[$] The Dragon (Knux33 <3)

[knux33]

Killer_Kiwi_XD

"Less-so in being called human, and more-so insulted at being lumped together with the whole of my species as if we all act, feel, and think in the same ways. We don't. Every individual should judged on their own actions ... or at least that's what I think." Noran was not very amused, despite the elves lighthearted reactions. Mostly because in spite of what he'd just said (weak 'threat' or not) is the eventual return to just talking about the human race as a whole so casually. Sure, the whole hair thing was interesting ... if a bit confusing; not segregation?

"So. You're all royal? Then how come you don't have blond hair if that's the case? And even if the king's blood dies out you're all royal, so you can at least start a new royal line, right?" Nor knew the nobles in his father's kingdom much acted the same way; their blood was mingled in the upper class, so if his father's line would die out (which seemed very unlikely) one of their cousins would take the throne. And Noran had heard more than once blond hair was 'over rated'. The young man couldn't help but run a hand self-consciously through his own creamy-gold short hair, wishing one of his elder brothers were here. They were far more interested in talk such as this, about races and the future and changes in the world. Nor ... did not.

Especially considering if the elves vanishing was going to take a 'long time' he'd probably be long dead by then, if the dragon going to back to sleep centuries from now was a 'short while' to those around him. Why bother talking about stuff that didn't concern him and something he also he could not change or even fully understand?

Ad of course then the elves so easily fell back into just talking to him like 'you humans', which irked Nor to no end. He glared at Salin at the kitten comment ... of course looking like just what the red-headed elf had said, though Nor likely didn't think so.

"And you lot are a bunch of sex-crazy elves who talk a lot about stuff my dad and older brothers would love to hear, but I'm afraid I'm not half as world as they are." He looked curiously at Salin as the other two rode off, eyebrow raised. "... Married?" Sure, he wasn't shocked to hear guys sleeping together. But ... married? To Nor, marriage was just something a guy and girl did before making a family to sanction the bond in the eyes of the proper gods, and to protect them from the less life-happy gods. What purpose did marriage have for two guys who, well, couldn't make kids? And at least it was a subject to ask about that--hopefully--wouldn't lead to further 'you humans' comments.

((Salllliiiiiin))

*

Balrak blinked, turning to frown up at Aerion as the elf took his current object of interest away. "Well I couldn't know that unless I had a look, now could I?" The dragon stretched his arms before standing, scratching at his back. "Besides, I did not break a thing. I am not casual in my destruction; couldn''t you tell by the pristine state of this city? If you had had anything of worth in there, I would have taken great care not to damage it. So, are you significantly rested to begin the day?" Balrak sat on the bed, leaning back comfortably on his arms and grinning at Aerion. "So, are you going to do the thing? The uh ... 'break fast' thing. Yes. Breakfast."  

[Killer_Kiwi_XD]

knux33

Salin looked to the other when he asked about being married then he nodded and looked forward. "You know it doesn’t matter about gender for us. We live forever, the only thing that kills us is physical things, so when it comes to who you love we don't separate because we need to reproduce." Salin shrugged a bit to himself "If you are in love why not form a bond like that? Then again marriage is different for us. It is a bonding of two people for us, they forever belong to each other, even if one dies they are still together and more often than not the left partner will soon sail away." Salin seemed a bit far off at that, his eyes projecting a deep sadness, before he came back to himself and shifted in his saddle again.

"You have marriage yes? Sorry I don't know much about human practices at the moment but you should know that ours are very similar to yours. But because we are elves it binds our souls instead of just making a connection to make children. Most elves spend a great many years looking for their partners and when they find them they are the person made for them… Some cases though that person is not an elf and we must wait many, many, years for our partners to be reborn into their next life." Salin looked to Nor and smiled "But yes those two are married. Happily so. Rilion jokes about sex and such but he would never lay with anyone but Sakrin now that they are married." Salin grinned at the two ahead of them.

**

Aerion rolled his eyes and shook his head before continuing to pick up his things. "Yes because tossing my things around is careful!" Aerion huffed then looked over his shoulder at Balrak when the man mentioned food and breakfast. "I did sleep well but no I won't be eating breakfast. I tend not to, it makes me feel unwell, but I will be getting dressed soon and we will be heading out to the archery range. I know you probably wanted to get some training in today. I personally would like to go explore the kingdom some more. I heard there are underground parts that are very interesting."

((I thought you would like that biggrin ))  

[knux33]

Killer_Kiwi_XD

"Oh ... made for them, huh?" Nor chewed on that a bit, snickering under his breath at the antics of Rilion and Sakrin up front, and hoped neither of them accidentally ran into Darlin; the man figured the black-haired elf might not be in a mood for getting bumped into at the moment. "Looking at the age difference, it isn't that surprising; I mean, we humans don't have a lot of time to be picky about our partners. And even if one's potential spouse isn't 'perfect' or 'the one' it's a lot easier to live and support each other as a couple instead of a single person striking it out on their own. Waiting just wouldn't be practical ... though," Nor had to admit, "some couples do seem to fit perfectly together. 'Guess they got lucky in the grand scheme of things, huh? Because most I see are ... at best, content. At worst, screaming bloody murder at one another all the time, beating on each other, or worse. Actual murder."

Companionship was essential to healthy living, but also the most dangerous of gambles and games to play. There were no perfect rules, no laws. Just traditions and the hope that tradition would somehow make everything alright in the end. Nor, for one, was rather glad not to be married; life as a free bird was not so bad for a prince. Especially a prince with two older brothers who were already well on the way to marriage.

Though father did say he had a girl in mind for me before this mess began ... I guess this is my last ride as a bachelor ... though, if the dragon does burn everything to the ground, that really does not matter much. "So, those two are a couple, Darlin is one who likes being the woman with any proper partner, and you are waiting for someone you care about. Huh; quite the varied lot. But hopefully we'll all be able to live with each other for the duration of the ride, at least. And onto that subject ... marriage is not 'mine'. And not even the form I described is true of all people; outside of the kingdom there are all sorts of practices."

*

"Splendid! Lets get going then," Balrak said, quickly getting onto his feet and hurrying ahead. As frustrating as archery had been the day before, he was twice as confident he would be much better now. And if not ... then there were the roots and tunnels to go rooting around in.

Of course, the dragon took the bow once they were out at the archery field and was soon frowning in concentration; seeing the mark was easy. Hitting it ... another matter entirely. But as he drew the bow tightly (but not too tightly, remembering Aerion's worry of the small-sized object breaking) and released.

And missed. And repeated. And missed, and repeated ... and hit the edge of the target. Hit a bit deeper into the target ...! Missed completely.

The dragon had learned quickly, but was not a god or expert; but progress was being made. Though this progress was frustrating enough to have Balrak soon more than ready for a break and trip around the undercity. The dragon, thankfully, had dressed himself before seeking out one of the many entrances down to the lower level of the city, not wanting his human-flesh to get cold. Pah; a cold fire-breather? To ridiculase to even let happen, of course. "So; anything in particular you wanted to see? Or shall we just wander," the dragon asked, smiling a little and running a hand against the well-polished rootwood that lined the tunnel walls, little nooks filled with a softly glowing moss.

((I will have to toss a werewolf into this. Eventually >D ))  

[knux33]

Killer_Kiwi_XD

((Pssst~ *shuffles over some pretty arts* ^^ ))  

[Killer_Kiwi_XD]

knux33

Salin shifted on his horse and sighed. "When I say yours I mean as in your race, the same as when I say ours, it is hard to say race over and over again or list off all the races that practice marriage. Humans are the most common for such things just the same as elves and dwarves. You are very defensive about being lumped in with other but it is not meant as an insult even when we mention the bad." Salin kicked his legs a little but his horse stayed steady before he threw a leg over and sat sideways on the creature. "We simply mean it in a way to shorten speech because were we to state everything wholly and completely then we would have to list off every race that we know of and we know of many you do not. Then we would have to describe them and then it would take most likely days to explain something simple so when we say 'you' we mean races beside our own." Salin tilted back.

"Your type of marriage is much more common than you are aware Nor, because it is quick and easy, there is even a race that performs that kind of marriage then later on when they find their one true love they leave their partner and join their other partner. Just because it is not common everywhere in your race doesn’t mean that doesn’t stand the same for other races." Salin shifted then shrugged looked forward. "But yes I am waiting for someone, those two have each other, and the rest back there have no one but themselves. Darlin is a bit of a lonely soul, if he offends you often I am sorry, he doest mean too but he's just gotten very used to being alone after Aerion got older." Salin hummed.

"He won't admit it but all those stories he told you are from back when we were still in the old kingdom. When he was still younger and felt he could get away with it, he'll say it was recent but it wasn't because after the dragon and what he found… he had felt it was only his duty to protect the prince." Salin seemed a bit far off at that.

**

Aerion stumbled up as the other jumped at the mention of archery. He tripped as he tried to dress then followed the other out while pulling on his shirt and without his hair braided and hanging down in mostly a mess with all the bobbles in clear view. He huffed, a glare clear set on his face as he follow the other then swept his hair into a pony tail before starting the training. He gave as much encouragement as he could, tried not to chuckle at the others flustering, and tapped the others hands every now and then to get him to focus. Aerion was starting to see a real balance problem that Balrak was having, he didn't want to mention it because he hated to admit that it was kind of cute, but it didn't help him shoot the bow so he need to fix it.

When Balrak grew frustrated and they were leaving to start walking around Aerion just sort of pointed the way he wanted to go and started walking. "You know… I was… seeing a balance problem." He said lightly because he didn't want to upset Balrak. He knew the other probably thought he was the greatest but a beast so used to lumbering on all fours with a large tail suddenly forced not only to two legs but to balance perfectly still on just those two legs and AIM? It was an impossible feat for nearly anyone and the fact that Balrak had done so well so far was great but if he could somehow let out a smaller version of his tail, maybe just for practice, then… Aerion was sure he would be able to hit the target because his balance would shift while he was aiming.

"Your aim isn't off but… You keep swaying and I think I may know what the problem is. Don't get angry because I mean nothing by this but when you are yourself you are most naturally on all fours with a long tail o balance out your weight. As a human you do not have that so when you go to aim you… sway and… shift. Your used to balancing with your tail and while you have everything else down perfectly I think if… there is a way…. You should look into giving yourself a tail while you learn your balance a bit."  

[knux33]

Killer_Kiwi_XD

"Huh." Nor chewed on that perspective a bit; talking about everything as a 'whole' as an odd thing to him. Most humans, he figured, thought in terms of the individual and of themselves as number one, not as a group. Really, so much Salin said was of how much more the elves knew that would be troublesome to go into full detail about, and that was why they spoke the way they did. It sounded almost like an excuse a scholar would say after using large words and specialist terms to sound smarter than he really was but ... Nor got the feeling this wasn't just for show. Which made the human wince; damn, it had to be troublesome being an immortal and knowing so much. Far too much trouble to really be worth the extra years; though the human did admire the red-haired elf's horsemanship and ease in the saddle. Now that was something Nor wouldn't mind having eternity to perfect: the handling of horses, hounds, and all manner of beasts.

Patting his horse as Salin straightened, the prince felt a slightly concerned look grow on his face at the mention of Darlin ... and the raven haired elf's apparent feelings. To be without the touch of another for so long ... and to neglect his own needs in favor of work ... Well Nor was no elf, but he'd heard his older brother complain enough about guardsmen who'd been shocked or mentally troubled enough by something or another that 'married to their work' to cope with the stress and help numb down other feelings that would get in the way of such work. And from what Nor heard it worked well enough but ... was it really a good way to live?

Seeing Salin had his thoughts elsewhere, the man leaned forward in his saddle and the stallion beneath him trotted a bit faster accordingly. It looked like Rilion and Sakrin were the farthest ahead, Nor able to hear Rilion apologizing to the white-haired elf ... but the lab-haired young man brought his own steed up alongside Darlin's, going along silently a few moments before clearing his throat. "Sorry ... for earlier. You can call me a young brat if you want," Nor offered. He'd been enjoying the small talks with Darlin he'd had so far, and hoped the leader's humor wouldn't be sour for the res of their trip; they still had a long ways to go. And even if he had trouble wrapping his mind around the way elves thought, they weren't half-bad company once he had the moment to take a deep breath and sit his own pride down. Not something easy to do all the time, but at least Nor had had years of living with older siblings and knew how to do it.

*

Balrak shrugged and followed Aerion, more than willing to just walk around where the elven prince wanted to go. The dark spaces of the city's underground intricate root system made the area nice and gloomy; just the way the dragon liked it, with the thick smell of earth and cool darkness. It was just the kind of environment he liked to hang around in, though the dragon turned an ear towards Aerion curiously as the other started to speak in a more hesitant manner than usual.

A small frown grew on the dragons face at the 'balance problem' comment, but Balrak didn't huff nor puff. He listened to the elf speak on, eyes narrowing in thought as he looked ahead. "... Hm." It wasn't that hard to get what the elf was speaking of; the dragon could balance well enough when walking or in motion without looking too 'off' in his human form, but standing still and using his arms to hold a bow properly left him with no limbs free to balance with, so he was often shifting weight from the balls of his feet to his toes ... which led to the swaying Aerion was talking about.

Instead of answering Aerion verbally, the dragon's form ... blurred and darkened a bit. He seemed to almost become like a walking shadow, human form slowly becoming altered. Balrak focused hard upon what he wanted his shape to become, though this was a bit harder than simply going from human to dragon or vice-versa. This was a shape he had to make himself with no outside guidelines to reply upon. So when he finished his first try at it, he did look quite ... different. His pupils were slits, glowing as he turned his head to look at the thick tail hanging low behind himself, testing it. It was close to how it was when he was in his natural form; a thick and sturdy extension of his body that slowly tapered off to a more flexible tail-tip. He was also sporting small horns peaking out from his black hair, and nails a tad too long, with a few emerald-green scales trailing down the back of his neck.

But Balrak was not pleased; the tail felt too weighty for standing on just two legs. So he blurred again, and this time seemed more satisfied with the results: he's fixed it so his scaled tail was a bit more trim and whippy. Still thick enough to serve as the weight counter-balance he was so used to, but also light enough to be flexible and not slow him down too much. The dragon nodded to himself, having fixed that and the other small extra bits of dragon he'd had on him ... mostly. He could still feel tight-knit scales traveling down along his spine and covering the area his tail was attached to quite heavily, but Aerion would not see the 'imperfections' as they were hidden beneath his black clothing.

"Yes ... this will do nicely," Balrak said, turning his surprisingly-calm gaze towards the prince. He had fixed the problem, as only the best and greatest creature like himself could do at a moment's notice. "Want to see the Serpent's Falls?" In these underground tracks, Balrak knew where there was a nice spot to view a place where the underground river had a small bit of waterfalls. It was called the Serpent's Falls because--as far as the dragon could tell--the river flowed softly and smoothly down a few thick tree roots and had dug out the earth around the thick wooden bits, leaving the falls with large protruding thick bits; as of the water was passing over burrowing worms .. or massive serpents.  

[Killer_Kiwi_XD]

knux33

Darlin was staring at the two ahead of him and watching them bicker when he heard another horse trot up beside him. He was not expecting someone to say anything to him, or for nor to speak to him because he had figured the other was frustrated with him as well, but then he heard the others voice beside him instead of from the back and he was apologizing to him. Darlin glanced at Nor at first, not quite understanding what was going on, then he just looked forward again and chuckled. He leaned on his horse and shook his head as he stared at the two still playfully bickering ahead of them, Sakrin blushing as his husband spoke to him in a rather fond tone.

"No I should apologize for myself Nor. You don't know much about us and that is a fault completely left to the elves. We took offense when we could have just let it brush off but our pride is only rivaled by that of most humans we have encountered in our days. When it is wounded we grow very bitter and I myself have grown used to that after living in the old kingdom for so very, very, long." Darling looked down at his horse then sighed.

"I should tell you though… what to expect when we get there… the danger may not come from the dragon if my assumption is correct. Our prince though he is a kind soul now it is because he does not remember what happened to him before." Darlin ran hand over his horses side to steady it then kept it rest on the mares side. "I want to stress how RARE it is for an elf to lose their memory Nor. It is almost impossible and it takes events truly horrific taking place over a great deal of time. It's how the original orcs came to be who they were because their minds forgot who they were from the trauma. Thankfully Aerion forgot the bad…. It was just everyone else that had to remember that we had let it happen without noticing because we were to blinded by our damned golden city." Darlin sighed heavily and shook his head before shifting.

"First off Aerion wasn't the kings only son. He had two others but Aerion was the smallest. His other boys were grown. The oldest, Dwain, was a Halfling born from a dwarf the king had loved but she died giving birth to him. He is still alive but Aerion does not know this, his lives very ,very far away, he cared for Aerion when he was little because he was fully grown when he was born. His fathers second wife was Krill, an elf from some highland, and she was executed shortly after the birth of the second son she bore him after the first mysteriously died. She had been trying to smother them because she said the kingdom poisoned them. That they would do horrible things… She had screeched it as she was beheaded. The king did not leave his rooms for weeks and we thought we might lose him because he had truly loved her. When his second eldest had fully grown he met Aerions mother, the current queen, she had been the sun in his darkness." Darlin smiled at this.
"She is much like Aerion now, how he always has been, never found interest in glittering gold and the king had to find other ways to woo her. When she finally married her and they were graced with Aerion the kingdom rejoiced. There was nothing better than the birth of a new son. So years went on with happiness and Aerion got older but no one saw the way his older brother looked at him. He felt he was not as loved by the kingdom, though he was, and he felt that no one should love his precious little brother more than him. Though how much he loved his little brother was very… very wrong. I noticed the marks first, hand marks on his arms, but by that point it had already been YEARS. Years of the beast slithering into a CHILDS bed and doing horrendous things to him." Darlin sounded absolutely sick at this point.

"And even after that I believed when Aerion said 'we only play' because his brother had told him that’s what they were doing. Until it got violent and when he aged into his teens and lost that innocent look and turned into something people desired his brother decided he wanted to hear him screaming and we didn't go running because we were sickened by our kingdom and let him do as he wanted" There was so much guilt in his words and Darlin looked as if he had let the entire world burn when he could have let it stop. "He would make him bleed down his thighs onto his sheets then leave and laugh like it was nothing…. Every night since he was a child and Aerion, good little Aerion, was incorruptible by the city and gold and knew that it was wrong. He knew it was sick and not to take it and he was broken. The night the dragon came there was so much screaming and fire, so much red already, he decided to add some of his own. So while his brother slept through the terror he stabbed him so many times the room was PAINTED in blood when I found him. In human years… he would have been the equivalent of sixteen. Drenched in blood and still injured from his last run in with his brother. He didn't cry though, he looked relieved, just relieved, and scared out of his mind once he saw me and the fire behind me." Darlin sighed.

"When we rested after running we were able to get him to tell us everything before he fell asleep. When he woke up next he couldn’t remember anything about his past beside that he knew who everyone was. We made a kingdom, created a lie, and made up his age so he would never remember what happened to him. He did not blame us, we continually did enough of that, but we did not want him to have to live with the memory of what had happened to him. If he remembers what happened to him though? I cannot promise he won't be violent."

**

Aerion watched the other suddenly turn into black smoke and he stood still and just watched in amazement as the other shifted form. It was amazing to watch, yet again, and when the other was done Aerion couldn’t help but give a small clap before looking the others claws over. When the other mentioned the falls Aerion nodded and let the other lead the way. "You took that much better than I had expected you to be honest. I had thought you would be angry that I was saying you could not keep your balance though I know that you can." Aerion chuckled a little, clasping his hands behind his back and actually quite enjoying this much ore beastly form from the other.

He would never say that he liked it better out loud but he assumed it was because it was a better reminded that the other was indeed not normal and could very much kill him and that he should not get comfortable around him. Thought he still found himself relaxing as they walked.  

[knux33]

Killer_Kiwi_XD

Noran smiled, happy to forgive and be forgiven. Though his happy look turned quizzical as Darlin spoke on to the subject the dark elf never seemed far from: the lost elf prince. It was fascinating at first; hearing of Elven history that scholars the world over would likely give a limb to even hear a whisper of from an elf. The young man was no history buff, being more of a live-in-the-now type of guy who enjoyed the outdoors and wilderness more than cramped studying conditions he remembered as a child. But as the tale wound on ... and just what ad happened to the prince was revealed, a look of horror mixed with revulsion came onto Nor's face. He could not help it; he'd heard of rapists, yes. Even those who were sick enough to go after children but ... never quite like this. Perhaps his elder brother and leader of the garrison would not be so surprised, knowing predators such as that often took prey easily available; 'prey' often being closely related and giving them trust within the family, but Nor was a tad more innocent and had to bite his lip, glaring off into the horizon.

Nor was not not quite as confused as to why the prince might not want to return with this group once they arrived ... or why the elf prince might prove to be a bit violent. But ... "The way you told it ... this Aerion has lived many good years, along with the bad now. Even with such a history ... the time spent in a good life could possibly help with the bad. And ... his brother is dead and cannot hurt him anymore ... surely that should count for ... for something," Nor said, then sighed while shaking his head. There was no way to tell. No way to tell how the prince this band of elves were seeking to at least try to rescue would react if he did remember, and Nor sure as hell couldn't put himself in the stranger's shoes. That was an experience beyond imagining.

Nor felt an awkward silence fall, and tried to change the subject to something ... well, else. And remembering what Salin had said, somehow Nor found himself saying: "You know ... this is going to be a long trip. And on the long stretches between towns the nights can get lonely, I know so ... If you want to try ... you know, de-stressing and ... I know you like bottoming and I like to top so ... yeah," Nor sighed, one hand rubbing against his face as if to hide his shame; that was likely the worst string of poor attempts at asking for a ******** he'd ever given in his life. For sure. His horse gave snort, as if highly unimpressed at Nor's pretty piss-poor attempt himself.

*

Balrak chuckled as he walked, quite liking the new but familiar feeling of a tail swaying behind him with each step he took. "I am quickly learning that if I get angry over every little thing you say, elf, I will be perpetually perturbed for the remainder of our eternity. Despite my fiery nature, being angry all the time does not spark a great joy in me at the thought. There are a far many other things to be passionate about instead," he drawled, leading the way down the darkly lit pathways until one opened up into quite the wide cavern where the surprisingly quiet sound of quickly moving water could be heard.

The waterfalls were not overly filled with spray or mist, because they were rather small and rolling instead of steep and flat like the greater waterfall were the underground river came to burst out into the sunlight; Balrak's favorite place of take off from. No, these falls were covered in clear, flat, and almost glass-like moving water over roots and such. The dragon walked over to the edge of the 'viewing platform' where long-ago elves had built a safety railing of sorts out of carved, ornamental wood and some glittering metals.

Balrak was quite pleased with himself; Even the little 'applause' from Aerion had very much brightened his mood, though he tapped one claw on the old safety railing unhappily. The dragon was quite the perfectionist; the having extra dragon bits besides the tail was a 'flaw' in his eyes. But he simply made a mental note to work on improving the complete control of his shifting. Tail curling unconsciously like a question mark, the slit-eyed dragon glanced the blond's way with a satisfied smile. "So, what do you think of the view? I must say, it makes me think that fire and water are not so different, even as opposing elements. Both can be used to mold and change the world ... though fire always flows upward towards air, and water flows down towards the earth."  

[Killer_Kiwi_XD]

knux33

Darlin almost fell off his horse when Nor spoke, his stumbling attempt not the first he had hear over the years, it came as a shock to him though to hear the blond male tumble it out. Darlin felt Salins horse thud into his behind him, not realizing that the other had come up behind them and then there was a bit of fumbling before Darlin collected himself and looked up at the other with his cheeks FLAMING red. "You are the most awkward person I have EVER met!" Darlin heard Salin laugh behind him before th man passed between the two then he shook just gave a small shake of his head as if he was trying to collect his thoughts before he laughed.

"You change the subject by offering sex? Are you crazy? You heard the stories, all the different people I have been with, and that's what you choose to do? I don't know if your crazy or really smart because that was brilliant." Darlin chuckled, his cheeks still a little red, he had to be honest he was a little flattered. He had been propositioned by many people of many races. The list he had could go on and on but a prince of any race? No, not ever, it just wasn’t something that happened for him because he was of the guard. Even a not so serious offer filled with stumbling words made him feel… humbled in a way.

"Well Nor… let it never be said I turn down an offer, even a poorly formed one, should you actually want to I am always open to the idea. Though I recommend for now our focus be on getting out of the forest. Such things are not to be trifled with or those two up there would have had their fun last night. Not much action can be had in evlin prisons." Darlin chuckled as the two that were now even further ahead seemed to have calmed down and were leaning rather close on their horses.

***

Aerion chuckled as he followed after the other, his human form still towering over the smaller elf, he couldn’t help but watch the way the others tail moved in his human form. Just the same as when he was a dragon, it was fascinating and while Aerion would never say it out loud he was very intrigued. The blond stopped when they reached the snake like falls, slowly stepping out onto the platform, and he had to say that he was truly impressed by the sight that greeted him. It was not something that was created by elf, or by dragon, not by man or dwarf. This was not something made by hand or beast but instead it was something purely made by mother nature herself and time. So much time that creatures like Aerion and Balrak would get to see but so many other would never get to.

Aerion looked down, watching the water fall further and further, then he looked back up to where it came from and the perpetual circle that the water made that fire never could. "True… but fire dies Where water is just reborn again and again no matter where it goes." Aerion looked back to Balrak then back to the water and sat on the edge of the viewing point, so close to falling off, because he ahd never been afraid of heights and knew that Balrak would not push him off. "This, all of it, is magnificient. Because at one point all this was just a trickle in the crack of a rock. Hands did not craft this, only water and time…." Aerion stared down over the edge.

He leaned so far forward he looked as if he would fall, be he knew he wouldn’t, then he looked back to Balrak with bright green eyes. "How old are you Balrak? I don't know how old I am anymore. I thought I did, but I don't, so tell me how old you are. Are you as old as this waterfall? The forest around us? Older?" Aerion looked back to the waterfall. "I know nothing but names and titles and that you are something very rare… the last of your kind. I am always curious to know more and being here in this city… I don’t want to know more about it so you are the subject of my attention. Will you amuse my curiosity for a moment? Like you did when I asked about the gold and the eggs?"

((Aerion is now starting to like Balrak but he still has not addressed his capture... can someone say stalkholme syndrome?  

[knux33]

Killer_Kiwi_XD

Nor gave a sheepish smile and rubbed the back of his neck before straightening up when it was clear even if he was being laughed at, it wasn't quite too harsh despite the mess of words he'd shuffled on out of his mouth. Though he couldn't help but blush as Salin passed the both of them, doubly embarrassed just because there was another witness to his rather spectacular flop. The cream-blond did grin at Darlin as the other spoke. "I think I'd rather lean towards 'brilliant' rather than 'crazy'. Or, you know, we could just put them together and call me crazy brilliant," he said, tone more playful than serious. Prince or not, Nor was pretty humble for someone who'd grown up with a lot more opportunities than most folks. He'd been the one out in the woods dealing with real living things of all types, from other woodsmen to animals while his brothers mostly remained either studying or practicing their leadership skills. So awkward he may be at some points, but he was more open to just being a man instead of a 'prince', so to speak ... though of course he had no idea how such an offer on his part might make the elf feel humbled; he sometimes forgot how important his own label was when he had two elder brothers who seemed so much more important in the grand scheme of things than he was.

"Well then, I'll hold you to it. After we've gotten out of the woods, and maybe near some actual hay or feather-stuffed mattress. Because as fun as roughing it in a sleeping pack is, during long trips it doesn't make for half as much fun in the saddle the day after," Nor said, wondering why such things would get them imprisoned but letting the matter lie. Though it had been worth the embarrassment and awkward words to see Dalin's pale cheeks turn such a vibrant shade of red. And looking at the couple ahead, Nor couldn't help but wonder whether he and whoever his parents chose to be his betrothed would be that close once they got to know one another. But hey; he wasn't married yet. And getting an elf laid to get some stress out of the both of them and have some mutual fun would be nice on such an otherwise serious trip. Especially with a guy like Darlin who seemed more than nice enough.

"I don't know about you, but I can't wait to get back to some clear land where we can really get to covering ground. Get to a town, send a letter, find a nice spot to have a restful night ... or not so restful night," he said with a grin. Though, he really couldn't keep his curiosity at bay. "But hey; why would we get tossed into prison just for messing around in the woods?"

*

Balrak chuckled low in his throat, shaking his head. "Not all fire dies so readily ... especially large ones. Just look at the grand sun above, and red veins of fire below the earth; both come and burn day by day into eternity without need for even rebirth. Flame eternal," the dragon sighed, for the first time a touch of ... almost fondness in his voice that was not born of a miser admiring his riches. No, it sounded almost like kinship; a nephew speaking fondly of some uncle they admired and felt alike with.

The dragon did not mind Aerion stepping close to the edge and sitting there, not even when the other leaned so far to look down at the darkly flowing waters. Balrak knew the elf was not in much danger; and even if the golden haired treasure did fall, the dragon would catch him. The question that left Aerion's lips did take the creature slightly by surprise, and Balrak pondered it a few moments, his own yellow eyes gazing back at the prince's vibrant green before cracking a small smile and sitting down next to the elf, looking forward at the smooth roots.

"Oh, how old am I ... such a question. Many short-lived creatures are quite touchy about age, but I do not see the point. Ones lives what they live; to measure moments in seasons and cycles is silly. But how old am I ..." Balrak closed his eyes, remembering. He was silent for several very long moments, not moving at all. Like some odd, half-man half-reptilian gargoyle. "Mm. When I was young, so was everything else. The world was a wild, wild place, and the races of elves, dwarves, and men were nothing. Less than nothing. The world was rough, new, and unshaped by any clever hands. All I saw was survival, want of flesh, and want of the gold we had to tear from the walls of the cracks in the mountainsides ... Hmph. Mountains have grown tall and been rubbed down to rubble in the time I've been alive. These woods were not here ... and then they were. And with the woods came whistles in the wind, and the whistles turned to songs, and the singers were elves. But I did not care for songs then, nor woodlands. I lived elsewhere, where I'd been hatched. Cold winds, great wooly beasts to eat than could not easily hide from me ... cold, true, but far more gold and meat. Other mountains began to be hollowed from the inside out by tiny things ... dwarves. Ah, there is much to be said about those times ... it was an age before ages, but not the first age. As far as I know, there are none left that are older than I ..."

Balrak tilted his head, eyes still closed. "But if one had to put an age to me ... I have not counted the years, nor the decades. I am old, and my time before I found my name was a time before the scent of greed and vast wealth pulled my kind away from our usual lands." He half-opened his eyes, looking sideways at Aerion with slit pupils and an amused smile as something else the elf had said clicked. "... The last, you say? Oh, elf. As wonderful a thought that is, I doubt it highly. My kind has never been many, but to dwindle down to me? I think not." His kind was grand, and it was glorious. They were mighty and clever; strong and swift. Nothing on this pitiful earth could kill them. And he, Balrak knew, was the greatest and grandest of all.

The black haired mock-man turned his gaze back to the waterfall and the tangle of 'snakes' the roots created. Balrak would not say it, but he was more than happy to be the subject of Aerion's attention. Even if it was not blind worship, to have the blond curious about him was enough to have the dragon happy. To be the object of another's seemingly-genuine interest was more than enough to make him feel like an idol, even if he wasn't.

((Hells yeah. xD Balrak wil have to realize this bird can't be caged before things'll move beyond Stalkholme to hopefully something a bit more ... healthy. Well, as 'healthy' as an elf like Aerion and a dragon like Balrak can get))  

[Killer_Kiwi_XD]

knux33

Aerion listened, thought he stared down at the falling water, and he absorbed the knowledge like the ground absorbed rain. He ran his fingers over the cold ground then leaned closer to the warm figure that was so very close because it was cold so far away from the sun and that was the only reason he was doing such a thing. When Balrak said he was not the last Aerion finally turned his head and looked up at him, his eyes curious, then he looked away and pushed a few loose rocks over to watch them skip down the side of the mountain like little dark dew drops. Aerion was silent for a moment before he shifted and looked up to the opening of their little viewing place, his mind rolling over his thoughts.

"You are older than this place." Aerion let his hair down from its messy pony tail and laid back, the blond locks splaying out behind him unkempt and almost like a gold river. Like the sun turned to water and rolling over the stone around him as he stared up at everything around him before looking to Balrak. "Before we came… before the other races gold… gold did not mean anything to your race really did it? Till we started pulling it from it's hidden places and bringing it out for you." Aerion sighed heavily and closed his eyes as that his him, as what gold did to people hit him, he really did hate it. "That's why I hate it Balrak, that’s truly why I hate it, I can feel it knawing in my head… the reasons why. I know there is more to this prejudice then it just being how I was born… I know I will remember my reasoning but I also know when I remember…" Aerion opened his eyes, half lidded and staring at the ceiling.

He had one hand resting near his head and he seemed relaxed but there was a sense of defeat in his posture where before there had been strength. His other hand rested high on his stomach and was slightly clenched "I all your age, in all your wisdom, I will be left alone with my revelation with no one to understand me. Because while you sit here in that human form you are hiding scales harder than the gold you covet and a heart tainted by the gold other races brought to the surface. Yet I don't know who to feel more sorry for, my self or you." Aerion bit his lip lightly as he stared up at the ceiling.

**

Darlin glanced at Nor when he mention riding in the saddle after a roll around but he wasn’t going to say how it would take quite the impressive roll around to get him that sore. The question caught him off guard though and he shook his head "It's not the sex that will get us in trouble it's the extra time Nor. We need to get out of here as soon as possible, I don't plan on us stopping tonight, because right now the king is cross with me and the guard for losing his son." Darlin sighed a little then looked to the two ahead. "We were all in prison for MONTHS and were not allowed to interact with each other and we just don’t want to risk hitting any kind of self induced spring fever from separation for the couples. It can happen and we don't want to test it because it could lead to oh, you know, us getting thrown back in jail." Darlin shifted up on his horse and they headed down another path.

"We should be out of the forest by early tomorrow morning though, if we do not stop, and they we can easily sleep for a short while during the day and reach the next town by night fall. I just do not want to test the other elves. They are a bit jumpy when it comes to time limits and they might think we have spent to long in here and jump us." Darlin gave a tight smile then shifted "Also you haven't truly had sex till you have had sex in a bath. No need for a bed and all that water is FANTASTIC." Darlin chuckled.

((Oh yes and it will be fun to watch him try and figure THAT one out XD))  

[knux33]

Killer_Kiwi_XD

Balrak's gaze was caught by the glitter of gold as Aerion unbound his hair, enjoying the sight of the elf prince's unique brand of gold found no where else. As if a ray of sunlight had been cooled down and forged into each strand to shine a little even in the dark of this underground. Even real gold did not have quite the same shine as that, especially with the fair living flesh in constant contrast. "Oh, I would not say it meant nothing. We still needed it; it was simply very much a pain to obtain until the other races amassed convenient piles of it ripe for the taking," the dragon yawned, stretching his jaw before tilting his head as the prince went on. It was nice having Aerion leaning close, but the elf's words were puzzling to the dragon as he slowly frowned.

Did this mean the elf would despair and even whither when and if he did remember the entirety of his past? Well, Balrak couldn't have that, now could he? "Now elf," Balrak said, giving Aerion a light nudge with his elbow to get the other's attention, "that is not very wise to say. Feel sorry? For me? I am the greatest creature on all the earth. Tainted? I have always been gluttonous for feasts of the flesh before I grew into my greed. If not gold, I imagine something else would've tickled my fancy. Like collecting all the fair-haired elves in all the land; yes that might've been a good replacement hobby," Balrak pondered, chuckling. "Enough golden-haired elves to polish all of my scales. I like the sound of that. And virgins too; to attract troublesome knights for me to play with. A little bit of trouble from time to time makes the ages less boring," Balrak informed Aerion seriously, "but too much is too bothersome. One must make sure to keep a good balance."

He looked down at himself, claws tapping lightly on the ground as his tail lay curled around to drape down the sheer drop. "Hm. When you do remember every reason why you hate gold, you must make sure to tell me, elf. Who knows; if you're lucky, you may convince me to hate it just enough that I'll grow tired of you and your lovely hair." It was a joke; though in poor taste considering Aerion was in fact still a captive held against his will. And reminding him of that may not be the wisest thing for the old miser to do; though even with all his age, 'wise' was not in any of the dragons grand titles.

*

Nor took in the information with a nod, carefully keeping his stallion following Darlin's steed carefully through the woodland paths. It wasn't too wonderful hearing how long they'd be traveling, but the prince nodded at the sense of it; when a king was angry you got gone as soon as you possibly could, no matter who you were. It was fascinating and a bit blush-inducing to hear that a couple of elves could go 'on the rut' to put it crudely, but Nor thought in animal terms first and politer ones second. Best to keep moving then; luckily he'd been riding long enough already that his body was used to the feel of the saddle, even for long stretches of time.

The bath comment just made Nor toss a puzzled look Darlin's way; Nor was not the most imaginative lovemaker, and he didn't see what good water would have to do with anything. Besides being warm and sudsy, that is. Was it good for keeping things lubricated? Oh yes ... Nor would have quite a time thinking that one out as they all traveled throughout the day and night, and plenty of spare hours to do so. The one great benefit to travel.  

[Killer_Kiwi_XD]

knux33

Whatever small amount of piece that they both had was carefully pulled apart once Balrak mentioned being bored of Aerion. Aerion closed his eyes tightly and then huffed, sitting up quickly, just when he was hoping he would not be reminded that he was trapped. "Then what Balrak? When you tire of me? Because unlike you I know you will then what will you do? Will you burn me? Will you swallow me whole? No, no, will you cut my hair to keep as a treasure THEN choose what to do with me?!" Aerion pushed to his feet and quickly stepped away from the view, not wanting to sour it with his thoughts, stopped instantly though feeling much different as he stared down the hall.

Aerion watched silently as a figure he didn't know, and wasn't really there, walked down the entrance way to where he was with a smile on his face. It grinned wickedly dressed and dripping in gold from head to toe. He stepped close to Aerion and reached out a hand "I thought I said we were to play later Aerion… Could you not wait?" The weight of the imaginary hand was so real and cold. Aerion could feel the bite of the gold and suddenly he felt small and cold and the words he wanted to say were on the tip of his tongue but instead he just stood there terrified as his mind fractured and the image before him began to bleed like a waking nightmare.

Like he was being stabbed over and over again. The worst part was the sick satisfaction as Aerion saw the gold stain red and the color bleed away but as the image fell so did Aerion right onto the cold floor.

**

(I am going to skip to when they reach the town so the two time lines will be off but we will have the time lines meet up. I am sure we will end up pausing this one several times in favor of focusing on Aerion and Balrak.)

Darlin spent his time contemplating what would happen during their time on the road. Thankfully though it was mostly forgotten as they continued on the road to exit the woods. There were no more rough conversations now that everyone knew what was a touchy subject and Darlin seemed more willing to be around Nor and more open with him knowing that the other was thinking about trying a bit of a new adventure with him. Darlin decided he would explain a bit of his adventures in a bit more detail as they headed for the town, one night at camp, he preferred to explain the ones with elves since they seemed a bit more normal than the other ones.

He explained that he wanted Nor to know what he was getting himself into, that while it was a lot of sex it wasn't wild and crazy rough sex, that things could get intense and if certain things happened during their time they needed to just either ignore it or let it happen. Of course He also explained that he was up for rough sex but not after all the stress, not with everything going on, and he would rather not have it be like that. By the time they reached the village Darlin had gone into detail on a few of the things they both needed to know with the sex and explained the reason for the rather comfortable bath sex before they found rooms at the rather nice Inn at the town.

They needed quite a few rooms for everyone but the Inn was large and they only needed to double up thank fully. Nor and Darlin were placed in the same room and Darlin blamed the others for that, he also blamed hem that they got the only room with the bath, but he wasn't going to say anything as he tossed his stuff down and flopped down on the bed in the room. "It's been so long since I have laid on a bed."  

[knux33]

Killer_Kiwi_XD

The dragon blinked when Aerion huffed and sat up suddenly, not understanding at first why the elf was so suddenly moving away until Aerion opened his mouth. Balrak frowned, forehead furrowing as his eyebrows came together in confusion mixed with displeasure. Now why did the elf have to get so hung up over one little detail? The dragon had decades and centuries to grow tired of the other, despite any more anti-gold speeches the other might make; why worry about the specifics now? There was no need to get so huffy and puffy. Besides, who knew what he'd do when and if he did grow bored of the elf? Not Balrak; he figured he'd made a decision when the time came. And really would being swallowed whole really bother the elf so much? Balrak shook his head at the elf who stood stiffly facing away from him, having not gone too far.

"Come now, elf. I may not even want to do such things. I do like to preserve me treasures; just look at this city. I-- ... elf? Elf?" The dragon stood up, taken by surprise when Aerion fell like a bird with its wings burned off. The dragon stood there a few silent moments before walking over to Aerion's crumpled form and kneeling, not sure what to do. Balrak did not have many instincts that could be called 'nurturing' or 'paternal' that cold do him much good in this situation. After a lifetime of looking out just for himself, it was hard to really know what to do with a 'sick pet', so to speak. "Elf? Aerion?" He lightly shook the other, then tried turning the elf so he was on his side instead of face-down. None of that seemed to do any good so the dragon sighed and awkwardly got to trying picking up the blond. It was very odd picking up a unconscious body, especially to the creature used to only caring for himself. But eventually Balrak managed to get Aerion in his arms; though not cradled enough against his chest to really be a comfortable or secure bridal position, and more just loosely held in his arms as the dragon began walking back to Aerion's room.

"Out of all the elves left ... I get stuck with the most beautiful and defective one there is," Balrak sighed to himself as he walked down the dark underground halls. At least Aerion was light and not too hard to carry, and soon enough the dragon walked up the stairs into the light of day. "Well ... he is an alright teacher. And even if he doesn't grovel half as much as I would like ... he is interesting." The dragon sighed to himself, looking at the elf in his arms. Because Aerion's hair was unbound it was all over the place and mostly covering the elf's face. "So, what, you'd rather be told I'll never grow bored of you?" the dragon asked the unconscious elf, feet finally stepping into Aerion's room. He put the elf down onto the bed, before clumsily moving the sheets to at least cover the blond. "You'd rather be told you'll truly be here forever? I would've thought an elf would rather know they would get to be eaten eventually instead of thinking of an eternity with a dragon. What would you rather have, eh prince? Eternity or a sentence of unknown duration?"

Balrak sat on the bed in silence, then sighed to himself. "... Talking to myself. Somehow not quite as satisfying when there actually is someone around to be talked to ... if currently unconscious." The dragon glanced Aerion's way, then stood, glancing at the elf's bag but ignoring it this time in favor or walking outside ... only to poke his head into the room again a few moments later, leaving and coming back a few times to keep an eye on the elf. They had a conversation to continue ... and the dragon wanted to make sure the blond didn't wake up in a daze and wander off or something.

*

((Sounds good to me! I'm sure we'll have long periods of Aerion and Balrak perhaps avoiding one another at times as well))

Nor laughed at Darlin's reaction to the bed, tossing his own pack to the floor. He'd had to take some extra time making sure the inn's stablehands knew to give his horse a wide birth, so of course by the time they'd all gotten the rooms sorted he was tickled to find he and Darlin had gotten the one room with a bathtub. After the long trip and talks they'd had, Nor was pretty certain he would be comfortable with doing it with the dark haired elf. Even with the racial differences and likely lower stamina on his part, Nor had been thinking up ways to ... well, help satisfy Darlin without wearing himself out right 'out of the gate' so to speak. This was going to be a long 'race' if he really wanted the both of them happy and sated by the end of it, and after hearing Darlin speak of some of his own adventures on the past Nor had more than a few ideas of his own to try.

"Beds are quite a wonderful invention, aren't they?" Nor agreed, carefully taking off his armor. He had to take it off and properly polish the sweat off of the plating while he had the chance. Otherwise, all the metal would come to rust. "Though I do hope you don't mind sharing; it's not the largest of beds," Nor noted with a chuckle, considering he was a rather thickly-built man. And a wide-shouldered male like him didn't have much hope of fitting while Darlin was all sprawled out.  

[Killer_Kiwi_XD]

knux33

Darlin looked up from where he was sprawled on the bed then chuckled and shook his head. "I might share the bed, maybe, it all depends…" Darlin chuckled as he stretched himself out a bit more before getting off the bed. He started pulling off the bits of light armor he had on, not nearly the bulk Nor carried, they didn't need the cleaning Nor's required either but they hit the ground with a thunk as Darlin was left in nothing but a tight white top and his pants. "So you really are that broad under all that armor? I had figured it was just a trick of the eye created by the metal." Darlin got closer to Nor, looking him over as he cleaned his armor and certainly invading his personal space.

"You are built like your horse! I have to admit outside of a few heavy built races I haven't seen many built like this. Elves are much thinner built for speed and strength." Darlin touched the others arm, feeling the muscle there, and smiled a little before watching the other clean his armor for a bit. He got distracted by the pull of Nor's muscle in his back through his shirt, which pulled tighter than one would expect because of his build, and Darlin just grinned. He hadn't much a liking for the build of Elves, to small and like girls, he definitely attested to that. Sure they were not truly like that but Darlin liked the feel of a real man with real muscle, like an orc or dwarf, someone who was bigger and could surround him.

It was odd, probably a bit wrong, but he didn't care as he distractedly fallowed the line of the others moving muscle through his shirt with his finger. His head tilted to one side in curiosity as he followed the muscle up into Nor's neck, not even really paying much attention to anything else as he all but twisted around Nor. His fingers trailed into lab colored hair and Darlin smiled a bit at the feeling of it. It wasn't sot like his but it certainly wasn't coarse like he had thought it would be. Darlin ran his fingers back down Nor's neck, not paying any mind to the others protests, because at the moment the other was mostly done with his armor and Darlin was curious. "Haven't you ever heard of the curiosity of evles Nor? I thought it was almost as spoken of as their pride. We are very curious creatures. It's how we learn as much as we do."

Darlin slides around easily to Nor's front and pokes at him curiously with. He tilts his head to the left, then the right, then runs his fingers up the others throat. Nor is slightly warmer than Darlin, not but much but just enough, and there is that very human feeling of stubble that is a clear distinction between the two of them that Darlin feels just under his chin. Darlin reached up and touched the others cheek as well to feel the hair there before taking a step back. "Well I think I am going to go take that bath!" Darlin just smiled and headed for where the bath was kept, pulling his shirt off along the way. If that wasn't invitation enough he didn't know what was.

**

((I need to break on these two a moment. Two much serious. Need a bit of joy XD))