Spirits of the Earth

CRRRRRRRAAAACK
"DAMMIT, ugh, having to reforge this sword every couple of weeks is going to kill me."
After cleaving through another small mountain in the Kilanthro's, Kiron's famously unstoppable blade Zerros had begun to crack again. He soared his way back to his hut extinguishing his blue flare-flame on the way back.
"At least I can consistently channel flare-flame now, before Xanuthos came along I barely even knew it existed let alone control it."
He chuckled a bit as he landed outside of his forge hut, he looked up into the sky, and recognized a cloud that looked just like his grand-uncle.
Thank you. You fought like none other that I had ever seen before, I hope you, grandfather,
and grandmother are all happy up there.
He stepped into the hut, sitting on his old dusty anvil chair. He laid Zerros down onto the anvil and begun his usual repairs.
After taking 2 more hours than it should have to finish repairs...
"What the hell is going on, I've been repairing you for the last 5 hours! Why are you still not fixed!" Kiron sighed, " I need to find him, he'll tell me whats wrong with Zerros."
After many tests, Kiron concluded that Zerros couldnt handle flare-flame being pumped into it anymore. The broadsword, even with it's obsidian origins along with Kiron's own scales, just could not handle the power difference. He can still cleave normally, he just cant pump flare-flame otherwise Zerros will be torn apart.
"Better pack up this'll be a long journey. Ill stop by the tavern in Ketra before I head out, maybe I'll see mother."
After gathering his belongings, Kiron soared through the night arriving in Ketra just before midnight. He went to his grandfather's favorite tavern in the hopes to see his parents before his journey. He knew his mother didnt drink, but she and his father were ALWAYS together so it would make sense to see them both.
Surprisingly the tavern was pretty empty for the night, no sign of Kiron's parents anywhere. He pulled up a chair next this gigantic man, he had skeleton looking face but with skin, and wings that resembled a harpy. Kiron was never one to judge especially since he was practically the only one of his kind to ever exist. After asking the bartender for his usually blue sweet ale, Kiron turned his head to the man and smiled.
"Hello, there haven't seen someone like you around here, whats your name?"

Darkhor had been drinking all night long but it almost had no effect on him. The tavern unusually silent and empty but he was main causation of this. He continued to drink from his mug spilling some of his mead onto himself and onto the floor. What happened earlier in the day had the utmost stressful time for the poor drakkollis. His son had decided that it was suddenly OK to wander off and outright steal from a merchant coming across town.

Raukaas was such a little monster at the very moment forcing himself to have to chase him down and make him return the stolen object. "That was one hell of a bitch of a time." It was already frustrating enough that his son Raukaas had swallowed some poisonous berries and nearly dying from the week before and then today the THEFT. How could the young little drakkollis be so stupid?! Darkhor squeezed his mug tightly until his hand turned white already lifting it up in the air.

Then someone sat by him saying hello and asking his name. His eyes widened and he smashed the mug down grinding his teeth. The drakkollis was hunched over and then smashed his mug down growling, "DARKHOR SAURGUSE! DON'T YOU ALREADY KNOW WHO I AM?!" Then finally looking in the dralf's direction he suddenly calmed and tilted his head, "OH my... I am so sorry I thought you were another one of... those... those... THINGS... if you know what I'm talking about..."

He pointed at the very few people who were in the corner of the tavern suggesting that they were what he was talking about. The drakkollis hissed in a low tone, "You're quite... new here... I've never seen your kind before."

"My good sir, this is my grandfather's favorite tavern in all of Ketra, the entire town practically knows me." Kiron chuckled and placed a hand on Darkhor's shoulder.
"That group in the corner is ALWAYS there, well at least every time im here. Adela is a very accepting nation, so long as you have the strength to prove yourself, you'll be fine."
Kiron took his hand off Darkhor's shoulder and grabbed the pint of blue ale, it was her mother's favorite, and he loved it. Kiron chugged half the pint before turning back to Darkhor.
"I know you're unreasonably drunk at the moment, but you seem able bodied. You see I'm on a journey to upgrade my sword due to it not having the capacity to withstand my flare-flame ability, I need help finding my old master, heard he was somewhere in or near serendipity, but I would need help carrying all my supplies. Any chance you would care to join me?"

"Hhhhhhhhh.... well... I... ways aware not! Sorry nah... having almost nothing ta do round anywas why not do sou?" Darkhor had heard Kiron's words and soon found himself searching for his son. Wandering out of the tavern he called out for Raukaas who almost immediately came over. Afterwards the drakkollis was helping carrying some of the supplies and traveling out of Adela. This trip was going to be to Serendipity just as Kiron said.

But Darkhor was only following the dralf's lead. What else much there was to do? Nothing really. So on he went but it would be at least something to pick up a rogue job of some sort. Along the way to Serendipity he asks, "So... This sword of yours that you need to repair means this much to you? That you have to travel across the lands?"

The drakkollis and the dralf having gone for over a week or so decided it best to set up camp for the day. Darkhor would occasionally find something to do usually seemingly like an idiot who didn't know what he was even doing in the first place but proved himself otherwise that he wasn't as stupid as he was acting here and there. Sitting down and resting he wondered about Kiron's kind if there were others and wasn't the only one. Staring with his glowing blue eyes without noticing that he'd been doing so the entire time other thoughts began to enter his mind. "He certainly is... interesting but... I have my own things that I need to do... Why is it that I am all the way out here? But then again... I don't have a real home in the first place..."

As they were setting up camp for the night,  Kiron cleaved a nearby tree to make a log to sit by the fire, he was a tough person, but he always enjoyed the soothing warmth of a makeshift campfire.
He laid down on the log, resting his head just before the tip, he laid Zerros down on the ground next to him and stared up at the starry night.
"Yup, unfortunately I'm the only one of my kind that I know so far at least, born of a Elf mother and a shapeshifting dragon, they named me Kiron. And to answer your first question, yes, this blade means a lot to me. A good friend of mine helped me forge it, has never broken nor cracked for the last 12 years. But that was because it was used to the old me. After finally finding my parents and learning to harness my hidden ability, Zerros couldn't handle it, and if I lose Zerros I lose apart of myself. Considering I quite literally forged some of my scales into it." He chuckled, he saw an outline of a wolf and a girl in the stars "it just has too many memories for me to just throw away.
And I don't ever want to hear that again, if you ever need a home you talk to me, I may not be accepted in Connlaoth, but I'm highly respected.
I got to ask, where is your wife? I'm assuming so since you went looking for your son."
Kiron was running his claws along Zerros's blade, getting annoyed everyone he came across a crack.

Darkhor had almost not paid a single time of attention up until he got an answer. "I see... I completely understand that. Something that carries a many memories is never to be abandoned. And you... being a one of a kind. Reminds me of when my kind was nearly wiped to extinction and for a long time I thought I was the last." Then Kiron asked the question about his wife. Becoming more silent, "She has died a while ago... all I have of her remains lies here with me." Darkhor showed the bracelet but pulled back quickly holding himself to not lose it.

The last thing needed was to have Kiron and his son to see him go absolutely insane and become a raging monster to molt his feathers upon more of his own self corruption of the mind and body. Raukaas having been very bored skipped on his tippy toes and whispered into his father's ear in their own native tongue then skipped all the way to behind Kiron and poked him in the cheek. Afterwards he just giggled and ran off behind a tree sometimes peering from behind it. All that could be seen was the little drakkollis's glowing turquoise eyes which turned to bright green color. Darkhor's son just... could not help himself but poke him for some odd reason.

Darkhor cocked his head to the side shaking it almost as if in disapproval of what he just did. But waiting at more time he just felt that... He knew Kiron a little more and before he knew it he was knelt down by his side. The drakkolis nudges the dralf with his head and began chirping. The chirps were so light that only those with a heightened sense of hearing would be able to hear it. It was almost a trill of sorts and the next move he made was probably one of his mistakes in the assumption that it was OK.

The drakkollis male seeing that he did not respond in any negative way turned Kiron's face towards him. Soon Darkhor starts kissing Kiron! He was soon to find out whether or not that this was his best choice of actions. He either was to regret it or no regrets. It was only a matter of seconds of what could happen next.

Kiron backflipped off the log intentionally and accidentally hitting Darkhor in the face.
" RED FLAG GIANT RED FLAG. IM SORRY I DO NOT ROLL THAT WAY. I ASKED FOR YOU TO COME ALONG AS A FRIEND AND SUPPORT. Look I'm sorry for yelling but I don't deal with those kinds of feelings often. But I know for a fact a woman's touch is the only one for me. I'm sorry if I've insulted you in any way shape or form. But you can't just go up to a fellow adventure and expect them to love you! Especially in under a week! Look with all due respect comrade I kindly ask you to never to do that again pleas-."
Kiron remembered the bracelet that Darkhor had shown him.
"Have you ever tried to perform a resurrection? "
Kiron stood with an intense look in his eye.

Rima was travelling around, looking for some herbs to eat for dinner and she found a potato. The lovely golden potato. In the middle of cutting it up for dinner she heard someone shouting.... Very loudly at someone else. She went over to investigate. Only to find two towering figures talking in the dark. With a fire going!! Rima wanted to eat her potato warm and fluffy but she didn't want to get in trouble with those two. Her stomach grumbled and she sighed sneaking over to get a stick and placing it over the fire watching it. That potato must be a perfect potato kabab. She looked at the two figures having no problems picking out what they look like. Sure both of them seemed to be a foot of more taller than her they seemed different in so many ways. Rima remained quiet listening in on their conversation and ready to bolt with her potato as she toasts it over the fire.

Kiron cocked his head a little to the side and saw a tiny figure roasting a potato in the campfire.
In about an instant he placed a hand on the figure's shoulder and tried to get a closer look.
"Excuse me, but what do- "
He saw the face of a beautiful elf girl who was just trying to roast a potato for dinner.
SHEESSS HOOOOOOOOOOT
Kiron looked away immediately, he couldn't hide his blushing as well as his nose started to bleed a bit, mainly due to the fact he has never experienced something like this before.
"Look, if you are here to eat some dinner, you should've approached us instead of sneaking in, and I'm pretty sure a golden potato isn't going to fill you up entirely. Once you're done roasting, please take a seat on the log and I'll whip something up."
Kiron walked away grabbing spare ingredients he brought to the trip, he whipped up a quick meal for the elf girl and handed it to her. He knelt besides the fire, close enough the girl for a conversation but far enough for the sake of comfort.
"So, uh, what's your name?"

Rima's eyes grew as big as an owls when she saw the food Kiron made for her. But she still wanted the potato first. Always potatos come first. Rima quickly ate the potato even if it's core was still a bit under done. She relized once she was on the last bite that she might not have a potato for later so she stashed it into a pocket.
Then starts to eat the meal, "My name's Rima." She refrained from saying her last name. Not wanting to for reasons only known to her. She smiles, "What's your name?" She asks before going back to eating the food calmly.

EVEN HER VOICE IS THE CUTEST THING IVE EVER HEARD. IS THIS WHATS ITS LIKE TO HAVE THIS FEELING? I thought this was only reserved for mother! Just play it cool, she looks like someone who could help us out anyways.
Kiron hovered above the campfire, sitting upright with his legs crossed.
"The name is Kiron, that gigantic man over there is Darkhor. We're heading into Serendipity to find an old friend of mine to help me fix my cracked sword that's next to you. It's been with me for the longest time so it means a lot. You look like someone who could be a real... ASSet to our group." Kiron winked, and started to unnoticeably sweat a little.
WHY DID I DO THAT. GOODNES GRACIOUS
"Well whadya say? Care to join?"
Rima nodded in agreement whilst finishing her meal.
THANK GOODNESS.
"I'll be up in the canopy if anyone needs me for the night, if you need help making a shelter then do not hesitate to come get me. We leave camp just after sunrise."
Kiron flew off to the nearest Manola tree with Zerros in hand. Landing comfortably with a nice view of the stars.
Darkhor, please let me have this one, I'll do my best to get your wife back. Just please help me out here.

Darkhor was in shock... The suddenly rejection in the midst of what he thought was acceptance had suddenly disappeared. Kiron had accidentally kicked him in the face. That he felt was uncalled for and he cried tears for only a few minutes because his heart was broken once more. The Drakkollis sat there with his arms folded and refused to look at Kiron.

He sighed and huffed staring at the ground. He almost did not notice the elf girl until she spoke and said her name is Rima. The moment hearing her voice Darkhor looked up, his jaw dropping as he now stared up and down her body. Tears welded as his face turned bright red and a nosebleed came. What followed after that he ended up having a boner which he tried to cover and hide.

The thoughts in his head, "OOOOOOOOH MYYYYYYYY GO SHE IS SOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOT!!!!!!!. SO SWEET AND SEXY!" Slowly Darkhor approached Rima and knelt down right beside her. His voice lowered to a near whisper and was somewhat drawn out slowly, "Heeey there little sweet Rima! How'd you like dinner?" Then he came on with nudging her with his head and chirping in same exact way he did with Kiron.

While this was happening Raukaas had been sitting there watching the whole time. He whispered loudly, "KISS HER! I WANT TO SEE IT HAPPEN! KISS HER DAD! COME ON DO IT!" Darkhor's son was overly super excited and was rooting for it to happen and hope that would not fail like the other times.

Rima looks at Darkhor taking a bite of her dinner as he approached her and knelt down beside her asking how her dinner was while nudging her like a cat and chirping, "Very good actually." She waits a second.... Okay this was getting annoying. She looked around and found an empty frying pan. Ah there's one! "Can you please stop that? It's rather annoying." She asks calmly ready to grab the pan and hit him with it. Rima hearing his son and she really didn't want this now was actually tempted right there to grab the pan and hitting them both with it. She was tired and just wanted to lay down and go to sleep with a full stomach of potatos and a dinner.

Darkhor seeing she rejected him kindly he decided to go to the next step... He took a few steps back straightening himself up. The drakkollis took in a deep breath looking up to the night sky and let out a series of grunts, growls, barks and whistles from his throat in patterns. To him this was singing, a normal way of gaining a mate. He continued to throat sing hoping that he would sway Rima by the use of his voice.

Raukaas covered his mouth and watched and listened to his father sing to Rima. He thought to himself... "That isn't really his best. WHY ISN'T HE DOING IT AT HIS BEST?!" The little drakkollis sat down pouting waiting for him to change what he was doing but he never did. "Maybe the next time..." Raukaas said aloud this time.

What the hell was he doing? Rima had enough of thi, she was getting nervous. Rima grabs the pan which was cast iron and hits him on the head. Hard. She huffs, "I have no idea what the fuck you were doing Darkhor or what it even meant. It made me nervous." She crosses her arms for a second still holding the pan. Then walks away a bit putting down the pan after a minute and curls up somewhere nearby under her cloak.

Darkhor was just only throat singing but then Rima suddenly hit him on the head with a pan lying about. He felt so good about himself up until he was hit. The singing stopped abruptly from the next surprise. The next he felt a pang of loneliness and worthlessness. Failure.

The drakkollis went and hid behind a tree slumping down and then sobbing and whimpering in sadness. The only thing he could think, "What was so wrong with what I have done? What mistake was there? Did I miss a note? Forget something? What could it have possibly been?" Then he no longer could think he was so sad. There was no reason to do this even for the slightest mistake. This was highly disrespectful to his culture.

Raukaas had seen it all and just plainly hid in silence. Darkhor just continued to sob and could not bring himself to say anything to the two others that he had to travel with. He was just going to simply ignore them... Avoid speaking to them for a little while no matter what it was. Important or not.

Dammit, I hate this feeling, not only has it clouded my judgement but now Darkhor is crying because of me! Let me go talk to him.
Kiron couldn't sleep at all with Darkhor's chirping and singing, but Kiron realized why he was doing it. He got up shook any loose leaves off of him and sighed. He flew through the night and found Darkhor sobbing against a tree. He knelt in front of him.
"Darkhor I heard everything that happened, look I understand what you're doing, now more so than ever. If you're truly looking for love, then I will promise you this -" Kiron stood with a fist on his chest "I will find a way for Eleana to come back, I never want to see my friend like this ever again, my word is oak. Will you accept my promise?"
Darkhor stood and hunched over to hug Kiron, with tears streaming down his face.
Kiron patted his back.
"It's alright friend, we'll get her back, just promise me that you'll wait. Get some rest you'll need it."
Kiron flew over silently to where Rima was laying down, he knew his boundaries so he blew a small flame around her, just enough to warm her up for the night without burning anything. He whispered, but it was so low, to his knowledge he might've been the only one to hear it:
"If you ever need anything don't hesitate to come to me."
He flew back to the tree, and attempted to get some rest.
Kiron wake up! Jeez you are a heavy sleeper.
Kiron awoke but he was no longer in the tree anymore, he looked to be in the center of a galaxy of stars, he heard the wings of Xanuthos flying behind him. Xanuthos and this werewolf man landed just before him. The man stepped off, his body made of stars, but you could clearly see the outline of his face.
Hello grandson.
Grandfather? Grandpa Zu?
The one and only in the fles- well star flesh.
Where are we?
You're in the plane between Oblivion, where Xanuthos, your grandmother and I all live watching you grow into the man you are today. Which really isn't much since you seem to be having girl trouble already.
The astral wolf chuckled
Look Rima is a priest, she can bring back Darkhor's wife, but you'll need to go to the 47th level of Labyrinth of Davaathia just pass Yoreiq to do it theres a giant lake of blessed water which should help Rima out. You'll meet a set of twins on your way through Serendipity they're in Arca, you'll need their help to soothe Darkhor and get to that level of the dungeon. Also chicks dig it when you come rescue them, so when Rima performs the ritual, and she almost passes out from it,
make sure you're there to catch her. Also don't bother trying to find your friend to fix Zerros, you need a special material found at the center of that lake I mentioned in the dungeon. YOU need to do a complete reforged of Zerros, and when you do, I'll be there to make some... adjustments.
The astral wolf winked,
But grandfather, I've never experience-
She's the one, your grandmother even sees it, speaking of which,
she's waiting on me for our "fun" time. You'll meet her the night after the resurrection I promise. Come on Xanuthos!
The two astral beings soared back into Oblivion, Kiron began to fall after a while a sudden jolt had awaken him. He looked to his side, Zerros was still there cracked and everything.
Grandpa is awesome.
He soared back to the camp, the others were already packing.
"It's great to see everyone on the same page, sorry I woke up so late, really strange dream. Anyways we're heading to Arca."
The group set out for this lively town, as they passed through the streets, Kiron was scanning around for the twins his grandfather had mentioned, but no sign of them.
Until a large crowd started to gather in the square, the group went to go see what exactly was going on. Kiron smirked.
I think we found them.

Taiga skated through the large crowd, causing people to practically leap out of her way. As the leader of a great guild in her home of Hyoite, it was an all too rare occasion that she got the chance to just let loose and have fun. Whenever she visited her brother, that opportunity was laid in front of her.

Her snowflake cloak flapped behind her, as she surfed on the path of ice that extended in the direction she held her staff. Her icy-blonde hair whipped behind her in its braid, slapping her in the face briefly when she looked back. Hakan was just behind her, causing the same amount, if not more, commotion with his flaming path. The twins were on opposite sides of the power spectrum, a true yin and yang. When they were together, they became an almost unbeatable team.

Calconirr, Taiga's white wolf, and Strinti, Hakan's kaadir dragon, stood in the center of the crowd. Calconirr's hackles were raised, and he was too aware of the fact he was trapped. Strinti couldn't have cared less about the great number of people. They truly reflected their partner's personalities!

The twins stopped their magical feat, sliding to the ground. Hakan touched Taiga's long ice path and the entire thing evaporated within seconds. The gathered crowd looked at the two of them with slightly surprised expressions, but it wasn't like Serendipity was unfamiliar to magic. The crowd began to disperse, and Hakan embraced his sister with a big hug. She laughed, then went to Calconirr, scratching the massive wolf behind the ear.

"What is it, boy?" She whispered, seeing his blue eyes locked in one direction. She followed his gaze to a rather strange group. "Hakan!" Taiga called.

Her brother, already atop his mount, moved next to the girl. She gripped her frost-tipped staff tightly, and Hakan looked at the group.

Just as he was about to speak, Taiga silenced him. Normally, he wouldn't let anyone have the first or the final word, but Hakan made an exception for his sister. "Identify yourselves," she demanded, brows furrowed and lips pressed tightly together.

Getting them to join probably won't be easy, but we need them.
Kiron laid some of the supplies he was carrying onto the ground, he approached the twins with one hand on the blade, this wasn't a scare tactic, it was just Kiron's natural position to hold Zerros.
"The name's Kiron, daughter of an elf and a, " his eyes darted to Strinti "dragon, I come with my friends Rima and Darkhor, I actually need your help. Mind if we stop be a nearby tavern to talk things out? Also, I'm going to squash this here so that way you guys don't over think this, we are not planning an ambush or anything of that kind, I actually do need your help and I can explain all the details on the tavern. Care to join us?"
Kiron let out his left hand, waiting for the twin's decision.

The girl looked Kiron up and down, deciding she could probably handle him if she had to. Not that she'd want to, but in her experience, people who preface things by telling her they don't want trouble usually want trouble.

Hakan watched for Taiga's reaction, fearing that she would just shoot Kiron full of ice spikes where he stood. Unfortunately, that was a very reasonable possibility for her.

"There's a tavern around the corner," Taiga said, brushing past the Dralf's extended hand.

Hakan jumped down from Strinti's back and walked up to Kiron with a slight shake to his head. "Yeah, she doesn't really get friendlier with time." He grasped hands and smiled. "Name's Hakan, and this is Strinti. The back to us right now is my twin sister, Taiga, and her wolf, Calconirr. Take it from me... Her bite's a lot worse than her bark. Come on."

They started walking, and Hakan stopped them suddenly. "You're buying, right?"

Kiron chuckled a bit,
"I guess so."
He motioned for the others to come along, the whole group stopped by a fairly popular tavern. Being in Serendipity thankfully no one gave any rude glances or looks, to everyone else they were just another group of adventurers. The group and the twins sat at a rounded table.
"Look I know this might sound crazy, but I had a dream last night where my grandfather came to visit me. You see this sword?"
Kiron put Zerros on the table and pointed a finger at each one of the cracks.
"This sword has been with me since the very beginning of my journeys, I've won many battles with this sword and I'm not just going to throw it away. My grandfather told me that there is a dungeon in Yoreiq that has the material I need to make Zerros strong again, he told me I needed your help as well. Now I may not know exactly why, cosmic beings just don't appear for no reason. I know it's as if it's completely made up and it doesn't make any sense, but I need to fix Zerros. He also told me that inside the dungeon there'll be something for everyone. I have no clue what that means, but I know it's important."
The maid brought the group enough ale and Mead to soothe the tension. Kiron even got his specialty blue ale.
I guess this got really popular jeez.

"Well, at least you got one thing right," Taiga said, taking hold of her second drink. "It does sound crazy. Why should we listen to a madman whose space grandpa told him about us?" She finished off her second drink too easily.

Taiga drank like someone who had an...unpleasant...past. She had scars that ran deep, but she used her powerful position to protect herself from her inner weakness. Her tendency to drink just helped her to cope with painful memories that won't seem to leave.

"Can you give the man a chance to say his part?" Hakan said to Taiga, sighing. He wasn't nearly as much of a drinker, but when the opportunity presented itself, it wasn't something he'd pass up.

"No!" She spat, glaring at Hakan out of the corner of her eye. Taking a deep breath, Taiga shook head and gave Kiron a glare that could have torn his soul apart. "Ya know what? Fine. I'll give you a chance. I have a shitload of responsibilities back home in Hyoite. Tell me exactly what I'm going to get out of this. You have three minutes."

Hakan groaned. "Taiga-"

"Don't take away from his time, brother. Dragonboy, speak!"

Kiron hung his head.
"Unfortunately I can't answer what exactly you'll get, the only thing he told me was that the material I needed was at the deepest level. He was vague about everyone else and I'm sorry that I can't provide any more information. But if it's payment you want, then I can pay you in drinks, food, shelter, pretty much anything. The Duke that I served in Connlaoth had always supported me, on top of the fact that, besides Zerros at least, none of the armor or weapons I've made have yet to come back to me cracked, let alone broken. Look I like doing things by myself, but I'm a firm believer in fate. This group isn't just a coincidence, there's something more to it. Please accept my proposal to join us."
Kiron sat straight with his fingers interlaced on the table.

The girl sat in a firm silence, seemingly waiting for more of an explanation that just wasn't going to be said. Hakan smirked at them all. "Her silence means she's overjoyed to be asked and would be honored to join."

Taiga shot her brother another glare, and he put his hand on hers. Her eyes glowed silver briefly, and Hakan's hand froze. She broke away from him and walked to the bar counter to sit.

Hakan raised his eyebrow and consumed his frozen hand in fire. The ice disappeared, and he chuckled, wiggling his fingers. "She's in," he said. "Just give me second."

He sat next to her at the counter, and Taiga immediately punched him in the throat. Hakan fell off the stool, choking for breath. "One condition," she said, standing up and facing Kiron. "I - don't - take - orders." She walked out of the tavern, and Hakan lifted himself to his knees. He coughed, blinking back involuntary tears, and gave them a thumbs up.

Kiron sighed with relief.
Thank goodness.
Kiron helped Hakan back to his feet and made sure his breath came back.
"Tell your sister I said thank you, but she will at least listen to this order if anything."
Kiron's cheerful smile turned into an expression that could make someone like Taiga freeze to death.
"She lays a malicious hand on anyone in the crew I'll make sure she melts... permanently."
Kiron looked back at the crew and back to Hakan. His voice was stern like a commander again.
"We leave for Yoreiq tomorrow, I'll be out finding wood to make a ship, I'm leaving it just outside the draconi forest. Everyone do their best to get along. We'll meet at the river just outside of town before nightfall until then..."
Kiron threw bags of gold to Darkhor and Rima, he threw 2 at Hakan.
"Have some fun."
Kiron grabbed Zerros and left the tavern.

Taiga stood outside of the tavern with Calconirr lying a few feet away from her. He was large for a wolf, but he wasn't gigantic. The only thing that made him stand out was that there really weren't too many wolves in Serendipity! Then again, there weren't exactly too many eight-legged horses either.

Taiga stood in front of an incredible Sleipnir horse. The horse had eight legs, was more muscular than an ox, and towered over a typical horse. His coat was the color of a thundercloud and his mane and tail had streaks of dark grey interspersed through the light grey. He wore a black fur and leather saddle with black reigns. The horse and wolf couldn't care less about each other. They had been together for so many years that neither felt a threat from the other.

The girl watched Kiron leave the tavern, both of them maki eye contact. Kiron's expression was understandably a little shocked at seeing her mount, but he kept walking. This isn't going to go well, she thought to herself.

Hakan walked outside and stopped short with wide eyes. "When the hell did Kaeligar get here?" He asked. Kaeligar snorted and nudged his head toward Hakan, who rubbed the large animal's velvety nose.

"He's a Sleipnir," she said. "I already told you how fast they are. Besides, he was right around the corner."

"Listen," Hakan started. Taiga could tell by her brother's face that she wasn't going to like what he had to say. "Kiron wants to make sure everything runs smoothly."

"Did he threaten me or something?" She asked with a slight condescending tone.

"What? No. Come on." Hakan swallowed, and Taiga knew that he was lying. She didn't care. Threats meant nothing to her. If she wasn't threatened at least once per day, something would be wrong. "Okay, fine. Yes. But he's just trying to ensure everyone's safety."

"From one commander to another, indirectly of course, he has nothing to worry about. I don't start fights, but I sure as hell will finish them."

Hakan smiled and extended the bag of gold to Taiga. She looked at it and sneered. "What the hell am I supposed to do with that?"

"Have fun."

"Not in my vocabulary."

Her brother rolled his eyes with a smirk. "Fine. Well, Kiron is collecting wood for a ship. We're leaving tomorrow for Yoreiq, and meeting by the river before nightfall."

"We don't need a ship," she said, frowning. "I could easily build an ice bri-"

Hakan held up his hand, silencing her. She didn't like it, but she bit her tongue with a tight grin. He smiled. "Just play nice, Taiga. For me?" She scoffed and went back to grooming Kaeligar. Hakan walked back inside and sat across from the others. "So, what brought you guys to his little quest?"

"Just heading a long with them for the exploration." Rima tosses the bag of coin and puts it in her pocket before getting up to leave, "You guys can have my ale. Fight over it or something." She walks away quickly and quietly. Rima walks outside seeing Taiga grooming Kaeligar. "He's a beauty." Rima compliments and walks away following where Kiron went off to not wanting to press any of Taiga's buttons. She catches up to Kiron and jumps to tap his shoulder, "Mind if I tag along? Taverns aren't really my favorite place." She asks just not wanting to deal with the drunks and loud people for who knows how long.

Darkhor was only listening up until the moment he got his mead which he demanded. There for the time he just sat there and began to drink but from the dissatisfaction of a mug he demanded for something more. Getting up he went around into another room and came back out with A BARREL OF MEAD. He sat back down cracking it open and chugged as much as he could without spilling a single drop. It was within a matter of around an hour as he had finished up his third barrel of mead and belched.

Standing up the drakkollis was tipsy and fell backwards onto the floor struggling at first to get back up. Lied there for a few minutes and got up. Darkhor put both of his hands up into the air and yelled, "OH YEAH! That was the stuff!" But now quite obviously drunk he simply only thought for himself about how pretty Taiga was and followed her outside. He nudged both of the twins not caring who was who at the moment and chirped.

But that just wasn't it. NO. He made a drunk run about and back to them slapping the both of them on their butts and said, "Now I am too sing my LOVE! To all WHO can hear my LOVELY VOICE!" The drakkollis then he began to sing. Darkhor's voice sounded of whistles, grunts, growls and hums but they were done in another way that it actually sounded like singing.

The first time he did it wasn't done so well but he absolutely changed what he was doing from before. His voice rang out and he spread out his massive feathered wings showing his bright orange underwings which were hidden all this time up until now. The drakkollis danced and sang trying his very best to sway anyone. Anyone he could possibly get which was those he found interest in. Meanwhile of this happening Raukaas, Darkhor's son decided to run off and do something that to just about to everyone's knowledge would be very naughty and bad.

He'd snuck into another building. There Raukaas just simply stole food and a few trinkets and ran off stuffing them into his bags and pockets then slinking back off to the tavern. The little drakkollis then crammed his mouth full of the foods he'd stolen. He just hopped that no one had caught him stealing anything. He just wanted to get away with all this.

Taiga nearly broke Darkhor's skull as he began his drunken charade. She had no tolerance for blatant sexual harassment, not aware that it was simply the drakkollis way. Hakan quickly stopped her, remembering Kiron's warning. While Taiga's reaction wouldn't quite qualify as malicious, Hakan really didn't want to debate where the line was drawn.

Once he was sure Taiga wasn't going to commit any murders, Hakan pulled his harp off of Strinti's saddle. He sat near Darkhor, as the drakkollis sang and danced, and strummed on his harp in an unusual yet beautiful manner to match Darkhor's performance.

It was unlike anything anyone had ever seen, heard, or imagined, but somehow the two extremely different styles and talents blended together in a magical way.

Taiga watched with a confused gaze and a half-smirk, as she realized that her brother was actually charmed by the strange being.

Darkhor had been dancing and singing and went along with the beautiful harp music. He continued for as long as he would do so and then as he came to an end he put his head down and let out a long breath feeling the excitement. The drakkollis knelt down reaching out touching Hakan's cheek then moved his fingers under his chin tilting until he was facing Darkhor. He moved in and started to kiss Hakan wrapping his arms around him. Darkhor was not going to wait for one moment.

He'd missed all of his opportunities from not doing so right away. His tail twitched and he fanned his wings around the both of them. He thought to himself, "Maybe I have finally found someone who will stay by my side. A new mate." Every attempt he had done was always a failure and this time he hoped that this was his true moment of actually having a mate. He felt himself more attracted to this man he had chosen over the woman.

While he kissed he purred deeply which only those who had the heightened sense would be able to hear it.

Hakan gladly welcomed the move Darkhor made, slightly entranced by the drakkollis' colorful wings and sensual purr. It had been a while since he had been enamored by another being, but he had never expected to fall for someone like Darkhor. Either way, the drakkollis was a good kisser...

Calconirr was woken by Darkhor's purr and walked over to Taiga. The girl grimaced, turning away from the intimate display. Oh, that's just not necessary, she thought.

Taiga mounted Kaeligar and spurred the beast away. "Get a room!" She called, sneering at the two of them. "I'll keep Raukaas busy." She didn't want any part of what was happening and decided to find the little drakkollis.

Hakan thought for a moment. "Well, why don't we?" He asked with an annoyingly confident smile.

When Darkhor was not rejected it made him so much calmer and happier than he had been in so many years. Then he almost lost it with so much excitement when Hakan said, "Well, Why don't we?" Immediately he brought him back to the tavern and paid for a room for the two of them to stay for the night. "I never thought I would fall in love with a human being but here we are." The drakkollis almost cried he was so happy.

He went inside the room that they were to stay in. Lying down on the bed with his heart racing and his eyes closed and he felt himself smiling. Darkhor did not care what the others would think of him or Hakan but at least they would be alone together. He took in deep breaths feeling a rush go through his body. Something he had not felt in a very long while.

Darkhor's eyes changed color from his green to black feeling the strong urge to do something only with Hakan. He'd dragged Hakan into the room with him and was prepared for anything at this point if ever that was allowed. If the both consented. He asked waiting for an answer which he was very serious and yet playful sounding, "Do you love me Hakan?"

Hakan looked at Darkhor and smiled, his eyes flashing gold. "Very much so."

Darkhor lied under the bed covers beside Hakan breathing heavily after having felt lust and and being satisfied with his partner. It was not yet night and too his realization his sleep cycle had been messed up. He was a night dweller not a daytime dweller but the drakkollis did not care. He'd found love but to his surprise which would be later that he was now to bear a future child or children. No one would know until later then but the now mattered about the fact that Darkhor was mated.

He had his arms and wings around Hakan. Not feeling ready yet to get up now out of bed. The drakkollis fekt that it would be the human's choice of when they would both get up, "Now I may ask where do you live my love?" He purred softly with curious eyes wide eyes which have turned back to green. Also he was curious enough as to when the whole group would be on the move on again.

Hakan smirked, shifting slightly. "I made my home in Essyrn. I'm a pilgrimage guide for the glass desert. Good job, but it gives me time for my music and..." He grinned, running his finger along Darkhor's chest. "...other things."

Meanwhile, Taiga walked outside atop Kaeligar with Calconirr, as she searched for the drakkollis boy. She caught Raukaas back at the tavern with all kinds of stolen trinkets. "What do you think you're doing, kid?" She asked, sitting across from him. Raukaas wore a stunned expression, not wanting to get yelled at.

"Relax," she said, chuckling with a wink. "I'm a thief too, so we gotta stick together, right?" Taiga always had a soft spot for children. She'd had her childhood taken from her, so she enjoyed interacting with kids while they still were innocent. Glancing out the window, she shook her head. "It's almost dark. We should find your dad! Any idea where-"

Taiga sneered suddenly, squeezing her eyes closed. "Your dad is missing. My brother's missing. Oh, that's just...unpleasant."

Darkhor chuckled and kisses him after he had Hakan's finger run across his chest and finish his sentence. "I can definitely come along and live with you. I've had no real home after I was driven out of my native homeland. Things are certainly different here than they are from my home... which no longer exists. It seems like you were the only one who actually understood my culture. I have... something else to tell you." He sighs and closes his eyes, "I've been running away from my own duties from being... a clan... leader. The Saurguse clan." He looked up to the ceiling then looked back to Hakan, "I wonder if the others are wondering where we are at the moment. You think we should stay in here? Or go ahead and look for everyone else and see what they're up to?" He sat up looking at the door but he still did not want to get up.

He reached over the side of the bed to grab his clothes lying on the side. As he reached over Hakan could smell something strong and sweet smelling coming from Darkhor. He began to get dressed and tossed Hakan's clothes to him as he got ready. In Darkhor's culture normally nudity would not be a bother but having seen in the past of people having issues with it he had to respect it and cover himself with clothing. The drakkollis finally stood up and finished getting dressed up.

He stretched out his body and massive wings feeling good about everything now. About to take off the bracelet of his wife he stopped remembering that he was to journey across to resurrect her back from the dead. While they both were in the room Raukaas was relieved that Taiga had no problem with him having stolen things. "My father doesn't like it so much when I do it but then he gets to do it without anyone yelling at him."He got up and put away the stolen trinkets immediately afraid of someone else walking up and seeing that he's a little thief amongst them.

Hakan groaned, pulling his clothing on. He normally went shirtless with a skirt, but outside of Essyrn was a bit more modest. He redressed himself, keeping his Essyrni sandals, and glanced at Darkhor with a slight smirk. Sexy beast, he thought to himself, chuckling breathily. "We should probably meet up with the others. The daylight's fading."

Walking down from the room, Hakan chose not to press into Darkhor's past because everyone deserved their own secrets. Everyone had a past, and no one had any right in judging another for it.

They rejoined Raukaas and Taiga in the tavern. The little drakkollis' eyes lit up, while Taiga suddenly covered her eyes with a frown. Hakan grinned and hugged his sister tightly. "Oh, no!" She shouted, shoving away from him. "Ugh... Hakan, you stink."

"Of manly conquering," he added, chuckling.

"Oh, just..." She stood up, shaking her head. "I can't unknow what I now know." Looking at Darkhor and Raukaas, she huffed and spun her braid into a tight bun in the back of her head. "It's getting darker out, so we should probably get going."

The four of them walked outside, seeing Strinti, Calconirr, and Kaeligar waiting patiently. Hakan climbed onto Strinti's back, then laughed to himself, knowing he was clever, and looked at Darkhor. "I can give you ride, in a different way," he said with a wink.

"Shut up!" Taiga shouted, squeezing her eyes closed. "And seriously, when we get to the river, both of you are going in because you guys wreak."

Darkhor climbed onto Strinti's back behind Hakan, and Raukaas climbed with Taiga's help onto Kaeligar's saddle. The girl swung onto the massive horse's back, putting her boots in the stirrups and gently making sure Raukaas wouldn't fall off. Hakan fastened his harp back onto Strinti's saddle and began following Taiga to the river.

By the time they reached the riverside, the sun was almost completely set. Kiron and Rima were already there. Hakan and Darkhor dismounted, then Taiga and Raukaas slid down from the eight-legged mountain of a horse. Taiga could tell the instant the drakkollis' stench hit Kiron and Rima. She grimaced and put up her hand. "Oh, don't even ask," she said, scrunching her nose. "I don't want to relive it."

Kiron and Rima returned holding hands, unfortunately for Kiron it wasnt the kind of hand holding he wouldve liked to have.
Something was back there i dont know what, bur i dont want to find out. Not now at least especially with Rima.
The river was flowing a little more rapid than Kiron liked but what mattered now was getting a move on to the ship. The two met up with the others who arrived exactly at the time Kiron expected.
"Thank you everyone, I hope everyone had a wonderful day, but now we have to get a move on, we're headed straight for the Tuor ocean, just follow me and try to keep relatively close to the group. Taiga I'll let you give the order to start our journey as soon as everyone is ready."

(Kiron's and Rima's interaction continued here ------>  http://www.spiritsoftheearth.net/smf/index.php?topic=24185.msg360500#msg360500)

Rima lets go of Kiron's hand when they reached the others. She screws her face at the smell that was coming off of Darkhor and Hakan. It was such a weird smell but so nice. She felt a bit weird but decided to hide it very well. Well as good as she can hide it. She holds her hand together behind her back looking at the others quietly and watching the stars appear slowly not wanting to say much unless she needed to. The thought crossed her mind again. She forgot to buy potatoes! Holding in the scream of anger she remains calm, You guys ready?" She asks very quietly.

Darkhor tilted his saw Kiron and Rima holding hands. He sniffed the air to see if he could catch something but found nothing. He would've assumed that they would have at least had intercourse but it came as to a surprise that they did not. The drakkollis thought to himself, "What is wrong with these people? Why can't they do things... properly? If they're going to be holding hands they should have already had mated by now! YOU don't hold hands until YOU ARE MATED! Oh Yakzerrassa... I am... just... going to forget it..." Then Darkhor seeing as though the others were a bit bothered by the smell coming from himself he decided to go into the river taking Hakan along with him to wash as much of it off as they could possibly.

Then as soon as the drakkollis's foot touched the water he backed up turning around and hunched over until he was almost level with Kiron and Rima. The words that followed were of his own opinion and of his culture. He began to criticize them, "KIRON! RIMA! You two look at me right now! I don't want you two holding hands unless you two already had sex.. YOU GOT THAT?!" Then he shut his mouth and cried turning around jumping into the river. Darkhor pulled Hakan in with him getting the both of them all wet.

He didn't go underwater though it was pretty shockingly cold. Raukaas saw and heard it all and he started laughing, "WOW dad you could've kept quiet about it!" He hid behind Taiga, "My dad does this to everyone when he finds something doesn't follow..."

Hakan was shocked by the rush of cold water. With his fire power, his resistance to heat was strong, but cold was a weakness of his. Taiga couldn't help but smirk, putting her hand on the little drakkollis' shoulder.

Darkhor's slight outburst was shocking to probably everyone there. Hakan was entertained by it, but the differences between the cultures were suddenly clear. He made a mental note to explain Essyrni culture particularly to Darkhor in the future. The brother also noted that Kiron had given Taiga the option to take charge of that part of the journey. He was thankful that Kiron was willing to let the sister share the reigns.

Taiga shook her head, looking at Kiron and Rima. Rima appeared to be suddenly tense, but the Elf girl seemed to be pretty good at containing her emotions. Taiga rolled her eyes at Darkhor, watching the two climb out of the water and drying themselves off with Hakan's heat power. She wasn't a fan of intimacy, finding it repulsive and unnecessary, but she wasn't about to start anything with her brother or his new lover.

She helped Raukaas back onto Kaeligar's saddle. The Sleipnir huffed at the unwanted weight. Sleipnir horses were majestic and magical, but they were stubborn as all hell. Luckily, Kaeligar was fiercely loyal to Taiga and allowed her to do nearly anything she wanted. Raukaas seemed to enjoy the feeling of power atop the monstrous creature, so Taiga let him stay there.

"If everyone's ready, I guess we should get going. The sooner, the better."

The group started off, Rima and Kiron in the lead with Darkhor and Hakan next followed by Taiga and Raukaas. Raukaas stayed atop Kaeligar, while the others travelled on foot, leading the companions they brought with them. Strinti groaned, feeling lazy. He was a kaadir who favored daytime, preferring to be lazy at night.

Taiga let Raukaas take hold of Kaeligar's reigns, knowing the Sleipnir would follow her and ignore Raukaas' instructions. She picked up her pace, tapping Rima on the shoulder. "Mind if I have a minute with Kiron?" She asked. Rima smiled lightly, falling back and letting Taiga walk next to Kiron.

There was a sudden tension between them, as two alphas rarely blend well. "I just wanted you know that I appreciate your gesture back there," she said, not making eyes contact. Kiron seemed to have other things on his mind, so she decided to make it short and sweet. "Look, we probably are going to clash quite a few times on this trip, but I'm going to try to keep my pride under control. You have to understand that I'm a leader in one of the harshest places in the land and that I deal with some of the harshest people in the land. I'm going to try to understand that you aren't familiar with my methods. Just..." She took a breath. "I'd like it if we could see each other with respect and work together to lead this group. What do you say?"

Kiron pinched the bridge of his nose he began to flare in anger he did his best to contain himself as much as he could.
"GROUP HALT!"
Kiron's voice boomed like thunder.
"Excuse me for one moment Taiga."
Kiron walked over to Darkhor and backhanded him so hard it might've broken his jaw, thankfully Kiron knows his strength. "I brought you on this trip as a companion and a friend, I'm sorry if you're culture sees things differently, but you need to learn to respect other people boundaries and acceptances when it comes to certain topics. Intercourse is sacred and is kept between the two partners im sorry if your culture is more accepting and open to it than mine or ours, but you need to understand and control what you say when it comes to subject matters like those. If you would like to stay with your lover I highly recommend you start learning people's boundaries before making any decisions our culture would think of otherwise."
Kiron had no tolerance for disrespect, he wanted to make clear to everyone that even though being in a group has its fun and sexy times, people need to understand boundaries and what was expected of others.
"I gathered you all, with the exception of Rima, to accompany me on this journey, my grandfather even stated that once we traverse the dungeon everything will find something in it. Like i said, cant answer that on a case by case basis but i believe my grandfather's words."
Kiron's voice was nothing short of a true leader and commander. He had lead countless amounts of soldiers into battle all to see them slaughtered. Thus he did not want be seen as someone to be toyed with.
Kiron walked back to Taiga, he shouted "GROUP, MARCH." The rest did as told and he turned to Taiga again. His voice lower but still having a stern tonality of Do not Fuck with me
"Taiga with all due respect, of my knowledge of Hyoite, to which I've visited an uncountable number of times with my recruits for years on end I can say this much. Leading a guild in a tundra doesn't mean shit, especially when I have soldiers who are the fattest and most idiotic pieces of shit that I've seen still be able to live in those conditions, your credit doesn't have much merit to it. Considering your age as well, I confirm that you haven't the real battle. Sure you may fight the frozen tundra and the ravaging beasts that live up there. But the worst kind of beasts, the ones that slaughter millions for the command of something higher than starvation. Is right in front of your face. I appreciate your gratitude, and I will gladly give you instances of taking over as leader. But I'll be damned if you want to call me an equal."
Kiron took to the sky, his scales started to glow as he covered his entire body with blue and white flames, his voice booming once again: "Follow the path, Taiga will keep everyone safe until you reach the ship, look for the sail with a figure that looks similar to Rima."
Kiron turned towards the direction of the where the ship was, and with a flap of his giant blue flare wings, he vanished leaving a sonic boom in his wake that nearly blew the leaves of all the trees nearby and caused everyone to hold themselves from falling.
No one, fucks, with me.
Kiron reached the ship within mere minutes, his flare-flame disappeared into the air as he landed in the crow's nest of the ship. He planted Zerros into the wood to lean on and began meditating.

Taiga's eyes exuded an electric silver glow, and her heart was racing at a mile per minute. She breathed deeply and walked back to Kaeligar. The group was at a standstill, stunned by Kiron's sudden outburst. Hakan saw the ice burning inside of his sister and knew that there was no way this was going to go over well.

She stroked the Sleipnir's velvety nose with an too natural smile. What Kiron didn't know was that she thrived on intensity and pride. When those were combined, she was nearly unstoppable. "Raukaas, come down here, please." She helped the little drakkollis down from the massive horse and handed him over to his father. Hakan grabbed Taiga's hand, and she smiled again. "I'm just going to talk to him." Everything about her expressions and voice was just too relaxed. That's how everyone knew she was about to fuck things up.

She mounted Kaeligar and spurred him into a full speed gallop. The eight-legged horse was immune to the elements, meaning he could run on water, air, through fire, etc. She managed to stay on him purely through strength of heart and the bond between horse and rider.

It took barely ten minutes for her to reach the ship. She hopped down from Kaeligar's back and looked at the ship. It was humble, yet grand at the same time. Beautiful craftsmanship with plenty of room, while also being not obscenely large.

She gripped her frost-tipped staff, rolling it in her hands as a way to calm herself down. Taiga was too wise for her age, but she was still young and fiery. This made her reactions sometimes more harsh and rash than they should be. She ran through the air on ice steps created by her staff until she got on board the ship.

Hearing a creak from above, Taiga glanced upward and saw Kiron way up in the crows nest. He seemed to be rather stoic, and Taiga wanted nothing more than to literally freeze him to the actual platform, but she held herself under control. She ran on ice to the crows nest and perched on the side. "I'm not here to fight you," she said, her eyes still radiating the silver glow.

She couldn't tell whether Kiron was listening or not, but she sure as hell was going to say her part.

"I'm going to hold myself together enough to get through this without killing you because I think that would put some tension between the members of this little group." She took a breath and noticed Kiron tilt his head in the slightest, which she took as a sign he was listening. Good enough... she thought.

"You don't know what I've been through," she said, suddenly getting very quiet. Taiga was a closed person, so to be truthful with another was nearly unheard of for her. "I was raised without a home in the most unforgiving place in the land. I don't giving a shit about you or your dead grandpa. I'm here because I sometimes need time away from the hell I live in. You think I created the guild to give myself power?" She scoffed. "No fucking way. I created that band of misfits and outcasts as a way to maybe create some kind of unity in the worst place to ever exist. Hyoite can offer a sort of haven for war criminals, thieves, rapists, and everything else you think of simply because nobody is going to hunt them down in the ice desert. Every now and then, a child is brought into the world and is forced to either fight to survive or die trying.

"I survived, Kiron. You may have visited Hyoite a few times with soldiers, but it takes a special breed to live there. You may lead shitty soldiers, but I maintain the people who have done such horrible things they ran away to the tundra. My guild gives them a purpose, so that they have something to work for and survive for. I manage the misfits so that no one else has to. I may be young, but I'm a fucking leader. That's the only reason why I didn't shoot you full of icicles the moment I got here. Because I know what it takes to earn and keep the respect of those who follow you. That little outburst...you didn't earn shit with that. Darkhor might be loud and sometimes obnoxious, but you better learn to respect his culture.

"As for facing beasts, you're full of shit. I do fight the tundra and the natural beasts, but what you don't know is that I have been part of every fucking war that I've been alive for. I have fought alongside others, not because I had to, but because I believed in them. I don't fight because I'm a soldier. I fight because if I don't, who's to say others will?

"I respect your leadership, Kiron. I really do. And I'm not candid like this with anyone. All I can say is if you ever disrespect me or undermine my authority in any way again, you will have a serious problem. I won't fight you directly. I will undermine your leadership with every single member of our group until you don't have an ounce of respect from any of them. I know how to destroy people, and I will not hesitate in destroying you. So, I'll be damned if you think me anything less than equal because it is very possible I outrank you."

Kiron re-tilted his head and stood, he walked behind the behemoth of a sword the was Zerros and placed his hands folded across each other atop the rounded hilt. He open his crimson eyes and looked down at the ice girl, but not in a derrogatory way.
"Within a savage wolf pack, the strongest wolf is considered the alpha, but once he becomes too comfortable in his position, no matter his upbringing, a youngling will one day come take his title and his head off his shoulders
You lived in a harsh environment, I respect that. You built your sense of unity in a land where frozen shit is a food source for miles and miles, I respect that. You fight for a higher cause, I respect that. You defended yourself and proved to me merit, I respect that.
"But I'll tell you this much, you're delivery is shit. Mine is crappy as well, i believe it would be a learning experience for the both of us, at least in my opinion. Before I proceed with these next statements, understand this is not a who lived a harsher life competition.
"You believe where I live is some sort of sanctuary? You think I was raised with the ideal family? I was practically an orphan for the majority of my life, I grew up in Connlaoth an entire nation that is out to murder me ever since I was a child just because of the way I was born. I may not have not necessarily lived in a harsh climate as you did, but I sure as hell lived a harsh life and every single person around me made sure i did. As a kid i was stoned and beaten every day before every meal, when I was a teenager I was raped by someone of Darkhor's stature, I've been stabbed and left for dead a countless number of times. I was forced to fight in every war not because i choose to, but if i didnt they would've beheaded me right when I said no. But i got up every, damn, time, I just like yourself I wasnt going to let the world dictate who I am. The soldiers I command are those rapists, thieves and outcasts that were unlucky to go to Hyoite. My encampment is the harshest in the fucking land. Not because of the land, but because of me. The reason I take them to Hyoite is to show them what they could've chosen. Most men actually sneak away to live in Hyoite rather than come back.
"I dont need to earn respect, I have all the respect I could ask for, a simple spit in my face cause thats what life has thrown at me and I take it like the fucking man I am. If I lost everything right here and now I wouldnt give two steamy shits, because the only person I need to truly take of is myself. But I'll be damned to let a youngling cut off my head so easliy."
Kiron saw a slight charm to Taiga's response, most people would've just left him entirely or just take what he said. He respected that.

Taiga could have easily continued the debate, as she didn't like people picking apart her words. She knew her strengths and she knew her weaknesses. This half-breed had no right to criticize her, in her mind. Still, her rational side forced her to understand where he was coming from.

"Again, I didn't come here to fight you," she said. "No pleasant upbringing breeds a great leader, and I can tell that is what you are. I am alpha in my pack, and no one is going to take that from me." She saw Kiron tense briefly, so she smirked. "That being said, I'm aware that you are alpha in yours, and I am not trying to...cut off your head. Believe me when I tell you that is my last resort. I just want to make sure you know what I am capable of."

She saw that Kiron held some respect for her, and she was prepared to reciprocate.

"I want this to run smoothly, not for you or any of the others, but because I need my time away. When we're done, I go back. And by the way, I know the soldiers that sneak away from your camp." She grinned and shook her head. "They almost always join my guild. You know what happens? They die within a fucking week. Hyoite isn't easier, but I'm not in a place to say that it's harder.

"And you do have the respect of everyone you're currently leading, but respect will only get you so far. Everyone you're leading has to believe in you."

She shook her head and took a deep breath. "The others are going to arrive within minutes. This place isn't that far away. I suggest we act as civilized leaders would. I'm not trying to chop your head off, so don't bite off mine."

Kiron released Zerros from his wooden prison, he pointed the tip just behind Taiga's ear.
"I can agree to those terms, I never wanted to fight in the first place, Darkhor was the one that set me off originally and unfortunately you just happened to be in the crossfire of my outburst. For that I apologize, but personally I believe this was a necessary evil, I should thank Darkhor. Once he gets here. I'll leave the group to you, but for now since its getting dark I need to rest especially with building this massive ship and flying back and forth."
Kiron sheathed his blade on his back and flew over to the front sail, unveiling a figure that looked exactly like Taiga, Calconirr as well. Rima's figure was still bigger but its the thought that counts.
"Welcome to the ship co-captain, but in all seriousness Im the one that sails here. Rima's quarters are where im going and the rest of the group have the other two across the deck, ive accomodated for the animals underneath as well, good night."
Kiron entered his quarters, took off every bit of armor he had and calmly laid in the bed that was clearly smaller than the other one in the room, it was clearly made for Rima.

Taiga smirked at the figures Kiron had unveiled. It was true and obvious that Kiron held a great deal of respect for Taiga and she felt the same way, but they needed to be careful when addressing each other as leaders. There was a tension that probably wouldn't go away simply because alphas always find something to bicker over. Sailing wasn't really her specialty anyway, so she was absolutely fine with Kiron literally taking the wheel.

Still, it was a clean way to start the journey.

Taiga watched the others approach the ship. There was awe on their faces, but Hakan just wore a worried expression when he saw his sister and no sign of Kiron. She flipped her staff and pointed it toward the ground, forging a massive ice staircase.

Everyone, including the animals, made their way up the stairs and onto the beautiful ship. Hakan walked directly over to Taiga. His voice was low. "You didn't-"

"He's alive," she said, chuckling. "Asleep. Don't worry. We worked things out, for the most part." She clapped once for everyone's attention. Taiga directed everyone to their quarters, Rima going to the one Kiron entered, Darkhor and Raukaas sharing, then Taiga and Hakan sharing. She let the animals under the deck and just walked off, sitting on the bow of the ship and untying her hair to let the crisp ocean wind whip through.

Darkhor was both shocked and angry for that being his jaw broken. He was backhanded by Kiron. That was all that was needed for him to have a reason to hate him. He touched the leader of the Saurguse clan. The drakkollis knew this that obviously no one was even aware that he too himself was a leader.

What was normally forbidden to ever hurt a clan leader did not apply here for he was not in the safety of his own clan. When he was by Hakan's side he felt much better and when passing Kiron he growled and hissed loudly getting his point across that he was not fond of the dralf. Darkhor's eyes turned red and he huffed and puffed his spines risen. In that behavior for anyone who has encountered a male drakkollis in the past would recognize the aggression. When one would act this way it meant they were getting ready to ravage and eat someone alive, rape and or kidnap a person, usually of young age.

Darkhor had gone inside his room then shook and shrieked like a psychotically insane animal trapped inside a cage wanting to get out and tear everything apart, "SSSSSRRRREEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAA!!!!!" That sound that emanated from his throat could be heard easily throughout the entire ship and he rolled on the floor and writhed. When he acted like this his feathers began to molt and shed all over the place. The very sign that showed that a drakkollis was becoming corrupted of the mind and body meaning that they will turn on against all except for those they love. If anyone was to calm him down it would possibly stop him from becoming evil in nature.

He did this right in front of Hakan and if anyone else was there to watch as this happened.

Rima walks around with a pan she had found. Always the pan <3 then she walks to her quarters, along the way checking the rooms. Rima wanted to make sure everyone was okay before she put everything back to where she found it. She found hers and Kiron's room after a few minutes stepping in she looks around cautiously and rather jumpy still. "Kiron?" She whispers quietly looking around quickly and scurries to her bed. One thing caught her attention. The bed Kiron was sleeping on was smaller than hers and yet he was bigger than her. She crosses her arms at how rash that was. She didn't even need such a big bed mostly a bed roll or just her cloak usually as she got used to sleeping on hard surfaces. Still she didn't want to wake Kiron so she decided to talk to him later on if she got the chance. So taking out a book to read she lays down in her bed and uses a dim mage light to read some relaxing a bit and kicking her feet back and forth enjoying the book which was in the language she grew up with.

Kiron awoke to a strong breeze through the window, since he built the ship himself he made sure to give his quarters a little more benefits than the others, it was nothing of selfish nature it was more so for pride's sake.
Kiron's masterfully woven beds would definitely survive the journey to and from Yoreiq. Hell he even was able to give everyone a space to store any extra supplies. Whether it be food, clothing, weapons, but Kiron and Rima's quarters had the biggest space for all of it.
Kiron looked over and saw Rima practically unconscious with a book in her face slumped over.
That can not be a comfortable position for her.
Kiron slowly walked over making sure not to make any noise, he took the book and placed it flat on the nightstand next to her enormous bed. He readjusted her so that her head laid on the pillow and her face towards Kiron's bed. Kiron smiled in just slightest way.
He made his way out of his quarters and saw Taiga on the bow of the ship.
i'll talk to her in a bit, but first.
Kiron made his way over to Darkhor's quarters, all that screaming must've put him to sleep alongside his son. Kiron slowly made his way inside, hovering over the the wooden boards to not make a sound, he made his way over to the nightstand and left a small note.
It read:
Dear, Darkhor
Please excuse my outburst earlier, I was set off by something on the way to the river and you happened to be in the way. My deepest apologies, but please do learn about peoples boundaries,
what I said were my own thoughts but my delivery was completely unnecessary. I also wanted to say thank you, for if it wasn't for you I don't think Taiga and I would've reached the agreement we did. I hope you and Hakan are happy.
Sincerely Kiron.
P.S. you show this note to anyone I'll personally throw you overboard and make sure you don't come back.
Kiron peered into the twins quarters, as he would've guessed Hakan was completely asleep. He made his way over to the grate and saw all the animals were sound asleep as well.
First night was a tad bumpy but it worked out alright.
He chuckled as he made his way onto the bow of the ship, Taiga's gorgeous silver hair whipping in the night light, he made sure not to bother her until he cut the rope tying the ship to the harbor.
After about a quiet 10 minutes of cutting, the rope finally snapped and SeRimas was on its way into the Tuor Ocean. Kiron turned towards Taiga and spoke softly:
"I know you have the whole warrior mentality but I doubt any petty thief or assassin would be able to get to us at this point. Go on ahead to bed, I need to start getting the ship in the right direction anyways."
Kiron winked at Taiga as she started to stand up, he assumed she didn't notice it, but it was the thought that counts. She made her way to her quarters and Kiron accidentally got whipped in the face from her hair a little bit. '
Damn, even her hair is colder than that hellhole.
The ship was still getting used to the current of the ocean so Kiron was able to stretch his wings a bit, he soared through the night sky practically naked without his armor on. admittedly it was the only thing he really wore on a day to day basis but it was nice to glide on the ocean breeze with this freedom.
Once the ship got settled, he donned his obsidian leggings and a typical captains hat made of black wool, he was also shirtless and had a single strand of wheat in his mouth.
If I be the one to sail this ship like the true sailor that me is, I should at least play me part. Arrrrrgh.
He stayed at the helm until sunrise.   

Darkhor woke up when it was early morning out. His kind being night dwellers loved it to be dark and silent enough for the slightest movement to be picked up. Raukaas stayed asleep when his father left the bed. The drakkollis leaving his room found the note left on his door and read it thoroughly. Quickly afterwards he ate it and went out to the deck to outstretch his massive wings to their full length.

He thought about the letter he'd read, "What the fuck? Why the fuck is he thanking me for?! I understand that he is apologizing for his behavior but that is just... strange... I'm STILL going to get at Kiron... should I now? Should I just stay right here?" He looked up at the sky. Soon then he had the urge to run now. He shook himself resisting his rage that he felt ready to burst out then puffed his chest up. Darkhor still had his wings out in the same position.

When outstretched anyone could see that he had patches of missing feathers but that didn't bother Darkhor much. He flapped them with his strength running across deck at full speed. Within moments he took off to the air and circled around in the sky like a bird of prey. But he suddenly came back and landed on the ship screeching.

Darkhor now had the urge to find someplace that had hot water and he chattered in agitation. He then came all the way to where Kiron was at. He came to the helm and sat there hunched down with his head low almost to the floor looking up at Kiron. He still refused to speak. Yet he did at the same time want to say something but what?

No he did not want to see Kiron yet or speak with him after the fact he had been first rejected then later was hit. He felt his jaw which was tender and broken from where the dralf backhanded him. That still pissed him off. He needed to have his jaw to function, "FUCK...... someone better do something about this or I WILL make someone miserable." He took in deep breaths through his nose and let it out through his mouth slowly trying to keep himself calm but he was angry staring at the dralf baring more of his teeth.

He was trying his best to contain it to himself and not leap and try to rip his throat out. The drakkollis felt his own struggle but this was an inborn instinct that all male drakkollis have within themselves. They were known to be highly aggressive and were most likely to kill young that especially were not of their own. He nearly threw himself to the floor like he did earlier but this time he did not do so. Darkhor felt tears come to his eyes and wanted to leap into the water also resisting the instinct that most females have to avoid going crazy on somebody here.

The need for it was quite unnecessary knowing for quite well that he surely will have those he is supposed to be allied with to hate him. Darkhor just sat there staring at him intently not a word spoken. Purely silence and only action scratching himself. He felt that he was going a little mad and not just anger. He had managed though this far... If it was any negativity towards him Darkhor would snap and attack Kiron.

Rima wakes up and sits up yawning then panics when she opens here eyes for getting where she was for a quick second. She slept more than she usually did or even needed making her feel even more tired then she usually would. Rima quickly ties up her hair with a decorated rope, grabs her book and gets out of bed walking up to the deck, enjoying the morning breeze. She notices both Darkhor and Kiron sitting near each other while Kiron sailed the ship. Shirtless. Okay he looked attractive and muscular and lean she blushed for a second before approaching the two regaining her normal physique. She waves at Darkhor who seemed grumpy this morning and a bit off. Okay. She was not gonna get into that this early in the morning when she just woken up.

Rima taps Kiron's shoulder, "Morning Pirate Kiron." She greets the dralf look out at the view. Sitting down against a pole and starts to read it from where she thought she left off last night. The letters were an intricate combinations of swirls and lines (like the Hindi language) with dots above a few of the swirls. "I'm planning on making breakfast in a few minutes. Anyone want some?" She asks quickly reading the pages.

"I wouldn't mind some breakfast, if you're offering," Hakan said, scratching the back of his shoulder with a yawn. Hakan wasn't much of a morning person, but waking up on a ship was a new kind of luxury that he could definitely get used to.

He walked over to the drakkollis and winked, settling next to him.

Taiga had woken instantly at Darkhor's screeching earlier in the morning. She had gotten barely three hours of sleep, but for someone like her, three hours was equal to fifteen. She stood up high in the crows nest where Kiron had been earlier. The ship's sway and the crisp sea air gave her an unfamiliar feeling of freedom. It was interesting and unnerving, and Taiga couldn't tell if she liked it or not.

She jumped down from the crows nest, gliding on the frigid air currents to the deck of the ship. "Thanks for the offer, Rima, but I'm good." She looked over the edge of the ship at the white waves diving away from the wood and grinned. "Pirate Kiron," she said, slightly mocking the little joke Rima made, "I'm letting the animals out for a bit."

Hakan jumped down to help her, as Strinti didn't really listen to anyone other than him. They brought the three animals out, who just started walking around the deck. He ran back up to Darkhor, and Taiga smirked at Kiron. "It's a wonderfully made ship," she said, "and I hope you take no offense to this, but I'm taking a break from sailing on it."

Kiron's slight confusion was obvious, as was Hakan's underlying fear of what she was going to do. Hakan always felt like her guardian because she never followed any rules but her own.

Taiga took hold of Kaeligar's reigns and smacked him hard on the hindquarters. He ran to the side of the ship and leapt off toward the sea. Taiga laughed and followed, dropping her frost-tipped staff on the deck. She landed on the galloping horse's saddle and they raced side-by-side with the ship across the surface of the water.

"I'm never gonna get her to slow down," Hakan said, shaking his head with a chuckle.

Kiron was at his happiest being the pirate captain that he was, he didnt even realize Darkhor sitting in front of him. He declined the breakfast offer from Rima, he never really ate much but when he did he had enough to sustain himself for the day. Once the ship settled on its course Kiron detached himself from the helm and walked over to where Hakan was looking at Taiga speed across the water on the massive eight-legged horse. He turned to Hakan:
"Aye matey, dont worry bout her, I know her kind. She'll be back on ye ship before nightfall unless sometin happens. In the meantime..."
Kiron skipped away from Hakan and grabbed Darkhor's hand. Kiron shouted:
"AYE, AYE MATEYS, ITS TIME WE START CELEBRATIN FOR A SMOOTH VOYAGE WITH A SONG!"
He swung Darkhor up onto his feet and locked elbows with the giant.
"EVERYBODY!
YAR HAR, FIDDLE DI DEE
BEING A PIRATE IS ALL RIGHT WITH ME
DO WHAT YOU WANT 'CAUSE A PIRATE IS FREE
YOU ARE A PIRATE!
Yo Ho, ahoy and avast,
Being a pirate is really badass!
Hang the black flag at the end of the mast!
YOU ARE A PIRATE!
We've got us a map, a map!
To lead us to a hidden box,
Thats all locked up with locks, with locks!
And buried deep away!
We'll dig up the box, the box!
We know its full of precious booty!"
Kiron stared at Rima butt and winked
"Burst open the locks!
And then we'll say hooray!
YAR HAR FIDDLE DI DEE
BEING A PIRATE IS ALL RIGHT WITH ME!
DO WHAT YOU ANY CAUSE A PIRATE IS FREE,
YOU ARE A PIRATE!
Yo ho ahoy and avast,
Being a pirate is really badass!
Hang the black flag at the end of your mast,
You are a pirate!
We're sailing away, set sail!
Adventure waits on every shore!
We set sail and explore, ya-har!
And run and jump all day, Yay!
We float on our boat, the boat!
Until its time to drop the anchor,
Then hang up our coats! Aye-Aye!
Until we sail again!
YAR HAR FIDDLE DI DEE
BEING A PIRATE IS ALL RIGHT WITH ME
DO WHAT YOU WANT CAUSE A PIRATE IS FREE
YOU ARE A PIRATE!"
Kiron kept on going back and forth between dancing and sailing, this was probably the happiest anyone has ever seen him.

Darkhor was in a very foul mood but that all changed quite suddenly. The moment Kiron had suddenly skipped back, grabbed his hand, shouted then swung him onto his feet and locked elbows with him. The drakkollis went along with the dalf and sang and shouted and danced with him. Black mist came out of his mouth and nostrils in plumes much like smoke coming from and he cackled and even his long tongue lolled out to the side. The drakkollis's tongue must've been at least a little over two feet!

He couldn't help it then his tongue went back into his mouth. His long tail swished wildly and excitedly from side to side. His hooves dancing on the deck went along a particular beat like the sound of clogging or tap dancing. Darkhor's feet were on a beat that was nearly a blur he was going so fast but he would pause when they were on the move yet still dancing. Then the next thing he did was flash his wings the vibrant orange showing it to anyone facing him.

Darkhor then separated from Kiron then went onto the next part with his head high then as he lowered himself his head would swing side to side as rather a show. Then came on the next thing. Darkhor felt that... Clothes were unnecessary so that in midst he stripped his clothing off his body letting himself FREE! He now wore only a loin cloth, necklaces and bracelets and bands. What was more that would make him feel more free? He had been wearing all of those heavy and what seemed too restricting to him just had to go.

The drakkollis's clothes now on the floor. He did not care. He left them as is and kicked them off to the side. Darkhor then stopped dancing as he thought about what the next dance would be. His attention was now drawn to Hakan with a wide smile and he laughed having enjoying this time completely forgetting about his broken jaw.

Rima jumps at the loud singing and dancing. She missed a good bit of it being immersed in her book be heard and saw what Kiron did (winking and looking at her butt). Then came Darkhor...... stripping off his clothes to nothing but a loin cloth! Rima looks away, "Darkhor do you mind?!" She gets up and rushes off to make breakfast, "I'm going to make some breakfast." She rushes off gracefully and with a speed only an elf can have. But she left her book behind during the effort t away from the naked Darkhor.

(Quick time skip on Rima's part :3 )
After a few minutes Rima is over a stove cutting up potatoes into hashbrowns and adding ham, eggs, cheese and different seasoning and vegetables for breakfast with a small soup on the side. She ate a potato in the process of cooking at well.  Focusing on her cooking and eating.

Hakan wasn't even slightly phased by the shedding of clothing because of the Essyrni culture with acceptance of public nudity. He decided not to take part in the dance. He'd done his back in Serendipity, which had started his thing with Darkhor in the first place.

Instead, he tipped his nonexistent hat to the dralf and the drakkollis, then joined Rima while she cooked.

The girl seemed to be a natural cook, whipping up a beautiful breakfast in no time. "You're pretty awesome," he said, smirking. "Need a hand?"

Meanwhile, Taiga had heard the commotion on deck from Kaeligar's back. Music wasn't really her thing, especially not so energetic and foolhardy as what was being sung onboard. Although... the little pirate jaunty was kind of fun.

She got back on the ship with Kaeligar and grabbed Hakan away from helping Rima. "Wanna have a little fun?" She whispered.

He get a mischievous gleam in his golden eyes. "What're you planning?"

"Char one of the sails, not the one with Rima on it." 

Hakan raced toward the mast, spiraling upwards on a flaming swirl. He pressed his hand on one of the plain sails, turning it a deep and void-like black. It definitely caught everyone's attention, but not in a bad way. Taiga grinned at Kiron and skated toward the black sail. Circled her hands and thrust them forward, causing a storm of ice and snow particles to embed themselves in the blackened fabric with a great skull and crossbones.

She and Hakan landed on the deck near Kiron and Darkhor. "Avast, me hearties!" She shouted raised her hand. "Yo ho!" She snapped her fingers with a grin and the white fell from the skull pattern and left a giant snowflake, matching the one on her cloak.

PART 2:  New beginnings part 2!  (http://www.spiritsoftheearth.net/smf/index.php?topic=24201.new#new)