Reuniting A Kingdom Part 3: War Scars/Reunified (Open)

[Adam]

The sun shined above the volcano of Firegorge Mountain as carnivorous vultures flew above. Although there were no bodies with the returning group of warriors, there was still a look about them that detailed their brush with Death, both figuratively and literally. Samael, personally had a look about him that told him of what he had seen in Vlad by challenging him. It weighed on his mind, the numbers lost to an unexpected enemy, who went above and beyond desperation in the name of trying to wipe out the dragons. Out of every dragon that Vlad’s men had tormented, kidnapped, or even experimented upon in the past, the kidnapping of a Queen was enough to spark enough outrage in Vlad, that he decided that they needed extermination. Fighting Vlad was no easy task, as even going against Vlad with a fraction of Samael’s power returned was not enough to fully defeat the God of Death, who lived up to his mantle that day. It was enough for Samael to feel the weight of every eye that fell upon him, regardless of why they looked at him. Many would judge him, others would only be reinforced to follow Samael, but for whatever the reason, Samael knew more than ever now, that his people had to come first. The vampires and demons were already terrible as it had been before he had risen. Demonic hordes terrorizing the people, vampires performing their dark experiments when they could. The governments and Clans could do nothing to stop the infestation, even with Sylthanis barred. There were ways around it, even a god could find.



Although significantly fewer in numbers, Samael could only feel relief that the men and women that had followed him were, themselves, merely a fraction of the true army that awaited upon reunification, given the others still even wanted him as their King. He looked to Isolde, who was still greatly injured from her fight with Nergal, laid out upon a stretcher carried by four dragons,, then looked to Minerva, and Seth and finally...Lidija. Even now, after a three day march, he could feel her pain and regret when she looked at Seth. Samael knew when she looked at him, knew when she felt bad, and more. It was a side effect of the soul bonding in order to show her the truth about her village’s fate at the hands of a demon that was framing the dragons. Although he did not keep especially close to her, he was always nearby, mostly to also keep an eye on Seth, who was eerily quiet through the march back. The angel, Sienna, that accompanied him stood by his side, and kept a concerning gaze upon him, making Samael wonder what the fight between himself and the werewolf was like, specifically. Samael did not notice much as he left the beast to fight with Seth, except when she had thrown a knife. Samael paid it no attention until a day ago, when his vision had begun to blur. Feeling where the wound had been made, he felt around the edges, and noticed a clear liquid oozing from the wound, as if his body was intentionally keeping it out. After a small test, he discovered it was poison, but that it was merely weakening him. How long before it was out of his system, Samael did not know, but it would continue to worsen upon him until his body worked it out. The vahraniik that sewed the wound applied special herbs and ointments to the wound, to help fight the poison’s effects and restore Samael’s vision. Once Samael unleashed the remaining power of the stones within his body, the poison would have little to no effect on his body. He would ascend to a form beyond this as a dragon god. Until then, he had to ensure he returned to his people, and hoped that Nergal did not return to finish the job.





Isodle, and even Samael felt the dread in discovering that Nergal had been resurrected. With such a foul, unnatural thing brought back into the world, threatening the Natural Order in such a way, Samael could not help but wonder if Queen Marina’s death was not the Universe’s way of showing Vlad that his title extends beyond to just reaping souls, but ensuring they stay dead. The Celestial, Teodora, would have to know about Nergal’s return. She would have to know about the Lich, as only her clan and the angels were the only species that had the power to effectively send Nergal back to the Abyss. He knew, however, that he would not get Teodora’s help without her scolding first. By now, all of Yalanze was probably aware of what happened in Badrul, and the chaos that was to begin now. Soon, nations would take sides, and Brigade would be busy maintaining their order, while Samael and Vlad waged their war. There was much that needed to be done, now that the die had been cast. Soon, more assassins would come, more of Vlad’s armies will invade Balfaer, and when they did, the Dragons would be ready to fight back.



However, as Samael had told Luna mere weeks ago when he signed the treaty with Cathaan: The other nations would not respect the dragons, unless they were unified. They would also not feel trusting of a dragon that could not supply reinforcements when needed. Today, Samael sought to finish this once and for all, and finally forge the Dovah’Junaar anew. With the Clans unified once again, his word would be kept, and alliances would at long last be forged with the other kingdoms that were already fighting against the vampire and demonic hordes from Sylthanis. Today, Samael and his people would return to Firegorge Mountian to complete the Reunification with the final signatures of the treaty: The Fire and Earth Clan Elders. At last, his people would no longer have to follow him everywhere on his pilgrimage of reunifying. Once unified, Samael would at long last take up residence in a Kingdom that the people deserved. It was only a march away, and Dragon-Kind would be truly ready. He just hoped his actions did not cease their decisions to join him.



As the group entered the Firegorge Capital of Grahstaad, where the Fire and Earth Clan lived together in peace, they were greeted to a Heroes Welcome. Wine, food, and dancing swept across the streets as celebration of the return of the Hun’Drog became a city-wide chorus. Pained physically, Samael smiled and embraced those that welcomed everyone back, hiding his remorse and sadness for those that had fallen in favor of keeping spirits up for the masses. They needed to see their King strong and as adamant as ever. As he had always been. The man that he rose their people from the assault of the Dark Hordes and bringing them back again into a kingdom united under a strong king.



The survivors were amassed in celebration as they walked the streets towards the City Center. Ahead of Samael, stood the Elders of Fire and Earth, who stood before a podium, ready to sign the Treaty before the amassed group in the final celebratory moments which would at long last unify the kingdom. In Samael’s bloodied hand was the treaty, which had remained protected at his side since the beginning. Although each of these Elders were quite literally elderly men, they were each fit and at peak condition. The Earth Clan Elders, however, stood as giants among the Fire Clan Elders as they stood in wait for Samael. The Fire Clan Elders stood as smaller replicas of the Earth Clan Elders, except the Fire Elders had a lighter tone compared to their Earth counterparts. At Samael’s side were Minerva, Lidija, Isolde, and Seth. Also with them, was an Ice Clan Elder Fo, who had volunteered to go with the group, as an Elder would be needed in the Council as per the treaty agreement. He had been neutral in the ordeal between whether they should Unify with Samael, but in the end, he cast his vote in favor of it, “technically” unifying the dragons once and for all. Although the walk was long and tedious, he was often content, and never complained louder than a small hum. He appeared to be a wise dragon, but reserved in nature, but also highly respectful in nature as well. He stood before the other Elders, the smallest of the group. The only others that were missing now was Luna, and Teodora. Samael closed his eyes, focusing on the Celestial, hoping that she would channel into Samael’s thoughts, or was simply watching and said, Celestial, it is time. Reunification is at hand, and I would extend invitation for your presence, along with the Air Dragon, Luna. I hope you will grace us with your presence.



Samael had the vahraniik send Isolde to rest with the healers, lamenting that she may not witness this moment, but knew that her spirit was with him, regardless. The people surrounded the center as Samael approached with his people. Ready to reunify the clans at last. Seth stood behind Samael, watching the Hun’Drog, and feeling the throwing star in his pocket that the assiassin had given him. She was still a potential ally in this, but she needed to know that Samael, nor Vlad was the enemy. If she wanted the war to stop, Seth knew that she would have to stop her battle against Samael and begin the real battle against the demon that cause this ordeal.

[Isolde]

Her soul was tormented again and again by the touch of such unholy magics. Even though the fire ceased to burn, she continued to feel it's effects as it burrowed deeper. As she slept the damage to her soul was beyond comprehension, severing her ties to her ancestral magic. No longer would she be able to draw on the magic of her kind with her voice- she was stuck in her mortal form with no ties to her heritage. In fact, it was a miracle at all that her immortality remained intact, a few more moments and she would have once more started to age. Sweat rolled down her forehead now as her once still form started to thrash violently on the bed they laid her upon.

Every time they tried to touch her she reacted violently, swatting things away or even breaking one of the healers wrists. In her head she was still fighting Nergal, she had never left the battlefield. Locked in combat with the phantom of her father, she battled to remain in control of her soul. If she faltered at any point she would die and that would be the most shameful way she could imagine dying. There was a fiery rage inside of her that kept her going, however, as she had to make it back to her brother. She had information that he would have found interesting, something she overheard in the haze after she was wounded by their father. The seer was not who she claimed to be at all, even through her haze she heard the word she used to call out to Samael.

It was hours of this tossing and turning before she finally halted. Her breathing became slower, so slow they feared she might have given up. Yet when they drew closer she gasped for breath, grabbing the clothing of the closest healer to her as she pulled him in. With a grimace she stared him directly in the eyes, "Bring me.. my brother.." she said. Her voice was but a whisper yet it still seemed to carry the same command as if she had shouted it at them. He would be the first to know she was awake, unless Minerva truly was what she claimed and had foreseen this.

While she waited for them to relay word of her awakening to Samael, she did her best to try to sit up in bed. The commotion of the healers could be heard out in the hall as they exchanged words quickly. Any passerby would know exactly what was going on in the room, the Kuulas had awakened and it was with joy they whispered such words.

[Seth]

Seth walked quietly most of the way with Sienna at his side. Since she found him poisoned, she was there by his side to make sure that he was alright and tended to. He never knew such kindness before, but it must have been the way of the angelic beings. That, or it was that warmth that he always felt when he saw her. He couldn’t explain it, but he felt a “pull” to her, as if he was meant to stand by her side as she with him. It was a pleasant distraction to what he was thinking and feeling underneath. The fact that not far from him, a sister he never knew about walked among them. He had been looking for his father’s attacker for the longest time, and although he found them in the form of a long lost sister, misguided and tricked by a demon into thinking that he own people betrayed her. As much anger as Seth held inside, it wasn’t at her, but at the fact that he could not be mad at her. She was innocent in the entire ordeal, and although her hands dealt the strikes, they were guided by another through manipulation and treachery. There was also the matter of Draven, who had lead Seth to the village, but did not stay long after. He had been lead to the village by an unknown source, but did not say who it was, or why. Between being paid to be silent, or a spell keeping him silent, Draven sounded like the type that was probably being spellbound to keep quiet. Seth still had a bit of Draven’s blood, secretly collected from when he was injured the night he first met both him and Sienna. If Seth was in dire need of the vampire, he could simply locate him through his blood.

Although, there was much to ponder, Seth kept a civil look about him as they entered the city. It was the first he had ever been to the capital of the Fire and Earth Clan. Yet, around them all stood magnificent constructs the likes of which he had not seen before. Although situated in a mountain, with a red hue of the sun shining on them due to the light ash in the air, it was a marvel. “This is the capital of my people,” Seth spoke softly to Sienna, “They say that it was built nearly a thousand years ago, when the first dragons came to Yalanze. The Earth and Fire Clans have always had a very close bond with one another. While the Earth Dragons are giants and natural masters of the craft, they have a difficult time mining for the rarer, stronger minerals that exist beneath the planet, so the Fire Dragons swim the magma depths of the planet, bringing these rare jewels and minerals to the top for the Earth Dragons. In exchange, the Earth Clan builds our armors and weapons. With the Ice Clans and Air Clans reunited, we can hope to build enchanted and lighter weapons. More so, we can expand Draconic culture and watch it evolve into something better.” Overhead, Dragons took to the skies, lighting figures in the air with their breath, and performing incredible sky shows unlike anything seen before.

Seth watched Samael make his way towards the Elders, ready to at last sign the treaty, and at long last unify the kingdoms. “Geind ahst lingrah laat…”[/gold] Seth uttered quietly to himself, as he watched Samael prepare to unify his kingdom at long last. However, as he did, a Healer ran past Seth and towards Samael. “Hun’Drog!” He called out nervously, catching up to Samael before whispering in Samael’s ear. Seth watched as Samael proclaimed that the Kulaas had awoken, and suddenly, there was a louder eruption of cheers, as Seth happened to be unfortunate to be close to the mouth of a rather loud cheerer when he heard the news, placing a hand on his ear as he walked past. Seth watched Samael leave and he turned to look at Sienna. “Welcome to Firegorge Mountain…” he said to her sarcastically as the bystanders cheered on in celebration of the recovery of their Kulaas and the reunification at hand.

[Deleted]

Minerva was not in a partying mood. She had told her secret, had said it out loud for anyone to hear and she was terrified of the consequences, of how much she had changed. She had gone back with Samael and the others to Firegorge Mountain, like a nice obedient little girl, but inside of her head, all she wanted to do was run away. She looked up from her position to see Samael's eyes on her briefly, though hers lingered on him a moment longer. He hadn't come to talk to her yet, hadn't confronted her about her actions, her words yet. She was beginning to worry whether or not he would, or if he was willing to forget it. She knew how much else he had on his mind, that was surely not a secret, or a surprise, but she couldn't help but feel a little selfish at the same time.

Her march back with the rest had been a quiet one as well, as she was lost in her own thoughts, her own mind. So much had happened in such a short period of time, it felt like a dream, like none of this was actually happening and yet, she knew that it was. There was no going around it now, she knew that, but she was still looking for a way out. She was always looking for a way out of situations, especially ones like this one where so much could be at stake. It was mostly personal, but also... She wasn't here to play family, she wasn't here to get to know her family better, she was here to stop her father from going insane. She was here to stop her mother from dying before her time, she was here to... She was here to make things right, as hard as that may be.

The welcome as heroes seemed so weird to her, so foreign, yet, she pretended to be happy, to be grateful anyway. She simply wasn't used to laughter, to joy, to a world without such a constant threat looming overhead. Of course, they had a new threat in this time, but that was still different, compared to the threat she knew from back home. When she glanced at Samael, her father, she thought she saw the pain and remorse behind his eyes and knew that he wasn't enjoying this as much as he seemed to either. She kept her face neutral when they went to get the treaty done, not saying or doing a thing, while her mind kept racing tirelessly.

Already knowing this moment would happened, she eventually managed to slip away to check on Isolde. This was also in hopes that she could help her with her own dilemma. She knew that maybe she couldn't and shouldn't be asking this, but she had to at least try and hope for the best. Even if Isolde didn't owe her anything. The cheering barely registered with her, as she made it to Isolde's side. "Isolde, please, please don't tell my secret to your brother." She begged softly, feeling weird for begging like this, but knowing she had no other choice. She looked at the woman and wondered if she should help her sit up or not, knowing she could do it herself if she put her energy in it, but not knowing if she was proud enough to want to be helped or not. "I know that you know my identity now and I will explain everything, but it's not safe for him to know. Not yet anyway." She added, sounding tired.

[Isolde]

There was a roar of cheers for something she could not see right now. Like it or not she was confined to this bed as she did not have the strength to move. From the sounds of it they won the field but she knew there was more to the story. With the beast Nergal on the field it was most likely a hard won victory that destroyed many good men. As merciless and angry as she was she knew the value of a single life. She did not spent them willingly, even when the situation asked for her to do so. The mighty Isolde had feelings beyond what she showed- she simply could not afford to be weak in front of her people. Like Samael there was a public face, one that they all knew and there was a much more private side of her.

As she contemplated this the door opened but it was not Samael that entered. Instead Minerva made her way to Isolde's side ahead of her brother. No doubt she hoped to mitigate what she had done when she called out for Samael. She knew the girl was hiding something but she never could have imagined it would be this. As Minerva came closer she started to beg for discretion when it came to this new information despite knowing how her brother would feel if she kept it to herself. Pausing for a long while to think about it, she gently pulled Minerva in as if she was going to whisper something into her ear. The girl was most likely bracing herself for harsh words or some sort of violent reaction, instead she would receive the opposite.

Placing her hands on the girls cheeks, Isolde kissed her forehead. "You saved my life out there. It is a debt I am loathed to owe anyone, yet owe it I do. I will keep your secret, for now." she finished as she let go of Minerva. There was a long pause as she took the time to take the girls appearance in. She could not tell who the mother might be by looking at her nor did she have any clues. There were a great many things she wished to know and there was no way Minerva would be able to hold out on her for much longer. "Your scars, I knew where they might have come from when I saw them. I know every recruit by name, by face and you I did not know." she explained.

Coughing violently, she moved her first in front of her mouth. When she was finished she noticed specks of blood on her skin, suggesting that the damage was deep. Indeed she felt much weaker than she did out there on the field and not in the way a wounded person did. She felt as if something and chipped off part of her soul and she lost a step along the way. "You need to be more careful. There is no telling what my knowledge of this has done to your future." she lectured, knowing Minerva was most likely aware.

[Adam]

Samael was ready to finish this when a Healer came to him, bringing with him news that reached Samael by crowd not a second after the words were passed from the Healer’s lips: Isolde had awoken. Samael began to move quickly passed the crowd, collectively, before breaking to a sprint when he was out of everyone’s way, making his way to the Healer’s shelter. Samael felt a relief in his heart, but was still on guard, as it did not mean anything that she was awake. Nergal had damaged her severely, and Samael knew that it would take time for her to heal, but he knew that she would be honored throughout the Clans for this moment in battle. Bards of the Fire Clan would sing of the Kulaas, who fought bravely against the cursed Lich King, and survived attempt upon life from the vile beast. Samael would be the first to veer his new command into giving her the respect deserved by regaling the story himself. No longer was his sister supposedly just a mad woman claiming to be the sister of a legendary king, now her title and honor stand true, and reinforced further by the battle, and she would live to see deserved honor bestowed.

Upon entering, Samael heard voices on the other side of the room, but paid them no attention as he opened the door and saw Minerva and Isolde on the other side. “Heh, Death sends our greatest enemy at us as a demonic abomination, and yet Isolde lives another day to strike dread in a warrior’s heart.” Samael walked towards his sister, keeping a distance, but not taking his eyes off of her. Even at this moment, Samael did not have the power to hide the relief that she was alive from showing in his eyes. Those same eyes then shifted to Minerva, who had arrived prior to Samael. Stepping towards her, he placed a hand on her shoulder and tilted his head forward. “I could not have saved her without your help, and I am sure that your sight saw that,” he said to Minerva, “I know not what other powers you seem to hold, but your will to allow me to “sense” when you’re in danger was enough to help save Isolde, and apparently yourself, has earned our trust...mostly.” He removed his hand from his shoulder, and gently placed his forehead upon her own, a typical dragon sign of extreme respect and gratitude. “Continue to not let us down, Mal Tuz.” Samael off handedly said casually to Minerva, Mal Tuz being Draconic for Little Blade, before turning his attention back to Isolde.

“It is time, sister,” Samael said to her with a soft smile, “everything we have worked towards building is here. Unification begins today, and...it couldn’t have been done without you.” He said quietly, but loud enough to hear her, “If only you had the strength to stand to see it happen, sister.”

[Deleted]

Bellator accompanied Luna to ensure her safety on behalf of the Brigade. She was a fine diplomat, certainly more so than Bellator, and frankly Bellator would rather not burden himself with dealing with anyone else having grown use to her at this point. He wasn't particularly interested in going but he would rather not have more bodies pile up than was necessary, word of the first clash between Samael and Vlad was that it did not go so well, but Bellator wasn't particularly surprised by this. Samael had no way of knowing the full scope of Vlads power nor the lengths that he would go, many in Yalanze simply endured Sythanis, few actually faced it thus their true power had not been seen for some time. Bellator needless to say was taking his duties quite seriously though. He wanted to bring a full army up until the borders of the Fire Dragons lands unsure if there would be any aggressors to those traveling to dragon territories. But it was advised to be too rash and Bellator agreed that it was better to draw less attention. Bellator instead took a company of men and split them into two groups. A group of twenty would remain with Bellator to the borders of their destination. Then two squads of five men would scout ahead bumping each other along the way and if anything seemed out of the ordinary word would be sent back.

They spent hours planning out a specific route and as usual at the last minute Bellator changed it. He went out of his way to make the trip unpredictable and safe. At the borders of their destination he sent the full company back to give word that they had arrived safely to the lands of the Fire Dragons. Bellator took only one other Brigade member with him, a talented senior Sergeant that was being groomed for promotion because he wanted at least one other warrior there he could fully trust and this particular member happened to be a Phoenix and knew more about the Fire Clans culture than Bellator actually did. It was a tactical decision as well, it was easier for two dragons and a phoenix to retreat than a full company of Brigadeers. Also Bellator didn't want to take any chances with his mens lives. Safer to travel as they came back and better his men got home then endured the harsh lands ahead of them. Firegorge Mountain wasn't an ideal place for a meeting to Bellator let alone a home but he particularly played out scenarios involving the place for training exercises. Bellator was a fan of extreme conditioning and dangerous environments. The process just to become a member of the fighters division was enough to kill lesser men and this was true of all races.

This kept numbers lower than previous generations in his division but also made room for promotions, ensured only the elite at each others side, and weeded out bad eggs, and lowered casualty ratings. But all were welcome in the Brigade, Bellator didn't mind how many recruits he had, but it was up to them how long they stayed recruits. Someone has to clean the stables and do lesser paperwork and processing. Bellator entered the main room everyone would be meeting. He posted his Sergeant close to the door to keep an eye on all that came in after examining who was already here. Bellator marched in wearing his silvery, bulky, draconic iconed, heavy armor. Though it was clearly well taken care of, proper maintenance done with it, even resonated with a little magic, polished clean Bellator didn't mend most of the damage he sustained that didn't effect its integrity and left allot of marks not believing in crisp new armor to be fitting of a veteran warrior. He took care of all his equipment, he could do wondrous things with an anvil and hammer, secrets passed down from his great grandfather who was in fact an Earth Dragon who also gave Bellator his abnormal size though still small compared to most Earth Dragons still. His broadsword sheathed at his side Bellator rested a hand on its hilt and made his way looking around at the people and the room. As always he looked at the most vulnerable areas in the room, most likely attack points, and noted all the exits. He familiarized himself with the faces there and turned to ensure Luna was well not planning to let her out of his site during their stay.

[Luna Dragonwing]

Luna had heard of the battle that had occurred between the vampires and dragons. It had made her stomach tighten with sorrow. Luna could fight and often did spar when it was necessary but she was no warrior. She knew enough to protect herself from an assassination attempt but she did not like fighting. She was relieved when Bellator agreed to go with her. Fire dragons were known to be rambunctious and she did not wish to get caught up in something and risk insult.

Today wasn’t about her. It was about celebrating the unification of the draconic people. She should be happy but the Celestial Teodora had destroyed any hope of joy she might take from the unification of her people. If truth were told she did not wish to be here but could not risk giving offense by not attending. Luna realized that part of her was being childish and sulking but with Teo’s scolding so close to her mother’s death Luna had no desire to socialize with her kind at this point. She wanted to be left alone for all that she was deeply lonely and was mildly depressed.

She smiled weakly at Bellator when he turned and looked at her, “I am coming Commander. Fear not, I have no intention of disappearing or putting myself in danger.” She moved quietly and her teal gown shimmered in the light of the mountains. She had the benefit of being able to summon a small wind to keep her cool and keep her ritual makeup from melting off her face. Fanning herself slightly she made her way into the area. She peered around and looked for someone to guide her to where she needed to go.

Words: 293
Outfit:HERE
Notes: She's depressed.

[Deleted]

Minerva didn't really care about the cheers outside, all she cared about was that Isolde was alright. What the rest thought, was none of her concern whatsoever. And of course to get what she came here for, but that was a secondary goal. She knew about the victories from stories she'd heard, but that was also something that was weird to experience here now. And with Nergal on the loose, she wasn't sure if this was really a victory or not. Her heart beat a thousand times a minute when there was this long pause on Isolde's side and she was really wondering what she was thinking. She could be thinking anything to be totally honest. She could believe her, or could think that she was telling a lie right through her teeth. It had always been quite difficult to figure out what went through the woman's head. When she felt how Isolde pulled her in gently, she felt her heartbeat increase, not quite sure what to expect. When Isolde placed her hands on her cheeks and kissed her forehead, she smiled a little.

She looked at her and listened to what she said to her. "I would have done it any day." She said softly, while looking at her gratefully for being willing to keep her secret for now. When she let her go, she looked at her quietly, allowing her to take her in for as long as she wanted. There were things she knew she couldn't tell Isolde, but at the same time, she promised she would tell her what she wanted to know. She nodded when she heard what she said, she nodded and smiled. "Understandable." She said simply, as she looked at her. "Where I came from, you were one of the people to train me." She added, as she looked at her, deciding to at least be honest about this in the very least. When Isolde started to cough violently, she immediately put a hand on her back, to steady her and bit her lip when she saw the specks of blood on her skin. She wanted to say that she was going to be alright, but wasn't sure if right now, she honestly believed that. She nodded when Isolde told her she needed to be more careful, realizing this as well, as she bit her lip and looked at her. "I know, I am realizing that now too, I was only thinking about the threat at hand at the moment." She replied.

Minerva looked up when the door opened and she saw Samael standing in the doorway, causing her to be pretty cautious as to what to expect. She had no idea what she could and should be expecting, but kept her face as neutral as possible. She looked at Isolde quickly, showing her for just a second how nervous she was, before her face went back to being blank. She took a step back, not sure what to do right now, thinking it was weird to see Samael now. She saw his eyes shifting to her and looked back at him. She watched as he stepped closer and felt how he put a hand on her shoulder, before tilting his head forward, which she did in response. She listened to what he said and kept quiet, because even though she would have probably given her life to protect Isolde, she knew she wasn't able to do much against Nergal. Even if she would have tried. She would most certainly have gone down swinging. Besides, she had just been in the right place at the right time.

She felt his forehead gently put against hers and knew that it was a sign of extreme respect and gratitude, at least she had gained that. She smiled faintly when she heard what he called her, knowing damn well that she couldn't show how much that touched her. To hear this familiar nickname felt amazingly good in her ears, as she recognized it from her own youth. It had always been her father's nickname for her and right now, it felt like she heard it for the first time again. It was an odd, but satisfying feeling. "Zu'u fen unt, dii Drog." She said softly, promising him that she would try. She then took a step backwards and let him talk to his sister. She looked at the door and then back at these two. "I will let you two talk." She said, as she walked to the door, deciding that leaving now might be the best, as they certainly deserved the privacy. Even if there wasn't much they could discuss that she didn't already know.

[Deleted]

Sienna's eyes wandered around, as she walked quietly with Seth, taking in everything. This was the first time she had ever been surrounded by so many dragons and seen so much of the way a dragon lived. She also made sure to keep her eye on Seth, making sure he didn't relapse after he was poisoned. She was still wondering as well what had pulled her to him, though she knew it probably had a lot to do with the fact that she had feelings for him that went beyond anything she had ever felt before. And yet, she couldn’t fight it, nor did she want to. All she could do was be close to him and see where things would go. So, that’s why she was now in the Capital with him, standing out like a beacon of light, probably.

Of course she knew that looking around as much as she was, didn’t make things any better, but she simply couldn’t help it. ”It’s impressive.” She said, sounding breathless. She listened to what he told her and nodded, thinking that was basically the only things she could do at this point. It was impressive to hear how the dragons managed to work together like this. She let her eyes go up to the dragons in the sky overhead, watching the lighting figures in the air, performing incredible sky shows unlike anything she had ever seen before. It was beautiful and a little frightening at the same time.

”What did you just say?” Sienna asked, when she heard him say something in the draconic language. It was a language she still didn’t speak, or understand. She watched as the healer ran up to Samael and addressed him, wondering briefly what it was about, before it was loudly announced that Isolde had woken up. She smiled a little when she heard what Seth said sarcastically and gave his hand a little squeeze. ”I don’t know for how long I will be able to stay here, Seth, I don’t know how harmful this heat could be for me.” She eventually told him, sounding a little worried about it. It could be harmful and then it would be his turn to help her out, to save her instead of how she saved him. For now she was doing pretty alright, so she wasn't too concerned.

[Isolde]

Even though she chose to accept what girl was telling her as truth that did not make it any easier to swallow. Of all the magics she had encountered, the ability to travel back through time physically was not one. Even the watcher would be stumped by such magic she imagined as he had not given her any knowledge of this. As much as she hated being caught off guard, she was more intrigued by the implications of this. At the very least the girl was not here as a spy for any other faction and that made her rest easier with Samael's decision to allow her among them. Still the reason as to her visit eluded Isolde and she almost did not wish to know it.

"Remember what I've taught you. A true warrior fights several moves in advance, fighting with your heart gets you killed. Still, I am all the better for it." she said . The fact that she was only alive right now because of it proved that it did not lack a place on the field in some situations. As she went to continue with their conversation they were interrupted as she had almost forgotten that she had the healers summon Samael. As he entered the room, as usual he heaped flowery praise upon her that she could not accept in the moment. Survived or not she had been wounded in battle by the very monster that had held sway over them for so long. Not only was her body and soul wounded by her faith in herself as well.

Looking down at the bed she shook her head, for once the ever proud Isolde was humbled. "Praise I do not deserve. He got the better of me in the end. If it was not for Minerva I would have perished on the field." she said. Granted death in combat was not a disgraceful way to die she had no intention of going down. Shifting beneath the blanket they had provided her, she looked up at him now with a fire in her eyes. "We need to make sure that abomination is put down. If he remains alive there will be nothing left of our kin. Those monsters out there today were so twisted, beyond our help." she said. The disgust in her voice was evident, she could not stand for what Vlad had done.

Before Minerva could leave the room she waved her over for a moment. "Before you go," she started as she reached to the hilt standing against the table next to her. "..I feel this belongs to you. Carry my sword where I cannot go. The healers seem to doubt I will have need of it." she said. There was a twinge of sorrow in her voice as it sounded like the defeat shook her to her very core. They told her what had happened to her, how her magical connection was severed and she could no longer take dragon form. Her morale was wounded beyond repair at the moment and she did not feel she had the strength to do what it took to regain her true glory.

"You deserve everything that has come of this. Your dream has finally come to fruition and you may ascend to your rightful position. I could not be happier for you, my brother." she replied. There was cheer in her voice but it was false and if one listened closely it was detectable. She truly was happy for him but now that she was like this, she felt that there was no room for her to command anything. "For the time being I am relinquishing my command. Let Azrael have a go at it, I am sure he is eager to take on this burden." she said with a dismissing wave of her hand.

[Adam]

Eons ago on a distant world long dead, but not forgotten...

The twins had managed to disarm the other after a series of strikes. Maddening blow after maddening blow as each struck in desperation to end the other. Although the young man dodged the first blow, the series of assaults afterwards were severe and punishing when she managed to also strike his revealed footing, sending him to his knees for a second before she delivered a blow, which sent Samael to the ground. A small, feminine hand, rough from a life of combat, and grip like steel around the throat of her mammoth brother, who had many times done the same to her, and began to scold him. “Fund hi dir med filth ko draaf neben krein? Uv fund hi alok wah krif, orin waan rah nistmaar jur hi?” She would often ask, as he would ask her, to prevent the other from giving up. They were raised to be more than dragon, and in their king’s minds, they were to be raised and revered like “gods” of their time, and to fight against even the Celestials if need be.



“Zu'u fund mindok tol nii fen kuz rahragnavir do rah wah krii zey us Zu'u saluk!” The young man roared, before knocking his sister over and rolling over to collect his sword, kicking her own over to her and locking eyes with her as he began to charge again to subdue her this time.

Now

Samael watched as Isolde presented Minerva with her sword, an honorable gift, which turned to bewilderment as to what she had planned for her new weapon, having wielded that one for so long. As Minerva took it and said her words before leaving, Samael looked at Isolde with a raised eyebrow and then looked at Minerva with an acknowledged respect between himself and her. To hold the Thur’s blade will grant her unparallelled respect among the Legions, but also earn her a multitude of rivalry from many others that seek to exceed. Many will now seek to challenge her where they saw fit to see where her battle prowess stood, and he felt that she could take what was to come. Something about her told him that she held a power in her that reminded Samael of...well, Isolde in a way.



As Minerva left, Samael closed the door behind them and looked at his sister for a moment, as she spoke of stepping down for a moment. “What was it, that happened when you fought…him? Samael asked, pondering what dark magic it took to resurrect such a beast from such a dark place. It had to have left an after-effect of sorts, and whatever Nergal was now, he wasn’t even the treacherous warlord that he used to be. Now, whatever he was, it was stuck between life and death, like a vampire, but it also brought a bit of the Abyss with it. Life died around it, and apparently, so did the spirit and aura, as even now, while Samael stood before Isolde, he could hardly feel her aura, or even see it.



“Sister,” Samael began, “you know that of all people, the last person you could ever fool was me? The same as I for you. This is not you to just back down, even momentarily.” There was heat in Samael’s voice, his eyes glaring upon his sister, as he could now see that it was not just her power that had faded so low, but her will as well. It began to boil Samael’s blood to see his sister of all in such a state. Broken, beaten and yet fallen to such weakened will.



“Fund hi dir med filth ko draaf neben krein?” He asked, grabbing her arms and pushing her against the wall, “Uv fund hi alok wah krif, orin waan rah nistmaar jur hi!!?” His grip tightening. Vlad may have awoken a great enemy, but Samael would be damned to the Abyss, himself, if he was going to allow Isolde’s will be a casualty of the first battle. He looked Isolde in the eyes, and gripped her head when she refused to look at him. “Are you going to allow Nergal to leave you as you are?” he asked her hotly, “A broken, beaten hatchling, dying in the storm, on the side of a cliff?” She was inspiration for the Legions, now that she was united with her brother, but it was also the people that relied on her strength as well. “You can’t give up so easily, you live, so you can strike back against those that have done this to you in righteous fury, but you cannot when you’re laying on your back, like a dying animal,” Samael held out her sword arm, holding up a pulsing vein that stuck from her arm, pumping blood to her body, “because THIS is not the pulse of a dying animal. This is the pulse of a pissed off dragoness, that deserves a weapons closet, made from Father’s filthy skull!”



Samael dropped her and locked gaze with her again before walking towards the door. “I know what the Healers see, but I still see a spark, Sister,” Samael spoke, “and a spark, is often all one needs to start a fire. Find the thing that will turn that spark into a fire, Sister.” Samael spoke, leaving the room and returning to the town center before finding Bellator, and Luna in the distance. Locking gazes with the massive Air dragon, and the tiny Air Dragoness, Samael remained impressed with their armor and arrival. “Commander Draconis, Lady Dragonwing.” Samael spoke, bowing before them both respectfully as they stood, awaiting the signing of the unification. Offering both his arm to shake in honored greeting, he had almost forgotten the massive size of Bellator, and compared to the Earth Dragons, one would not have been able to tell the difference between Bellator their Clan, if not for a sort of Air-like Aura to him. “You honor Dragon-kind with your presence,” Samael began again, “at long last, Unification has become complete, and I would hope that one such member of Brigade would remain here part of honored council. If you would be so honored, Lady Luna?” Samael asked, unless she had another person of her choosing. It was her choice, after all, and he did not want her to feel obligated to take the offer.



Now that Luna had arrived, he wondered if the Celestial would even arrive, or if it would benefit them to begin without her. Personally, Samael would not mind beginning, even if she was an honored ally now. However, he would not bar her entry, nor stall arrival, as she was needed all the same. Samael looked from Luna and Bellator, before looking towards the Podium again, where the Elders awaited. In a way, Samael hoped Isolde would find some strength to join him, but he also knew that if she needed rest, then it was above his petty wishes to have her hauled out of bed all the same.



“I have hoped that this day would at long last be upon us and now it is here,” Samael said aloud, gaining the attention of the crowd, and Elders, who all fell quiet, as he slowly began his trek towards the podium, past the crowds “I have long awaited the day, since I first awoke and discovered my people divided, that we would at long last live again as a Kingdom. A Kingdom united of Warriors, Builders, Skilled Masters of the Air, and Masters of the Arts of Spellweaving. One that was united to stand against any who dared to threaten it. I awoke and saw Clans fractured, and weakened, and now I stand to see my people on the way back to a might that has not been seen in ages. Soon, Sylthanis shall know that those lost in the first battle will be avenged by not just a simple Auxillary of dragons, but Legions! Each working and functioning with the sole purpose of crushing the Sylthanic Hordes beneath the wings of Mighty Dragon Kind!!”



Samael stood before the Podium, handing the Treaty that would birth the Second Draconic Kingdom with the signatures of the Elders. Gazing upon the signatures of the Ice Dragons, the Celestial, Teodora, and even the Air Dragon, Luna, a member of Brigade as well, the Earth and Fire Dragons each placed their hands over the parchment, and with closed eyes, willed their own symbols onto the parchment, and as they did, the Sigils of the Four Clans appeared upon the top of the Document, sealing the Treaty and uniting the Clans in a single singing. Turning, Samael turned before the crowd as the Elders said, “Before the people of the Draconic Kingdom, I present you all with your Hun’Drog, Jun’Samael!!”



The crowd erupted in cheers as many dragons unleashed their flamed breathes into the skies. Many took flight, torching the skies, in glorious celebration before their King, who had at long last returned.

[Deleted]

Leaving Samael and Isolde behind, with the sword now in her ownership. She would protect this sword in hopes of Isolde asking it back one day. She made her way through the people, letting her eyes looking around, as if she was just as new at this as they were, while in reality she was looking for someone. She was looking for Seth and Sienna, as she really wanted to talk to them. She had barely had the opportunity to do so up close with Samael present almost all times. And then there would be the conversation looming overhead with Samael himself. She wasn't exactly looking forward to that. She eventually found the two, with Sienna's eyes wandering around in wonder. Sienna's light shone brightly, giving off a calming sensation to everyone around. She smiled as she looked at them both, while strapping the sword to her holster, next to her own swords.

She chuckled when she heard the angel asking Seth what he just said, not yet knowing the draconic language. "He talked of how he is happy to be united at last." She said, with a smile and a respectful nod. She then turned towards the angel briefly, with a slight smile on her face. "Don't worry, you are not the only creature here, it is alright." She assured her. Sienna clearly let out a sigh of relief and looked at her curiously, as if this was the first time she had seen her. Minerva just smiled back at her and turned towards Seth. "I wanted to thank you for your assistance on the battlefield. My name is Minerva." She spoke, as she looked at him. There was no possible way that she could introduce herself beyond her name to him, as that might give away too much. The rest of her names, spoke of her birth after all. The names Azura Nyx roughly translated to Blue Night. Which was the night she was born on, which was particularly blue. She liked these names, as it told her enough of how she was loved, once upon a time.

[Lidija Ahlgren]

While she found it strange that she was here at all, even Lidija could not help but celebrate over their victory. An entire people, faced with the threat of extinction, survived another day. It was more than her village could say for it's self and here she felt perhaps she could start over. Dressing for the day, she found that she was removing something from her past to wear for this event. Why she did not know, but when she looked at her leathers she found them abysmal and did not want Samael to see her so under dressed for such a grand event. Lidija had all sorts of thoughts like that this, ever since she had touched his soul and it was strange to her every single time. She found herself thinking about him more than herself or the fact that she was on deaths door step the day before.

Sliding into the white dress, she smiled as it clung to her form as if it had only been days. It was the dress of her position in the village, the high priestess. It was made of a light white material, a V shape cut right down to just above her belly button exposing her flesh and cleavage. Around her neck she wore a bright ruby necklace made of pure gold that dangled elegantly. Upon her head she wore a crown of flowers, flowers that were enchanted by Astroth to carry their spark of life for all time and display her position as his daughter. Once she was satisfied that she looked alright, Lidija wandered out into the crowd of gathered dragons just as Samael reappeared to address them.

It was like her life had returned to her that day, the day that she had thrown their king to the ground. He opened her eyes to something more than herself and now she had the answers she needed. The hun'drog would lead her to her vengeance, he would help her stain her blade with the blood of the demon responsible. In return he would gain her undying loyalty, respect, and even though she did not know it- love. As he spoke to the crowd she could feel his joy, feel his pride and feel the excitement radiating from his very soul. She tried her best to hide it but she could not as it was overwhelming. Placing a hand on her chest over her heart, she smiled because for some reason the fact that he was overjoyed made her feel the same.

Drifting slowly to the front of the crowd, she came to a halt when she was in plain sight. Her gaze lingered upon him for a moment as she considered what this meant to him. His ascension brought great news for all and peace to this world in turmoil now that they could protect themselves. The matter of what to do about Seth became an after thought for now as she had not spotted him in the crowd yet.

[Seth]

Seth watched the festivities from afar with Sienna in arm. “I will have to show you the Cloud Castles of Cathaan, or the Sea Caves of Sinsul. The Ice Clan have a deep bond with the serpents, and often use the Serpents to help them trade for goods and items and such. It’s also said that some of the early dragons that arrived in Yalanze hid treasure in their caves.” He could have told her more stories about the dragons, and their sites and monuments, but before he could continue, Samael had already returned and was speaking with a rather large Air Dragon and a smaller Air Dragon. As Sienna asked what he had meant, a familiar face came forward and explained for him. It was the girl that he had assisted in combat. She was a ferocious combatant, even if she had been startled by the Lich. “Fierce warrior returns.” Seth said to Minerva with a grin before nodding his head in respect, but his gaze widened further when he saw the sword in her hand, which was the legendary sword of the Thur, herself: Isolde.

There were only two ways that this young dragoness came into possession of the sword, and that was either she challenged and defeated the Thur in combat, earning all of her possessions and ranking, or better yet, it was presented to her as a gift of respect from the Thur, which would mean the General of the Dragon Army, a position only achieved by being one of the greatest combatants in the Dragon Army, saw her as an equal. Either way, Seth now looked at the young dragoness and someone more than what she appeared. “You must be a highly powerful dragoness to be wielding such a blade. I am honored by your presence, Minerva.” he said to her warmly before tilting his head to her in respect, “I am Seth, son of Astroth, and this is Sienna.” He looked Sienna with a smile before looking back to Minerva. He could not tell what it was, but there was something about the dragoness that seemed awfully familiar. Seth could not put his finger on what it was, but from the way she moved, the way she spoke, and how she spoke to Seth, as if she seemed like she knew him.

Seth was about to inquire more before he heard Samael speak and fell silent. Suddenly, the crowd fell quiet to his words as he walked towards the podium, watching as the Elders signed the reunification into effect, and establishing the Draconic Kingdom of Balfaer.

A roar of applause erupted throughout the Capital, as pyres were lit, lighting the skies as dragons above also took to the skies in celebration. The dragons were all aloud in joy as their Kingdom stood renewed again as the word would rise tomorrow to a King and a Kingdom at long last. From the back, Seth watched from the distance as a woman in a beautiful white dress caught Samael’s attention. Before Seth knew it, he caught a glimpse of their face before realizing that it was none other than Lidija. An eyebrow raised as he looked at her, and saw how she reacted to seeing Samael. Confusion began to mix with uncertainty once more as he saw her, not knowing how he should react, or what to say to her in the time being.

However, as he looked back at Sienna again, all doubts and all worries about his long lost sister were put to rest. Whether it was the joy of the reunification, or how fast she came to him in his time of need, Seth placed a hand on the side of Sienna’s face, and pulled her in, kissing her softly on her lips before breaking away, surprised at himself. “Apologies...I don’t know what came over me…” he said shyly.