nursing her child. She called this her "mind hug". It was often enough to break through any of Adarah's barriers.
--Gorry--
"Just one will be good." Gorry said. "I'm unsure if my wife will intrude. I hope my nephew Xavier doesn't see us. He'll certainly get the wrong idea." He took out his quarterstaff. "So, ready?"
OOC: Everyone, there is a poll for The Dragon Children in the OOC section.

[Lockon Stratos]

"Alright let's dance." Pulling my blade from it's scabbard, I sized up my opponent. Alright, he's a decent sized man, and he uses some kind of metal staff. The weight of the thing out to compensate for his better range.

[Phantom_Sorano]

--Adelphi--

The diamond bladed scythe cut easily thorugh the luxourious clouds of Adelphi as Aaliyah entered the pure realm and made her way to Ariel's tower. Since bonding with the goddess, she felt an air of relief not only being cured from her illness, but being connected to the goddess honored for her purity. With this bond, she could also since a dull sadness-perhaps due to the dying Queen Goddess. She was soon at the balcony of the high ivory tower, where she saw the gloden-haired goddess sitting within.

"Princess", she said as she swooped in a bow.

"Arise Aaliyah. I am your Maker now....I would prefer little formalities."

"Fair enough....but Princess...you are upset?"

"Yes, but I am sure you know why. But I am glad you are here...I have a mission for you."

"Anything at all."

"Return to Heilgrad. I have thought about this for a long time...there is someone of great importance that I want you to talk with."

"'Talk with'"?

"Yes....along with being our Angel of Death, you also bear the important role of Courier of the Realms...and I need you to deliver a message for me."

"As you wish. What is your message?"

The goddess leaned over and whispered into the kneeling angel's ear. As she spoke, Aaliyah's face grew stern.

"I understand...I will go at once."

--Krangor--

Morigan watched in awe as the red-eyed girl that had taken up with the High Priestess suddenly cried tears of blood and watched her hair dissolve into a pure snow white.

"Amazing...", she muttered.

She moved closer to watch and learn.

--Heilgrad--

Adarah shot up from her throne, anger and fury raging in her.

"No!..NO!No!NO!"

Lann turned to his dark queen, grabbing her hands frantically.

"My Queen, what is the matter?"

"My sister...half-sister...something has happened...I cannot sense her! Oh what will I do!?", she said with dramatic flare hoping her slave would catch the bait.

"Do not worry, my Queen", Lann responded hook-line-and sinker, "I will do whatever it takes to find her!"

The dark goddess smiled and nodded to Yagami.

"Yagami, my trusted and loyal nobleman, what do you suggest to make Lann more powerful and achieve his heart's desires?"

Sajuuk reared up to speak but was quickly silenced by a wave of dark energy sent from Adarah's palm; the black energy withdrew a small red orb that returned to the goddess who stored it away.

"Silence is golden, little dragon. Until you can show respect, you will only be silent."

Sajuuk began to rebutal, but no sound came from his lips. He tried to send Lann a telepathic message, but he could only hear Adarah's song merged with Yagami's promise.

Lann was at Yagami, on his knees. "Please Master Yagami....help me. I will give anything."

[Masquerade1412]

--Xavier--
He turned to see Trevor and waved to him. He called out "Come on in, the water's fine! My mom blessed it!"

Trevor looked at the water cautiously. Come to think of it...I've never actually been swimming before... A memory of falling into a river made him shudder even more than the coolness of the water as he waded in. I hope my mask doesn't get too wet...

_________________________

[quote="Phantom_Sorano"]The dark goddess smiled and nodded to Yagami.

"Yagami, my trusted and loyal nobleman, what do you suggest to make Lann more powerful and achieve his heart's desires?"

Sajuuk reared up to speak but was quickly silenced by a wave of dark energy sent from Adarah's palm]

Yagami had a puzzled look on his face. "Anything, you say? I don't want just anything, and what 'I' want would most likely kill you..." He tapped his chin a few times and rubbed his temples. "Hmm...Let me think.....For some reason, I'm getting the urge to say 'The Scythe of the Angel of Death'! What do you think, Mommy? After all, it not only helps us, but it gives our little child here the weapon of choice!"

[Diamond Dragon]

-Ai-
"Please follow me. I need to dry you off as well." said Ai to Eruan. As she said this she waded back towards the shore.

-Shiro-
Len flew swiftly over to Shiro. Anei! What happened to you?!!? he said to her. Shiro smiled. My name's not Anei anymore....it's Shiro. she mentaly replied. Len looked confused. Shiro? Since when is it Shiro? he asked. Shiro laughed quietly. Joanne renamed me. she said. Len took a good look at Shiro. Besides her new looks, he had never seen her looking so happy....

[rocklobster]

OOC: Since Joanne is still busy with Chrysanthe, I'll have Minerva stand in.
--Minerva--
"The boy seems to have taken a liking to you." Minerva laughed to Trevor. "He's such a bright child. I often wonder which kind of dragon would choose him. But back to you. Why are you so proud of your mask?"
--Gorry--
Gorry swept low, performing a foot sweep. Despite his somewhat muscular build, he was still quite agile. Not as agile as his wife, but he could make do.

[Lockon Stratos]

That was way too fast for something like that. Oh well, try THIS. I leapt back, barely dodging the sweep and came back with an overhand strike.

[Ally-Ann]

--Joanne--
Joanne said, "Well, I see she matches your description, Eulalia." She looked into Chrysanthe's eyes. Then she placed her hands on Chrysanthe's temple. "I sense great conflict within you, my child." She sent waves of love into Chrysanthe's body, evoking the memory of the warmth of a mother nursing her child. She called this her "mind hug". It was often enough to break through any of Adarah's barriers.

Chrysanthe's eyes widened slightly when Joanne first touched her head, but calmed instantly when she had the memory of a mother nursing her child. It felt... Chrysanthe didn't know what it felt like. It's... peaceful? No, that's not the word. Calming?... No, that's too plain. Chrysanthe didn't know what to call it; she had never been shown true love before. She hardly even knew what the word meant, so she didn't know that the memory she was seeing was love.

[rocklobster]

--Joanne--
You see, child. You have nothing to fear from me. Joanne told Chrysanthe telepathically. I do not wish to hurt you. I wish to help you. You have experienced love, but that memory has been blocked to make it easier to serve your mistress. But you are not her servant, you are her slave. I can free you, but I have to have your consent. If you are free, you shall experience more love. That is not a bargain, it is a promise.
She handed Shiro a towel. "Dry up. We must leave soon."
OOC: Have Ai ask where they're going.

[Twister980]

Eruan glanced up, only now noticing Ai waving to him from the shore. He carefully waded out of the water. "Do you have a towel for me?"

[Phantom_Sorano]

--Heilgrad--

Adarah's eyebrows arched in irritation at Yagami's comfort in speaking to her so informally as to call her "Mommy"; her mother would have never allowed that, so she could not let the demon have his particular wish.

"No, Yagami dear, I don't think I want Lann to retrieve that item...at least not yet. We have a dark soldier in Krangor already waiting for the Death Angel to return. No...Lann is more...gifted and needs a job that is more suited to his talents...", she said with a smirk as she watched Lann's eyes light up to her words.

"What would you have me do, My Queen?"

The goddess looked at Yagami with a knowing glance and nodded at him.

"What I would desire most is my dearest little sister Anei....and I cannot leave this realm to find her...if only there was a way..."

[Masquerade1412]

--Minerva--
"The boy seems to have taken a liking to you." Minerva laughed to Trevor. "He's such a bright child. I often wonder which kind of dragon would choose him. But back to you. Why are you so proud of your mask?"

Proud isn't the right word... Trevor thought to himself. I don't have a choice in the matter, really...If I don't wear the mask then I might wind up sick again or worse....I don't want to wear this mask...but... He closed his eyes. I have my reasons to keep this on....

[quote="Phantom_Sorano (post: 1507436)"]--Heilgrad--

Adarah's eyebrows arched in irritation at Yagami's comfort in speaking to her so informally as to call her "Mommy"]

"I apologize, I phrased that sentence wrong," Yagami said. "If my 'sources' are correct, then I not only know where she could be..." He turned to Lann.
"I also know someone who could help bring your sister back."

[Diamond Dragon]

-Ai-
"Where are we going?" Ai asked her mentor as she handed Eruan a towel.

-Shiro-
Shiro was going to ask Joanne the same question, but she stayed quiet when Ai beat her to it, and started drying off.

[Twister980]

Eruan rubbed himself dry, and wrapped the towel around himself.
"Where are we going?" He heard Ai ask. He raised an eyebrow. We're going somewhere else now?

[rocklobster]

Joanne nodded as she put her jihul back on. (jihul is the Krangorian word for the outfit priestesses and priests wear. It's a white robe with a blue diagonal stripe going from the left shoulder to the waist. Apprentices also have one, but with a green stripe to indicate that they have not finished their learning yet).
"We are travelling to Whispering Willow. I promised Ai that I would allow her to pay respects to her mother. Her mother is buried in that town, so that's where we are going.
OOC: Read the OOC thread. I have info on Whispering Willow there.

[Twister980]

"Ooooh." Eruan nodded. He looked between Ai and Anei. Then reached over to his bags. He pulled out a robe, and pulled it on. "I'm ready."

[Ally-Ann]

Chrysanthe was vaguely shocked at the words Joanne had spoken to her through thought. Love? Is that what love feels like?... Huh. She thought. Then, she heard Joanne say that they were going to Whispering Willow.

"Oh, we're going to Whispering Willow? I've never been there before," Chrysanthe said with slight excitement. "I mean... Is it all right if I come along, too?" She blushed from her rudeness and averted her eyes from everyone's possible gaze and turned her attention to a stone at her feet.
Eulalia perked up when she heard that Joanne was going to Whispering Willow. It was a marketplace fillwed with merchants; just the sort of people Eulalia liked to be around. Good, hard working people that were often willing to bargain to make even the smallest amount of money. Besides, Eulalia needed some material for a new outfit to make; she was getting tired of her usual outfit: Brown gauchos, loose, white peasant blouse with a thin braided rope around the middle. She needed something a little less prone to tearing when training, but the thick material she wanted for the new outfit could only be found in a town.

"I'm coming! I mean, uh..." Eulalia cleared her throat. "There are some necessaties I need to buy."

[Edward]

I'm going to go for a short walk around camp, see what's going on. I'll be back soon, okay?

I can wait.

Later...

I just got back. Word is that we'll be going to Whispering Willow soon.

What do they have over there?

Lots of merchants and sailors from what I know. It's a port town, so there should be plenty of things to do there. Maybe we could see a puppet show together. I know you like those.

Yes, that would be nice.

Okay then, I'd better get started packing, we'll be leaving very soon.

[rocklobster]

Joanne smiled.
"I don't see why you shouldn't, my child. I would be eager to allow you some standing in our family. I consider everyone I meet as one of my relatives. So, to me, you are like a daughter or a sister." she said to Chrysanthe. She could see that the love was working already. She could see the doubt beginning to form in the child's mind. Soon she would have difficulty following Adarah's suggestions. That would be enough to slowly win her over.
Xavier and Reika perked up.
"Hey Trevor, You think we could check out a puppet show together?" he asked.
"I haven't gone window-shopping in a long time, nokisme. Maybe we can get some new clothes for posi Karin's new baby."
"I don't see why not." Joanne said.
OOC: nokisme=mother. posi=aunt.
--Karin and Gorry--
Karin suddenly remembered what her sister had been planning. She decided to go looking for her husband, who was still sparring with Brandon.
"Gorry!"
Gorry turned around.
"Whoops, I suppose we've been spotted." he said sheepishly.
"We're leaving for Whispering Willow. I need you to help pack." she informed him.
"Of course." said Gorry.

[Ally-Ann]

=At the Camp=

Aristocles's hard glare rested on Berenike, while Berenike's cold stare bore daggers into Aristocles. Neither of them they were glaring at eachother.

"So, Berenike," Aritcoles started in a low voice.

"..." Berenike didn't say anything back, but glared harder at the other dragon.

"This Eulalia of yours... She seems strong, no?" Aristocles asked.

"Yes, Kleon," Berenike said through clenched, pointed teeth.

"I wonder how she knows Chrysanthe..."

"They were in the same orphanage when they were younger."

"Ah, that's right..." Then, Aristocles felt this strange sensation. A sinking feeling, sort of. He searched for Chrysanthe mentally, calling out to her through thought. When his mind sensed where she was and how she was doing, Aristocles almost yelled in anger. That Joanne... Chrysanthe! I am warning you! Do not believe Joanne! She is trying to bewitch you!

=At the Lake=

Chrysanthe was startled by Aristocles's voice that came out of nowhere. She looked around, but couldn't see him, leading her to believe he was using telepathy. But she doesn't seem evil... Chrysanthe thought to herself. Nonetheless, she decided to obey Aristocles and be wary of Joanne. The memory didn't seem evil in the least... But maybe evil can be disguised as love?...

"Chrysanthe, are you all right?" Eulalia asked, noticing her spaced-out look.

"Huh...? Oh, yeah, I'm all right. Just thinking a little..."

[rocklobster]

--Kilin--
Kilin watched as Aristocoles and Chrysanthe telepathically talked to each other. Perhaps I should muddy the waters a little. Her mind is now confused, rather than centered on Adarah. We can use that to our advantage. Joanne's dragon thought.
Kilin walked over to Berenike. Joanne has shown Chrysanthe a small sample of love. Apparently, it was enough to get through Adarah's enchantments on Chrysanthe to keep her obedient. She appears confused. We have an opportunity. I propose that we act as kindly to her as possible." Kilin whispered.
Then he sent a telepathic message to Chrysanthe, [i]My mistress is incapable of deceit, child.

[rocklobster]

--Kilin--
Kilin watched as Aristocoles and Chrysanthe telepathically talked to each other. Perhaps I should muddy the waters a little. Her mind is now confused, rather than centered on Adarah. We can use that to our advantage. Joanne's dragon thought.
Kilin walked over to Berenike. Joanne has shown Chrysanthe a small sample of love. Apparently, it was enough to get through Adarah's enchantments on Chrysanthe to keep her obedient. She appears confused. We have an opportunity. I propose that we act as kindly to her as possible." Kilin whispered.
Then he sent a telepathic message to Chrysanthe, [i]My mistress is incapable of deceit, child.

[rocklobster]

drat. My slow computer double posted.

[Twister980]

OOC: S'all right Rocklobster. Happens to the best of us.

BIC:

Eruan walked through the camp, passing Saphira on his way to his tent. Going somewhere little one? He popped his head out of the tent. We're going to Whispering Willow. I heard it's actually a pretty nice town. She snorted. Towns are crowded. He pulled on his clothes. You don't have to come you know.
He finished getting dressed, then stepped outside his tent. But I will have to pack some things. He looked out across the camp. From what they've said, I assume that it's a long way from here. He sheepishly glanced up at her. I don't think I saw it on the flight over. Did you? She shook her head. No. But it should not be that hard to find. He nodded. Then walked back into the tent to begin packing.

[Diamond Dragon]

-Ai-
Ai's heart beat faster at the mention of Whispering Willow, and her mother...real mother's grave there. Quickly she put on her jihul on and turned to Joanne. She wasn't smiling, but her shining eyes gave the impression that she was excited.

-Shiro-
Shiro also hurriedly put her clothes on. Whispering Willow...she never heard of that place. If it was a town then it must have places where you could buy things. Shiro took out a small money pouch and looked inside it. There were only three coins left. We're out of money again, aren't we? asked Len knowingly. Almost... answered Shiro.

[Twister980]

Eruan pulled a bag out from his belongings. He glanced inside, whistled. Sheesh, Uncle Brom may as well have given us our entire life savings.
He took out the money, put it into a pouch on one of his bags. Then slung his bag over his shoulder. He ran out of the tent. I'm going. He ran back in a minute later to clip Bedaestael to his belt. Now, I'm going.

[Ally-Ann]

Chrysanthe didn't know what to say back to Kilin, letting her slightly bewildered face do the talking.

Berenike, do you wanna come to Whispering willow with the rest of us? Eulalia asked Berenike, though they were far from eachother.

I think it would be better if I stayed here for the moment. There's no telling what Aristocles could do while Joanne is gone. Take your sword with you, though. Berenike thought back.

'Kay. Eulalia's sword was already in the scabbard that was slung around her back, so there was no need for her to run back to the camp to get it.

[Lockon Stratos]

Whispering Willow, eh? That's good.
Feld.
Yes.
It looks like we're going to Whispering Willows.
I know. I heard from some of the others talking about it.
This seems like a good time to go anyway. I need to replace that darn (Not actual term used) tent again.

[rocklobster]

OOC: Uh-oh, that means Eulalia's going to be slightly depowered. Also, Whispering Willow is about 6 hours from Jessla Mountain by foot. Since all or most of you will be flying, that gets shaved in half. So, it's actually three hours.
--Xavier--
"We have some money from donations to the temple. Maybe I can get a potgi or a drezil." Xavier said.
Then he turned to Len and asked "Since Shiro doesn't need to ride you in order to fly, can I ride you?" he asked.
OOC: a potgi is similar to a kendama, while a drezil is a harmonica.
--Gorry--
"Karin, have you met, uh...what is your name again?" he asked Brandon.
--Joanne--
Joanne asked Chrysanthe. "It seems your dragon is staying behind. Would you like to ride mine?"

[Twister980]

Eruan climbed onto Saphira. There's a small clearing nearby. I assume we're supposed to wait for the others there. She hummed. Very well, we'll wait for them there. She flapped her wings, and flew swiftly over the camp towards the clearing.

OOC: Eruan thinks this is just like a trip into town, so he hasn't packed everything.