On These Wings: The Remake

[Kjakings]

((*sidles in* This is why DS should never leave me alone with OTW. I can't be trusted to post.))

 

 

Drac bent forward on the Coastal Waverunner, muttering a small ‘go.’ The Waverunner needed no further instruction or encouragement as it shot forwards, accelerating at a rate that astounded Drac. He supposed Waverunners had earned their description of Skywings of the Water. Catching the crest of a wave with one wing the Waverunner launched itself up into the air and rolled, spinning over the top of the one Matthew was riding, Drac giving a lazy half-salute, half-wave.

 

When Drac had been informed that they were being taken to an ‘old couple’ he had expected a small log cabin older than creation, not a cliff-side mansion with a wing magically sticking out from the cliff quite a long way above a docks and surrounded by farmland and forests that had clearly been harvested for a long time due to their semi-ordered ranks.

Several ships lurched their way out of the harbour to meet the group, Amras leaping off of his Waverunner onto the deck of the lead ship to talk to the captain. The Waverunners milled about while they conversed, only starting forwards when the ships peeled away and Amras leapt back (and having to save himself with a boost of magic Drac noted) onto his Waverunner.

As it turned out the ‘old couple’ were the old Lord and Lady of Highever who had retired when his father had come to power. It would be nice to sleep in an actual bed in a place guarded by ballista and crossbow-wielding guards.

 

((Argh. This is what I get for not refreshing the page for two hours. ))

Edited February 23, 2011 by Kjakings

[BlackScorpion7]

((Question, but the dwarves in your vision, do they make weaponry? So the sword Gelltor found, could it be of Dwarfish nature or not? Just so I know whether or not to make the sword special .))

[Kjakings]

((They do. They have a very advanced and sophisticated military and may even be using a few early types of rifles by the time of the battle.))

[BlackScorpion7]

Katelyn looked over her shoulder, already dismissing whatever Gelltor had found. But as she turned her head back to spur her horse into a canter, she blinked and quickly looked back again. Turning her horse around, she urged it next to Gelltor and motioned to the man to hand the sword to her. Lifting first the blade up to eyeheight and then the handle, her eyes narrowed slightly. For a split second she hesitated, not knowing whether or not to inform the man of what she thought this was. But then she remembered his words of being loyal to her and the fact they needed to trust someone. Taking a deep breath, she lowered the sword and strapped it to the saddle. Looking back at Gelltor, she angled the horse back in the direction of the castle.

 

"I can't say for sure without consulting the blacksmith, but if my thoughts are correct, this might be a lead. The metal, the finishing and the engravings. The NDK were with the elves when we attacked them. The way things went there, I dare guess they overstayed their welcome when we showed up. And if this is what I think it is, Drac might have some kind of connection with the dwarves. It wouldn't surprise me much if that is where they went next, if they aren't there already. A lot of 'if's, but at this moment it's the best we have."

 

Looking down at the sword strapped to her saddle and back up at Gelltor, there was a strange look in her eyes. Katelyn had wondered whether or not they should inform Hyro and what to do next. But almost at the same time, she knew they had not other option than to tell. Despite the fact she was loyal to their leader because of the power he held over her and her family, she had a certain pride in her job. And thinking of the link between the sword and the possible next move of the NDK had given her a kind of exhilaration and pride. Something Hyro would have surely felt if the tentacle had some kind of link to him. If she would not inform Hyro and he had felt her sudden emotion... It was just too dangerous. Part of her hoped Gelltor would understand, while another part wondered why she should care what the man thought about her. Averting her eyes again, she looked in the direction of the castle.

 

"Time to go. Don't stay back."

 

Pushing her legs against the sides of the horse, she urged him immediately into a trot and then a slow canter, steering him between the trees in a beeline to the castle.

 

+++++++

 

Matthew snorted as he saw Rio speeding away. Poking his own Waverunner in the shoulder, he spoke to it.

 

"Don't even think about it, buddy. Nice and calm now."

 

Questra had joined in the joyful antics for a while, but had soon come back to fly close to them. She was tiring, not used to flying that far with a bit of load on her back. Matthew could see it by the slightly grim look on her face, because she wouldn't say anything. He had even asked her once, but she just shook her had and made a show of flying upside-down for a moment. Asking her to join him on the Waverunner would not help either as there was not enough room on the dragon and she was too proud to do so anyhow. So it was with both awe and a kind of gladness that he saw the coast appear.

 

Seeing the dragon of Drac angle towards the amazing mansion, Matthew let his own Waverunner follow it. The dragon hovered about for a moment while something was going on on the vessels below and he was getting slightly frustrated. Questra had more and more problems to keep up in the air and the longer this was going to take, the more problems she seemed to be having. At least one advantage came from this. He now knew they had to practise on endurance.

 

Quest, get over here, now.

I'm fine, stop worrying.

Now, Quest. I'm not asking.

Sheesh, since when do you start giving the orders?

 

But despite the negativism, the Horse dragon hatchling flapped over to him. With a swift movement, he pulled the hatchling on his lap, much to the protest of the Waverunner. Patting him on the shoulder, he muttered some comforts to the dragon. His legs hurt from the heavy weight and he knew this situation would not be possible for long, but at least Questra would be able to rest for the short moment until they could move further.

[talyhawk]

((No time for Ryoka, I'll try to get something up for her later today if not tomorrow.))

 

Katarina didn't have to be told twice her father had made a long journey and wanted to relax just a little before getting down to business. With a swift turn on her heel Katarina led the way to her quarters, pausing briefly to wave a slave down informing him that Lord Du Couteau would be needing a place to stay. Boram watched silently as the slave scurried off before turning back to Katarina who was holding the door open waiting patiently for him to enter the room.

 

Upon entering the room Boram immediately took a seat at one of the chairs that surrounded the small table that still had paper on it from when Katarina wrote the letter to her sister. "Who was the letter sent to?" He asked in a very cold distrusting manor, which made Katarina flinch every so slightly as she leaned against the now closed door. "Cassiopeia, her information network has proven useful in the past and I was hoping it'd prove useful once again." The reply must have been satisfactory enough for him for he nodded his head in what seemed to be approval.

 

"So what is this gift you were speaking about?" Boram was a step ahead of her and had already begun reaching into his pack revealing a black and red egg with some sort of dark crust on it. "This is a Black Marrow's egg. Sadly they aren't very common, but it could prove to be useful or at the very least spark the breeder's interest."

[En'K'Haral]

He looked at the blade as Katelyn spoke. He was sure she was right about it being a dwarven blade. Even though he didn't study weaponry in particular he had some idea of the differences in craftsmenship, although even he would go to a blacksmith for confirmation as well.

"I am inclined to believe it is dwarven as well. As for your 'ifs' I think that 'ifs' are better than 'I don't knows' when it comes to dealing with Hyro, not much better, but definitely (with an I, not an A) better."

When she said it was time to go he mounted his horse and rode after her. He was concerned about Malice, even now he could feel the dragon iching for a fight. Even though he would be just as glad to encourage his gray mount to slaughter anything he wished, he had to keep in mind that Katelyn had orders to kill him if he acted up. Dieing wasn't exactly in his plan. He rode fast since he was in a hurry to calm his dragon.

 

-----------------------------------------------

 

Rio watched the others head towards teh mansion she hopped back on the wave runner and asked it nicely.

"Can you take me up there too please"

There was a nod from the waverunner as it spread it's wings and took flight when suddenly the orange streak that was Ayos zoomed ahead of them and a taunting call greeted the sight of his tail.

"Gotta head to the right finish line Rio!"

The girl pouted and tried to make the waverunner go faster but her refused as he was too tired from the earlier race. Continueing to pout she rode it at a casual next to Matthew.

[warewolves]

(Hmmn, people posting......OP not here......

It's perfect! .

Still accepting? CAn you give me a reacap and tell me what I am allowed to be exactly?)

[Kjakings]

((Sure. Hokaaay... You read the first post.

 

Drac escapes, the NDK form up around him after they find the original leader died they narrowly escape a number of attacks, Drac gets re-captured, escapes again and Taja defects and covers his escape. She gets pwnt and mind-controlled by Hyro, attacks the NDK who are at the elves. Big fight, things burn, gunpowder asplodes, NDK are now on the coast before going cross-country to find the Dwarves. You can be an NDK or one of Hyro's people. One of each would be nice but beggars can't be choosers.))

[warewolves]

(I would, but I have no idea what it's about. Only that it involved dragon riders and some sort of resistance against a lord.)

[BlackScorpion7]

Katelyn had urged her horse forward in gallop, but gave it free rein to pick its own way amongst the trees. Soon they came into sight of the largest tower of the castle and not too long after they arrived at the entry gates. Slowing her horse down to a trot, she took up the reins again and steered the horse back to its stable. Leaping down smoothly, she took the sword down from where she had attached it to the saddle and called for a stable boy to take care of the horse.

 

Lord Du Couteau is in Katarina's quarters.

 

Giving a nod, even though Sleet would not be able to see, Katelyn considered her options. Should she go and greet the man, being the second-in-command? Or should she pretend ignorance of his arrival? Knowing Hyro would probably find the mission of finding the NDK more important, she decided to ignore Du Couteau for the moment and head of to the blacksmith first. Arriving at the in-house blacksmith, she showed him the sword.

 

“Priority job. Run a check on this sword, material, origin and all. Bring me the information right away. If I’m somewhere I can’t be disturbed, tell my dragon.”

 

The blacksmith nodded gruffly, knowing better than argue that this could wait. He threw the shield he was working on to the side, knowing the thing could only be used as scrap now. Katelyn turned back to the castle, still doubting what to do best.

 

Du Couteau or not, Hyro is the one holding your life in his hands.

You’re right. It is him I have to answer to.

 

Decision made, she crossed the grounds and went into the main building, where she made her way up to the rooms their Lord could mostly be found. Finding a slave-servant at the door, she informed him she wished an audience with Lord Hyro and waited for response.

 

+++++++

 

Matthew lifted a brow as he saw Rio flying near.

 

“What’s the matter? Ran out of juice?”

 

Questra was struggling free of his arms and he let her go. It wasn’t far now anyhow and he watched the horse dragon flap her way to the coast. She alighted on a small stone wall on the cliff and waited for the others. Several of the other hatchlings followed her example and they all sat together, watching the others approach.

 

Matthew’s dragon lifted slightly, circled and then descended to the cliff as well. Angling his wings, the wind slowed him down enough to touch down on the ground with barely a shock. Crawling off the waverunner, Matthew patted the dragon on the shoulder and thanked him for the ride, after which he went over to where Questra was resting. His legs felt a little sore and he rubbed them to get some life back in them. Grinning, he shrugged as he watched Questra.

 

Saddle pain.

It’ll be time you can ride on me. We have to get you back in shape!

 

Rolling his eyes, Matthew turned and watched those dragons descend which had not yet done so. It was quite a sight to see so many descend together. Taking his packs back from off Questra, he joined the others near Drac.

[Kjakings]

Hyro waved off the slave, telling him to send Katelyn in. He needed the girl anyway; his assassin had brought something worrying to his table, besides the news of some kind of uncatchable rogue intent on destroying the semi-faux respectability he’d managed to gather since the first initial bloody rise to power. The concept of ‘respectable’ was highly subjective anyway, so Hyro did not bother himself.

“Katelyn, I require your assistance on something.” He told her, smoothing down the blueprints and placing a wyvern skull on that one damned corner that refused to stay down. “One of my… sources brought this to me from an illegal deal they were breaking up. The script is dwarven and I have a translator writing one up in the common language presently, but he told me that this title reads ‘Lorenzo’s improved airship design.’”

That last nugget of information was worrying on a number of levels. The one problem with dragons was that they could rarely carry intense firepower, and this ship appeared to have eight ballistae on the decking. It also meant that not only had the dwarves created mechanical/magical air travel, it had probably been commercialised.

“As the leader of my aerial forces you are, hypothetically, my leading consultant on aerial warfare. I want the legions training in at least eight new formation patterns designed to beat this ship, I want you to figure out how this damned thing works and then I want you to build one. The Guild of Magi and the Blacksmiths are at your full disposal, and to hell with what Maddox says.” If the damned sorcerer was going to be difficult Hyro would finally deal with him.

“I also want you to find the NDK. Not only find them, but who they’re working with. Who they plan to work with. Who they’re considering might know someone who would feel like working with them. Then I want you to kill them, all of them. I sincerely hope you managed to bring Gelltor to heel rather than kill him, his snivelling, sneaky ways would help you in this endeavour. Whatever other business you have is secondary to this.”

 

 

Drac waited at the docks with Amras and Taja for the rest of the group to catch up. The Lord and Lady were waiting at the top of the stairs leading down the cliff and when Drac reached them he knelt down on one knee out of respect. Of all the old Dragon Knight traditions his father had overturned this was the one Drac had liked the most, due to the respect it showed but not being in too compromising a position if there were any treachery.

“Get up, silly child. I remember when you were four and fell half-way down these stairs, back when your father was not an insane power-hungry monster.” Lady Highever told him, causing Drac to grin and Taja make a noise that could only be described as a ‘snerk.’ “You are to stay here tonight, we will provide you with horses and supplies for your travels. We do not intend to ask where you’re going or why there’s a very snooty looking elf with you and you do not intend to tell us.”

Drac simply nodded, when Lady Highever did not like something she had ways of making things very unpleasant for you if you defied her even subtly. He turned back to see the Waverunners but they were already gone, having completely disappeared when no-one was paying attention.

 

[BlackScorpion7]

When Katelyn was let in, she bowed to their Lord and stood up straight before him with her hands clasped behind her back. Knowing better than to disturb him or talk out of turn, she just stood and listened intently. The tracker part in her relished the idea of going out and finding the NDK. The human part in her cringed at the knowledge of having to kill. When he mentioned she was to build an airship, a sliver of fear curled its way up her spine.

 

Katelyn knew how to write and read and in general she was not dumb. But she had never studied and knew hardly anything about mechanics. Her knowledge extended itself to nature, animals, plants, tracks, the weather and such things. Mechanics were another language to her. She didn't dear to think what Hyro might do when it became plain that her capacities just didn't reach as far as he expected them to reach. Hearing Maddox's name, something tickled her memory, but she pushed it away.

 

As Hyro finished his speech, Katelyn inclined her head slightly and straightened once more.

 

"As you wish, my Lord. I can inform you we have a lead on whom they might plea to for help next, my Lord. In order to keep an eye on Gelltor and find out if he can be trusted, I took him to the site of the NDK camp in the woods nearby. There he found a sword which was untouched by the fires, a sword which might be of dwarven make. The blacksmith is currently working on it to confirm this. If the origin of the sword proves to be true, it is in my belief that your son will plea to them soon for help."

 

"As to the airships, I will do my best. I can not believe a non-living thing can beat a strong force of dragons. I shall find their weakness and work on a tactic to attack it. Mechanics or living animal, once the flying part is taken out, the only way is down. And the earth is just as hard for an airship as for a dragon. The only difference is a dragon can fight even when wounded. I shall make work of it right away, my Lord."

 

Katelyn bowed deeply and wanted to turn, when she suddenly remembered.

 

"My Lord, I also wanted to inform you Lord Du Couteau has arrived and can currently be found in Katarina's room."

 

+++++++

 

((Matthew is just listening and waiting until they hit the soft beds and get a good meal .))

[talyhawk]

Revy landed as softly as she could allowing Ryoka to dismount and catch up to the group. The pair had been courteous enough to allow the other NDK members to land first, which had caused them to lag behind just a little. By the time Ryoka had gotten close enough to hear what was being said she caught the comment about the elf whom she could only assume to be Amras. Regardless of who the comment was directed at all she really wanted right about now was a nice place to rest.

 

It has been far too long since we've been engaged in any sort of combat, this fatigue is proof of that.

It just means we have to see if Taja and her dragons would be willing to spar to help get us back in shape.

 

Revy snorted in displeasure at the comment with her gaze shifting over to Taja. She was still convinced that they couldn't be trusted even if Bramble did help them, but if Ryoka was willing to trust them even just a little then Revy wasn't about to argue with her.

 

+ + + + +

 

The egg didn't seem like anything special, but if he said it was then it was. "When did you acquire a second dragon?" The question very obviously caught Katarina off guard, which was shown plain as day on her face. "Don't try and play dumb Renekton just informed me of the young ember dragon that he saw with Garen."

 

Realizing that he was right Katarina regained her usual calm composure. "Malphite came into my possesion after burning down a small village that believed that the NDK were the saviors of this land." Repeating what the villagers had believed in had made her scowl. The NDK were nothing more than scum that needed to be eliminated.

 

Seeing the flash of Katarina's bloodthirsty nature in her eyes for just a moment made Boram smile. His daughter hadn't gone soft living here in the castle, which was a very good sign; if anything living here had made her even more bloodthirsty. "I believe that letting you work for Lord Hyro was a very good choice indeed."

[En'K'Haral]

Gelltor had arrived and dismounted as Katelyn left for the castle. He saw the other gray dragon, he certainly looked tough. No wonder Malice wanted a fight, however for now they needed to be lowly and harmless worms. He guided the hourse back to it's stable before heading striaght for Malice who had turned away from the other gray dragon. Gelltor simply marched in and faced the restless gray dragon.

"Keep your head, if you act out of turn now it will ruin everything. If your patient the opportunity will arise."

Malice huffed, it was a sign of understanding. he did wish that Gelltor would be more aggresive with his ambitions. This sneaking about like scared rats was beginning to get on his nerves.

 

----------------------------------------------------------------

 

Rio huffed and turned away from Matt as he teased her. When they landed she had knelt when Drac did although somewhat unsure of herself. kneeling felt a little wierd after they had obtained their new freedom from Hyro's clutches. No, even then it felt odd. Rio didn't like kneeling, she couldn't pin as to why. Ayos landed next to her panting, he had gone all out with the race. Rio rose with Drac and the other NDK and found her way over to matt and Questra.

"Do either of you know who those two are? They seem to know our fearless leader pretty well."

She asked indicating the lord and the lady.

[BlackScorpion7]

((*pokes Kjaks to see if there is still some life there*))

((Of the record, I'm not here from Saturday 26/03 till Saturday 02/04.))

[Kjakings]

The NDK were walked into the castle via the kitchens, where all their senses were bombarded with the cooking going on. The kitchen was in pure madness, although there seemed to be an underlying order overseen by the head chef.

“There will be no food for any of you until you wash and change into spare clothes. After that I want you all to talk to the quartermaster, anything you need or want just ask. We suddenly find ourselves with lots of money and very little to spend it on. A rebellion is as good a cause as any.” Drac nodded and allowed himself to be led by a servant to a bathing area.

Afterwards he was striding through the armoury with the quartermaster, looking around for various equipment the NDK needed. He had already selected two dozen good blades, and was now looking for anything that spoke to him. He passed an almost hidden alcove and then stepped back, looking through into a room that was far larger than it looked at first glance.

“Oh, hell yes.” He muttered, squeezing through the gap and creating a small magical light to appreciate the items. They were almost luminescent themselves, practically glowing with silver light. There were two sets; one for a dragon and one for the rider.

“Crafted by Elvin master-smiths out of Dwarven silverite and metal extracted from several meteors that fell to earth several centuries ago, enchanted with goblin magic and worn by the leaders of the Dragon Knights for twelve generations. Split in half by your father in his bid for power, it was brought here by men who later all went insane and disappeared. It is said to be cursed by your father’s betrayal of the order and will turn on anyone who even goes near it.” The quartermaster explained, gesturing at the piece with a look of fear and revulsion in his eyes.

Drac looked the armour and down, hand coming up to stroke his chin contemplatively.

“I’ll take it.” He finally said, going over to touch the armour.

“You’re insane.”

“I’ve been told. I prefer the term eccentric, anyway.”

 

 

With all of the general supplies sorted and only a few individual details left Drac and the rest of the NDK entered the banquet hall, along with the Lord and Lady of the manor and several people who were either powerful or rich enough to be able to openly support the NDK, who were all offering their aid, although Drac wasn’t especially sure how they could use a vintner from the south. The food was brought out in large platters and placed in the middle of the table, for everyone to take however much they wanted.

 

[En'K'Haral]

The spy had taken his bath and with his red dragon folllowed after the quartermaster. He had a quill out and was scratching away at a piece of paper. it looked like a normal letter to his family but there was more to it thatn just the words written on the paper, within those words was the codes saying one word "Dwarves." He at this point had already decided on a sturfy looking sword and his dragon was gazing almost lovingly at a set of armor.

 

Rio meanwhile had taken two weapons, a zwienhilder which was a great sword that looked way to heavy for her and halbard. Ayos couldn't help but shake his head at the girl when he saw her carrying the two weapons and jwearing some light armor, it consisted of a single chest plate, two shoulder guards, shin guards and gauntlets. "I didn't know you were such a weapons girl. Although that sword looks a little more than just slightly too heavy. Besides I don't think we are supposed to take them now." Rio scoweled at Ayos and snapped back smartly. "It's not for me. The halbard is mine. The sword is for Matt. I thought he might like it. Besides I am taking it to ennchant it to make it lighter and stronger so that he doesn't have to worry about it breacking and so he can hold it with one hand so he can still use a shield." Ayos nodded smugly as she spoke before he retaliated. "So, you'll be enchanting everyone's weapons then?" "No, why?" Ayos nodded smugly again before turning around and walking away, it was a solid five seconds before Rio clued in. "It's not like that!" She called after him. "Suuuuurrreeee." He spoke back dashing into the dinning hall. The quarter master took the weapons from her as she made her way to the dinning hall but she refused to relinquish the armor, she thought it made her look cool. She asked him to keep the weapons together so she could find them again easily. She hadn't told Matt about her choice. Once in the main hall she sat next to Ayos and glowered at him untill the food was set out. She helped herself to a great dealof chickan, bread, and more carrots than one would care to count.

[Kjakings]

((*bumps* *is waiting for scorpion to get back*))

[BlackScorpion7]

((I'm back, I'm back! Just need some time to catch up. Will post today or tomorrow!!))

[BlackScorpion7]

Matthew followed the others, more than happy to get the travelling dust of his skin and out of his pores. His hair was still wet and bound together at the nape with a small leather band. Exploring the armory, he had his eye on Drac, noting their leader was examining something in what seemed a small alcove. Moving closer, feigning checking out a bow, he listened in on the conversation between him and the quartermaster. At the mention of the curse on the weapons Drac chose, Matthew felt a shiver run across his spine.

 

It’s impolite to eavesdrop.

And what is it you are doing exactly?

I wouldn’t worry too much about it.

Why not?

He’s the son of the one who most likely cursed those weapons. If there is one person able to handle them besides the cursee, it’s one of the same blood.

Maybe…

 

Questra gave a mental shrug and continued wading in the small pool they had assigned for the dragons. She had not gone along to the armory, leaving it up to Matthew to find her a nice armor. Something which would be quite difficult as she was still growing, making it near to impossible to pick out armor the right size for her. When it was time to head out to the dining hall, Matthew gave her a mental poke and they met up again there.

 

Matthew had been ogling a heavy set of armor for himself, but after trying it on, it proved to limit his movements too much to be actually handy. Instead, he chose a light chainmail shirt and heavy leather gauntlets which protected part of the lower arms. As time ran out, he left it at that. Though as he went out of the armory, he saw a nifty little crossbow. Grinning, he picked up the little thing and decided to keep it for later. It was a hide-away little crossbow which could be strapped to your wrist and would shoot of small darts with a flick of the wrist.

 

Not exactly your style.

Never said it was for me. Now shall I ask for some hay to be brought?

 

A shallow snicker was the only reply. Rolling his eyes, Matthew walked to the dining hall and joined the others for dinner. A servant brought a big batch of hay for Questra, who kept flicking her tail back and forth in a show of happiness. Matthew himself attacked a plate of chicken, bread and some greens.

[En'K'Haral]

"So when will you ask him?" Rio almost choked on a carrot. She hadn't even noticed she was staring at Matt out of the corner of her eys. She cleared her throat with a subtle cough and wiped her mouth while catching her breath. "What are you talking about?" "Quite acting, you know what." Frustrated Rio put her foot down, right on top of Ayos's claw. The dragon yelped for a brief moment but quickly recompoised himself. She quickly finished her meal before desiring to leave. She knew it was rude to just up and leave so before she did something blatently rude and stupid she requested leave from the head of the table whoever that happened to be. "If I may I would like to be excuesed from the table, there are a few matters I would like to attend to as soon as possible." She said it curtly and calmly, which were the complete opposite of what she was feeling. In any case she wanted to get to work on the sword's enchantment.

 

The spy had chosen a piece of steak with lots of greens. His dragon sat quietly by his side eating what was provided. He watched Drac and the others at the table, there was a brief yelp and he caught motion by Rio as the magi dragon shot a silent glare up at his rider before she requested to leave the table. He returned to observing everyone else. he toyed with the possiblity of framming her for spying to gain the trust of the NDK.

[BlackScorpion7]

Hearing the yelp of Ayos, Matthew looked over at them. Seeing Rio stand up and leave the table, he tried to catch her eye to ask if everything was alright. But she had her back already turned. Questra let out a soft snorting sound and poked his mind.

 

Allow me.

 

Ayos, something the matter?

 

Matthew kept an eye on the retreating form of Rio. He didn’t like it very much when she was taking time away from the group. There could be danger anywhere, spies or enemies, hidden even amongst these people who claimed to be friends. Part of him wanted to follow her to make sure she would be okay, while part of him didn’t want to annoy her by seeming to shadow her.

[En'K'Haral]

Ayos heard Questra and shook his head. "Nah, just struck a nerve is all." He noticed Matt watching Rios back and continued to speak to Questra. "I would try to keep him from following her for now if the situation arises. She is a bit tempermental right now and if he waltzes in at the wrong moment she might just claim his head for a mantal decoration. But don't worry she'll be ship shape again in no time." He didn't want Matt walking in on Rio while she was enchanting his sword. He thought that after ticking her off that the least he could do was help out with the surprise.

 

In the Meantime rio had left the table after being excused, and made her way back to the quarter master. With much pleading she was permitted to take the sword to a private room where she would begin the enchantment. She claimed some ink and dipped her fingure in it and began drawing a casting circle. She spent the next ten minutes looking for incense and was helped by a hired hand working in the house. Returning with the incense she lit it and set it to one side. Rio closed the door then sat in the circle just across from the sword. She focused on the objective of the casting and weapon it was being cast on. "Durability, sharpness, eternal, incurruptable, wieghtless. Imbune, Zwienhilder." She ran these words through her head repeatedly with her eyes closed and the incense filling her nostrils. This was but the start of the enchantment.

[BlackScorpion7]

Questra relayed the message to Matthew. He lifted a brow and looked across to Ayos. Casting a quick glance in the direction Rio had been going in, he gave a slight shrug and looked back at his plate.

 

Tell Ayos to warn me if he feels something is up.

Do I look like the local bard?

 

Nevertheless the horse dragon informed Ayos and then focussed back on the hay before her nose. Matthew himself listened absent mindedly to a conversation going on between two of the other of the NDK. It was about the training of their hatchlings, but Matthew found it hard to concentrate fully.

[En'K'Haral]

Ayos gave matthew a reassureing nod before returning to his own meal. He had sensed the annoyence in Questra's last message and figured that she earned a break. He scarfed down some chicken followed by salad, more chicken, steack. Those next to him were a tad amazed, if they had to guess he was making up for Rio's small consumption of the food. To them it seemed as though Rio had half the average appitite while Ayos had twice the average appitite. In fact his ravanous eating was a tad on the repulsive side of things. In the meantime Rio continued to chant, the words were incoherent and muttered but in her mind they were loud and clear. The circle began to give off a feint silver glow that shone out beneath the doorway.

 

((i know it's not much to work with, sorry v.v))

 

----------------------------------------------------------------

 

Gelltor on the other hand, had begun making his way to the same sandwhich shop that he enjoyed so much. "Now this is a surprise. Don't you normally head out to the angry pumpkin pup at this time of day?" Gelltor nodded and sat at the counter. "I do noramlly, but I feel like a sandwhich. Quick easy, and stress free which is what I need." "I'll bet it is. I heard that the stolen items are turning up and being returned. Fingers are pointed at the king which can't be easy for you, I bet the king is breathing down your neck." Gelltor shook his head as the food was brought to him with a drink of scotch. ""No, his second. I don't really deal directly with his magisty. From time to time I may jump the chain of command but only really when it needs to be done to ensure stability. Can't have fiends slipping into the palace in high places." Gelltor was of course lying but there was no indication of it. To anyone he would sound like any tired worker after a hard day.