[J] The Time Of The Dragons. - [Pa][F][M][Pw]

[SirBlaziken]

"Got it." said Lux. "We'll take rear." he said, getting on Myrsky again.

If Oz kills us, you go first.
Don't worry, she's all bark and no bite.
If she does try to kill us, can I open fire?
That's likely a smart idea. Just be ready for anything.

Myrsky took off and hovered above the ship about 20 feet, waiting for the vessel to make its advance.

[Wolstenholme]

Katya decided that taking up the rear was her call, Asael would fly at a medium height behind the ship and watch for any trouble.  That was most likely to come from the rogue forsworn. Seeing Myrsky take off signalled to her white dragon that it was time to get going. Asael let out a small howl. He was tired now and right too, the sun was about to start rising and no one had slept. He spread his wings and waited for Katya to climb his leg and strap herself into his leather saddle. When she was ready Asael took a step forward and propelled the two of them into the air and hovered above the ship, waiting for it to leave the dock.
__________________________________________________________________________________________

When Fyrn spotted Teirm they were still a long way off. He decided to let Osette sleep until she was required to wake up. In his mind she was always 'Osette' as Fyrn thought it was a beautiful name, he couldn't believe that she didn't like it.
The city was in pre-dawn darkness and he doubted that anyone with less keen eyes could see it.

When he did wake Oz up, he was almost touching the boat yard. He had whispered in her head Ozzie... Ozzie! Ozzie wake up! she had yawned at him and he was jealous of the rest she had got.
Are we there?
Yes. I'm tired though, do you mind if I sleep for a while so you can go in and find her?
Of course I don't mind. You need to sleep. I'll be okay.
Fyrn swam over to one of the boatyard walkways. Oz climbed off his back. The magic she had cast to numb his pain and to make him fast had worn off now.
See you later, fiery one. This was a name they shared for eachother, not at least because they were both attracted to fire, but because of Oz's fiery red hair.
Oz watched as Fyrn found a spot where he wouldn't be bothered by boats and slept on the water. Then she walked up to the edge of the city and into a labyrinth of houses and buildings.
She was looking for her family's healer who was named Monica. Her talents advanced of any ailment that her family had ever had and was definitely one of the best healers in the whole of Alagaesia. She was a distinctive woman with darker skin and discerning Hazel eyes.  She wore many chains, shawls, beads and bandanas making her look like a walking haberdashery. Ever present on her person was a live snake. It twirled it's blue and yellow body around her forearm and was ridiculously tame. Oz didn't know if the snake might have been planning to act nicely and then strangle her. It's name was Eldridge and it seemed to be Monica's familiar of some sort.
After scouring the streets on the richer side of town for quite some time, she found a secluded alley that contained the glow from a door. Blowing out in the wind were archway beads in all shapes and sizes.
Oz pushed some of them out of the way and found herself entering the room.
"Osette?" said a straining voice. Her head whirled around to see Monica and the corner of the room, it had been a long time since Oz had seen her and had forgotten that she would age... Monica looked old.
Eldridge had also gotten older but he was bigger and stronger. He took up most of Monica's arm now. He seemed to nod in her direction weirdly but Oz suspected that this was just an animalish thing to do.
"It's Oz now. And I need your help.
Oz was not going to make polite conversation. She needed action to be taken.
Monica seemed to know exactly what Oz was referring to when she said 'I'
"I can see in your eyes that it is not you who is hurt. I take it something happened to your Dragon while you were being foolish and complacent. I know what you're like but something tells me you have changed a lot since last we met."
The woman was good at her job but she liked to talk. Without wasting her breath on words, Oz left the building and waited for Monica to follow her. She trusted that Monica knew exactly what was wrong. She was the sort of person who looked in to people's eyes and knew their life story.
She emerged a few minutes later and Oz wasted no time waiting for her, she walked back to the dock, constantly telling Fyrn that she was on her way back, telling him to be ready to be examined.
When they reached the boat yard Fyrn had his olive wing stretched onto one of the walkways and was flinching from the pain of the tear.
Monica walked up to it and brashly she picked the wing up, touched the tear and played about with it. Fyrn was wincing and Oz stroked his nose to calm him down a little. At some point the infernal snake had transferred itself to Oz's arm and it looked her in the eye but she batted it's head away.
She tore him off and dropped him on the floor.
"Yes." Monica said with finality "It's just as I thought, simple wing tear."
SIMPLE?! Fyrn shouted in Oz's mind, clearly outraged. THAT IS THE SINGLE MOST PAINFUL THING TO HAVE EVER HAPPENED TO ME.
Oz had to calm his sporadic behaviour and quietened him as Monica applied a herbal ointment and then muttered powerful healing words that Oz didn't know. Within seconds she had repaired his wing.
She quietly left saying that she would ask Oz's parents for payment.
Oz's parents. Oh god, what would they say if they knew she was a forsworn? Oz didn't think about it and just took Fyrn off to a place where they could sleep and stay hidden.

[Awkward Squirtle]

Naturally Kamren opted to fan out as instructions were dealt out, wanting the freedom to move out of the way as well as to be alone. Though he was frustrated not to have had more to say about the plans, he couldn't fault them. Others having good plans was not something he had really expected, he thought he would be in charge, and was growing irritated at having nothing to add. It faintly amused him that nobody had even bothered waiting for him to introduce himself. He immediately began looking for the forsworn who had been allowed to escape. Surely one or other had to be around.

[SirBlaziken]

The sun was starting to rise.

Well, no sleep tonight. Lux rolled his eyes. Even worse, our camouflage will be gone. We'll stick out like the burning city at night. Making it easier for..... Oz to strangle me while Fyrn sets fire to your wings. You know what they say.... Hindsight is 20-20.

They both started laughing. Lux looked down. Myrsky swooped down. The rider heard the sea. Calm, good for traveling. No clouds were in the sky. This voyage should be smooth sailing. "Hey! Lux yelled, Seas are calm! Traveling should be easier!"

[The Macintosh Ninja: SOH CAH TOA]

"Excellent. We should make the trip in good time." Grigori called back. He climbed up onto Xel'lotath's back. She crouched down, then shot up into the air at the same level as the others.
"Xel'lotath is itching for flight, so I'll patrol. Remember the signal if you see a hostile: fire into the air or roar." he reminded the others. The others got into position in the air around the two ships transporting the civilians. Grigori let out a whistle and the ships called back with a loud bell. With that, they set off towards the closest city.

((Small time skip.))
After some time, the ship and the flyers were at the halfway mark. The wind was favorable and the sea calm: great weather for travel by water or air.

[Wolstenholme]

A little after the halfway mark, things got ominously quiet. The sea seemed not to move much at all and the wind grew thin, not affecting their flight in any way. All was silent on the ship and the crew moved around in harmony. There were only solitary seagulls and all that could really be heard was the soft beating of Dragon wings.
I would have thought that a convoy like this would grab attention but apparently none of the forsworn are bothered. Asael mused.
If anyone has followed then they have done a good job of hiding themselves. They would have to be in the clouds somewhere.
There aren't many clouds, we'd have seen them by now.
True. I guess the convoy is alone.
The pair went back to silence. The voyage moved on.

[SirBlaziken]

At the halfway mark, everything was quiet. Too quiet. "You know, to be perfectly honest, I thought something would've attacked us by now," Lux said. "Guess we're safe."

Thanks for the jinx.
No problem, glad I could help.
I'm surprised Ozzie hasn't found us yet.
I'm just relieved.
Why, afraid of death?
Hey, you're stronger than me.
At least you admit it.

The pair flew on in silence.

[The Macintosh Ninja: SOH CAH TOA]

"Don't jynx it." Grigori called to Lux. He spoke half jokingly, half with seriousness. An attack was expected, but both sides seemed to be trying to take time to heal.
The other dragons must be getting tired. We should rest when we get to safety. A tired body can't put up a fight. Xel'lotath mused. Grigori nodded in agreement. Then you can clean me of all this nasty soot. I want my scales to sparkle.

Why do you think they attacked? Xel'lotath asked after a brief silence.
"I don't know. It couldn't be a random act: they targeted Doru Areabia for a reason. Maybe to show us they aren't just rebellious."
Doru Areaba, not 'Areabia'.
"It's nothing now: just burnt wood, stone, and corpses...We couldn't rescue them all... Couldn't save the city."

[Danatales]

The flight back to the mainland was a rather lagging, uneventful one. Trezarex kept close to the water for the most part, occasional dropping into the ocean when her burned leg started to agitate her enough. Stella vigilantly looked about on from her back for any surprise attackers, keen eyes always watching.
Looks like the goody-goods have issues other than going after us, eh? The Rider thought to her scaly companion after once again drifting her eyes across the oceanic horizon, spying nothing suspicious.
Well, they probably sustained injuries of their own. Perhaps they are laying low just as we are, Treza rationalized in response, tilting her large head back a little to blink at Stella.
Mmm, Stella nodded, shifting so she was lying on the dragon's back, How much longer do you reckon until we start to see the boatyard?
Only about an hour more, I think. We're making pretty good time.
Good, She turned, doing another glance around. She had no idea what had happened to he Riders she'd had chasing after her or the one with the Midnight blue dragon who'd taken an arrow for her, but she did hope they weren't anywhere remotely nearby. Her next assault needed more time.
She rested her head on Trezarex's cool scales, staring up at the sky.

[SirBlaziken]

"Got it chief." Lux said. He heard a noise and turned his head. There was only a few seagulls and the sounds of the ocean.

Weird. Thought I heard something.
You're just sleep deprived.
I'd love sleep, but I have a mission to do.
So you're not going to leave me alone with these cretins?
Hell no, something fun may happen.
Like the archer aiming at you again?
Exactly. Plus, I may fall into the ocean in my sleep. I'd look like a fool.
Ozzie.
Her too. Unlike her, the ocean is merciful.

Myrsky laughs into Lux's mind. I'm awake now.

((Nothing is really happening, let's time skip))

The seas were calm after some time. The boatyard in Teirm was approaching on the horizon. "Hey, we're almost there!" Lux yelled.

[Wolstenholme]

"Hey, we're almost there!" Katya hears Lux shout.
"Finally!" She replied with a sigh of relief. "We'll be able to get some rest soon enough then? What do you say guys?
Asael's eyes widen a little, he's ready to stop flying. He's ready to rest.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
When Oz woke up, Fyrn was already awake but had been waiting, still and silent for her to wake up too.
Good morning sleepy head. Judging by the Sun it's about 11am ((We'll say it's about 11am as it was early morning and the sun was about to begin rising. Considering it is midsummer, somewhere in June the Sun would start rising really early. I'm gonna say at about half 4)). We slept for about 7 hours and I'm ready to go and do something. Preferably eat.
Well let's go and hunt then.[/i]
Oz shook her head and rubbed the sleep out of her eyes. She temporarily fixed her hair into a tight bun. She would wash herself while Fyrn hunted.
She walked out of the crevice/cave where they had slept and towards the sea. It wasn't all that far away. Fyrn followed her out. See you later, my friend. he said and with that he took off to find them some food.
Oz removed her clothes whilst at the edge of the sea and quickly ran into the sea so that no one would see her bare skin. She wet her hair and unknotted it from the updo in the water. It was getting long and as usual, it was unkempt. It was a lovely day for sailing. She scrubbed her arms legs and face and then walked back out of the water and dressed quickly. She didn't put her hair into her usual updo because it was still wet. She was just putting her shoes back on when she saw some blotches on the horizon that turned into Dragons before too long. They were guarding a convoy of ships. The faithful riders then, she assumed.
Meanwhile, Fyrn had flown to the nearest forest and had caught multiple deer, boar and goat. He had eaten a lot of meat and was ready for a day. He swooped and collected one last deer by it's neck for Osette to eat when she spoke into his mind. There's a convoy of riders coming towards Teirm. We need to get to a place where we can observe from a distance. I'll meet you at the edge of the woods. Lie low so they won't spot you, you're easily recognised.
Fyrn landed, deer in mouth and walked back to the edge of the woods to see Osette, hair still wet, watching the riders in the distance. He poked her arm with his snout. She turned around and he dropped the deer at her feet. Thank you. She took out one of her throwing knives and cut a massive chunk out of it and cooked it with a simple spell, "igni coquere" - cook with fire - and then she ate the meat.
The riders on the horizon gradually became bigger.

[SirBlaziken]

"Rest sounds lovely, but I'm not planning on rest until this mess is resolved." Lux said.

Well then have fun staying up.
Would you want to look weak?
Not in particu- uh.... Lux....
You were sayi-

Lux looks to see a dragon, and a fellow Forsworn, Oz. ((Only using Ozzie in conversations between Lux and his dragon, and when Lux wans to annoy Oz))

That's what I was saying.
Damn.

"Dragon on the horizon! Possibly dangerous! Could be forsworn! Stay on guard!" Lux yelled.

I feel like i'm going to drop out of the sky.
Just a little further, then you sleep as long as possible.
Finally, something we agree on.

Lux yawned softly. Of course he would be tired, he hadn't slept in over 30 hours. Lux's senses, while dulled considerably, were still sharp and he drew his sword and almost cut one of Myrsky's wings.

Hey! I only have two of those!
Be ready in case evasive maneuvers must be taken.
Got it.

Myrsky flew a bit lower to try to stick to the shadows. A fish jumped up and Lux speared it. He held up his sword and Myrsky blew hot air near the fish, roasting it. Lux took a bite.

Breakfast is served
Meh, i'll just hunt soon.

[The Macintosh Ninja: SOH CAH TOA]

Grigori heard Lux's call.
"Good eye." Grigori called back. He pressed against Xel'lotath with his feet to signal to fly a bit higher.
Think it's a Foresworn? she asked. Her voice sounded tired. The two longed sleep, but the mission at hand was of utmost importance.
"If it *is* a Foresworn, I wonder how they got ahead of us without us seeing. Left the battle early?" Grigori mused. He felt sleep clawing at him. His eyes were drooping. He dealt with sleep deprivation before. He needed a pick-me-up, but such things were limited at the moment.

From his belt, he took a single throwing knife. His hand began trembling and his heart raced a bit. Fear and anticipation: his body was readying itself for what came next.
He made a quick horizontal cut on his upper forearm, wincing as the small blade cut his skin. The wound wasn't deep, but it hurt. And the pain shook him awake.
Gross. Try not to bleed on me sweetie. Xel'lotath chimed.

The docks were visible, and the figures of people on the horizon were starting to come into focus.
"Press on. Don't drop your guard!" Grigori called out. He knew very well others were tired, sleepy, maybe even irritated that someone only a year or two their elder and of similar rank was taking command. He'd give them a quick pep talk when they landed. Praise and thanks. A metaphorical pat on the back. Then sleep.

[SirBlaziken]

Lux watched Grigori slice himself in an effort to stay awake. "Hey. If it helps you stay awake, still not your smartest idea." Lux said. "We'll go out in front to eliminate any potential threats."

The docks were only about 20 yards away, so Myrsky swerved out in front and started to land. People scattered to make way for a landing site. Lux's dragon landed carefully, only causing minor damage to surrounding buildings.

You know we're going to have to pay for that.
Correction, you are going to have to pay for it.
Sometimes I wish I was a dragon.
Well it ain't a bed of roses.
Every rose has its thorn. And you my scaly friend can be a pretty big thorn.
This thorn could throw you in the sea right now.
I'm good, let's just finish the mission.

"All clear! We can dock here!" Lux yelled, jumping off Mrysky.

[Wolstenholme]

The other riders had seen a Dragon, Katya whipped her head to where they were pointing but only managed to see the end of a Dragon tail disappear into the trees. No one could see the Dragon or it's rider. They ought to be on their guard. Katya took her bow from her back. Then she pulled an arrow from her quiver and fitted it to her bow. Asael moved steadily so that Katya could move without having to hold on to him.
Grigori nicked some blood from his arm to keep himself awake. She felt a little sick, seeing someone take blood from their own body always made Katya feel awful inside.
After that, Katya's eyes stayed on the spot where the other Dragon had disappeared and the surrounding woods, even when the convoy began docking and Asael landed on the shore. He folded his wings but Katya didn't climb off his back. She sat as Asael paced the edge of the sea, looking intently at the woods. She saw no sign of movement.
________________________________________________________________________________________

As the shapes of the Dragons got bigger, Oz recognised some of them. She saw the white Dragon whom she had made the acquaintance of and the red one too. Then she saw him. The elephant in the room - as far as Oz was concerned - for both sides. He had pretended to be a faithful rider and in doing so, had injured those on his own side, Fyrn. Anger boiled inside her to the point where she would have foolishly attacked him right then. She didn't of course but Fyrn still had to tell her to calm down.
When they came even closer, Oz noticed that the riders in the convoy had turned their heads towards the woods. One of them must have seen Fyrn at some point. He had noticed too.
We need to hide! They'll find us.
I'm pretty sure that if we don't move, they will look for you in the same place that they saw you or they will ignore us.
She doubted her words that very moment though. The convoy had landed and the white Dragon was pacing the beach looking at the woods. It was a good job Fyrn blended in with the woods, he was also small, there wasn't much, if any chance of hist head, tail or wings poking out from the top of the woods, he was hidden. For Oz it wasn't so easy, she had red hair and a skin colour that stood out against the trees, but she was a couple of rows back in the trees and she was only looking occasionally, moving slowly so as not to attract attention.
If we move now we'll only let them know we've hung about to see the show. We only move if they begin to pose a threat.
Okay. Okay.