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Darkseeker
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Rising Embers
A Burning Embers Saga
The thriving Kingdom of Ederia is renowned for its strength and prosperity, primarily due to its legendary Dragon Riders. This unique quality, however, has bred jealousy and resentment in neighboring kingdoms, who covet the power and status the dragons bring.
One fateful night, a rival kingdom launches a devastating attack on Ederia, systematically dismantling its defenses and crushing the kingdom under their might. When the smoke clears, Ederia lies in ruins—buildings reduced to rubble, homes destroyed, and blood staining the ground. This horrific event becomes known as a Night of Great Infamy, marking a dark chapter in Ederia’s history.
Amidst the devastation, a glimmer of hope emerges. A small group of new recruits managed to escape during the chaos, led by their experienced leaders and mentors. Unbeknownst to the rival kingdom, a few dragons and their riders have also survived the initial onslaught. Though not without scars, these survivors include individual riders and dragons who have lost their bonded partners.
Weeks pass, and as they heal their wounds, the surviving riders and dragons begin to form the foundation of a resistance. However, a major challenge looms: many of them have lost their other half. While some are hesitant to form new bonds, especially the dragons, they know that to stand a chance against their enemies, they must forge new partnerships.
In this less-than-ideal situation, danger lurks around every corner and in every shadow. Yet, the resistance is determined to fight for their homes, their people, and themselves. They will navigate treacherous paths, face fierce battles, and overcome immense trials to reclaim their kingdom and restore Ederia to its former glory.
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Yes yes, this does take place in the same timeline and universe as Burning Embers and Scorched Embers, I just thought this was be quite the unique take on the plot. |
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Darkseeker
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The Roleplay Rules
Follow all of Eve's and WP's Rules
1. Be Active. Sometimes I'm not on for a couple of days, but I expect everyone to be as active as they can for the rp. Unless you are waiting for someone to post, you should be posting. Posts should be occurring every 3-ish days.
2. Reservations last 48 hours. You know how I work if they aren't done in time. You may ask for One Extention of Up to 12 Hours, but You Must Ask Before the Reservation has Expired.
3. Maximum of 4 Characters per Person for Now. You can only have 2 Dragons and 2 Riders, 1 in Each Available Role. HOWEVER. You MUST Make a Rider before you make a Second Dragon. You do not need to make a dragon if you want to just make a rider though. This is to keep numbers more balanced.
4. Semi-Realism and Semi-Literacy are required. Please do not make me explain myself. I will, however, be accepting more elf-like appearances for the Riders, so have fun with hair and eye color.
5. For Once, I am allowing you to pair your own rider and dragon if you want to. You do not have to, but you can if you'd like.
6. I reserve the Right to Deny Applications for this Rp. I won't tolerate disrespect or rude behavior if your application gets denied, or your reservation/character get removed due to inactivity. If you do, I won't even give you the option to fix it or return. If you are respectful, I am often willing to work with you.
7. For the Simplicity of myself, all Resistance Members will have just been ordinary Dragon Riders before. No high Ranks, etc. Obviously the Resistance itself with have ranks, but for their former ones, they're all just regular warriors/guards/healers.
8. Try to keep things even with genders, it's much more interesting if things are diverse. LGBTQ+ is welcomed and allowed here.
9. No Perfect Characters, Godmodding, Powerplaying, etc. I won't tolerate it.
10. First Rule of the Resistance is we don't talk about the Resistance.
11. Have fun! |
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Darkseeker
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Roleplay Information
The Dragon-Rider Bond
The Dragon and Rider Bond is something unusual and completely unique, unlike anything else found in the world. It's the only type of bond that creates a connection between two different species that, while intangible, has quite a few perks or benefits.The bond is initiated either by direct eye contact or physical touch, and is often times painful for the human end of things for the first few seconds. This is due to the fact that humans are not used to sharing their minds with others, whereas dragons communicate telepathically all the time.The first thing that takes place is a marking will appear on the rider, designating not only that they belong to a dragon, but which dragon. This is like the physical representation of their bond. This marking shows up as an ouroboros dragon wrapped around the riders wrist, the color of it matches the scale color of their dragon. This marking burns like hell for the first few seconds, and then throbs for the next several days before it eventually heals and no longer bothers the rider. This is also where they sense things through. If their dragon is in pain, it'll throb to let them know. If their dragon is weakening, it'll pulse. If the mark basically burns off their skin, leaving behind a terrible, constantly painful scar, their dragon is dead. If the rider should re-bond with another dragon, this scar will be replaced with a new marking, but the scale color will be fainter to as a result.The bond between dragon and rider allows for several different things. The first is obviously the ability to communicate telepathically with each other. For a new bond this is relatively short distanced, however, as time passes, the distance increases to the point where it's over miles. The bond can also be used to instinctually find someone, no one really knows how this works, but if you focus on the bond, it will tug you in the direction of the other. This same bond also elongates the Rider's Lifespan. It by no means makes them immortal, but it can double, maybe even triple, their lifespan, causing them to age extremely slow. If their dragon dies, though, they start to age normally. They won't age rapidly to catch up, but they'll age at a normal rate again.The DragonsAll the dragons in the Rp are the age groups of young adult to adult, which is the stage where they are 50 years old or above, becoming full adults at about 250 years. The older a dragon gets the longer the aging stage lasts, ergo ancient is longer than adult, which is longer than young adult, which is longer than their adolescent stage, and so on and so forth. Dragons are considered semi-immortal but it has never been proven what age they die naturally at.
For the Purpose of this Rp, all the dragons have to be within the age range of 55 to 450 Years of age, with a size of up to 19 for the Young Adults ones, and 27 for the Adult Ones. This is because, in my mind, anything larger would be significantly easier to find.
For your dragons, though, it will be up to you to come up with their abilities and their individual weaknesses. Of course, I will have a specific set of Weaknesses that apply to ALL dragons, but each dragon will also have their own. You must have 1 Weakness for Every 1 Ability they have. So if you give them 5 Abilities, you must have 5 Weaknesses for them as well. Half of all of your Weaknesses must also be Physical Weaknesses or Limitations. This is to keep balanced, so no one's dragon is OP. If I do not think you have balanced your dragon enough, they will not be accepted.
Dragon Weaknesses & Strengths
These are the Strengths and Weaknesses that all Dragons Share.
For Weaknesses:
⊗ Iron Weakens & Drains Them.
⊗ Soft Belly Scales
⊗ Cannot Fly with Injured Wings
For Strengths
⊕ Longevity & Superb Healing
⊕ Resistant to Specific Types of Human Magics [Curses, Mind Control, etc.]
⊕ Enhanced Abilities Such as Speed, Strength, etc.
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Darkseeker
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The Available Roles
The Bonded Pairs
1. Nicodemus Brooks | M | Imperial Sands | Pg. 1
& Kikimora | F | Nightmare | Imperial Sands | Pg. 1
2. Ian Lyons | M | Meian | Pg. 5
& Eidothea | F | Water | Spellbound | Pg. 2
3. Evangeline Richelieu | F | Spellbound | Pg. 5
& Verliebt | M | Water | The Tea Drinkers | Pg. 7
4. Callisto Sylverune | M | Urux | Pg. 3
& Illinto | F | Air | Urux | Pg. 3
The Unbondeds
The Riders:
1. Cassia Glend | F | Meian | Pg. 5
2. Ciaran Unknown | F| Cereal | Pg. 4
3. Maximillian Cantacuzene | M | Spellbound | Pg. 2
4. Magnus Doorne | M | Urux | Pg. 6
5. Valencia Cobris-Strix | F | Urux | Pg. 6
6. Keo Yeong | F | Meian | Pg. 7
The Dragons:
1. Akuryō Yamishinigami |M | Dark | Spellbound | Pg. 2
2. Apopis | M | Venom | Convivial | Pg. 2
3. Mag'nar Azarmaeldan | M | Fire | Imperial Sands | Pg. 4
4. Deosientanth - Teor | M | Seer | Drunken Seas | Pg. 3
5. Ivara | F | Storm| High Hills Pack | Pg. 6
6. Aeloria | F | Light | Azalea | Pg. 4
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The Resistance Hierarchy
Leaders:
1. Nicodemus & Kikimora
Second in Command:
1. Ian & Eidothea
Captains:
1. Callisto & Illinto
2. Evangeline & Verliebt
Resistance Members:
Riders
1. Ciaran
2. Maximillian
3. Cassia
4. Magnus
5. Valencia
6. Keo
Dragons
1. Akuryo
2. Aeloria
3. Teor
4. Apopis
5. Ivara
6. Mag'nar |
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Darkseeker
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Introduction
The Setting
It's the morning after an unsuccessful mission, the energy in the cavernous system they're living is somber. They know there were losses, but many don't know to the full extent. However, even within loss there is hope.
The cavernous system they reside in is vast, immense really. The main cavern where they all gather is big enough to hold several adult dragons, not to mention all of the human members. The stone is smooth and eroded, and while it is cool to the touch, it isn't uncomfortable. The main cave is meant as a meeting and gathering spot, but also holds a large pond fed by an underground lake that the water dragons can rest in when needed. In the back center of the Main cave is essentially a raise platform that the Leaders stand on when calling a meeting, which is where everyone will gather around.
The main cavern has always existed, but from there earth dragons have carved out tunnels, creating a variety of other caves attached to it. These caverns include dens for the dragons, who can choose to share them with their riders, which many due, as well as barracks rooms for the rest of the human resistance members. There is also a large room dubbed the Rookery where eggs and nests that have been gathered after their mother or father have passed have been placed. There are always dragons here to care for the eggs and ensure they are kept incubated.
Below where these caverns all live is a deep, vast lagoon with mineral beaches and shores that the water dragons can nest and make a home in. This also tends to be where injured riders or dragons go so they can be healed and kept hidden and safe from any potential danger.
There are several different entrances or exits, however you want to look at it, to the cave system. They're all incredibly difficult to find if you don't know what to look for. The main entrance to the main cavern is the largest of them, but being located on the side of a mountain that is difficult to see from the base.
The Beginning
It's the morning after a mission that was, to put it simply, unsuccessful. While it wasn't fruitless, many will wonder if it was worth it in the end, even the Leaders themselves. Unfortunately, these things happen. Most know that the mission wasn't successful, it isn't hard to figure out, but many don't know to what degree. Unfortunately, they'll find out this morning.
Nicodemus has decided to call for a meeting, to announce the losses, the news he can give them, and what little bit of hope they may have. This also will include several announcements to try and help the strength of the resistance over all, though not everyone will be a fan of it.
To start this Rp, everyone will be gathering in the main cavern to await for the meeting to begin.
Once you've read it all, you may post. |
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Darkseeker
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Illinto | Captain Dragon | Mentions: Mag’nar, Kikimora, Eidothea, Callisto, Nicodemus, Unbonded dragons. Within the cave system, the air was stale. Stagnant and unmoving, it made the female’s muscles tense. It was unnatural. The bleary environment always made her spines straighten, pointing dangerously out from her back. Not that she had much choice in the matter, if she were to coax Callisto outside, then they would be spotted almost immediately. Her scales were far too prominent in the moonlight, glinting off any light and shining like a beacon. Instead, they were cooped up in the dark and dingy cave system. The antithesis of their natural environment, and it not only caused the lingering sense of dread to the dragon, but her rider was sending his own waves of discomfort along their bond as plain as day. She sat with her tail curled around her legs, the bladed point angled up towards her own neck, mindful enough to keep the weapon out of the human's faces. That being said, she would not be opposed to striking it through a couple of them. For that matter, some of the dragons deserved it on occasion as well. From her position beside the elevated rock platform, lilac eyes pierced out into the main cavern, watching the others mill about in preparation for Nicodemus to finally address them. Shrouded in the rocky overhang, her eyes glowed in the gloom, pointedly staring out at the newer additions to their group. Whilst Illinto was an understanding individual for the most part, newcomers made her anxious. They could be up to anything. Plotting their demise, leaking information. The possibilities were endless and she pondered them often. Much to the annoyance of her rider who shared her mind frequently. Across the larger cavern, she could pick out the confident dragons. Their heads were high, they knew their worth and power. They were older, wiser. It was the younger ones that concerned her most, the inexperience mixed with the impulsivity of youth was sure to stir up some kind of trouble. That being said…Illinto’s gaze travelled over to where the hulking mass of Mag’nar sat, dominating the space around him. She knew this dragon, she had seen him before and had witnessed when that aggression was unleashed on some poor sod. Whilst she was pleased with her own skills, there were some dragons here that could snap her pretty little neck in a heartbeat. In these tunnels she was a sitting duck, if one of them happened to change their opinion on her, then they could easily end her life. One other reason the female did not feel a great affinity for their current residence. With a quiet huff of breath, the female forced the spines that lined her back to relax and lie flat against the bone once again. Seeking out her rider, she found him on the other side of the platform. Her serpentine neck winding down a little to observe him from afar, narrow head tilting as she tapped into his head. Is he going to start next week? The feisty sarcasm was cut with a soft, gentle voice that completely mismatched the comment. At the intrusion, Callisto glanced over his shoulder towards her. He will start soon, then you can get some air. His reply was almost immediate, he knew exactly why she was growing antsy. Illinto’s nest was very close to one of the smallest exits of the cave system, so close that the wind twirled down into her home and soothed her. All she wanted to do was curl up there or escape on a mission where she could spend the entire day and night with the breeze flowing past her. The cherry on top was that the space to access her nest was skinny and twisting, easy for her to wriggle her way up to, but far more difficult or even impossible for most other dragons. Though she could guess a few others that would fit up there as well. She did not respond, they didn’t say things they did not need to. There was no point in wasting the breath, especially on scouting missions they barely spoke the entirety of their task. It was a calm silence that they both enjoyed. Illinto ducked her head and gave the ground at her feet a small sniff before she lowered her forelimbs down onto the cool stone, stretching her shoulders as she did so. Settling herself into the curve of stone beside the platform, not prominent, no she would leave that for Kikimora or Eiodthea. She knew where to walk the line of confidence and insubordination. Illinto kept her head held up, scanning the cave once more, her tail coiled tight by her side as she waited for their leader to speak. |
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Neutral
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Deosientanth - Teor | Male | Unbonded | Seer | M: Leadership, Unbondeds - Pain expanded from my underscales, 'why did I have to have a stomach ache now?' I thought, 'really should of skipped that sheep... it didn't look right' I lectured myself grumpily. My talons clacked against the endless stone beneath me, my star patterned scales blending with the pure darkness of the cave tunnel around me, on my way to the meeting. I let out a small huff of violet flames, it illuminated the stone walls around me 'she would of hated this place, she loved the sun' I found myself thinking, sorrow gripped me, buried underneath my scales like an annoying bug. But this was much more then a bug. I dare not speak her name, not even think it. I restrict myself to 'she and her,' I am trying to forget, but I am starting to think it's impossible. I was raised around death, I have seen death, I have been death. So why does this death hurt me so much? I let out another puff of violet flames, turning right when I came to a forked pathway. I know the leadership like to keep us in suspense, so they would be waiting awhile. I saw it. I opened my wings a little, letting my scales and wing membrane touch the cold walls, reminding me of the cold, endless, sunless prison we were all stuck in. A nightmare. If only it didn't happen. Many of the unbonded here, including myself, wouldn't of lost a piece of themselves. We would be under the sun and stars instead of cold stone. If only...
I sighed, I should know better then everyone that looking back isn't going to help, I could only look forward. No matter how difficult it would be. I slowly entered a large hall filled with dragons, bonded and unbonded. I looked skyward, seeing I few pairs on a raised stone platform. I paused... lucky fuckers. Instead of settling for a place at the back, I strode for the front, I am young, but somewhat not impulsive. I am small compared to the others. Seems my visions made my youth dry up like a drought, at the thought, I chuckled darkly. A drought of responsibility. I was the only Seer dragon left, from knowledge. I crept forward, keeping my wings tucked close and my tail flicking back and fourth, but never touching.
I was almost to the very front when a dragon to my right growled suddenly and shuffled back half of his heavy body landing on my wing. I shrieked, not out of pain, but rather panic. It was quiet, I doubt anybody else could hear it, and thankfully so.
The dragon turned to face me, his talons landing on my shoulder in some sort of reassurance, that just made it worse. My head snapped back, my eyes rolling back and black filling my vision. Before I knew it, I was surrounded by fire. Fire and death, I turned my head, already understanding what was happening and searching for the dragon that touched me.
I found him pinned under a large piece of mountainside, clearly involved in a landslide. Gore pouring from his side and one of his wings missing, a fleeting look in his eyes. He was dying. I gasped, whipping my head back and fourth to shake off the vision 'Stupid dumb POWER, I don't want to see that!' I screamed at myself, a battle in my mind. I looked back at the dragon, who was now staring at me as if I was crazy. He looked fine, perfectly fine.
But I knew that was a vision, and I knew he wasn't going to stay fine forever. Instead of engaging in a awkward conversation, I tucked in my wings and lowered my head. Darting through the crowd, heading for the front.
Hopefully this will end soon. |
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Darkseeker
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Nicodemus Brooks & Kikimora
Resistance Leaders | Human Male & Nightmare Dragon Female | Mentions: Everyone
A solemn figure stood in the shadows of the platform, leaning against the wall for a brief moment as he gathered himself. He wasn't looking forward to this meeting, as he knew that it was bound to not only ruffle some feathers, but break some hearts. Nicodemus didn't enjoy being the barer of bad news, but as the Resistance Leader, he was forced to.
Silvery eyes glanced to where Mora was resting nearby, her battered form a sore reminder of what the pair, what everyone else, had been through. What they were fighting for. He had mourned with Kikimora when she'd lost her wings, once he was conscious, and had mourned over the loss of their comrades, many of whom he knew personally.
With a sigh, he pushed up off the wall and walked to the sent of the platform. He could feel more than hear Kikimora move to follow him, her haunting figure walking behind him like a shadow. Standing at the front of the platform, he spoke, projecting his voice for everyone to here.
"Thank you all for gathering this morning. As many of you know, we had a mission last night that was partially reconassiance, and partially to reduce the supplies coming in to our enemies. Unfortunately, this mission can be declared a failure," he spoke somberly but honestly, only wanting to offer them transparency. "We did gain intel from this mission, but ultimately we lost two of our dragon rider pairs. Zemaiyra and her Dragon, Dardanos, and Thomas and his dragon, Evadne, were both lost on the mission. Zema and Dar were attacked in the sky, and seemed to have been shot down by the same type of arrow that nearly killed Kikimora and I," beside him the dragoness hissed lowly in displeasure, no doubt remembering the pain of the arrow that struck her down. "Whereas Thomas and Evadna were brought down valiantly defending an innocent family they had found captured on the mission. Their attempts to free them were discovered, and while they did what any of us would have done for any of the people for Ederia, the cost was their lives."
He paused, running a hand through his hair, a tired look crossing his features. "We will all remember them, and I refuse to allow their lives lost be in vain," his voice, while tired remained strong, gaining power as he spoke. "Thankfully, we did gain some intel from this, some of our boots on the ground were able to get information from Thomas before he died, and brought it here to us. First, it has been reported that a group of our newest pairs managed to escape the night of the attack. They've fled on orders from the Headmaster, but we do not know their current status otherwise. We will operate on the hope that they will be able to garner support from our allies and train in the mean time, but also plan for the chance that they didn't make it very far," he paused to allow that glimmer of hope to sink in, trying to offer a bit of light in all the darkness.
"Second, I'm happy to report that Mahvash, Jarogniew's mate, has successfully laid her eggs. While we have yet to find evidence that the Headmaster and his dragon are deceased, Mahvash and I have decided to function as if this is the great dragon's final clutch until we know otherwise. Mahvash has decided to allow her eggs, once they are hatchlings, to bond and imprint on some of the riders, so that, if anything happens to her, they can be raised by the members of the resistance. She desires to return to the frontlines to fight with us," he glanced the the nearly luminescent dragon, her scales glinting with hints of rose. "Thank you, Mahvash, for blessing us during this dark time, hatchlings of your long-time mate, Jarogniew will be cherished and protected within the Resistance, that I promise you." The dragoness bowed her horn-crowned head in acceptance and acknowledgement to his words.
"Lastly," he paused, shifting his wait, to place a hand on Kikimora's neck as she peered over him at the collective of members before them. "I've done a tally of our existing pairs, and it's... decidedly lacking. We need to boost our bonded pairs numbers if we have any hope of moving forward and achieving anything. Therefore, I've summoned you all here in hopes that we can find some new bonds today. I know this is not ideal, as these will be all chosen bonds instead of the instinctual ones we prefer. However, it is absolutely paramount that we boost our numbers so we can continue to fight on the inside. I know not all of you will favor this idea," and by this he primarily meant the dragons. "However, I am asking you, as your Resistance Leader and trusted comrade, to consider choosing a new Bond to aid in our movement."
He pulled out a folded piece of paper, and opened it, glancing around before further speaking. "When I speak your name, please come to the platform. These will be the unclaimed members we believe will make good riders. Once I've announced them all, I will step away and the dragons can come forth to potentially claim a human if they desire." With that, he began to list of the names of those chosen specifically to potentially become Riders.
"Cassia Glend. Magnus Doorne. Ciaran. Maximillian Cantacuzene. Valencia Cobris-Strix. Keo Yeong."
After speaking the names of the unbondeds, he and Kikimora stepped back from the platform, returning to the shadows they were once in. "Do you think any of the dragons will choose to take a rider?" He asked his dragon, glancing at her scarred figure quietly.
"I think dragons are prideful creatures by nature, many would rather choose a rider and fight for freedom, than choosing not to knowing that it could cost us everything," she explained somberly, her bright eyes scanning the vast cave. "Though I'd be surprised if every rider was chosen today, as I said, dragon's are prideful creatures." |
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Lightbringer
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Eidothea
Water Dragon | Female | The Second In Command | Bonded Mentions : Those Gathered , Ian , Verliebt (ind.) The older female organized her nest ; she was decorating it with seashells she found, and even pearls from oysters she had eaten . A rumble of satisfaction escaped her as she took in her nest, carefully placed strips of seaweed and kelp lined the nest, not to mention feathers of different birds and scattered seashells . She had also found some rather pretty conches as well to add to her collection. She was quite comfortable in her nest, it was right in the middle of the lagoon which was near the mineral beaches, there was a cave right nearby which was also hers . She had the cave for whenever her son decided to come rest with her or visit, as if she would let him have to fight for a spot to rest for the night. She didn't like showing him favoritism, and knew he could handle himself in such situations - but that was her baby, her only living child and she was too afraid to lose him much too early. So if she could find a way to protect him, then she would gladly do so. However, this wasn't time for mulling over such matters - she needed to get to this meeting. And so she slid in the water and swam across, the short swim being rather refreshing to her body and senses. As she soon made her way to the gathering area. She could see humans and dragons alike gathering. She made her way to a perch, which wasn't exactly the highest, nor was it the lowest one - she saved the highest one for Nicodemus and Kikimora . After all they were the leaders, and she was their humble second-in-command. She looked amongst the dragons and humans - wondering what today's topic would be about. Obviously, a debriefing about the losses incurred, but she had a feeling that there was something more to it. And she was rather curious as to what it would bring. She listened as Nicodemus spoke . Her head hanging somberly as he spoke of the loses of her comrades, and a short huff of anger escaped her at the mention of the injury Kikimora had sustained from the arrow. It wasn't a lot that could take a dragon down , so this arrow had to be something special. Hopefully they could find out what it was, so in case another dragon got hit by it they could be treated quickly and efficiently. She looked amongst the crowd, and she didn't find the face of her rider and she gave a small frown of displeasure - Ian, where are you ? She spoke through their link. Nicodemus has started the meeting, I'm not covering for you again, she chided him with a small hmph through their link. That's when it was mentioned Mahvash had laid her eggs, she felt a sense of excitement- new little ones would be joining them soon. She was thankful that the female had laid them successfully, yet , she was also sad that the mate of the female wasn't able to join her in such a special occasion. She prayed that he was alright and would be found eventually by the patrols and others. She was also relieved to hear that newest pairs found a way to escape - that was a relief . They couldn't bear anymore loss. She then was shocked to find that he was suggesting the union between Unbonded Dragons & Humans. That was unheard of, and quite an interesting proposition. She watched in curiosity as he called the names of those found worthy to join the ranks as Riders - and she wondered if any would be chosen. After all, dragons were very particular about who they chose at times - and who knows, maybe there was even a instinctual bond amongst them . Only time would tell if this was a good choice . |
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Darkseeker
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Valencia Cobris-Strix | Unbonded Newcomer | Mentions: Nicodemus, Kikimora, Illinto, Callisto, Akuryo (Indir.) She had been one of the first to arrive at the gathering cave, taking up residence towards the back, leaning against an outcrop of rock. Her arms folded securely over her chest, hazel eyes piercing out into the wide space. Watching and waiting in silence. As the other resistance members began to file into the space, Valencia kept her position without greeting anyone, human nor dragon. She saw no real benefit, though she would protect the members of the group, she had not been close to many of the surviving members. In fact, the only two she was vaguely familiar with were Callisto and Nicodemus. That knowledge was born purely by word of mouth, she had not had a great deal of interactions with either of the cold men. As the scaled creatures took up their spots around them, her eyes lingered over each one. The rippling muscles and bright eyes made a small bubble of pain pop within her chest. Her beloved Erissa had succumbed to one of those unholy arrows, pierced right through her head. Living and talking one second, dead and falling the next. Her dragon was her life, she had seen her through the loss of her fiance and all the turmoil it had sent her through. A loving and understanding presence, now that was gone and Valencia’s sorrow was quickly forming into a more sinister cruelty. Bit by bit, the urge to strike down every unfamiliar dragon she saw, to rip her blades through their riders and bathe in their blood. As Nicodemus began to talk, Valencia’s eyes wandered the area. Keeping her ears fixed to the words that flooded the space, but her eyes scanned over the dragons and noted their various injuries. One was limping, Nicodemus’s mount was severely wounded and others looked drained and tired. Beside the platform, she clocked Callisto’s bonded dragon. The female’s eyes struck out from the shadows, a pair of misty lilac irises scanning the masses with a critical gaze. She appeared unmarred, no tiredness to be seen across her entire form. She was in pristine condition. Interesting. Only when her name was called, did Valencia’s eyes snap back towards their leader, rounding from her spot. She took pointed, strong steps forwards. She did not want to replace Erissa, but she could not bore her fury down upon their enemy without a mount. Alone she would perish. Paired, they would paint the battlefield red. As she approached, she gave a careful peek towards the creature behind Nicodemus, her mass lurking like a viscous shadow. She looked like a beautiful weapon, even injured. Stepping up onto the platform, turning on her heel to look out towards the gathered dragons. All shapes and sizes, age ranges spanning from fresh juveniles to adults. All she wished for was something lethal. Most dragons were, but she wanted a lethal mind. A creature capable of swift death and vengeance. Out of the gathered creatures, a few caught her eye. Some had duplicate wings, dazzling scales, sharp eyes. But then her gaze landed upon a head. In the dark environment, all that stuck out to her was a pale head and it was looking right at her. The feathers surrounding its maw fluffed around the edges, it looked like a skull or a mask floating in mid air. Only when the beast moved forwards, she did see the rest of its form. A lithe little thing, but of the greatest interest was the absolute lack of wings. Unusual. Swaying its way towards the platform, it stood lower than the older options, but it was coming to the platform while others waited in the ranks behind it. |
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Winter 
Day 
