The days end has come, the sun sinking low in the sky. The faintly overcast sky breaks only where the sun sets, leaving the cloud bottoms a beautiful redish-pink. The lake's front follows the mirrored pattern, as does the rather large red dragon at it's edge. He lays out, back settled against a tree, legs and tail semi-limp on the ground. The tip of his tail casually flicks the very edge of the rather calm, smooth waters, giving but one of the few ripples that actually show. Peace, quiet, and the luxury of being away from the camp, as is his norm at this time of the day. Except for the soft murmur from the campsite itself, only the early waking nocturnal bugs make sound out here...
Stepping softly so as to not disturb to soothing silence, a trio of green dragonesses make their way to the water's edge. There, they strip what little clothing they have, setting weapons to the side, laying large towels on top of it all. With the meerest of whispers, they walk smoothly into the cooling waters, dainty ripples spreading out from their moving forms.
Daeius opens his slitted blue eyes, as he hears some others a little closer than the camp. He lifts from his spot, one clawed hand gently bracing against the tree, and pushing himself forward enough to look past a small tree-made blind spot. Ahh, others have decided to come down tonight. He does take notice of them being femmes, but is either too respectable or not settled into the mind of a full-blooded dragon enough to want to stare. Or whatever reason it may be. He keeps silent, and settles back again, letting them have their peace without his own disturbance.
The three swim about, unashamed of their naked forms easily seen as they swim about. Water glistens and rolls off green scales as lithe bodies move gracefully about. It is a while before they eventually return to their discarded clothing and towels, which are now put to good use, getting the remaining moisture off that has not already rolled right off. Wings are semi-spread and fanned a few times to help dry them off before being folded back up against bodies.
Daeius blinks his eyes open again....and looks a little disgruntled, as he flicks his tail's end up. Well...that was unexpected. Seems a fish thought his tail looked better than anything else in the water. He sighs quietly, and curls the tail up toward him, gently plucking the fish off and tossing it back into the water with a decent splash. Thus, tail now curls so as -not- to touch the water again, else he find himself becoming lunch again.
Two of the three look up sharply at the sound of the splash as the third takes her time getting dressed. One finally spots the lounging dragon and points him out to her companions who also look over. The short one, the one who took her time getting dressed shrugs and starts walking over nearby. She quietly takes a seat on the grass nearby, but not too close to the big red and just lounges back herself, leaning on her arms for now. The other two stand a distance away, looking casual for now. They seem to be whispering to each other.
Daeius had been watching the water's edge, as the fish decided to be real slow about swimming away. He turns his gaze toward the three, tilting his head a little curiously at their approach. "Good evening," he says in that deep bass voice, giving a soft nod toward each singularly...
Cirall looks over from her seat and gives a casual, "Good eve to you as well. Enjoying the waters, I take it?" She seems just fine in the presence of a stranger. The other two look over and just nod silently to him. They stop they whispers and just stand at ease nearby watching the campsite from this distance.
"Aye. A comfortable way to great the night as it comes. And you, as well, I saw." He draws his gaze back away, looking across the lake's surface again. The sun is gone, now, oranges and faint yellows telling of it's recent bedding, the cloud's not yet having overtaken the horizen yet.
Cirall nods slowly, taking her time responding. She's enjoying the peaceful quiet watching the fading ripples smooth away, leaving the mirroe finish of the calm waters to reflect the last of the days lights. "It helps relax me, the swimming. This awkward time, between day and night. Between activities of the light and those of the evening. The quiet before the storm, as it were."
Daeius hmms faintly, looking up toward the clouds. Maybe a storm isn't too far off, as it is. "And a chance to be away from the larger crowds, as well." Ahh, that he only knew who you were, he'd feel that wasn't even needed in saying. "Unfortunatly, the fish are biting tonight, and on one where I havn't decided to fish."
Cirall oohs softly and looks over at the water's edge from her seat. She doesn't bother to move to actually look though. "That's good to hear they're still active in here at least. I was afraid with this many folk nearby, they'd be fished out rather quickly."
Daeius chuckles quietly, and flicks the end of his tail a little. "Still strong, by the...feel of it." He returns to his original silence, pressing his head back so his horns brace against the bark of the tree.
Cirall takes what peace she can from the silence and serenity of it all. She finally stretches her arms out, loweringing herself onto her back, watching the darkening night sky. Finally she breaks the peace by asking softly, "I've not met you around here before? You from one of the other keeps?"
Daeius is silent a moment, as he tries to remember anything about keeps. "..Oh...errr, no, I'm a New One, as they've referred to me since coming here. I am Daeius Jen'du Hervedd. A pleasure, and apology for not being good enough to name myself."
Cirall chuckles softly and shakes her head what little she can with it being on the ground. "No apology necessary. I havn't named myself either. I'm Cirall of the Sky-Reavers." She just hopes he hasn't heard who she is yet, she likes being casual with folks, especially new ones. "are you liking it here in Argalia so far, Daeius?"
Daeius hadn't, as yet, actually learned the name of the Queen of the Aldani, not that he'd been told too much of her in the first place. "It is...different. But not in a way that I would concider bad. I believe it was a blessing, the spirits of my former life having revolved around the guidance of the dragons. And here I have been made one...so feel blessed." He glances toward you again, wondering what more he can say. "And the fishing is good." Ahh, even a faint grin shows, finally.
Cirall smiles warmly, still looking up at the night sky. "I just wish it could be this peaceful all the time." A frown mars her muzzle, "But life would have it otherwise. Between the Krzzn'tai and the Vehrakt, one is kept ion their toes at all times." She looks over at you and asks, "They have started to teach you how to defend yourself, right?" She sounds quite concerned for people's safety.
Daeius shakes his head, but doesn't leave it sounding as though they don't care. "I have skills from before, and train here, by myself. There is a larger order for weaponry training in the camp, and I've a more physical, personal body way of defending myself. Aye, but yes, I do know how to defend myself well enough, should the need arise, and get better as the days continue."
Cirall looks back up at the sky thinking about something, then turns to the two standing nearby and calls over to them. "Hey Moon, don't they still teach hand to hand basics around here?" The dragoness in question looks to the other and they both shrug. Both walk closer to Cirall, MoonLight answering, "I thought they still did, but the weapons training has been emphasized more here recently."
Daeius blinks, looking toward the three again curiously as they start to talk about just that. Hmmh. Odd that there'd be such concern over his training personally. Ah well, no telling when he might be surprised with something else...
Cirall realizes her manners and actually sits up before turning to face Daeius properly. "I'm sorry, I've forgotten my manners again. My twin companions here are SunBright and MoonLight." Sure enough, closer look shows them to be completely identical twins of each other.
Daeius once more nods toward the pair. He doesn't really ask why they're so quiet, and goes on the idea that they may be family of some type. Nope, the concept of this being the Queen isn't really brought to bear, as the talk is just too casual for that answer to come along. "SunBright. MoonLight. A pleasure, as well."
Both twins nod to Daeius, one saying, "A pleasure. If you ever feel the need to practice with another and either of us are available, we'd love to help out." Her sister nods, adding, "We're fairly decent in hand to hand as well as weapon fighting."
Daeius chuckles quietly, and gives another nod. "I will remember that, then. I would guess you both travel together often, yes? It will be easier to remember you, that way."
Cirall chuckles and answers, "Oh yeah, these two rarely leave each other's side, much less my own. So unless it's for a good reason, you'll usually find all or at least two of us together easily." She looks back at the campsite and says casually, "You can usually find us at the huge silver and blue tent near the middle of the camp."
Daeius oh?s softly, almost just rumbling the sound. "Then you work with the Queen of the Aldani? Or are a help in staff of the tent for her?" Still, the concept of this dragoness being the Queen just doesn't fit into the equation of this casual talk, in this half-hidden area.
Cirall doesn't miss a beat and answers, "Yeah, something like that. I take it you've never met her before?" Meanwhile, behind her, the twins exchange smirks and grins of their own to each other at the almost correct guess at Cirall's identity.
Daeius shakes his head subtly, as he looks back over the darkened waters. He takes a moment to grab a pre-made torch at his side, and, after a moment's concentration, lets off a small breath of fire to light it. It's stuck into the ground, and left to illuminate the close, surrounding area. "Nay, and have not seen her either. I've not been told much of her, as teaching has been to other stuff, especially since I keep to either the herbs or my own training here as much as I may. I've not asked questions, either, guessing that being a Queen, she would be busy. Not to say that she wouldn't have time for others, but I don't have any special needs to take away what time she does have."
Cirall watches you light the torch comfortable with your natural flame. "Well, I hear she is going to be holding her evening court soon. Care to join me and watch?" She starts to stand up, dusting stray grass blades off her clothing. "It might be boring, but if you're going to be a part of this world, it wouldn't hurt to see the different aspects of it, would it?" She grins to show the light rhetorical side of her comment.
Daeius grins a bit, and retrieves the torch once again, before giving a nod. "By request, I would follow. I would, at least, like to get a look to her, so that I'll have some decent respects should I ever actually personally meet her." He dusts off his trousers a moment, and gives a soft fan of wings to get other dust off his form, making sure to aim toward the lake so not to just re-cover you. "Lead the way, please, that I don't get lost and go the wrong way."
Cirall holds out her arm for you to take it. She is a bit shorter than you, but it's no an uncomfortable reach for her, or if it is, she says nothing. She explains as the small group slowly makes its wy back to and through the camp, "The largest pavillions are for communal gatherings, except for the queen's of course. We're heading to the red and yellow one. That's the Audience Pavillion, when the queen holds court. Until the new palace is finished, that is."
"What is the purpose of this court, exactly?" Daeius asks, intrigued to the idea. He's very gentle in the taking of your arm, his large size hiding his careful attentions to another. He lets you keep pace, as the group makes it from the trees' cover and into the open area, as you certainly don't seem in a hurry.
Cirall thinks about it for a moment, "Well, it's a place where people can come to have their differences settled if they feel they cannot resolve the situation any other way. I mean, we have mediators and such, but they help the parties come to their own decisions. this is when they need someone else to decide. It's also where the people can bring concerns, questions or bring anything to the queen's attention. It's much more causual and laid back than the day court. That's where the really important..." she whispers this next part, "..and boring... matters are dealt with. But the queen understands the importance of being available to her people and showing she cares about their well being." Soon the pavillion in question can be seen up ahead. Sure enough, people are starting to slowly trickle in the huge opening at one end. Guards in the queen's colors flank either side, but they are more for show than actual need.
Daeius chuckles quietly at the whispered mention of 'boring' politics, and gives a soft nod. "Aye, important. And excellent that she cares for her people, as well. Such is why there does not seem, for what I have seen, to be a single bit of dislike for her. And for what I still remember of my other life, and those memories fade fast, if one's ruler was not liked, one spoke openly about it in public less there were guards about." He notices the pavillion in question, and gives a soft nod toward it. "These are daily and nightly?"
Cirall nods with a soft sigh, "Every other day. She got smart and put them on opposing days, so she only has one court per day, it just varies if it is at night or midday." As the small entourage gets closer, Cirall veers it off to the side, away from the large opening. As if to answer the question she knows that will come, "I know a quieter way in. This way."
Daeius blinks at the quick turn, but his question is answered before he's even able to get it to his tounge. "Alright," he simply replies, and lets you continue to lead the way, fully trusting that you know where you're going. After all, he's the New One, not her.
Cirall nods to a guard at a smaller side entrance near the back end of the pavillion. Inside, the space is still impressive and comfortably full of folks. Cirall leans over and says softly, "Most just come to watch, more than speak. They like to know what's going on." The general chatter isn't really loud, but unless you're right next to a dragon, you'd have to speak up to be heard in here.
Daeius nods a bit, as he glances around the pavillion. "Where should we settle, then? I would guess she'll be arriving soon, yes?" He doesn't seem too bothered by the chatter, either, expecting a near dead silence when the Queen arrives.
Cirall looks up at her large escort and says as she steps back a bit, "Anywhere you feel like. I already got a reserved seat." She winks mischeviously and steps up to the raised seating area and the small throne there. A metal staff is tapped down on the ground three times sharply. The expected near dead silence commences as Cirall takes a seat in the throne. The twins take their spots behind the throne and to either side. One looks over at the large red male and winks before looking straight ahead.
Daeius watches as you step away and take the seat at the throne. He blinks a moment, watching stupidly as he wonders why in the world you'd go and take that seat....and then it hits him like a ton of bricks. He settles down to the side of the Pavillion, in with the crowd and at the side near the entrance we came through...and just watches with eyes that show off how dazed he is. All this time, and she didn't let him know...
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As the last supplicant leaves the area before the throne, Cirall looks around at everyone still left inside the tent and asks, "Does anyone else have anything they would like to bring before me before we end for the night?" Silence is the only answer. "Very well then. Thank you all for coming and keep up the good work." with a smile, she steps down from the throne and makes her way back over to her escort, twin bodyguards in tow. Everyone else takes her movements as the cue to make their own way out the main entrance back into the rest of the camp. She asks Daeius with a soft smile, "Well, what did I say? Boring, huh?"
Daeius faintly clears his throat, as you come back over, and nods to the question. "Ahh...aye....eheh. That it was, Queen Cirall, that it was..." He looks troubled, now, as he's unsure just how to act of himself. "But, at least I was finally able to see who the queen was..." There is no irritation or distress found at the thought that you didn't tell him, thankfully enough, showing doing such was not a move for the worse...
Cirall offers her arm up again, more to help give you comfort in her presence than anything. And despite this new understanding, she's still very casual and friendly. With a soft chuckle, she says, "Yeah, sorry for not telling you sooner, but would you honestly have treated me the same if you knew who I was?"
"I...ah....no, I would not have..." Daeius takes your arm again, though unsure of where you plan to lead him this time around. "And I am not sure how I should treat you now..." He clears his throat again, as it sticks a little, not having the best abilities at complete manners in front of higher rank...especially royalty. This, being offered your arm to hold, being so casually spoken to, isn't in his set mind as what is 'normal'...
Cirall shrugs, heading back out and away from the growing nightly bustle of the campsite. "As you would any other lady would suffice. I'm not the type to go throwing rank unless it is called for or is needed for whatever reason." Her voice goes a little soft, almost as if with sorrow, "It's not easy to get people to treat you like everybody else." she looks up at you, "I'm really sorry for the deception, but it's the only way I get to feel truely comfortable with others. when there is no rank even in the picture. Just two dragons being themselves."
Daeius shakes his head slightly to that. "Apologies are not needed. If it is like others you would rather be treated, then I will follow that plan. Much easier for me, much more comfortable for yourself...though I apologize now for not having manners proper in the presense of your rank, pressed or no." He gazes around a little, and still feels strange: should he be escorting the Queen around, in any case....ach, these are not his old lands. She wouldn't let him if it wasn't alright, of course...
Cirall pats your arm holding hers as she makes her way slowly back out towards the lakeside once again. "It's okay, you did just fine, Daeius, thank you. And thank you for understanding. some of the new ones, after learning who I am, still insist on being strictly formal and stiff in my presence. Now while I grudgingly admit it's needed at times, all the time gets old after a few decades or so..." Both moons are well into the sky, providing a small amount of light to see by. Their reflections can easily be seen in the water's surface as it ripples in the soft nightly breeze.
"It will not be easy for me to not wish to follow suit in that, now that I know...perhaps many of us come from lands similar, where being in the presense of royalty means bowing or being on one's knees..." He calms noticably, as we near the lake again, this area being his soothing balm to the emotions. He does chuckle softly, as we near the water's edge, and shakes his head faintly. "Is this proper, I must know? Having a New One as escort? One that did not even know who you were?...I cannot help but think it isn't, still."
Cirall shakes her head and says mater of factly as she takes a seat near the water's edge once again, "Not really, no. But as others would like to point out, I'm the queen and I make the rules. Besides, if you were a threat to me in any way, Sun and Bright are two of the best trained Archons the Aldani have. So I had no reason not too. Besides, it was my casual night and Rhinn if off on other buisness." she looks up at you from her seated position on the ground, "And you did just fine. As for bowing and the whole knee thing, we do a lot of that here too. Sit in on the royal court tommorrow and you'll see for yourself." She pats the ground next to her, "But until then, you can treat me as you would any other person, okay?"
Daeius settles to the ground beside you, as he nods, bracing himself with one arm. "I...may have to skip the day court." He grins slightly, and shakes his head. "Though I am most used to bowing, myself, I did not actually like it, and did my best to keep from it. That is why I had started traveling and learning the martial arts. I was free of such burdens of curtousy, for the most part." He watches the water's surface softly weave in the night's breeze, feeling better with not being in the crowds anymore. "I would guess you dress more formally, when it comes to the day courts, as well?"
Cirall waves a handly idly, "Eh, a little. Not much. Only for really big important stuff do I get fully dressed in all the dresses and formal trappings. But for day court, I do dress up some. That's also when visitors from other lands come to speak formally, although we usualy have already spoken beforehand privately. By then, it's just a formality that some feel they must go through or to let others know publicly of whatever it is. formal announcements and the like are also given then."
Daeius hmms softly, as he thinks about these courts... "So...this is a turn in subject, but I wonder, since it seems very important. What is in that cave? The one with what look to be ruins?" He looks toward you, and explains himself a little better. "I am apprenticed with the healers, as well, so I was there that day when they went in. Not that I know why I was asked to go with..."
Cirall turns to face you, an eyeridge raised. "You were with us then? Hmm. Well, fair enough question. We're not exactly sure yet, but they seem to be a complex that was once a massive Aldani temple complex centuries ago. That it still has working magic is impressive and has the priests in such a tizzy over it. I've restriced access to it for now, so it's disturbed as little as possible while they study it to find out more and possibly to find out what happened to it." She twists the subject yet again, "So you're a healer and a fighter in traning, hmm?"
Daeius nods to the question, as he lays out onto his side, proping head carefully into clawed hand. "Something more of a simple herbalist, but yes. I havn't intended to become a master healer of any sort, though with how long one can live, as I've heard...perhaps I'll think of it."
Cirall asks, "Have you thought much of what you want to do with your life here as a dragon, Daeius? Beyond just learning simple herbs and how to fight, I mean...." She looks at you when she asks this, sincerity on her face.
Daeius shakes his head what bit he came, with how he's laid out, and glances toward the lake again. "I do not know yet. I have thoughts to travel again, possibly. I have heard of other wonderous lands outside of our own, with untold amounts of beasts and creatures. Nothing yet compels me to stay or go, however. There's only the current need to learn, to adapt, and to become...myself.
Cirall nods slowly, "Fair enough. I was born into this world, so I had time. That, and no choice in the matter. You, however, were thrust into it as a full adult and have had no real time to devote to anything really yet. But don't worry, it'll come to you in time." she chuckles softly, "And there's plenty of it around here still..."
Daeius glances around again...and finally finds himself at a lost for words. Given how little there actually is in his life, there's little to speak about...He thumbs at his trousers a moment, as he glances down, and sighs faintly. "I will have to find a way to make some wage. Clothing is going to be needed soon..."
Cirall looks over at your clothing and thinks. "Well, it's not herbs or fighting, but you could always hire on as work on the construction for starters. a few other new ones have taken to doing that as well. Just report to the huge grey supply tent near the unloading area where wagons come in and ask to join the workforce." She shrugs, "It'd be one way to meet other people, plus you might get lucky and work with the Driggelans if you take a night shift. Now those are some interesting folk. Normally a strictly underground race, but they chose to stay out here when it's dark or they can cover up really well."
Daeius ponders the idea, but gives a faint nod again. "Perhaps. I will think on it. Better than being in rags for a long time." He takes in a deep breath, and feels fatigue starting to set it. "I will need sleep, soon, unfortunatly. As I expect you may be needing, as well, yes?"
Cirall raises the back of a hand to her muzzle as a small yawn escapes it. "Yes, I believe it is time for me to turn in, especially since I have to be up in time to get ready for court tommorrow." As she stands, she adds, "It has been a real pleasure meeting you Daeius, I hope we get to meet more of each other in the near future. Until then, I must bid you good night."
"Sleep well, Queen Cirall. A pleasure, much the same." He gets back to his feet, wings stretching a moment, before heading off back into the woods as he was before. A soft, warm drizzle starts to fall from the skies, comforting sounds of rain showers starting what would be a full night trek...