ENDLESS JOURNEYS (O/A)

[Rikki Tikki Travi]

Alec growled audibly when the man kissed Kerana's hand. It was very much the growl of a wolf. The heat was almost unbearable, and this goon acting all smooth and mysterious wasn't helping his mood.

"We could ask you the same thing. Strangers have a bad habit of attacking us, and you're not exactly known to us." he accused.  

[Nova Blancke]

Nova observed the newcomer. He knew every single Dragon-kin that lived here but not this one. His suspicion matched with what the man said. He was not from around here. These Dragon-kin do not and never have had wings.

"We are here because I live and these are my guests. I hope you did not enter the village or show yourself to the natives around here. They do not respond kindly to that kind of behavior. " Nova spoke trying to remain neutral but gain as much intel as he could." But the young man is right. Strangers have not been very kind to us. So for all of our sake do not make any sudden moves. We wouldn't want to misinterpretate your actions."  

[Goruk Devon]

He looked to them and his eyes became very serious as he said "If I wanted to attack you all it wouldn't have been hard. I came up to you on purpose. I have no idea where I am or why the inhabitants are so devolved that they cannot even take to the air like the Pure-Kin." he stretched his wings out showing just how large they were while his tail swished back and forth behind him. "I need your help to figure out what I am for I know that I am not of these people that live here."  

[PixelMuse]

Trinity quietly observed the interaction with this new individual. She tried to figure out what motives this guy had. However not knowing what race he is or where he's from, it was difficult, at least if his motive was a political one. He did at least introduce himself which his body language indicated he was opened and honest. She quirked an eyebrow as the fox girl posed her inquiry.  

[Goruk Devon]

He looked to the fox girl and said "I suppose your right...you are the first to talk to me. The others only attacked me on sight and wouldnt listen to me try and explain myself" he sighed slightly before saying "May I stay with you all? I dont know much about this place and numbers are safer.."  

[Nova Blancke]

Having him with us increases the chances of us not having to fight. He looks interesting and strong so they could pick him. Good chance to observe him.

"Very well. Just a heads up. Don't accept gifts from them. First step to marriage. They will most likely pick you to fight for the Rite of Passage. You look strong and they do like that."  

[Goruk Devon]

He looked to the man after her mentioned marriage and nod his head "Very well il remember that." he chuckled thinking of the thought of him married. "I will follow your lead and help you wherever you need it."  

[PixelMuse]

So far so good... heh... I've been in his shoes. So many willing to lose their lives for the reward moneiy the wanted posters wanted. Little did they know turning me in was just their death warrant

The group followed Nova into the city of the Dragon kin. To her things may appear intimidating but it was all too familiar considering the bars she normally would visit. On top of that she was once captain of a royal guard, the intimidation game was nothing new to her. Just like old times... different place... different race... but all the same  

[Goruk Devon]

Goruk looked about at the other kin around him. He was not impressed by their lot and it showed as his inner pride radiated forth from him as was the nature of his race. The other kin seemed to give him looks some gave a slight growl or so of discomfort. "I will not start anything..." he thought to himself "But I will finish it swiftly.."  

[Nova Blancke]

As they moved through the strange landscape they saw more of the familiar cows eating the not so familiar orange grass. There were no walls around this town just paths that lead to an entrance adorned with a black arc. Before they were allowed entrance into the city they were stopped by a single guard.

The man stood around 6'6. Greenish scales ran across his lean but muscular body, the majority on the sides of his body. His hands would have looked like normal human hands if it weren't for the scales. The palms of the hands were without scales however. His feet were completely covered with scales and unlike the hands they looked more animalistic. The nails on these feet could be considered talons due to the shape. The man wore something that could only be described as something close to a kilt. Without the suffocating woolen fabric. On his neck hung a necklace. That was the only thing you could call it. As they treated it as such. The only thing that didn't make it a proper necklace was the fact that it sported many finger bones from the people that tried to force their way through.

But what set him out the most were not his bright red slit eyes, the long horns that stuck out of his black hair or his scaled pointed ears. It was his tail. His tail alone was roughly the same size he was!

"Halt!" His voice boomed at the newcomers." We do not accept outsiders. Not alive, so I will kill you."

After that there was a silence." That was my attempt of human humor Heart-Brother. Did it suffice? I find human humor to be difficult." The man spoke towards Nova and approached him. They gave each other a firm hug that almost seemed to be somewhat of a power struggle of who could squeeze the hardest. As he let go he slapped Nova on the back roughly. The air escaped Nova's lungs because of it. If anything he did not miss these meetings

"It is good to have you back Heart-Brother. Lexi has been very temperamental these days. So tread lightly around her. But welcomes aside. Who are these people you bring with you? An elf, wolf, fox and....cousin. You always did bring interesting things. You know I cannot let these people in. They must prove their worth." The man stated as he crossed his arms assuming his role as guard once more.

"I assumed as much. The foxgirl is exempted from this trail. The wolf is in contract with her and will fight in her stead. If he fails to keep her safe it could kill him. And that is not the point of this Rite."

The man nodded."Correct. It is a test of strength."  

[Rikki Tikki Travi]

Alec, standing a meager 5'8", looked up at the looming dragon-kin guard. He squeezed Kerana's hand gently and swallowed hard. His ears faltered a bit, making his fear apparent.

He stepped forward and thought about their mission at hand. It caused something to happen that he didn't realize had happened until what happened left his stupid stupid mouth.

"I am Alec Yaets, son of Arithod and Alessa. I wish to face the trial of strength, and if possible, undertake a trial of significant worth that will allow the others to pass. We don't have the luxury of time, and require quick passage."

He internally wondered why he just did that. The wolf knew and understood why. Nova was dying, and Alec's medicines were steadily losing what effect they had on the disease that was wracking the Ancient's body. The boy had unconsciously shouldered a great burden to allow Nova to see Lexi before things truly went pear shaped. The wolf understood, and he would lend the boy his power. Not all of it, not yet. There was another trial that the boy had to complete before knowing the wolf's name.  

[Nova Blancke]

Both the guard and Nova were surprised. The guard because it is usually him who chooses who fights. The only people who volunteer were foolhardy. But this boy...no, young man did not appear like that to him. He was obviously afraid, the ears gave that away quite easily yet he sounded determined. Perhaps he would allow it. The Rite of Passage would still remain the same but since the wolf Alec wants it to be worth something perhaps the stage of the Rite could be changed.

Nova was surprised because he did not expect Alec to be this bold. Despite showing fear he stepped forward. This wasn't some display of bravery for Kerana. No, it didn't feel like that at all. His spirit might have some role in this action. But nonetheless...Nova was proud of the boy. His old self would never do this.

"Are you absolutely sure Alec? Magic is not very effective against them." Nova asked.