University Courtyard - Menari Semog says, "Hello there." He sounds as if he is shocked at the sound of his own
voice. Semog says, "Sorry I thought you were looking at me." He moves back to read his book
but glances at the other dragon sneakily. Akayla had been slinking through the city, always sticking close to the shadows.
Pretending not to notice anyone, her casual glaces around the square actually
gleaning her information about the crowd. Spotting you, she moves silently
through the crowd towards you. She is still calculating what possesions you have
on you when you talk to her. She pulls her cowl closer over her snout and nods
in greeting. Her voice is feminine, and not too deep or too high, though it has
a predatory edge to it. "Greetings, ssir." she says, hissing inspite of herself. Semog says, "Hello there , ...miss?" Obvious question in his voice as he looks
you up and down. "I know I am the absolutly easy mark but I have nothing and
know no one here as I have been here less than a day ... by the way where is
here... I mean well..." He looks kinda confused. Semog says, "Well I can see you do not wish to talk to me sorry to have bothered
you." He shakes head and leans on his walking staff as he meanders away. Akayla considers what you have said carefully, and follows after you. "Wait,
sir. You said you're new here, hmm?" She puts a claw to her 'lips' thoughtfully,
and then bounds in front of you, spreading her arms wide and bowing to you.
"Forgive me, then. I didn't know you were a New One." she says, using the word
'New One' with a kind of awed overtone. "I am Akayla, a wandering bard, hence my
clothes." She points to the long robe and dark cowl. Her voice remains calm and
even, throughout the pile of lies she's told you as her Vehrakt training tells
her to take advantage of this situation. Archarus arrives from Flamma Lane to the south. Semog says, "Oh ok then." He seems awfully trusting. "Well I like the temples.
the palace was nice, especially since I have same coloring as the gaurds."
He smiles. "But ... Well I just dont understand what I am doing here. Why I am
well this." He holds his hands the length of body. "I mean what the hell is going
on. Was I called for some great deed to save the world like in all the books I
have read, and who should I talk to for help," He starts unloading a heap of
stress your way, talking faster and faster. "And why me and why this form...
ARRRRRRRGGGGG" Archarus wanders in slowly from the streets to the more deserted area of the
courtyard, attempting to escape the general disgust of the populace of the city
for what he stands for... especially since he's here to call for more Aldani
soldiers for the Southwestern outpost. Semog says, "And another thing where are the women dragons," He looks at Akayla,
"You sound female but I mean I cant tell are there any females, is there one
great powerful female, is that what the queen is for?" He keeps rambling along with
obvious newcomer type questions and comments. Akayla is talking to a black-spinned dragon in the middle of the square. Well,
if you could make out that it's her under the long robe she's wearing. She nods
to Semog, flashing a very toothy (and possibly fake, to one who knows her real
smile) grin. "Well, I would have to say that you could talk with me, for
starters, friend. I know, personally, just how confusing a transition like this
can be." She giggles as you growl in frustration, noting how naive he is.
She thinks to herself, 'Was I ever this dumb? Nah, couldn't be..'. She says out loud, "Ahh, you'll grow to love it soon enough." And, Semog's question about females sends her on another bout of laughter. "Yesss, I am female, and there indeed are other female dragons around
here. I guess males from any universe have the same things on their minds, eh?"
She says, still giggling, but also carefully watching the black-spined ones
around her. Semog says, "Ok thats the second time someone has called me a New One." Semog crosses his arms and taps his tail, then looks back almost in shock. Semog says, "Ok I gotta sit down." Semog sits at edge of fountain setting his staff across his lap watching the two
others. Archarus is so preoccupied with his thoughts that he accidentally bumps into
Akayla, blinking a moment and starting to apologize with the curt politeness he
affords those of his own race... but not recognizing her, merely snorts, "Get out
of my way, Aldani." Akayla nods her head to the fountain. "Then follow me, and we shall talk." With
that, she threads her way through the crowds.
Semog says, "Listen I am sorry I am just well a little confused," He stands, "I am
Semog. Hey watch it could you pal she is the first person to show me any
courtesy so please apologize would you?" Semog looks to Archarus waiting. Akayla was watching Semog at the time her and Archarus collide. She snarls
instinctively and whips her head around to face whoever it is, thinking it to be
a Aldani who had bumped into her. Then, a cold shock of recognition rolls
through her and she steps back, stammering. "W.w.w.what?? Arch!" she yells
gleefully, throwing her arms around him. Semog says, "Oh sorry did not know you two knew each other sorry." Semog sits back down letting the two talk. Archarus misinterprets, poor fellow, rather badly, erking a bit as the 'Aldani'
hurls herself against him, snarling a bit and shoving her back away with an
almost discarding motion, "Oh, how flattering, I'm known amongst the general
populace. But no, I really don't think I can allow your little friend here this
form of insolence." With that, he slowly, coldly turns his dull red eyes to
Semog, "Now, what exactly was that? Did you... demand something from me?" Semog stands slowly leaning on his staff. Semog says, "I said sorry, that should cover it I think. Who are you anyways to be
pushing around women I mean oooooo big man." Akayla stands off to the side for a moment, fuming at the treatment she was just
given. But then, she looks down and realizes what she's wearing. It is at this
moment that she starts chuckling at how absurd that would have looked to
Archarus. Semog says, "Whats so funny?" He keeps an eye on the short tough type in front of
him. Archarus obviously didn't recognize Akayla, and her chucklings only serve to
make him more angry, lips pulling up a bit to reveal rows of razor teeth within
as he grits them. "Here, perhaps you'll find /this/ amusing as well." And with
that, he basically slices outward with one claw in a backhand aimed at Semog,
just intending to bash him over and teach him a lesson, not seriously harm him.
Maybe cut his face up a bit. Semog puts his staff he was leaning on to good use and blocks his face but is
not ready for this Vehrakt's strength and still takes a hit to the
shoulder. "Yeeeouuuuchh!" There is a small slice on his upper shoulder as he falls backward
into the fountain. Brrr that water is cold! Akayla reigns in her mirth as she sees Arch hit Semog. That, combined with her
anger at Semog's women comment, arouses her newly-learned fighting instincts.
Her muscles tense and she leaps towards Semog, attempting to knock him out of
the way of Arch's next blow, as well as prevent him from striking back. Semog leaps up to stand in water with staff ready looking around quickly "Hey
where are the guards, police, anybody!" Looks around noting the populations'
comments or reactions. Archarus had, at the very moment Akayla leaps, reached to his waist and drawn
one of the daggers there, skillfully spinning it into a slashing grip in his
hand, "I think I'll give you some to remem-" He gets cut off as the other one
interferes, standing back amoment with eyes widening in shock as he sees a...
remarkably familiar style of movement in both the training and the momentarily
visible person as the robe flares behind her, "Akayla?! Why by the Seven Flaming
Netherworlds are you protecting an Aldani?!" Semog says, "Hey Arch the name is Semog and whats your problem?" Akayla hits the ground as her pounce misses the already-flying-backwards Semog,
rolling into the tuck position taught to her by Archarus himself. She stops in a
crouch, and rises slowly and smoothy to a standing position. Her cowl was blown
off during her roll, so her face is now totally visible. She grins slyly, a hint
of mischief in her eye. "Protecting him? Why..." she winks, her eyes flickering
back and forth from Archarus's gaze to Semog, and back again. "Isn't it our job
as Vehrakt guards to protect the New Ones from the vicious Aldani?" she says,
varying her tone slightly in hopes that Archarus will catch on, and without
Semog getting the idea that anything is out of the ordinary. Semog stands with staff up though his shoulder looks to be bleeding a little
more as his muscles strain. Semog says, "Ok whats this Aldani Vehrakt stuff? I thought I was a blue dragon." Archarus glares at Akayla impotently for a moment, gritting his teeth once more,
as he is forced to go along with the general game she's playing for the
moment, "Of course... my mistake... I did not realize he was a New One." He
narrows his eyes, "Of course, we will /dicuss/ why you are alone in an Aldani
city later." With that, he almost painfully turns to Semog, and offers a hand
with a forced Draconic smile, "My apologies sir... I misunderstood the situation,
and you caught me at a bad time." Semog takes the hand and steps out of the water. Semog says, "Ok so you two are like the elite gaurd or something? I mean those
other gaurds in blue were they Vehrakt also ? And I am sorry if I said something
wrong." For some reason he has a general distrust of Arch and it shows in his
stance. Semog says, "We can go back to the pyramid if thats where I was supposed to stay
or something?" Semog stands looking at the two who are before him. Akayla ducks her head slightly, caught between knowing she will have a lot of
explaining to do later and wondering how Archarus is still here in front of her.
But, for now, she has a New One to deceive. Putting on her version of a fake
smile, she nods to Archarus. "That's ok, I didn't realize he was a New One at
first, either." She shakes her head at Semog. "Oh no, the pyramid is a place of
danger! It's best to stay far far away from there! There's..uh, portals that are
unstable in that area." Her quick thinking almost slips, and she looks to
Archarus to back her up. Semog looks from her to Archarus and around the area a bit at others. Archarus nods a bit,"Oh, yes, dangerous ones that lead to the Core with no hope
of ever returning. And no, those guards weren't Vehrakt, they were servants of
the Aldani tyrants who rule the city. You're lucky you passed for one of them.
You see, we Vehrakt have a policy of saving those who come fresh into our world,
protecting them from this City's occupants and giving them a true home." He
leans over a bit, however, and whispers something fiercely to Akayla. Semog leans in towards the two a bit. Semog says, "So what I am to be some kind of slave is that why I have no
possesions but this staff? I found it laying around." Archarus whispers "I'm disappointed in you, Vehrakt." He actually drops calling
you his sister, as mad as he is, "Protecting an Aldani, trying to take him back
with us... and staying in their CITY no less." Semog says, "So where can I get some stuff. Where and how do I get out of the
city before its too late then?" Akayla ducks her head even lower as Archarus whispers to her, though all she can
manage is a helpless shrug, and a quick whispered. "I'll explain later." Semog is looking like an excited schoolkid. "So are we in enemy territory then?
Whats our move?" Archarus smiles coldly at Semog,"Well, actually, I'm sorry but you can't come
with us. We got to you too late. Your spines are already blackened from exposure
to them. If we try to take you with us, they'll kill you. And, as they say,
where there's life, there's hope. At least you'll have hope if you stay." Semog looks kinda down "Yeah ok I understand, seeya." He moves off with a sad
kinda lost gait towards the other side of the street. Akayla watches Semog walk down the street, and her crest flattens as soon as he
walks out of view. She thinks to herself, 'Oooh, this is gonna take some serious explaining...But not before I hear how Archarus survived!' Then, suddenly from behind the two
Vehrakt, a commotion is heard. Aldani guards thread their way through the crowd
in the distance. On points a sword-tip at Akayla, yelling. "There is that red
spinned demon! On orders of her Lady's consort, get her!" Akayla whirls around
to face them, and looks to Archarus. "Uh...I think I've worn out my welcome
here...Shall we go?" she says quickly, pulling off her long cloak to reveal her
normal clothing underneath. Archarus smiles coldly, lightly fluttering his wings, "Oh no, dear. I do believe
you can handle them on your own, hmm? After all, you've survived very well in
the city on your own." With that, he spreads his wings and /leaps/ strong leg
muscles sending him high enough that he can begin to fly, shooting upwards and
essentially attempting to leave Akayla. Semog looks to his back testing and playing with his wings thinking and watching
closely. Akayla splutters, trying to come up with a sufficient response, but fails. As
Archarus takes off, she looks up the street towards the guards, and back up to
Archarus. Gritting her teeth as she makes up her mind, she leaps into the air
after Archarus, powerstroking for altitude for all she's worth. "Waaaait
Archarus! I'm good, but I'm not *that* good!" she yells, slightly panicked
sounding. One of the guards runs up to Semog, asking quickly. "Did you
see where they went, sir?" The other guards are busy taking off into the air,
and getting lost in the air traffic as many dragons fly to and fro in the air.
By now, Akayla and Archarus have skillfully threaded their way through the
traffic, and are flying for their lives. Archarus heads west onto Terra Lane. You head west onto Terra Lane. Archarus swoops out to open air... however, he does pause upon her plea,
skillfully swirling around in mid-air in thought, considering helping her and
nodding after a moment. Shooting back down without a word, he flies next to you,
smoothly grabbing a hold of you and adding his own muscular power to yours,
giving you the extra lift you need to get up to actual open air. Semog arrives from the university courtyard to the east. Akayla doesn't say anything, as she uses all availible oxygen in pursuit of
speed and altitude. She does, however, smile gratefully and flap all the harder. Archarus nods once she's safely away, reaching down to his belt and plucking a
dagger from there, smiling a bit as a few of the guards leap into the air after
them, "Here, Aldani... I've been wanting to do this for some time..." And with
that, he hurls the blade downward, it getting caught in the leading guards head
with a splattering of blood, the soldier wobbling for a moment, then toppling
downwards. Nodding and assuming this will distract the guards enough, he turns
and follows Akayla once more. Semog looks kinda shocked as he sees a falling gaurd hit the ground hard with a
loud THUMP. Just stands there shocked as the guards seem confused at saving
their comrade or giving chase. Archarus follows Terra Lane south to the pyramid. Akayla turns her neck to watch Archarus dispatch the guard, but other than that
she keeps flying. She's had more than enough close calls in the last few weeks
to last her a lifetime..Well, an Aldani's lifetime, that is. She knows that
being Vehrakt requires signifigantly more...risk that what she thinks of as the
lazy Aldani. You follow Terra Lane south to the pyramid. Archarus keeps flying upwards, sighing with inward content as he hits open sky
and turns towards Vehrakt territory. Archarus spreads their wings and takes flight. You spread your wings and take flight. Archarus has left. Akayla sighs also as she is finally free from the city and all, mostly, those
Aldani within it. Central Argalian Sky Archarus flies northwest. You fly northwest. Archarus flies down to Vehrakt. You fly down to Vehrakt. Archarus lands smoothly, wings billowing out to slow his descent as he comes
down in a crouch, rising to his feet moments later. Turning about, he waits for
his little sister to land as well, expression rather dark and cold, nothing like
the usual caring he shows. However, this is actually quite a bit like his normal
self, so perhaps she hasn't fallen all too far. Akayla sighs also as she is finally free from the city and all, mostly, those
Aldani within it. As the Vehrakt Fortress comes in sight, she is filled with a
sense of finally being home, and dread of having to face the music. She lands
after you do, crouching to soften the impact as we practiced together so many
times. She rises to a full standing position, and flashes a hopeful smile, which
fades quickly as she sees your expression. She sighs another time, but from a
different emotion this time. Archarus doesn't even move for several minutes, but then speaks up, voice
chilly, "So, little sister has all gone and grown up. And to think I had hoped
you would make me proud of you. I wouldn't have saved you when we first met if
I'd known /this/ was what you'd become." He shrugs a moment, "I've pondered
punishments on the flight here. From turning you over to Zhagtin himself, or
perhaps to Karin, the High Priestess... right down to announcing in the barracks
you needed a male to teach you about mating." He smirks a bit... but if you'll
notice, it's the same time of grim humor he uses while around other dragons, "A
fate worse than death for you, I'd think. However... no. We all make mistakes,
hmmm? I suppose all this really signifies is the end of my influence over you." Akayla shifts her weight from foot to foot as you stay silent, and as you begin
speaking, her head drops lower and lower. She's not mad, just very dissapointed
in herself, though a squeeking growl of shock and horror escapes her throat at
the mention of annoucing her needing a male to teach her about mating. Her wings
droop behind her, and her voice, when she speaks, is low and softer than usual.
She holds out her hands in front of her, palms up, as she tries to defend
herself. "Archarus...I'm sorry. I really wanted to make you proud, and some of
my friends were joking around about how the sneakiest, quickest and smartest of
the trainees sometimes go down to the Aldani Fort and steal a scale from one of
the guards. I.I.I couldn't resist, and I know how stupid it was, I musta been
crazy to agree to it...But Arch, I was so disturbed by you going out on that
mission that I was just empty! I didn't care about what happened to me..." A
tear squeezes out of the corner of her eye and runs down her cheek, and back
along her neck. All during her speech, she uses her hands for emphasis, but now
they once again fall against her sides. Archarus smiles calmly, "Oh, yes... and I assume you want sympathy? Forgiveness?
No, I'm afraid that can't be offered, if in a matter of days your friends can
destroy everything I ever taught you about what our job as Vehrakt is. I suppose
however, it's good you have them, your friends, because you haven't got me any
more. Living though I may be." He doesn't even flinch, though his own claws are
digging into his hands and drawing blood as he speaks, simply turning to leave
afterwards.
The music of a water fountain greets you as you step into the courtyard of the
university. A large simple fountain sits in the middle of the courtyard. Benches
are scattered throughout where students sit visiting, studying or just hanging
out. Students can be seen hurrying between the 6 buildings that surround the
courtyard, often times their noses stuck deep in a book. Menari University is
made of four schools, that of Mathmatics, Theology, Magic, and Alchemy. There is
also a rather large building that holds the library and another, the dormitory.
Contents:
Semog
Obvious exits:
Archarus has arrived.
Archarus has left.
South Terra Lane - Menari
You stand near the pyramid on the main section of Terra Lane. Symbols of the
Goddess Evarel can be found all around you here on this road. The cobblestones
beneath your feet shimmer heavily with streaks of bronze. Large trees, their
branches arching overhead, line the lane here making it shady and cool. Beds of
ivy lie between the trees, also lining the lane. A few green flags flap in the
breeze between the trees on both sides of the lane. A statue near the base of
the pyramid catches your glance. You can
Contents:
Archarus
Statue
Obvious exits:
Marketplace Spiritus Lane University Pyramid
Semog has arrived.
Archarus has left.
Base of Pyramid - Argalia
At the center of the city of Menari is the large, obsidian pyramid. At the base
of the mighty pyramid, where you now stand, four streets meet. Each street name
corresponds to one of the four elements the dragons worship. The fifth element's
street circles the city, also connecting to the four streets further from view.
Nearby, the backs of the four major locations in the city can be seen: the
Temple to the southwest, the University to the northeast, the Marketplace to the
northwest, and the Palace of the Queen to the southeast.
Contents:
Archarus
Obvious exits:
Fly (U) Aeris Lane (S) Aqua Lane (W) Flamma Lane (E) Terra Lane (N) Climb
Pyramid (C)
Archarus has left.
Sky Above Menari
Low over Menari, the sky is filled with dragons in flight. Noises and smells
carry up this far, giving the same effect as the chaos below. Higher up, dragons
approach and depart for other parts of the sphere.
Contents:
Archarus
Obvious exits:
Up Down: East Gate Down: West Gate Down: South Gate Down: Pyramid
Look, it's the sky! Much of the ground is covered by the sprawling capital city
of Menari, a huge lichen on the face of the sphere. Rising from its center is
the mass of the sphere's pyramid. Other features are barely visible in the
distance in all directions.
Contents:
Archarus
Obvious exits:
Southwest Southeast Northeast Northwest West East South North Down:
Menari
Archarus has left.
Northwest Argalian Sky
The main city of Vehrakt lies to the great volcano's west. Farther north,
several forts guard the approach to the interface here. The ground is mostly
forested, with occasional ranches and such.
Contents:
Archarus
Obvious exits:
Down: Gateway Fort Down: Vehrakt Down: Fort Vanguard South East Southeast
Archarus has left.
Entrance to Fort Vehrakt
You stand on the central landing field that serves as the entrance to Fortress
Vehrakt, in the very heart of Vehrakt territory. This cleared area fills the
center of the Vehrakt Pass, with the gates to the fortress proper looming to
either side. The terraced courtyards and balconies of the fortress rise
loomingly to right and left, secure under overhanging rock left to defend the
fortress from direct aerial assault.
Contents:
Archarus
Obvious exits:
Fly Parade Ground
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