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

[Deleted]

Bellator embraced Samaels arm and nodded in respect. Bellator turned to Luna wondering what she thought of his offer to remain in Samaels council. He couldn’t imagine it would be any different to what she was already doing with the Air Dragons and had already proven herself a diplomat with the Brigade. But Bellator was not much for the politics of things. He liked the militaristic structure of the brigade and the semi-autonomous divisions that together functioned as a well-oiled machine. There was no need for council or bureaucratic none sense unless it effected the Brigade as a whole. Bellator enjoyed the freedom of being able to perform his duties within the regulations of the Brigade without a dozen old men chirping in his ear. He had an overseer to which ensured the rules and laws of the Brigade were upheld but outside of that the Commanders operated their divisions as they saw fit. The only council Bellator needed was that of his Captains. In retrospect to his long life he had not been with the Brigade Long. The last three decades had been everything he had hoped it would be. But he could feel the life wearing on him. He would have to reveal himself to those who did not already know his true form soon enough and depending on how things went from there would determine on whether he would continue his service.

Whether it be for another decade or a couple centuries, Bellator did in fact plan on retiring from the Brigade. Perhaps use his wealth to start a business for himself. He could blacksmith for the brigade and whoever else was willing to pay as well as ensure his wears got to the owner safely and uninterrupted. With his experience anyone to sought to rob his shipment would realize their fatal mistake and the recipients of his goods would appreciate not having to worry about risking their own lives caravanning and traveling through dangerous roads. Bellator also always wanted to have a garden, nothing absurd like flowers, but vegetables. His magic could provide great service to a miniature vegetable farm. Between his hunting experience and garden he could sell food as well. It was a plan in the works but a plan none the less. When he reached 1,000 he did want to find a mate and have children. He couldn’t parade around as the heroic commander of the brigade for his entire life and though he had millennia of life still in him, he was not the young draggling he was even a hundred years ago. War and loss and burdens of command had worn on him seemingly aging him faster than normal. But for the moment it was a accepted and appreciated chaos that let him know he was still alive and had a ways to go.

Bellator patiently stood listening to Samael give his speech. He was like a statue, barely moving, and no true expression on his face. Every once in a while his eyes would scan the room but then move back to Samael. When the talking was over he turned to Luna and spoke as casually as a stern commanding warrior could be expected to with his deep baritone like voice “You know you don’t actually have an obligation to sit on his council. There is no doubt a few dozen or so of your clan that would leap at the chance for such a position. Don't let it weigh on you, enjoy yourself as much as you can, this is supposedly a celebration after all.” Bellator looked to his Sgt to ensure he was alright then eyed the crowd for a moment before looking back to Luna. “Now that the dragons have their Hun’Drog officially, you need not stay any longer than you wish to as well, just give the word and I will have you home in no time. No reason to be uncomfortable. Otherwise feel free to mingle, I will try not to get in your way too much. Perhaps you would like something to drink?” Bellator tried to be as accommodating as a body guard could though his priority was always security. He couldn't just trust that the drinks and food provided were in order without ensuring himself. He would signal to his Sgt to keep an eye on Luna should she wish for refreshments.

[Deleted]

Sienna

"That sounds amazing." Sienna said, as she looked at him with a smile on her face. She then looked around again, before her eyes once again fell on Samael as well, gaving followed Seth's gaze. It gave spending time with him a whole deeper meaning that she couldn't help but love. She looked up, surprised when she saw the dragon coming closer and explaining Seth's words to her. She smiled at her and then looked at Seth for a moment. She wondered what went through his head upon seeing this girl again, but wasn't going to ask. As that felt like she was breeching his privacy or something and that wasn't like her.

Minerva

Minerva smiled at how Seth called her. She then realized he was looking at Thur and she looked at him with pride in her eyes, even though it wasn't something to be proud of. She still couldn't help it, as it was a big deal that she had been trusted with this sword. She put her hand on it, almost automatically and almost protectively, before lowering it when she realized what she was doing. "I am keeping this safe, until its owner is back in full health." She eventually decided. She had no illusions about this sword and her deserving it, even if Isolde trusted her now. That trust, she knew was pretty fickle still. She also wasn't sure if she deserved the honor that came with possessing a sword like this, or the respect. She was pretty down to earth about it, still having deep-rooted hope that Isolde would be better again. She recognized the respect in Seth's eyes and felt her heartbeat quicken because of it.

Yet, she tilted her own head in respect moments later, as she heard him introducing himself again. She smiled warmly at him, before doing the same at Sienna. "The honor is mine meeting you both." She spoke. She wondered if he could guess how deep their connection laid, but didn't ask and didn't show the question on her face. She had done too much in such a short period of time, she didn't have to make things worse. She soon turned around to hear Samael speaking as well and smiled a little as the crowd around them fell silent as well. Then there was the applause and Minerva made her way through the crowd, being pulled forward, wanting to be closer.

Sienna

Sienna felt surprise at the warm greeting pointed towards her as well and didn't quite know if she should be looking too much behind that or not. She watched as the crowd fell quiet, like a blanket of silence was put over them all and listened to Samael like everyone else seemed to be doing. She smiled as the cheers errupted, feeling happy and thrilled for everyone's reunification. It felt like she was pulled in with the thrill that everyone felt, but honestly felt it herself too. Especially looking at Seth.

She looked back at him, as he looked at her and felt him placing his hand on the side of her face, pulling her in and kissing her softly on her lips. She kissed him back, before looking at him again and smiled warmly at him. "No need to apologize, Seth, I wanted this too." She said softly, as she looked at him. She then leaned in and kissed him again. Her kiss was soft on his lips, really, sincerely hoping that he wasn't going to regret having kissed her in the first place.

[Adam]

The crowds of dragons erupted in joy for the reunification of the dragons. Although a smile was across his face, underneath, Samael was also remembering all of the dragons that fell to bring today to fruition, and the needless sacrifices of those that he did not know, but held in regard. The person in which he did not personally know, was the Queen of Sylthanis, Marina. Beneath the smile, was a pit of guilt towards what transpired during the fight between himself and Vlad, when the Queen threw herself in front of Samael’s blade, to save her husband. His mind went to the dragons that were infected, and were now Lich under Nergal and Vlad’s command, and towards those the demons made victim of in Lidija’s village, to turn her against her draconic people. All of these people, and the people before him, were now the reason Samael needed to fight Vlad. Until his people and thus Kingdom was strong again, like they were long ago, it was his duty and his responsibility as King to protect them, by destroying any who now posed threat to them.

As his gaze met Lidija’s, his eyes softened, and felt a warmth inside that he did not feel since feeling her and Minerva call to him on the battlefield to fight Nergal. Samael clutched his own heart as she did, feeling what she felt inside, but except towards her. When he saw her, something overcame him that was completely alien to him. For a dragon, who was born into the lifestyle of a warrior, and later a warrior-king, he was raised to feel only the fire in combat, and between other dragons. To be savage, and more dangerous than the predators that stalked in the night. Samael was taught to bare his jaws and devour approaching predator whole, instead of becoming prey. He was taught that battle was to be his only love, and for ages, blood was indeed his only comfort, and his only mistress. Now however, as he looked into the eyes of perhaps the only person he ever felt had the honor to kill him, he looked at the person he had always saw underneath.

Although he stood still, he was reaching for her on the inside, his aura locked with her own. From her eyes, Samael felt as if he could see the greatest he could become and felt strength from her, telling him that all would be right and that was he did was justified. Closing his eyes, Samael uttered, “Junro’Prudaav.” before his currently lack of clothing, even his hair, shifted into more formal wear for a King. He stepped from the podium, walking towards Lidija, his smile soft as was his gaze.

“You have come a long way.” he said softly, “Ever more, from this day forward, will I be grateful that you stand here with me on this day, and now, I shall keep my word that we will not stop, until your people avenged, and the demon responsible’s head forever sitting on the tallest pike in the kingdom.” Samael reached for her hand and firmly held it in his own, as a sign of his pact to her.

[Lidija Ahlgren]

Just days ago she would have been disgusted by the mere thought of this moment. It was funny how knowing even just one thing could change the course of your entire life. Knowing that demons took her village from her did not quell the rage within her, it simply tempered it and refocused her. Now she had to find a way to explain to the rest of those who followed her that the mission had changed. In gaining her as an ally, Samael also gained a small mercenary company that would stand behind his cause. Lidija waited to tell him this however as she was unsure how he would feel about all of that, mercenaries weren't exactly revered for their honor and dependability.

Taking his hand she took a few steps closer to him before she bowed her head. Never before had she been in a situation where she was standing in the presence of royalty. She was honestly unsure how to react to his presence, the bow was pretty much what she arrived at. When her rage took the wheel she wasn't much for respectful mannerisms or small talk. Now she finally felt as if there was somewhere she might belong since the destruction of her home and it felt odd. It was comforting but at the same time she held the same fear that something bad might happen to fire forge simply because she was here. For what she had done she deserved all of the misfortune in the world according to her mind.

"No," she said softly, squeezing his hand gently. "..it is I who is thankful for you standing beside me. Without you I would have burned myself from all of the rage. I would have lashed out until a blade found it's way into my heart to quell my fiery, uncontrollable rage." she said. For the briefest of moments a look of shame was evident in her features before she tried to squash all of that. This was a joyous occasion and there was no room for all of that- yet in the back of her mind she could only think of the man known to her as Seth. He was here, he was hurting and he was just as confused as to what to do about all of this as her. Lidija needed to confront him but she had no idea where he might be or what she might say to him to even begin with.

"I don't suppose it's within your powers to mend a rift so bad that it could swallow two people whole? You saved me, yet I have no idea how I might help Seth. He is strong but that does not change what I did and how he must feel about me." she said with a blank mask. She knew that Samael killed his own father as well, it was one of the things that made her feel like in some way he could relate.

"What do you even say to someone after you've accidentally taken something so important from them?" she asked without thinking. It did not occur to her that he felt mildly close to how she felt about what happened with Queen Draculea. As a last ditch effort to change the conversation, she lowered her voice before asking the next question. "Who is that woman I saved on the battlefield? Something about her throws me off." she explained.

[Luna Dragonwing]

The sheer numbers of people here staggered her and while she had no doubt many of them were mourning their dead it still surprised her that anyone could be happy with how many losses had been sustained in this bid for power. Her own attitude towards unification was ambivalent. She was not convinced that Samael was the one for the job and given the sheer losses he had experienced and the stories she had heard it made her reluctant. “I thank you for your kindness and invitation to me, Hun’Drog, Jun’Samael. I honestly hadn’t expected it.” She smiled weakly and blushed. Hearing his offer and on the tail of it Bellator’s rebuttal she blinked. “It is a kind offer. I will have to think on it for a bit. The heat here is a bit intense for me.” She said honestly to him, “Where were you planning on having the Council meetings, if I may ask?”

The last thing Luna wanted was to be trapped in a volcano while debating the finer points of dragon politics. Her mood would hardly be conducive to thinking straight if she was overheated and dealing with the effects of that. She rather liked the Cloud castles they were in her element after all and she didn’t feel like she was going to melt in the swelter of the volcano that the fire dragons lived in.

Once the Hun’ Drog had moved on she would continue to walk with Bellator, “I think I will stay a while at very least. This is a good chance to find new Brigade Recruits, Commander. We must always be on the lookout for those that wish a different life than the one they are born to.” She said with a kind smile to him, “Sometimes those lives can be more fulfilling than people expect.” She moved gently into position and added her signature at the pivotal moment. She could see why people might be invigorated by all of this change but for her she wondered inwardly if she had been the harbinger of horrible things to come. Once she was sure that Samael was out of earshot she murmured, “I heard a rumor that he murdered Queen Draculea. I didn’t dare ask him to his face lest he be insulted but…I find such a thing…. unsettling. I recalled that you knew her and I thought you should know. I am trying to confirm if it is true or just propaganda by the vampires to garner sympathy for their cause.”

There was much here that made Luna want to quit this place. Any leader who had to murder the wife of another leader to gain power over him was not honorable in her mind and it was unconscionable that he would do such a thing. And yet, if she stayed she might be able to be a voice of reason to these hot-tempered dragons that now held the majority over the other clans. Yes, Luna had wanted the demons and vampires to stop attacking their kind but to murder a Queen to win the war was not something she wanted their species to be known for. “His actions reflect on all of Dragon kind and if the other races think we will murder their mates for power then we soon will be despised as the vampires and demons are now.”

[Deleted]

Bellator grinned at Luna’s remark to look for Brigrade recruits. Normally it would make sense, but Bellator was always in a militant and tactical mindset and he knew better. “Normally I would agree, however given the fact that Samael started a war, he is going to need every abled body if he hopes to have victory. But these men just lost brothers and sisters in batle, they will want revenge, no point in depriving them of that or worse allowing them to seek it out only for them to get killed in the battles to come. But really I am not being supportive by waiting, it is a selfish call, I could take a few men here sure. But if I wait, I will have war veterans to choose from instead of eager soldiers I’ll have to train twice as hard. No, I will wait, it is better for everyone this way. Of course I do not speak for any of the other divisions and I wouldn’t deny volunteers.” Bellator looked to Luna raising a brow as she explained what had happened to the Queen. He responded the best way he could “Speculation and assumption helps no one in war, battle, or combat. You need real information otherwise you end up with…well the first battle of this war; underestimated disaster.”

Bellator scanned the room quickly before looking back to Luna “The facts that I know Is that Samael has only been honorable and a man of his word thus far. These dragons have a code and it would not only be uncharacteristic of what we have seen of him, but against the code established for his people to live by. Now my experience with the Queen was that she was quite loyal to her husband, so there is no reason to think Vlad had anything to do with what happened, and by the sound of Samaels battle his intention was not to harm her either otherwise it would have been done way before the battle took place. You don’t kidnap and hold a prisoner if you were simply meant to kill them. So logic dictates that either she attacked with Vlad against Samael and forced his hand, or it was a tragic accident which is unfortunately common in battle. Collateral damage and Innocent bystanders will continue to fall to this war, she won’t be the last, it is the nature of war.” Bellator looked to check on his Sgt who was speaking with the guards at the entrance, he turned his attention back to his conversation with Luna.

“The great Hun’ Drog has been asleep for a very long time and I doubt he has faced a foe like Vlad before. Throw the legends out the window, Samael is a fire dragon as hot tempered and passionate as any other, he believes in his cause but regardless of who people see him or what power he wields, he is not infallible. Mistakes will be made until he adapts and adjusts. Let’s hope he learns from his mistakes quickly.” Bellator sighed faintly at the thought of how the next battle could take place. “Dragons don’t have many war veterans around to council Samael with relevant experience. Vlad just god done with a war with the werewolves and has been around long enough to be part of every one that has taken place on Yalanze. I cannot speak for Samaels achievements in history but if we are talking practically, Vlad would appear to be the better general overall. Samael has had the luxury of Vlads emotions being toyed with at just the right time, a transitioning for him, but that is what we call luck. I doubt it will happen twice in this war.

Samael will need the power those stones give him because his tricks will not save him from this point on. My only concern is that this war doesn’t drag the Brigade in. I would not wish to ask my men to risk their lives for a war they wanted no part of but there does need to be order and peace is achieved through blood when words fall on deaf ears sadly.” Bellator gave a brief laugh at the idea of how much people despised vampires and demons. “I would not worry so much, dragons have a long way to go before people fear them more than demons and vampire. As long as there is neutral ground for people to take refuge in, the damage of this war can be mitigated. Diplomacy is not a viable option any longer so mitigating loss of life is the only thing we can really hope for. Honestly though despite some key differences in tactics and ideals of strength I have with the man your people are in good hands in my opinion. Let Samael prove himself as he has with this unification.” Bellator finished trying to ease Luna's mind.

[Seth]

Seth held Sienna’s hand as she said that she had been wanting him to kiss her as well. He kissed her again as he felt her warmth come about him, forgetting about everything around him, except her for the moment that their lips connected. His body felt purified by the act in a way, as if any guilt he ever held, or any anger he ever harbored was washed away. It could have been her angelic energies, but he felt his life was seemingly accomplished at that moment, as if kissing her gave him a glimpse of the Heavens, and what it was like to live amongst such light and peace. When they broke away, it was like Seth was reborn again, purified and energized through Sienna’s angelic aura. “Sienna, I feel as if speaking to Lidija will be unavoidable soon.” Seth finally said, as Sienna was there when Lidija revealed that she, too was a child of Astroth, and thus, Seth’s paternal half-sister. Even now, as he was brought back from reality of the kiss, he noticed a faint connection to her...which oddly enough felt similar to the connection he had to Minerva when she was in danger from a Lich attack. Slowly, Seth looked back at the warrior and tilted his head to the side with a raised eyebrow. Who are you? He thought to himself, looking at the enigmatic dragoness.

“You would honor me by regaling me with stories of your life in the trials sometime, warrior.” he said to Minerva, hoping to possibly inquire information from her about her life, and who she was. When Seth first met her, she looked at Seth as if she knew him, and even now, she looked at Seth as if there was some familiarity about him that he was supposed to know. It intrigued Seth, and he would hope to see if he could get her to slip and tell him something, anything. However, despite his curiosity, he felt that she could be trusted, and Seth sought to uncover more pressing matters either way. He would need the strength that Sienna had given him from their kiss more than ever now, as he gripped a booklet he used to detail the events he saw in the encampment, after thoroughly investigating. Samael already had the main component: The blood sample he found from the incident that could detail who the demon, or culprit that started the fire was. More so, he knew that he was obligated to tell Lidija about the investigation, and also allow her to accompany him if so desired. “If I ever needed an angel, I’m glad you’re here now,” he said, looking over to Samael and then to Minerva and back to Sienna, “I should tell the King about my recent findings, if you would like to join us, Minerva, you can.” Seth offered, but soon, he would have to depart to prepare the ritual to discover the identity of the demon responsible.

He stepped towards Samael, looking at him, and glancing at Lidija momentarily before handing the King his book. “My Lord, I present to you the other half of my inquiry into the destruction of Fólkvangr, I hope that my notes will provide more insight on what I found and discovered on behalf of Lord Astroth.” Seth rarely called Astroth “father”, or anything associated with parentage. He had barely known the man, and had only seen him one time in his life, and that was when he returned, half-dead from a fight Seth is now learning was with a half-sister he never knew. Stories in the mead halls of the dragons sung of Astroth’s might, and his own skill was indeed said to be formidable to even the battlemasters, but for him to be bested, it meant that she was more than likely incredibly formidable in combat. However, what Seth wanted to know more than anything, was her connection to Samael. The way the two looked at each other, and the way they stood as if acknowledging themselves as if more than just equals, but two parts to a whole, it startled Seth on the inside, but intrigued him as well. They look as if they have been Soul Bound… He thought, and wondered if that was how Samael got her to understand the truth. A courageous act, but to use such a sacred art was normally meant for someone you were already meant to be with in the first place. Regardless, Seth did not see it as his business, but merely an observation.


“I suppose that you would wish to return to Castle Dreadnought as soon as the festivities are over, my Lord? If so, I would be honored if I could speak to you as soon as possible when the time arrives.”

With that in mind, Seth nodded his head to Samael, and then nodded his head silently to Lidija, before turning to walk towards a bridge. Turning to Sienna, he held her hand and said, “Thank you for everything. I couldn’t have done it without your help. I would ask you to stay, but I know the heat must be incredible for you at this moment. Would you like to meet again soon?” he asked, holding her hands close to him.

[Deleted]

Sienna liked how he held her hand and felt her heartbeat increase when he kissed her again, with only him being in her mind right now. When they broke free from the kiss, she looked at him and smiled a little, before nodding. "I understand that, Seth. She is family." She said, as she looked at him. She followed his gaze to Minerva, who stood a few paces away, giving them their privacy. Minerva's eyes, she saw, were gazing in the direction of Samael and Lidija. "What are you thinking?" She asked him softly, about Minerva. A moment later, she heard how he addressed Minerva who came walking back. "Sometimes." She heard the girl say with a smile on her face. That smile told her that there was something more that the dragoness wasn't telling them. Sienna was very curious as to find out what this was exactly and how it involved Seth and even herself, as she too felt a weird connection to the girl, that she couldn't explain.

Her eyes then fell on the boolet he grabbed, being very curious to what this was about. She gazed up again and smiled when she heard what he said to her. "I will always be closeby." She promised him, knowing that if he called, she would always answer. That wasn't even a question in her mind. How could she not answer him when he called for her? Especially after that kiss they just shared. She looked at Minerva again, when she heard how he adressed her. "I would." Minerva said simply, as she looked at both Sienna herself and Seth. Sienna merely smiled, as she looked at her, understanding it that she wanted to come along. She saw how the girl stayed behind them as they went over to the King. She saw how Seth handed him the book and stayed silent.

She followed what was said with interest, as she glanced at each person here right now, before her eyes rested on Minerva again. The girl seemed nervous somehow, fidgeting with her weapons, as she kept her eyes low. She saw how Minerva refused to look anyone in the eye and wondered if she was afraid her eyes might betray her. This only made her more curious to the girl and who she could possibly be. She looked at Seth again, when he grabbed her hand and walked to a bridge. "You're welcome, Seth. Anytime. The heat is worth it, if it means being with you. We will see each other soon, hopefully in a nicer setting?" She asked him, with a smile, as she stroked along his arm for a moment and then looked at Minerva for a moment, with a slight smile on her face for a moment. "Keep an eye on the dragoness, she seems nervous, as if she's afraid of something, or someone. It seems like she needs someone. Someone she can trust." She said, as she looked at him again and then leaned in, kissing him once more, before stepping back, realizing he was right and that she wouldn't be able to withstand the heat much longer, before she would have to call on her strength to stay upright. She had to go soon, she was no dragon and this was no ordinary situation after all and she knew that everyone here knew that. "I have to go now." She said, wishing she could stay. She then took a few steps back and disappeared.

[Adam]

As she took his hand, Samael could feel her soft, yet lightly calloused palm, yet in many ways for Samael, it felt as if her hand fit perfectly with his, like two puzzle pieces connecting together. As she bowed, Samael cracked a small grin before he took her hand in turn and bowed his head as she had for him. “It is an already proven fact that you have bested me in combat, and as such, I consider you my equal. I would not have you ever bow to me without exclusively returning the greeting to you in turn.” He spoke softly to her with a warm, sincere smile on his face that none could have ever imagined him having before, and yet Samael would have never realized he was give such a gaze.

“I only sought to guide foot to true culprit’s ass,” Samael joked with a chuckled, “but to see you on your true path, and to see your fire burning brighter than ever, is a testament for what I hope I can achieve for my people. I will always be there to help you Lidija…” He placed his other hand gently upon the side of her face and softly tilted her head up to look her in the eye, “When I first met you, I noticed that you had a fire in you that burned bright enough to rival my own, and even though I threw taunts to bring that anger out, it was always that fire within that drew me to you, because I saw you pain, and I saw your hurt, and as much as I could had unleashed an unholy fury upon you, I wanted nothing more than to let my fire burn with your own on the battlefield. You’re a true dragon warrior, Lidija, worthy to fight along the ranks of myself, my sister and my generals.”

As she asked of how she could reach Seth he thought to himself and on his bond with Isolde before looking back to Lidija with a thoughtful look. “When Isolde and I finally met for the first time since birth, it was during the Trials, where we were set upon one another. We were to fight one another either to the death, or to exhaustion, to which we both often fell from the latter simultaneously. The reason being is because we always had chances to kill one another, and we often said and did things to one another in a fight to earn our wrath a thousand fold if we were any other being, but despite having only known each other for so little at the time, the first time we met, we knew there was a family bond between us. We’ll never openly admit it in the same vicinity of each other, but as you have seen on the battlefield, and as you will see between her and I, we have plenty of chances to kill the other, but in the end, we’ll save each other in the end. It’s a draconic bond that every dragon has with blood, and something I do not doubt Seth will inevitably have with you in time.”

Not long after Samael finished his words, from the crowd, he watched none other than Seth approach him. At his side was a young girl, but from her aura, he could see that she too was an Angel. Handing Samael a leather-bound book, he explained that it was his documented investigation into the destruction of Lidija’s village. “You have done well,” he spoke to Seth, who went on to insist on meeting Samael at Castle Dreadnought as soon as festivities were complete, “Of course. I would have an assignment ready for you upon arrival. You have done much for this to happen warrior, know that you are within my debt.” Before Samael could say more, the warrior was already walking into the crowd with the angel

Samael turned to Lidija and thought momentarily about how to help the two grow closer. “Perhaps you and him would prefer to be placed on an assignment together?” He asked her in earnest as he watched Seth walk away.

Lidija’s curiosity over Minerva was only matched by Samael’s. “I have been trying to discover the answers for a while, but she had suddenly appeared out of the blue one day,” he explained, “she bears the marks of the Trials, but nobody has ever seen her before. She claims to be a Seer, but I believe there is more to it. She called out to me when Nergal attacked...I could feel her aura as if she were in danger, as if you were both in danger, and for a moment, I could scarcely tell the difference between the two of you. Whoever she is, she is more than whom she lets on.” Samael said quietly.

[Luna Dragonwing]

Listening quietly Luna nodded, “You are wise beyond your years, Commander.” She could appreciate a well thought out plan and the man that could think that far ahead. Many of the mercenaries would be better suited to fighting rather than commanding but Bellator seemed to have a good head on his shoulders.

His words sobered her, “I spent my life trying to avoid war so to have all of this spiral out as it has done is a bit disheartening.” She admitted to him, “I do not know all the particulars. I only know there are those in the brigade who mourn her passing, not as Vlad’s wife but as their friend and an angel in her own right. There are people arraigning for a memorial in the Brigade for her and those who fell in battle. They may not have been Brigade members but there are some in the brigade who lost family in this battle.” She was honest when she spoke with him about her sorrow. “I know loss is inevitable but it does not make it any easier."

Listening to him Luna could not help but agree. “There will be more bloodshed without a doubt. And I have no doubt that the Brigade will defend itself when needed from whichever side seeks to strike out at it.” She said simply with a graceful shrug of the shoulders. “Let us hope that this war ends quickly and with fewer casualties.” She said as she reached for an offered goblet and raised it to toast with her fellow air dragon.

“And what of your plans, Commander? How has this war altered your training of your men?” She was curious about Bellator. She knew of him but not much beyond that. He was an enigma and one that she admired as a good friend. He was bold enough to speak his mind and she admired that about him.

[Deleted]

Minerva was fine with them not knowing she was there and with how they didn't even address her. It made more room for her to slip away unnoticed. She didn't think it would be a wise choice to be alone with the two of them right now and right away. It seemed like that could only mean trouble for everyone involved, most of all her. As she slipped away, she looked around for a moment, before spotting Seth. Without thinking twice about it, she walked closer to him, noticing how Sienna wasn't with him. She must have left, was one of the first things that came to mind. It was pretty hot in here for an angelic being like Sienna. "You know, I've been telling you, you should really treat Lidija better, she deserves better." She told him, without thinking. She wasn't able to catch herself on it, until it was too late and even then, she felt like she made a huge mistake. Her mouth however had different ideas. Like her mouth had a mind of its own, deciding to speak up what her mind knew wouldn't be smart in the least...

However, these two parts of her bodies didn't cooperate together, as her mouth seemed to listen more closely to her heart. "I understand that both of you have been through a lot, believe me, I know. But come on, you can't let that come in between the two of you. You're freaking stronger than that. You totally are, which I happen to know, because I know you." She then fell quiet. There it was. She let it slip that she knew him. She really wanted to smack herself on the head right then and there. Or get drowned in non-existent quicksand if that would even be possible. Anyhow, she was making a mess of things and she totally wished she had kept her mouth shut and hadn't interfered in something that didn't concern her yet.

She spoke to him like she spoke to her uncle and though those were the same people, it still felt odd, doing so in this timeline. This was after all a timeline where he hadn't yer trained her and where he didn't know a single thing about her, other than that she was a warrior and the simple fact that he knew her name. Other than that, he didn't know anything. With a guilty look, she looked up at him, knowing this would have some sort of backlash. She kept anouncing her big secret to the world and she knew that it had to have consequences eventually. Just like she didn't know if she was willing to answer to these consequences. As selfish as that may be, she was still a survivor.

[Isolde]

After Samael left her there, Isolde lay upon the cold floor for some time. There was little strength in her body but it was more so her spirit that ached. The pride of a warrior had all but been extinguished in her and she had no idea how to move forward without it. When Nergal threw her to the ground that day he had also taken from her the same spirit that had once resisted the beast. Never before had been beaten, never before had she experienced a wound of this magnitude. It felt like she had been tested and found undeserving of the sword she carried. The dragons of fire forge were better being lead by someone who had not been cast down in their greatest moment of need.

An hour passed, one long hour where she drowned in doubt and self loathing. Yet when she reached the other side she dug deeper than before, searching for that spark. If there was but one ember she might reignite her flames of passion and move from this floor with purpose. Her new purpose was undecided but she would begin with one simple goal in mind, that was the utter destruction of Nergal, the undead beast. 'Move.' she thought to herself as she stared down at a very uncooperative body that tried it's best to gather what strength it could. "MOVE!" she shouted in frustration as she willed herself to climb to her knees against the wall.

Never before had she been in this position, she found it quite humiliating but perhaps a lesson in humility was what this family needed. Shakily forcing herself to a standing position, Isolde leaned against the wall and breathed a ragged breath. The healers thought she might never recover what was lost to her but she would exhaust every method to find the answer to her recovery, to restore her ancestral magics. Her mind had been made in the moment, after this night she would go, she would not rob him of his celebration however. Tonight she would stay, she would see their king be merry and ensure that things were in order before she vanished.

Using the wall as a crutch, Isolde wandered outside into the festivities, holding to the wall for support. She avoided the gaze of those who watched her move slower than she once had. No one dared off their support as they feared the backlash and before this she might have lashed out. Now she would have welcomed the aid, but she knew it would not come and she would have to stand on her own. Pausing for a moment she scanned the crowd, her eyes landing upon her brother who was with a woman she had never seen before. She did not need to ask however to see the look in his eyes, she had experienced it once before. There was a momentary smile as she remembered a time when she allowed herself to feel for once, to feel what he was clearly feeling for another.

That was when she overheard Minerva and Seth nearby. It seemed that the child could not contain her secrets very well, begging Isolde to wonder if she had trained her after all. Slowly moving towards them, she would save Minerva from herself by clearing her throat as she announced her presence. "She is one of mine and there is very little we do not know about anyone in our lands. My people are trained to assess a mans character from his actions. Sometimes it becomes hard to separate the information it creates a feeling of familiarity." she explained. Hopefully it helped, it was the best she could come up with right now as her mind was distracted by a great many things.

[Lidija Ahlgren]

"Bested you yet not at your best." she replied with a smirk. There was a pause as she considered what it might be like to fight him at his true strength. Not even her inner power could stand up to something so monstrous. Even simply tasting the earthen stones might once she could not fathom the power from all four coming to roost in one body. The ecstasy alone of such a thing would consume her and destroy her very being. A chill ran down her spine as she imagined what it must feel like to wield such a terrifying force of nature. "Next time I fight you, it will be when you are yourself again." she said with a bright grin. The next time they met on the field it would not as enemies, however, and so she wondered if she could win without that edge.

As his hand brushed against her cheek she did her best to maintain her composure. The way he looked at her set a fire in her, one of longing that she had never known for any man before. Part of her wanted to reject this touch for fear that she would become weakened by it, she was afraid to be vulnerable. To have something to lose again was a terrifying reality for her, one that she was not entirely ready to accept. If she let herself feel for him there was a decent chance that death might claim him too, as he would be battling death in the flesh soon enough. "I welcome any aid you are willing to give to me. Without you I would be wandering aimlessly yet. You have given my life meaning, my soul a home." she replied.

On the subject of he and his sister she would listen to his advice. There was not much she could offer in reply, nor did she feel he was seeking one. Yet if they could come out of the other side of this like the two of them then the children of Astroth would be all the better for it. Lidija would take comfort in the fact that no matter how messed up the beginning was that two people could change their stars and become what they desired. If he was not the fiercest dragon warrior in all of history she might have found all of this less strange to be hearing from him. "It fills me with hope that there may yet be a fix to this situation. I do not know who he is but I cannot let him deal with what I have caused alone." she said. In that moment she understood what he meant about their kind.

She would pause to give consideration to what this might all mean. A woman who appeared out of nowhere yet knew so much of what was going on. The feelings her and Samael felt were real on that battlefield. It was not a conscious choice to aid Minerva but more of a reflex that she could not deny. It was strange to her because she never felt this way about anyone, least of all a stranger from a distant land. "It was strange. I was drawn to her and I did not even hear her call out. It's hard to describe what I felt but it almost feels the way the poets describe.. love?" she asked. It seemed she doubted her own theory as well, it sounded like the babbling of a mad woman.

"I would advise caution. It might be innocent or she may possess the power to manipulate us through our emotions. There are many beings out there with the power to do so." she said softly. She knew that he was aware of what she was saying without her needing to say it. Yet it felt nice to know someone was listening to her speak, however mad she sounded at times. "When this is all over, might I have you alone? There is something I wish to say and I do not wish to be overheard." she asked.

[Adam]

The thought of a true fight between her again at his true might. The thought was tempting, but more than that, he would wish to fight with her on equal terms. His power linked to her, so that they could fight to see who was truly the better. No fear of death, no fear of gravely injuring the other, just complete ferocity at the fullest. Their bodies locked in combat, muscles tense, skin coated in dirt, blood and sweat and both with a sword in hand, striking against one another like true gods would. A grin formed around his lips at the thought. “A dream that I would wish to see come true,” he agreed, “to finally meet you unbound, and evenly matched would bring me great honor, and excitement.” Although he would probably say it sooner or later, Samael would come to tell Lidija that she was the only opponent that Samael ever looked forward to face, even as he embraced inevitable combat with a literal force of nature.

Looking at her and how she noticed Seth and took in what help he could offer her with her brother, Samael thought for a moment, wondering if it would not just be wise for her to speak to him now? “Go to him,” he suggested to her, “no matter how mad he is, he has to understand the circumstances.” Given the celebrations, and how civil Seth had been thus far with Lidija, despite her actions, he did not seem irrational, and it would only seem logical to see where she stood with him now. Hopefully, it was not beyond repair.

Listening to Lidija’s feelings on protecting Minerva almost made an unfamiliar unnerving feeling creep along his spine. Although his composure contained any notice of it, he could still feel the feeling he was subconsciously keeping from himself begin to surface. When Lidija recommended that he took caution, Samael nodded in agreement, realizing that he might have been looking in the wrong places on where she could strike had she been a spy. Yet, Samael had to keep an open mind and not fall too deep in the pool of his emotions. “You’re right,” he said, “perhaps an ever closer eye will be needed.”

Taking her hand, Samael smiled when she asked if she could have him alone. “Of course, just...don’t try to kill me until before dinner.” He joked lightly, “Just call my name out, and I will hear you.”

[Deleted]

Bellator joined the Brigade originally because he saw the Yalanzian people as weak and incapable of true greatness that only dragons could know. He thought with his guidance he could uplift his new world neighbors to a new greatness he believed only dragons knew of. However, what he found was something much more enlightening to himself and that was the strength an individual as frail and short lived as humanity could hold and how meaningful an impact on a world wide scale they could have also. The people of this new world had as much to teach him and his kind than they did them though the majority of dragons for the most part kept away from others. Bellator vowed that he would never live in such ignorance again.

 He chose to walk among them as one of their own and keep them safe, they didn’t need him to carry them to greatness, he needed to simply guide them and they would find that greatness themselves. They didn’t need his protection, just a helping hand back up when they fell, and for the most part they found success in these things which was truly awe inspiring. They were not dragons, they had neither size or diamond hard scales, few wielded the elements effortlessly, and none could take to the sky on a whim yet they not only survived but flourished, truly remarkable in Bellators eyes. Bellator wondered who was truly superior dragons or humanity and their kin and whether he could have possibly even accomplished everything he had if he found himself but a human even if blessed with the magic of a witch or mind of the gifted.

Bellator understood Luna’s concerns all too well. Though never the diplomat Bellator found from the Brigade itself the power and peace that could come from uniting people together. To see things as individuals or segregated from other cultures and races was a flaw and weakness in Bellators opinion. Dragons verse Vampire? What was that really in the grand scheme of things? There were both dragons and vampire in the Brigade that only benefited from each other being there. There were dragons like Bellator himself that had removed himself from his kind and did not even acknowledge himself to be anything more than a Brigadeer Commander, no Air Clan, no dragon, only Bellator Draconis of the Brigade.

Many vampires were born how they were, they had no choice, many were once human who were unwillingly stripped of their humanity. And not all dragons were the reflection of greatness and peace that many here believed. Nergal was evidence of this even without being a Lich he was in Bellators eyes if any of the legends were true all that was wrong with dragon kind with their egos and power mongering. The world was complicated that was without a doubt and Bellator did not envy the leaders in charge nor the higher beings trying to maintain order and balance. Bellator lived as simply as he could, to inspire those around him to be better than they thought they could ever be and keep his family as he saw the Brigade as, alive and well. It was easy to rule in war though, you had something to unite under and against, you had something to believe in and fight for if nothing less than survival. But what about in peace? That’s when ones true colors come out.

Bellator wondered the kind of leader Samael would be when this was over. He was a warrior, general, and a legend who had spent his life surviving conflict and becoming stronger more so out of necessity than desire. But one must be careful what they wish for. He might find the peace he seeks; and then what? Settle down, have a family? Bellator didn’t know from first hand experience but saw for himself on many occasions from others that the experience of leadership could not prepare anyone for parenthood. Samael might find a whole new challenge that no blade or fire could quell in fatherhood as he watches in horror as his centuries of being a General, War hero, and now King has done nothing to prepare him for the burdens, sacrifice, and responsibility of having a family of his own.

The power of love changes people and not always in a beneficial way when one has to be a hardened warrior or hate an adversary or rule unbiased. Ones perspectives change. But it wasn’t just family. Peace itself often brings quiet, calm, and from that ghosts of the past. It allows time to think and reflect all the wrong done and mistakes made that you can drown out in fury, battle, and affairs of the moment. But when it is said and done and Samael finds he cannot rush into another battle to distract himself, can he bare the actions he has had to make and will make? Ones that may cost him more than he realizes? Time will tell. Madness has befallen to many from such things and another matter was also if he would fall to the drunken stupor power brings. Bellator was interested in seeing the dragon Samael would be outside of war and conflict. It was an interest he had for himself as well.

The humor in knowing that it was a real world possibility when Samaels greatest act as King after the war was over would be in helping find fertile land for his people to grow crops in or properly correct and update the dragons history for future generations education made Bellator almost laugh, but he held his bearings. Bellator grinned at the thought ever so briefly though and wondered if it was something Samael had even thought about. When Luna asked how the war had effected the training of Bellators men, he simply smiled proudly. “Honestly it hasn’t changed much at all. To even make it through recruitment is miraculous in itself. Then if one wishes for promotion they must endure things must harsher than war, I have seen to that. After recruit training and placement testing there is no such thing as sparring. Instead something just shy of fighting to the death can be found." Bellator cleared his throat slightly bringing his fist to his mouth to cover it before continuing on.

"There is no simulated battles, there are real battles, with real consequences for losing. And the term training refers to low risk jobs as the best way to prepare for contracts is to take one. My training is brutal and demanding, I don't train simply to prepare my men, I make their training with the expectation that every one of them will break including my officers. Those that endure successfully become stronger and those that do not are taught a valuable lesson and must try again. All in all I make my training more dangerous than anything that could be asked of my men so they can never be caught off guard even by something like this war. There is a method to this madness I assure you. I call my training controlled chaos. Through strife and hardship I force men and woman to be greater than anything seen anywhere else and make them better than they thought they could be. So when it comes down to it we continue to go about our day rather normally in spite of this conflict, if anything, we have more contracts because of the war and people are eager to chip in and help because of their loved ones involved so in a way we have prospered a bit. Everyone wants protection from the war and peace of mind.” 

Bellator shifted in his heavy armor a bit and gripped the top of his sword with his hand making sure it was still there and ready at a moments notice. He spoke as objectively as he could with Luna but one could tell he enjoyed making his men prove their worth and spoke with dignity of his accomplished methods and tactics “It may seem harsh but none of my men go hungry, their families are taken care of and protected, and they are only tasked with what they can handle when it comes down to it. They loath when I lead training regiments and they fear me in the Brigade HQ because I am strict and unwavering in my demands. But on the battle field I lead from the front and put my life on the line before theirs every time, on the job I have their respect, and they learn quickly that I do care about them in my own way. It's a line that is hard to walk but must be." Bellators tone was now stern as he went on.

"I am not there to give them what they want, just what they need, especially for those who are unsure what they need. The Lietenants and Captains tend to their wants and comforts. When the trumpets of war sound my men will only see a vacation for their Commander brings them only unforgiving and horrible  expectation with just one promise; that it will only continue. But war, war is unforgiving and horrible but there has to be a victor; it eventually ends. My men do not find happiness with me, but because of me happiness is a luxury they have. They might not find kindness from me but they will know the value of kindness because of me, and will never mistake it for weakness passing it onto others. They will never expect a handout from life or want respect or recognition because they know that the only way to have anything is to earn it and this includes life itself."

Bellator sighed faintly reminiscing of the days when he was a lieutenant and young captain sneaking his men extra rations, making sure their mail got to and from when they were away on mission even when danger would normally prevent a lesser man from doing so, or slinging a weary man over his shoulder to hump a mile so he wouldn't collapseof exhaustion. "I know many don't like how I do things but it all is done for a reason, there is no pleasure derived from the harshness itself, and it is not carelessly considered either nor executed without precautions. Interesting fact, I have the smallest fighters division in the history of the Brigade than any Commander before me because of my recruiting examination difficulty coupled with those who make it not staying long for the burdens of only excepting elitists to wear the uniform." Bellator then held a matter of fact look upon his face as he graced Luna with some interesting points he had found.

"But I also have the lowest casualty percentage compared to any other too. And I hold the the record for having the second highest amount of men make it to their 20 year retirement mark in my term because of this. I was once a Lieutenant and Captain though, the things I refuse to give my men were once a priority for me to get to them. But as my duties changed so must I and it has not been an easy transition. I am proud of what I have accomplished though and I live for it too, I love what I do." Bellator looked around but this was  not his normal security scans but more of a glance to see if anyone else would hear him. He turned back to Luna trying to keep his deep baritone like voice low so that others wouldn't hear. Though Bellator was not all that good at such things so the result was quite an audible whisper compared to how quiet he thought he sounded in his head.

 "Between you and me I have been thinking more and more about what it would be like settling down, after retirement, perhaps in the next century or two. I always pictured myself raising a child to become a warrior beyond anything I could be and passing on knowledge of craft I gained from my great grandfather of the Earth Clan to forge great weapons and armor as well as structures. But I try not to fall into distraction with such things having some time before any of that is practical. My goal now is to ensure there is a world worth bringing children into honestly. How about you? Thoughts of leaving bureaucracy and diplomacy behind one day for something more selfishly pleasing like a family, hobby, or simply peace and quiet from elders chirping away in your ear with whats best and young arrogant soldiers demanding war where there should be none?" Bellator awaited curiously for Luna's respons.