Mot
Daemon
Sleeper
Posts: 19
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Post by Mot on May 27, 2010 22:50:56 GMT -8
The Cliffs of Heaven were as beautiful as ever. Mot had visited several times in his long life, but never during the day. He had donned a beekeeper-like suit to protect him from the sun's blistering rays, and he was happy to find that it worked. He had dreamed of seeing the cliffs in all their splendor, and here he was, looking over what seemed like all of Litharia in broad daylight.
He had not come here to sightsee, however. Treasure laid among the windswept stones, and the stars be damned if he wouldn't find some. He no longer cared for diamonds and gems; he had had his fill of such things, and searched instead for more magical items. Dragons greedily hid these wonders away. Mot would recover them. Staffs that blew fire, cloaks that could defend against steel, faerie wings and unicorn horns; all could be found, if one knew where to look.
Unfortunately, Mot did not have the slightest idea where to look. He was optimistic...perhaps too optimistic. He had been climbing the cliffs and searching in caves for a few hours without so much as a whiff of treasure. While he was experienced, he knew also that he was old...very old indeed. Perhaps too old to be climbing the cliffs of heaven....but not so old as to not be curious about their secrets. Tired from the day's trek, Mot sat in a cave and ate a meal he had packed with him. He did not need this kind of sustenance, but he found human food calmed and restored him after a long day.
Snort.
The noise startled Mot, and he looked around quickly, dropping his food and staring into the darkness madly. Seeing nothing, he picked his sandwich back up and continued chewing, alert.
Snort.
Was he losing his mind? There was nothing to be seen...
Snort.
But there was something to be seen. Deep in the cave, black like its surroundings, was a tiny dragon. It had to be only days old; it was the size of a large dog, and there were egg pieces lying around it.
The thing was almost....cute. Indeed, it was simply adorable. Could dragons be tamed? Mot wondered. What if he were to take the baby, take it with him, and train it to be his, like any other steed? Could it be done? He almost swooned at the thought of riding one. He'd be the envy of the dream world, yes, that pesky neighbor would no longer make fun of his topiaries, no siree-
AIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEIIIIIIIII!
The baby was screaming. Mot had put his hand on it to pick it up, and it was screaming. He backed away slowly. "Sorry, laddie, I didn't mean to fighten-"
AAAAIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEIIIIIIII!
All too soon, Mot heard wingbeats behind him. Large wingbeats. Leathery wingbeats.
He turned slowly around, breathing heavily.
His nose barely missed the mother dragon standing there, staring at him. Could dragons kill with a look? Because this one was almost able to.
She roared, and reared up to attack.
"Well, shit."
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Rodi
Fae
Awakened
Checkmate.
Posts: 90
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Post by Rodi on May 28, 2010 9:20:30 GMT -8
Suddenly, Rodi was there in front of the daemon, his wicked spear readied. Rodi’s long, crimson hair was pulled back with a shimmering gold ribbon. His garnet eyes were fierce and determined as he glared at the dragon before him. The battle fae was dressed in a long, cream colored coat lined in gold. It looked fancy except for the rips that went up the sides.
Hm. Not an imperial dragon, judging from the coloring (or lack thereof). Hopefully it had the same weaknesses as one. He slowly, began to sway back and forth. The dragon’s eyes followed, locked on the shimmering gold Rodi wore on his outfit. Yep. Slowly, he began to circle around so that the dragon was facing away from Mot. He continued to sway so that the shimmer rippled and sparkled in the sunlight.
Then he lunged. Rodi’s spear clashed with dragon claws and the spell was broken. The creature roared and blew a breath of fire, which Rodi dodged. The fae saw the dragon’s weak spot-right below the left forearm. That would be where the killing blow had to be. He realized he would probably have to kill it. A protective mother was not easy to drive off.
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Mot
Daemon
Sleeper
Posts: 19
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Post by Mot on May 28, 2010 12:32:31 GMT -8
Well, that was lucky. Mot thanked Fate that Rodi had found him. He had not known the Fae long, and although the boy was untrusting and a little too quiet for Mot's liking, Mot knew he could be counted on to help, even in this situation.
Mot did not want to use his magic, but he knew that the mother dragon must die, or it would be he and Rodi who provided the creature's next meal. He closed his eyes and gathered his power, hoping his journey had not drained him too much. He focused his mind on the large dragon, on her life source, and released his magic. It would not be enough to kill the dragon, but Mot hoped it would drain her enough for Rodi to finish her off. He hated killing her. She wasn't an imperial dragon, but a shadow dragon; a rare breed whose skin changed color according to its environment. She had a baby as well, and who would care for it?
A burst of flame dispersed his thoughts. He dodged as Rodi did, but his cloak caught on fire, and he tried desperately to stomp it out. Damn. Without his cloak, he'd be stuck in the cave until the sun left. This needed to end, and soon.
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Rodi
Fae
Awakened
Checkmate.
Posts: 90
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Post by Rodi on May 29, 2010 9:15:25 GMT -8
Suddenly, the dragon shivered. Rodi frowned, but stayed carefully guarded. He was more than a little surprised when the dragon seemed to...weaken. Not a lot, but enough to slow it down. Enough to allow Rodi to pierce the creature with his spear. The weapon entered the dragon’s flesh through the weak spot with a sickening noise. Rodi used all of his strength to push it in through flesh, muscle, and whatever else.
Finally, the dragon gave a final sort, looked over at its child, and fell. Immediately, Rodi ran to the mother dragon’s side. He covered the dragon’s eyes with a somber expression on his face and began an apology prayer stating that he killed only out of survival and he wished the mother dragon well on her after journey. The battle muse looked surprisingly sad.
His garnet gaze then drifted towards the child dragon. He could not abandon it. Not after killing the poor thing’s mother. The creature whined, probably calling for its mother. Rodi felt like a monster. Should he have just let the explorer die? Or would that have been more wrong? For that matter, what was that man doing here? Rodi’s eyes flashed angrily towards the man he had just rescued.
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Mot
Daemon
Sleeper
Posts: 19
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Post by Mot on May 30, 2010 18:27:21 GMT -8
Mot watched in awe as the warrior took the dragon out at its weak spot. He was amazed; Mot never knew where to attack, but Rodi seemed to know instinctively.
Even more amazing was the battle fae's genuine care for their dead attacker. After he prayed for the dragon's safe journey, Mot crouched next to him and did the same. He had not wanted her to die either, but it was either her or them.
He stood up, and noticed the fae's glare. "Sir, the attack on this dragon was purely accidental. I had sat down for a rest, and unfortunately came across her baby, and well..." He didn't need to say more. The look in Rodi's eyes pained him; he knew Rodi blamed him for the unneeded killing.
"I wanted to have the baby, to raise and perhaps train...but you've saved my life, and I'd like you to be in charge of its care instead." The sun was setting outside. It would be easier to climb without his cloak, and he decided to continue his hunt for treasure. "You obviously respect these animals immensely, so I trust you'll train the baby well." Mot smiled at Rodi, trying to gain the man's trust.
The baby cried out, and Mot cringed. The poor thing. They had killed its mother right in front of its eyes...had he brought this upon the baby with his hunt for treasure? No, it was an accident. He hadn't meant to find a dragon here.
"I'm here looking for rarities. If you're interested in finding some, maybe you could join me...if not, at least accompany me so I can help watch over the dragon. The little tyke might be of use to us in case of another dragon attack." Dragons would not attack young; maybe they would leave the group alone if they had a baby in tow.
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Rodi
Fae
Awakened
Checkmate.
Posts: 90
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Post by Rodi on May 31, 2010 17:17:12 GMT -8
He watched doubtfully as the person knelt by the mother dragon and offered a prayer of his own. Rodi frowned, puzzled. He had guessed the person was a daemon due to the extreme covering, but Rodi had never seen a daemon pray before. Was it a fae? If so, what was with the getup?
That voice. Rodi knew that voice. He frowned, trying hard to place it. Mot! The old vampire. Rodi rolled his eyes. Great. The fae walked towards the baby and scooped it up. It bit him and blew smoke from his mouth, but Rodi’s coat was too thick for its baby teeth to penetrate. Not to mention the leather bands he wore on his arms beneath the coat.
“I owe this creature a parent figure, so that is what I will give it.” He held the child up to look for its sex. “Her,” he amended. There was a thoughtful pause before Rodi spoke again. “Julienhe.” Rodi turned towards Mot. “I believe I will accompany you.” Why not? Mot could very easily anger other dragons while treasure hunting.
ooc:: Want to draw me a picture of the baby?
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Mot
Daemon
Sleeper
Posts: 19
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Post by Mot on Jun 7, 2010 19:32:56 GMT -8
Mot was startled by Rodi's decision to join him. "...really? That would be a great help to me, lad. I give you my thanks." Pleased with the name Rodi had picked for the dragonling, Mot brushed a bit of dirt off his robe and pulled his hood down. The sun had set now, and Mot could see better in the dark.
"It'll be easiest to search now, as it were. We can rest in earnest a bit before dawn, if it suits you." Mot nodded to Julienhe. "I've no idea how one goes about training dragons. But if you'd like, we can take turns carrying her. She must weigh a good 50 pounds." Too exited to wait for an answer, Mot walked briskly out of the cave and into the cool night air. The climb here was not too difficult; there were many handholds in the chiseled rock. Mot could see a cave a few hundred feet to above, to the east; but should they venture for the cave, or move on and try to climb the highest cliff? Was such a feat even feasible? He asked the question aloud, mostly to himself, but wanted Rodi's input.
ooc: Yes! I'd love to.
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Rodi
Fae
Awakened
Checkmate.
Posts: 90
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Post by Rodi on Jun 9, 2010 11:35:09 GMT -8
”I give you my thanks.”
Rodi froze when he heard that. It was always so easy for non-fae to forget about their little curse. Despite the fact that they could be so easily drawn into it. Rodi turned fiery his gaze onto the daemon and was about to speak, but his companion was already continuing. The battle muse sighed. “I need no rest at the moment. But I will tell you what. Should another dragon attack, you take the baby while I deal with it.” Hopefully without killing, he thought.
The fae took the dagger from his belt and began ripping off a good chunk of his fancy coat. He used the fabric to fashion a sling that could be worn across his back. It would be perfect to put the baby in. “Be careful,” he said as he worked, “With whom you give thanks. To a fae, giving thanks implies a favor was done. That puts you in the debt of that fae.” Rodi looked up at the man, intent on showing him just how serious this could be. “I could ask for your life now, and you would have no choice but to give it. Many fae would do this. However, if you repay me with food I will call it even.”
ooc:: Sweet.
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Mot
Daemon
Sleeper
Posts: 19
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Post by Mot on Jun 9, 2010 19:15:25 GMT -8
Mot was stunned. Had he forgotten the rules so carelessly? He thanked the spirits that Rodi was not inclined to corruption, otherwise he'd be under the fae's control. "Of course I'll provide you with food, good lad. I'd thank you for sparing me, but I'll not make the mistake again." Mot smiled, trying to create some comic relief in the rather tense atmosphere.
Mot opened his pack and took out some provisions, handing them to Rodi. "I don't know what you're expecting, but I've decided where I want to search." He searched the warrior's eyes calmly, hoping he'd not think him crazy. "We're already at the center of the cliffs...and seeing that we've climbed a good ways anyway, I would suggest we continue to the top." He bit his lip. "I know it's perilous, but...but I have to know if the castle of legend exists. Imagine how beautiful it must be in the moonlight, glittering and shining at the sky..." Mot sighed in ecstasy. "There might be trolls about. Once you've finished your meal, we can begin, if you like."
He was going to do it. He'd dreamed of climbing the center cliff in the past, but had never found the time or courage to do it. But with the help of Rodi, and the baby dragon...maybe it could be done. Maybe Mot could confirm the legend of the castle on the cliffs.
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Rodi
Fae
Awakened
Checkmate.
Posts: 90
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Post by Rodi on Jun 10, 2010 9:54:42 GMT -8
Mot actually managed to elicit a small smile from the battle fae. He took the offered provisions and stored some in his own, empty bag and ate the rest. He almost choked when Mot mentioned what it was he wanted to do. Wide eyed, Rodi gaped at him as he continued to talk. He was crazy. Rodi even said so.
“You are out of your mind, old man! You would risk your life just to chase stories told to children? Gods help us. How have you managed to live so long?” Rodi felt rather exasperated. Of all the traveling companions to find, he had managed to stumble across the suicidal one. He was already a new father thanks to this man. The last thing he needed was to bed dead, too. Rodi had things to accomplish!
The muse looked at the massive cliff. It was daunting. Perhaps he would accompany the daemon part of the way. Rodi was not interested in suicide missions. Once things got out of hand, he was done. It would be difficult to fight a dragon while clinging to the side of a steep rock face. This cliff was not meant to be climbed. Mot was going to die.
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Mot
Daemon
Sleeper
Posts: 19
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Post by Mot on Jun 11, 2010 22:02:12 GMT -8
Mot was not surprised by Rodi's small outburst; in fact, he wondered why it hadn't transformed into a full on lecture. "You don't have to accompany me if you think me a dead man, warrior. Someone made it up this cliff before. Could we not do the same?" The daemon knew the cliff held dangers beyond knowing, but surely the trip was not impossible.
"I know it seems a foolhardy adventure, but imagine if we made it. Imagine what we'd find, the artifacts, the weaponry...if it seems too dangerous at some point, we can leave. But I want to push on as far as possible." Mot looked up at the moon. He had a good seven hours before the sun rose, and he planned to use them well. "Let's get moving. There is a ledge a few hundred feet above..." Mot pointed upward, gesturing toward it. "We can make camp there; I'm sure it'll take some hours to reach it." With a nod toward Rodi, the vampire grabbed hold of the closest foothold and began to climb.
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Rodi
Fae
Awakened
Checkmate.
Posts: 90
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Post by Rodi on Jun 14, 2010 23:14:19 GMT -8
The idiot was chasing children tales. But it seemed his mind was made up. Rodi heaved a sigh of exasperation. Was it worth it to tell him that there was no proof that the journey had been accomplished before? That nobody really knew? This daemon seemed terribly into his stories, he did. Rodi did not see much point in talking sense to him. He was not made for manipulation.
“Oh, very well,” Rodi growled moodily, “I will accompany you despite my better judgment. But I turn back when this becomes a suicide mission.” Why? Because Rodi could not simply turn his back on someone who was likely to die. If he went along then Mot had a better chance of survival. Better because the vampire was obviously lacking in the common sense department. He needed someone around with a clear head.
The battle fae readied himself for a rough climb. “If we get attacked, we turn back as soon as it is safe. If the weather takes a turn for the worse, we turn back. If there is a rock slide, we turn back. If moving forward is a high risk move, we turn back. Agreed?” Rodi certainly hoped so. He was not willing to die for this man, but he would feel terribly guilty leaving him to fend for himself.
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Mot
Daemon
Sleeper
Posts: 19
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Post by Mot on Jun 15, 2010 19:44:49 GMT -8
Mot smiled. Rodi was a good man to accompany an almost complete stranger. He felt a slight twinge of guilt for having the fae follow him, but he had already offered to go alone, and there was nothing for it now.
After hearing Rodi'a ultimatum, Mot sighed and nodded. He supposed safety was the best policy, although it could prevent him from reaching the top. There was no need to go running into trouble, however, and Mot was glad for company anyway.
"It'll be a long climb to our first goal", Mot said, looking up at the ledge. "Maybe you could entertain me with a folktale from the faefolk, or the battle muses? Traveling in silence is terribly depressing."
ooc: I love made-up tales. Like a lot. This should be obvious, haha, but even if Rodi doesn't have any, it's all good c:
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Rodi
Fae
Awakened
Checkmate.
Posts: 90
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Post by Rodi on Jun 16, 2010 11:16:59 GMT -8
Hmm…A folktale? This one was a lover of stories, was he not? Rodi smiled and his stony face softened somewhat. He supposed he could indulge the old man. Though Rodi was not sure how good his storytelling technique was.
“Once upon a time.” That was how stories were supposed to start, right? “In a time before humans, before shifters and daemons, there was a cunning fairy, a water fairy, called Domitiula. She had wings as white as frost and murky, swamp green hair that fell in matted locks down her back. Her eyes were gray like the winter sky and her skin was an almost identical shade. She was not beautiful. She was not kind. Many called her the Frozen Witch. She lived in the hollow of a tree with many pets, nasty creatures from the Tangle.
“Domitiula was an Unseelie witch, feared even among her own kind. Most were afraid of entering her domain. She was very territorial and would often set her creatures to attack trespassers. Or worse. She would turn them into frozen statues for her garden. They would be alive, but unable to move.
“Nobody knew anything about this fairy. She was evil, but so were many in the Unseelie court…”
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