Cathix|NB|Bonded to Zeb|Mentions Zeb, Galladis, Orrian, Re’enalla, Howl, Topaz, Azo, Sol, Strom

Cathix smelled the food before they saw it. Zeb returned from wherever they—she, a voice echoed in their mind—had obtained it. As Zeb set the choices in front of Cathix, they eagerly sniffed each option. The first thing was shiny and webbed, reminiscent of Cathix’s own frills and scales, but with a strong, unpleasant odor. Fish, that strange voice echoed in their mind again. It continued to label everything as Cathix inspected the rest of the food. Bird, different bird, rodent, bigger rodent, very big bird, lizard, even more birds and rodents. There were also several more green and earthy smelling items which Cathix didn’t bother to look at too closely. Cathix didn’t question the voice overmuch, assuming it to be caused by their bonded’s knowledge somehow. Eventually they snapped up one of the bigger rodents Zeb was holding out to them, nibbling more delicately around her fingers. As they ate, Cathix listened to Zeb tell about a deal she had made with the green-eyed non-dragon—Galladis, the voice supplied—before communicating something with some of the other humanoids that were beginning to rapidly fill the tent. Just as Cathix had swallowed their last bite, Zeb asked if they wanted any more.

No thank you, Cathix replied, I’m satisfied for now. As for Galladis and your deal, if he goes back on his word he’ll have me to deal with. Cathix punctuated the threat with a vigorous shake of their head and neck, dorsal crest flapping slightly with the sharp movement. Suddenly, another humanoid entered the tent clutching a whitish egg. He smelled of blood and snow, and made a beeline towards where Galladis lounged with the adult moon dragon Re’enalla. Cathix flexed their ear frills to try and hear better, but there was too much chatter from the rest of the tent’s occupants. Nevertheless, Cathix had a perfect view when Re’enalla breathed fire directly onto the egg. Cathix’s lavender eyes widened in amazement, their pupils shrinking slightly at the sudden influx of light. The small amount of concern Cathix felt for the humanoid was rapidly overtaken by reverence for the older dragon’s skill as both egg and person seemed unharmed. Surreptitiously, Cathix attempted to summon a little fire of their own. They opened their mouth wide, purple tongue and sharp teeth on display, and… coughed. Embarrassed, Cathix snorted, trying to play it off as a yawn gone wrong rather than a failed attempt at something that they felt should be easy as breathing. After the show, Galladis made his way back over to Zeb and Cathix. He addressed Zeb, as well as a woman standing nearby holding an earth dragon. Whatever he said to them, the other woman reacted poorly. She stamped out of the tent, the earth dragon she was carrying baring his teeth and hissing at Galladis as well.

Cathix didn’t even have time to gauge Zeb’s reaction before pandemonium erupted elsewhere in the tent. One of the dragonlings, a storm dragon according to her scent, had launched herself at one of the standing humanoids. The woman attempted to dodge, but slammed into one of the poles supporting the tent. Cathix reacted without thinking, using their body to push Zeb backwards towards the walls of the tent where the supports still held. Most of the creatures under the tent had disappeared under the fallen fabric, but Cathix had an unobstructed view of the storm dragon leaping through the exit of the tent. The woman who had been attacked then attempted to block and close the doorway, her movements rather frantic to Cathix’s eyes. An unfamiliar instinct surged through Cathix, telling them to follow the storm dragonling. A word echoed in their head, in a voice different from all the previous ones. Justice, the voice said.

Zeb, we have to go after that dragonling. Without waiting for a response, Cathix barreled towards the doorway. They slipped between the woman’s legs, and effortlessly slashed through the ties binding the flap closed before making it outside.

Zebeythrae (Zeb) Leoriethty | F | Bonded: Cathix | Mentions: Galladis, Wren, Cathix, Manon, Topaz, Everyone in the Chaos

It wasn't enough of a shock when Galladis introduced her to his daughter. Of course there had to also be a tiny storm dragon that was attacking one of the other riders which caused Cathix to push her onto her back closer to the edge of the tent. Cathix's thoughts entered her mind but all she could do at the moment was lay almost splayed out on the ground trying to keep herself from bursting into laughter.

Yep I should have stayed in bed today. She thought and finally sat up before standing and dusted herself off. Her gaze moved over to Galladis and she raised an eyebrow though rolled her eyes and took off after her dragon who was currently going after another one. Don't hurt it...We don't need any more chaos then what is already happening. She thought holding her hands up submissively towards the two dragons. Her eyes moved from metal to storm then back again.

Cathix come stand by me please. We don't want--She paused as she heard more of the tent fall down behind her and puffed out her cheeks as she let out a breath turning her back on the storm dragon for a moment to look behind her. "And this is why I need a stiff drink when this is all over...or a few. Geeze why didn't I listen to myself and just avoided this day all together? It seems between Galladis's little surprise and now the dragons are already attacking other riders...Oh dear gods above, why?" She was mumbling mostly to herself as her attention turned once more to lock onto the storm dragon.

The human that Galladis had called his daughter, caught Zeb's attention for a moment when she noticed she was also standing outside. The memory of the little dragon in her arms squawking in protection of their rider had earned an internal awing from the fae but now was not the time to be focusing on cute squeaks. Now all she wanted was for the rider of the storm dragon to appear and keep the little terror from attacking anyone else.

"But I bet they are in the tent and well...that looks like its own mess to try and get oneself out of." She raised her voice as if speaking to the human or halfling female before lifting her eyes. "And in response to your earlier statement. You must have been pretty important for someone to give it to you...And as awkward as all of this is going to continue being. Pleasure to meet you. Though that was a turn I wasn't expecting from Galladis. I thought he was a sour old hermit."

Galladis Verael | M | Re'enalla | Wren, Sol, Strom, Topher, Topaz, Zeb, Azo, kinda everyone else?

As soon as he said it, he regretted it. My daughter. Wren, why did I have to go and say such a thing? With a twinge of sadness, he watched Topaz leave. He didn't even wait for Zeb's reaction when he made his decision to get up and run after her. "Topaz! Wait!"

Before he knew it, the tent was collapsing on him. He nodded to Wren, who spread out her wings wide, holding up the canvas until the other post was righted. "I'll always help, Addis, especially now." Quickly he spotted the cause. It was the Storm hatchling chasing one of the riders. A halfling, in fact.

He ran out of the tent, somersaulting and catching the hatchling in his arms as he did so. "You." Instinctively, he found Topher and stuffed the dragon into his arms. He didn't care how much the Storm hatchling had bit and clawed at him on the way, if she had at all. Do you still have the tent, Wren? She flared her wings in response, lifting the tent up like a parachute. "You'll never find someone better than me at holding up tents!" He saw her flash a dragonish grin before it draped over her again.

Ought to go help her. Wren wasn't the biggest dragon, by any means. Certainly not the strongest. But she was bonded to him, and that meant they helped eachother.

He moved over to the fallen tent post, burying it back in where it was supposed to be. Bringing the corners back over the sides, he motioned for Wren to step away. Before doing so entirely, she whacked the post with her tail to ensure it stuck. Good job, Wren.

As he finished fixing the tent, he moved over to Topaz. "Look- I'm sorry." He held out the paper she had given him. It didn't take a genius to know what it said. He wrote it.

Opening it, his breath caught as he read it one more time. I'm not gonna do it. I'm not gonna- A solitary tear fell down his face, but it was barely visible. Guess regret stacks up. Before Topaz could say anything, he brought her into a fierce hug. He didn't know if he crushed Azo, but he at least hoped he wouldn't be bitten.

"Fifteen years, Gem." He sighed, not wanting to let the interaction get too intimate lest others might watch. "I've waited to see you again for fifteen years." Wren came over at that moment, nosing his back then looking over at Topaz. "She is family."

Suddenly, the egg in his hand became a wriggling jiggling little round thing. He was terrified of dropping it, not sure of the consequences. It seemed like such an awful idea to continue to hold it, but he couldn't bring himself to relinquish his hold. What if they decided he was so unworthy, that they would remove his partner from him. It didn't feel right, and he was't sure where he would put him back. There was a slight warmth unlike the searing burns of earlier, yet he only smiled and laughed, because it tickled. Aztiello froze not sure where to go, what to say, or how to take care of a baby dragon. He wanted to show everyone and no one at the same time. Someone might try to steal him.

"Hey," he whispered a broad smiling spreading across his face.

He wasn't sure what was going on with this mental connection. He couldn't quite send words across yet, but he was learning how to pick up on emotions.

"You are safe here little one," he reassured him. "You are at a place where dragons are placed to bond with a rider....." He was doubting himself and felt silly, but he felt it needed to be said. "Am I truly your rider?" he continued to stare at the young dragon with disbelief. Before it was a cool hard stone, now it was a living moving dragon. "My name is Aztiello, I want to take care of you," he found himself replying outloud. Once he realized, he looked around at the number of people who do that. Perhaps they would think he was going crazy. How many of them could truly undertand what he had gone through?"I am a human. I suppose I do look funny, but then so are you," he refuted.

A warmth was spreading through him. How could he be his favorite already? "What's your name?" he asked him. He looked over at Orrian. He had relaxed some, but seeing him struggle was a lot to worry everyone. The egg still had not hatched and Orrian wasn't able to get his hands off. What was the meaning of this? From the look of Orrian's face, something was really wrong. What had happened? How was it his fault? He could see the egg vibrating even from here. The dragon could be protesting everything about her to some personal curse that might change everyone. How badly had he messed everything up? As much as he evolved for the day to days needs, to day was one of those dates.

(Edit: I thought I hadn't replied, but I had)

His lips were curved upward in amusement at his dragon, even though they were a bit tight, as the new bond was slightly uncomfortable. He was a little bothered by the lack of privacy, especially, since he hadn't signed up for this. Apparently he had been chosen. However, he couldn't be mad. When the questions started flowing, he had to brace himself. *This is the place where dragons and riders bond. I don't know much about it. I am Aztiello Menlo,* he hesitated to tell his new partner about his main job.

He wasn't sure if he would understand what a thief was, and he couldn't bear to disappoint him so soon already. Perhaps he could put it off for a while. His grimace changed to a broad smile at the enthusiasm. He appreciated it within the depth of his soul. *I will take care of you as you are mine and I am yours. At least I will try,* he amended, knowing he wasn't the best. *Yeah, humans look funny. We have to take the fur and skin of other animals, because ours isn't warm enough.* He considered that an interesting fact, but he had blurted it out before he considered the reaections he would get.

He was an odd little baby, but he was still stunned by the miracle of birth. *Thank you, I hope I manage to remain your favorite.* Why did he want to please this dragon already? Was it because he had acess to his mind? He decided ti was his own turn to launch a barrage of questions. *What is your name? Why did you choose me? How are you doing?* His attention was harshly torn away as fabric slapped him in the face. Instinctively, he turned to see who had done it.

His mouth was open the words gathering to apologize on the tip of his tongue, when he was interrupted. He dipped his head a moment acknowledging, but then he let a few moments go by to absorb, so he would understand, and not do anything contradictory. Her expression was angry and disturbed, so he found it wiser and safer to remain silent. Only a fool spoke without thinking, and fools didn't listen, so there was no point in speaking to her. His mother had taught her children to be polite, since she couldn't teach charisma to all of them. "Excuse me, how may I help you ma'am?"

He was amazed by the glowing creature in his hand. he would never have dreamed this would happen. Her eyes were easier to quali under. Even though Aelius was tiny, he as better than nothing. Hopefully, she didn't need anything, because he would want advice and assistence with how to care for her dragon. Who knew if Sanasiliare Latitharen had some hidden well of dragon lore in her brain! "If you don't need assistence, I do. Where do I go, and how do I care for a dragon?"

He was bold enough to ask. His family had known that if someone became a rider, they gained a little more power and respect. He could afford to ask how to take care of his dragon. However, he didn't want to remind them what had happened, and why he had become a rider in the first place. He had messed up two eggs at once. A more correct and nicer person might say that he had found two pairs of soulmates for each other.

Orrian Cypress Tordi | M | Elf | M: Howl, Galladis/Wren,

Orrian was not a fan of fire. Especially in one very flammable tent. Even with a supposed cloak from the flames. The elves of the Vaa'de had little use for fire magic when it was rare for the temperatures to be anything but comfortably warm. The fae, on other hand, most definitely would need it with their hot deserts and dragons.

The elf stood rigid as the spell crossed his skin, a cool and almost comforting presence in itself to combat the flame.

Well, it would be if some baby dragon hadn't screamed bloody murder. And then all hell broke loose. The tent was collapsing, and the now-slick egg was about ready to slide right out of his hands. What in the name of Levandäl was happening today?

"You want me to...keep holding this?" The question was almost to himself as the egg detached itself from his hands with a pop. With the Dragonborn dashing off in the way he did, obviously the answer to that question was yes.

Thankfully, the Dragonborn's bonded was there to hold up the tent as Orrian ducked outside. The sight of the two elven guards scrambling to pull the tent back up would almost be funny if he hadn't already had one hell of a day. What was he supposed to do with the egg now? Put it back on the table?

Orrian reached to his cut temple, rubbing it as if it were a bad headache. He could feel the transfer of energy-albeit mild-in his body as he pulled his hand away, wound replaced with the pink skin of a newly healed cut. Now he just needed to find somewhere to clean the last of the dried blood from his face.

Now what to do with you, little dragon egg?

Orrian was well aware of the presence that resided in the back of his mind, yet he refused to acknowledge the fact that he could feel it shifting. The bonding was not for him. The last thing he had wanted to do was so much as touch an egg, let alone bond! Hardly any of the elves he had known actually wanted a bond. It practically guaranteed one would be spending most of their time away from Keenan and in the capital of Wreaven.

Just, do me a favor and don't hatch. Please? Oh, Levandäl I need some Firae liquor right about now.

As if in response, the egg seemingly shivered as if it was cold. Or maybe it was hot from the fire? It was anyone's guess, really. Orrian sure as hell didn't know.

Azo | Earth Dragon | Bonded to Topaz | M: Topaz, Galladis, Wren

There was a lot of stuff happening.

That's what Azo thought. There was fires and burning and snarling dragons and tents falling - it all worried the little dragon, and a tinge of sublte paled green faded into the ends of his frill, an unconcious shift in scale coloring that he had never before experienced. The brown-green creature tucked his head into his chest, curling closer to Topaz, humming softly to a tune only he could hear. Carefully, quietyly, his prehensile tail curled around her wrist, as though the dragonling was holding her hand - he wasn't sure if it was more for his comfort, or for hers.

He was beginning to relax when a new threat came barreling from the tent, making a beeline for Topaz. It was that man, the one with the dark colored dragon, the one who made Topaz hurt and angry. He needed to protect her. Just as the dragon was about to bare his tiny fangs at the oncoming dragonborn, he found himself crushed between his and her chest.

Panicked, the tiny dragon screamed a sqwuaking cry of alarm, strangled by his crushed chest.

Topaz! Topaz, I.... am... squished...!

He squirmed, trying to escape, but to no avail. As a final resort, an instinctive defense mechanism, fangs slid from his gums, angled forward to stab, grip, and not let go.

I will bite. Azo squished! Help. Topaz!

His ruff flared, tinted a panicked red at the ends. There was a venomous, snake-like hiss, a flash of fangs, and then nothing.

"Make him go away, Topaz -"

Sanasiliare Areauveçh Latitharen | F | Elf Judge | Kinda everyone-

The fires of war raged as Vici looked over the plateau. Campsites and army tents were engulfed, flames hungrily licking the thin canvases. Hveit Dhaemonni was feeding into the inferno, surrounded in the smoke but seemingly unaffected. Kur stood beside her, watching the destruction with grim satisfaction. "Just look at it." The tent nearest them snapped, crumpling into an inanimate heap before turning to ash.

Sana watched as the tent fell. It brought her back to her days with Kur. It was ungraceful, panicked. People were running from it as it collapsed on top of others. A tiny dragon flew from the fray, chasing after a human- the halfling, she reminded herself- and it seemed to be reaching out for her desperately.

A creature was trapped beneath the fallen tent and fire. A dragon. A hatchling. It looked crazed. Had it bonded already? It was reaching it's little talons out to her, cries of shock barely audible over the flames. "Just leave it." Kur watched her impassively, holding his arms back. Who was he to tell her not to do something? She scoffed, walking through the flame and contorting it into smoke. Vici stopped right in front of the hatchling. A time dragon.

The tiny storm dragon running around like a mad animal ended up passing right by her. Sana folded her arms, watching the scene with mild distaste. Stop bothering me. She needed some liquor. Her competence was asked for, not required. There were two options here: walk away, or go kill something. Both valid options.

The time hatchling looking at her was so helpless, she couldn't kill it. But she hadn't come to save it either. Kneeling, she put one hand on it's face. It showed her many things, most confusing. Many of which would come true. "Thank you, little hatchling." She stood up, moving back to where Kur was looking at her in disgust. There was something she had to do.

She moved towards the metal dragon chasing after the storm. Protector. It reminded her of one of the visions the time dragon had given her- a flash of metal, a thunderclap. Though she found it amazing that the small dragon had managed to see twenty years in the future. Most adult time dragons didn't even have that ability.

Hveit was watching her. She could see him circling the skies, emanating a fierce protection for Kur. She needed to do this so quick neither of them noticed. Lowering her dagger from her sleeve, she looked over at her boss. Father. Her father, not her boss. She stepped behind him. In one last, clean motion, she struck the blade through his heart. And she twisted.

The creatures here all seemed so happy. That was fine. They didn't have to kill their boss. She gave a snort. Yes sir, boss, sir. That was fine too. Everyone hated him. She never shed a tear over his death, but she couldn't say the same for Hveit. Not that he was sad. It was the wrenching of being torn from his bonded.

Hveit Dhæmonni was falling from the sky. His roars of sheer pain could be heard from this distance, something scared and purely made of torture. Kur's lifeless gaze stared at her as she drew out her dagger, pushing him into the fire. Hveit would come for her. She already knew that. But he might not recognize her if she changed.

~

It took months of dodging the Hveit Dhaemonni, but she finally did it. No one but Kur and Nach had ever known who Viciatzea was; so it was easy enough to change her name. She changed her hair, gained a cloak to hide with. Used magic on herself to permanently alter her looks. But she still needed to convince herself. The hypnotist would give her a new life. She could forget all her memories, yet remain the same person. She set off to find L'aakerii.

~

L'aakerii looked at her. "It is done." What was done? Strangely enough, she knew the Fae's name but not her own. Why was she here? Her mind was all... fuzzy. "Well you better cut to the chase. Tell me who and where I am." The Fae sighed, giving her a cross look. "Your name is Sanasiliare Areauveçh Latitharen. Always has been. You're a judge who came to the Ardu-Shámzi for a while."

When she came back to, the tent was up. The Dragonborn was over hugging one of the riders, and the Storm dragon was back in her bonded's arms. The metal dragon was nowhere to be seen. Everything seemed... normal. Chances were that it wouldn't be the same, though.

She started toward the tent, ignoring Randi after whatever her answer was. It really didn't matter what she'd said; Sana didn't care one way or the other. Right now, she was tense. She was pissed off. Anyone got in her way now, even Orrian, couldn't avoid the charge visibly networking her entire body.

She really needed a drink.