"Left, right, left, straight..." like a rhythmic lullaby continuously repeated in my subconscious. A warm soothing voice which demanded my attention as well as protected. Darkness surrounds each of us in our earliest moments...
"...right, right, left, straight, left..."
Over time we each become aware of one another. Somehow it makes sense in our senseless minds with only the anticipation of birth set before us. Perhaps not knowing by confirmation but instead instinct is what made us wait patiently. Who knew?...
"...straight, left, right, right, left..."
One day, we would escape this prison. One day, our lives would be in our own hands...
Sound seemed muffled to you, as if you were drowning. Instinct moved your arms outward to break through an unknown barrier. It pained you, your fatigued arms fighting their way out of your cell. Through what started as cracks you begin to see a room outside your own. One vast beyond the range of vision to you and as you pressed on through a thick viscous and shell. Your first sight is a floor of lost treasures, you know not what it mean nor where you are, yet somehow it feels like home. You stretch your wings to their fullest extent and for the first time, you realize how alone you really were. Among your now broken shell fragments there are an assortment of other like-sized eggs, varying in color.
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TIME SKIP
He pushes his plate aside thus making room for his own weapon and begins looking it over while sharpening it. His longsword is of masterwork quality and as you've practicedone with him, has seen its fair share of battles. Some cut marks are almost considered engravings now, like memories of distant battles long past. Others are easily ground away with each stroke of his wet stonwe, justly insignificant to the blade.
"hey! Nix? Calling Nixilis!" the man jests as you'd spaces out in a trance for a time. "your foods getting cold" he laughs when heartedly as you both enjoy the after hours meal. As per usual you leave after and return to your choice of sleepingetting and/or resting quarters among the caves north of town.
Today you'd gotten through a couple books, one of which was on planes of existence. The elemental planes of air, earth, fire and water, the Transitive planes of etheral, negative and positive, the material plane, (which is the most earth like), and the outer plane. You learn that power sorcerers and wizards can move across planes with ease, but you know none as of this moment.
Reflecting, you look out into the vast desert-like wastes and are greeted by solitude.
He wanted to go back. To fight beside the others, to keep them safe. He wanted to read and to learn. He wanted to rend, thrash and burn.
His hands fell from the table to his knees to grip at them tightly until the knuckles turned white with strain as he visibly took hold of the reins of his wild emotions.
What angered him most, was that they stole from him. They stole from all of them, but from him the chance to know her.
"I want to train until my feet can no longer carry me. I am woefully ignorant of this world and that must be remedied before I make any other decisions. I need to see the world and all its people."
Sheathing and he sword and standing he would motion toward the door. "forgive me if you die in training"... he says not threatening but in warning. ..."words on this level of sympathy. I do not train quitters Tassarion." he continues as he leads you outside. The daylight had only begun breaking the ridge of the mountains in the distance, cascadingood over the landscape and giving minimal light. With his back turned to you still his voice would have a coldness to it, "draw your sword Tassarion..."
Raw fury and reckless abandon surged within him at the command. With it his dominant hand unerringly found the hilt of his sword, and with it came a focus one would think impossible.
The true training had already begun. Every instinct screamed at him to change into his natural, more powerful form. His rational mind, suppressed by his raging emotions but not quite gone told him he must resist to truly learn. And learning was everything to him in this moment, and every moment henceforth.
He would slowly, intently draw his blade. Raising it to a vertical salute and closed his eyes in a brief moment of reverence. 'If you can hear me in the worlds beyond, may your light keep me, your love guide me, and your strength hold me.'
The woman's last words to him echoed within his mind to the exclusion of all else, and only then would he open his eyes, focusing with every bit of his might on the master that Fate had chosen for him through his sword, which he turned so that the blade faced his opponent and awaited what was to come with an eager, hungry patience like that of the predator he truly was.
For a moment he disappears only to have a wracking pain sent spiraling through your body as he slams you twice with the pommel of his weapon. Digging deep into your ribs and knocking the air out of you for a moment.
Perhaps he had focused too intently. Or perhaps there was more to Tonaka than he had anticipated. For as he lost his master, the next instant the air shot out of his lungs at the double impact. His eyes and other senses seemingly lagging behind what appeared to be great speed.
A moments lapse brought his sword arm slashing hard from the right directly between him and his master in an attempt to drive him off and regain his footing. Only to arc deliberately toward the man's weapon following an epiphany.
If only I could simply deny him his attacks. Realization and determination struck in unison like a beat of a drum, and Tassarion slashed with all his might at his master's blade. Even should I die, I will leave my mark.
You fall on your back knocking the little air your lungs regained back out. One hand on your sword you glance about before realizing Tanaka is standing behind you. Almost thankful he hadn't used the blade end of his sword, you can only guess what the training is he has in store for you.
The man squats beside you as you begin to get back up and whispers,
"... is that all it takes for a red dragon to kneel?..."
Tonaka stands now, still holding his sword with the pomel facing downward, walking and stopping 30 feet away. His back still turned to you, he speaks to you without looking your direction, but vaguely over his shoulder...
"...get up Tassarion..."
He could not see it. Yes, he'd opened up what little defenses he had to try and gain ground but it seemed of little consequence. The gap between their levels of skill was too great.
Nevertheless he would rise to his feet and turn, sword raised before him. Frustration and confusion threatened to corrupt his thoughts. He shook them away, along with the embarrassment and insult to his pride.
He would stand and fight until he could no longer stand. He had given his word. And lives have been lost for the possibility. He would not betray their hope nor their trust.
He decided on trying to time his next strike in such a way that he would hit before Tonaka struck, settling into a rough defensive stance and regaining his focus.
" Tanaka turns around with an ever growing smirk on his face. He looks to you and meets your eyes, "...learn from them..."
The blade follows the length of his arm from which he begins flourishing his sword. In doing so you watch as he closes his eyes, but never faces away from you. "...watch closely...". A gentle breeze whisks a leaf through the air whimsically following the rhythm similar to his flourish. The sword finishes it's dance and his other hand finds rest upon its hilt below the other. With a sudden jerk and pivot he swings once horizontally and an absence of sound ensues. Having lowered himself for the swing he regain his stance once more, both opening his eyes and sheathing his blade. A crack of wood erupts from behind you as slowly the tree over your left shoulder begins to collapse on itself. As you turn your head there is a clean cut to the tree behind you as it finishes falling to the forest floor beside you.
As the dust settles he continues,...
If he could have watched more closely than he already was, he would be amazed. And he was.
After doing so, you pick up with your senses someone or something watching you. You'd missed picking it up prior to your master's sword swing, but now turn to watch it dodging amongst the trees as they went. Eyes narrowing, you look to Tonaka whom nods and begins moving and giving chase to the individual.
"what will you do?...", his words felt hollow for a question. In a way you can generalize he wants you to mull it over athe the same time, choose whether or not to give chase yourself.
Under no circumstances did he want any more people to die on his behalf. But the question raised another. Could he do anything about it? Would he simply be a liability and endanger his master if he followed? Then the possibility came to mind that if there was one, there may be more. To stand still is to die.
It was too risky to change into his natural form. There was no telling who they were or what they wanted. He followed with only the briefest hesitation, running in pursuit with sword in hand. He would follow his master's lead to the letter, all the while scouring his surroundings with his senses.
He was outraged that he let Tonaka out of his sight. Another failure in his mind. He could only trust in his master to protect himself now.
Coming to the clearing Tassarion would halt at the edge, taking as best cover as he could, peering in to survey the treeline and eventually upon feeling the warmth of this place, look to the sky.
"naughty naughty... I just want to play... where one of us falls... another remains..."
Unsure of which direction, the absence of any presence and lack there of any movement beyond the wind, you stand there quietly alone.
He had to assume that, if whoever this was could communicate with him in this manner, then they could detect his presence if not his location.
The tone was clear, but their intent was still obscure. He decided on silence, shifting just slightly so that he could see both into the clearing and also back to where he had come from. Perhaps they would say more and reveal something of their intent to him. Perhaps not.
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Tassarion squared himself off, narrowing all his senses on this one being and remained after some serious consideration in his elven form with sword clutched in hand, resting easily at his side. The point of the blade down low almost to the ground, but in such a way that it did not touch a single blade of the tall grass. His knees slightly bent and his body leaning just foward enough so that he was balancing on the balls of his feet, ready to pounce with his back still straight.
Raising his hands he finds his words, "I-I'm sorry! I didn't see anything... well... I didn't see much... please..." his body shook as he spoke, it would almost be imaginable to see tears fall but none came. Heavy breaths escaped him while he spoke. Looking into your eyes the elvin boy immediately looks to the ground clearly intimidated. Upon closers inspection you see a short sword strapped to his back and a satchel attached to his belt and resting on the backside of his right hip.
Unsure of this elf due to his curcumstances, and in extension his behavior, Tassarion only slightly relaxes his stance as to not offend a potential ally, but kept himself ready to move at a moment's notice.
He then spoke, his tone cautious and he kept his expression carefully neutral. He put aside his suspicions for now. Despite the elfs appearance he was armed, and hadn't exactly hidden himself on his approach. At least not from him."I mean not to offend, but if there are no pressing concerns I really must be going."
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He then keeps his eyes on you, looking for any sign of aggression and in like, keeps himself prepared to dodge if needed and able. Taking quick peripheral glances to the dagger and a step now towards it he wait for any sign of hostility while inspecting the weapon to his best ability.
He would respond in his thoughts, curious to see if this was something he was capable of, before answering aloud if it appeared not to work.
"I'm afraid that is beyond my ability. What did this voice say to you?"
Curious now, but also more cautious, Tassarion holds still as the boy moved.
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"Leave it."
He spoke in a commanding tone before beginning to almost strafe the Elf as he started forward again. Careful to keep the same distance between them and eventually keep going out of the clearing toward the same direction Tonaka had been going when he lost him. He had tarried here far too long.
Once he was out of sight a ways out, he would transform into his dragon form, carrying his sword carefully in his teeth and if able take flight. Flying high enough to get a better view but staying beneath the forest ceiling.
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"...pa-the-tic..."
The same male voice transitioned from the ambiance of the forest to nullifying silence beyond his voice to utter silence. Even the wind did not stir for fear of breaking the silence. Drawn out in a haunting way it was almost as if he spoke with a dry throat similar to a whisper but not quite. Blood began pumping through your veins in such a way that it was nearly possible to hear, or so you felt. For a moment time stands still for you as you close your eyes, replaying the voice over and over again instinctively, analyzing it thoroughly. You imagine darkness interrupted in an instant by glowing red dots from a distance far enough to disallow specific details. It crosses your mind, '...what if this was the eyes to the voice?'..., otherwise you see and hear nothing else.
The voice irritated him to no end, and rage boiled when the possibility of the elf's death was on him.
He would take a moment to think. His previous attempt he was unsure of his success. But eventually. He would try again to project his words through his mind in terse response.
What is it you want with me? Abandon your cowardice, hiding in the shadows behind the weak. Show yourself or be silent.
He would wait for a brief moment for any sort of response before continuing on, paying his respects and grieving his effect on others as he made his way
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"you... killed... her..."
Following these words, in your mind, the sound of a familiar woman's voice fills your mind, but it is screaming unlike anything you'd ever heard. No words were spoken, only a singular scream of agony.
One thought passes unquestioned in your mind... '...Liadrin...'
Impatience gnawed at him. There was a growing fear and desperation building deep within that had never been there before. Doubt crept along in the back of his mind as he returned the book, closing it with a thump.
There had been so much death and pain in the little time he had been here. Since he had left home. An ache in his chest brought his hand up to clench at his silken shirt as he yearned to return. To leave behind the pain and doubt.
But some part of him knew, or suspected that he would not return. How could he? Hunger and curiosity would drive his kin to wander as he did. To discover the world around them. He must prepare the world for their arrival as best he can. For the safety of his unborn brothers and sisters, and for the masses of men and women living here on the material plane. If this group is not stopped, there would be war.
He shook his head, driving his demons back to the dark depths of his mind and took a deep breath.
I wonder how the men here will remember me in the years to come..
"I intend on going with this wolf, to learn what I may of it and see why it is still following us. Then to the elves, wherever they reside. I do not blend, here and while I would like to stay and learn this city's secrets I would not bring more violence to this place. Until a time that these killers learn to fear me, or have a change of heart."
Placing his cup on the table he stands, reaching his full height. His eyes never leave you as he makes his way across the room to grab his bag. "the tricky part is, your pursuers do not all fear death, it is simply an inconvenience for them... My advice is to grow,... experience and earn the knowledge you seek. Only battle can do such a thing, this is what sets us apart so vastly." During his exchange, he began placing his gear back in his backpack.
Tanaka turns his back ever so slightly to you while he seemingly continues packing his backpack, "you fear the unknown, do you wish for me to come with you on this endeavor? Or dare you go alone and test your own mettle?"
"They need not fear death."
Only me.
Eyes closed, Tassarion ponders his feelings. "If I were to go alone, what would come of my training? I do not wish to abandon it."
Or you.. He thought. Unless he were to return, Tonaka was the only person he knew in a world that was still strange to him.
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He hoists his backpack over his shoulder as he had done every day now for a time. "I am here to guide you, as you and the council, have requested. The option is up to you but I can assure you," he pauses while closing the distance between the two of you in an instant. "I can find you if I need to." he exclaims with a sudden cockiness apparent on his face.
Returning to his full height once more, "what will it be Tassarion? Am I to continue with you as you discover the wolf'so secret?"
"May the leaves of your life never turn brown."
Then looks to Tonaka again, wondering if he had spoiled the line.
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He then walks past you towards the door, "Tassarion?" grabbing your attention suddenly by saying your name, he then finishes, "do your best to survive"
Tassarion will stride forward out the door and pause before the gates of the city. He hoped he could return, some day, and that the city still stood when he did.
He thought of the Lieutenant and his men, the man he had nearly killed and the mysterious monarch behind their castle walls.
"If I were a King, all my people would feel the warmth of my hearth. Not the cold of my shadow."
With that, he would look for the wolf, and depart for the forest.
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Confusion marked his face at first, only to grow in severity as understanding hit him. He questioned why he should burden the wolf with his weight when he could carry his own.
Perhaps he was over thinking, and he chided himself. This was no mere wolf. Accepting the offer, as it was a chance for a glimpse into what it was capable of, he approached with some hesitation at first. But he would soon find himself climbing into the beasts shoulders, and curling his body downward as to not put the wolf off balance in flight.
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The dire wolf lifts it's head and sniffs the air briefly before taking into an all out run. The coolness of the oncoming night air combats the body heat from your new seeming ally. The forest becomes a blur of colors, scents and sounds as you travel an unimaginable distance over a short period of time. The elevation increases and you're able to notice the wolf is climbing a hill that varies between boulders, streams and solid earth. Upon reaching another opening the wolf stops and you're able to fully take in your surroundings. The trees appear similar from where you'd met the elfirst from before. The sun has set now and you see stars grow in numbers across the darkening landscape above. The moon would soon riseat your backs to the south giving light to the landscape ahead. A mountains' view out into a valley of ancient trees untouched by man to your knowledge.
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You feel a warmth inside of yourself, it is sudden and fills your mind with satisfaction as you become aware of having another of your kind. For a moment you can sense one of your sisters. It is almost as if you are seeing through her eyes as she scans the area when you notice green scales. A few moments of this pass and you finally have a lead of sorts regarding the others. Your empathy senses her slight hunger and anxiousness, the hurried heartbeat of panic and sadness wash over her like a tidal wave until eventually fear fills her heart. Your vision goes blank.
The symbol from end to end is easily three times your length head to tail and the walls are thirty feet beyond that. On the wall above the tip of the carved design you see more etchings. Circles carved, great in size though they vary, overlapping one another and only breaking to minor circles (about three feet in diameter). There are no doors or Windows here, and the ceiling proves only that this room is eventually domed at the top.
Her urgent fear proved to be contagious as when Tassarion comes to he lifts himself from his position on the floor and frantically searches about the room in a vain attempt to find some sort of exit. Frustration and rage threatened his composure as the thought that he could not help her ate away at him.
He did not recognize the symbol upon which he had laid, nor the cavernous space. He had no recollection on how he had got here in the first place, nor how long he had been here.
He approaches the wall, and inspects it closer for any signs of a secret device to open some door or activate some release of a spell. As he does, he pulls forth his inborn magic that until now must have been locked away in some sort of his being to allow himself both to see and read magic and examines the etched circles on the wall, and the symbol on the floor.
..."hahahahaha..."... cunning laughter emanates from the center of the room, echoing hauntingly off the walls before again falling silent. No one is there when you gaze hastily about for sign of the source. Cautiously you step forward toward the center before A shape falls just infront of your face unable to react with a startle. The shape stands out though, a small rectangular shape you'd come to value early on, a leatherbound titless book, similar in some ways.
It appears unmagical.
He traces his fingertips over the stitching and the spine before opening it to the title page.
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Eventually his thoughts would roam through his foggy memory in search of an answer, only to become more and more confused the more he thought about it. None if it made sense to him. The last thing he remembered was his time spent with the elves. His failed duel, and the young girl who he had taken a liking to.
Soon he would wonder where Tonaka had gone after they went their separate ways, and if he had been searching for him all this time, however long it had been.
"Master.." His hand reached instinctively to his belt, and to the hilt of his blade.
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Tracing the intricacies of your sheathed blade you call out 'Master' but to no avail, there is no response. Moments go by which only extend the silence. In this space you've yet to notice any sign you may have been looking for. As you speak the word 'master' from the corner of your perephrial the tip of the feather that sticks out of the journal waves ever so slightly as if there were a breeze of sorts when there is none to be had. It rests stock still after this display with no further movement.